Not all garage doors are alike, that’s a fact. Doors that were made 20 years ago used the technology of that time, which means they don’t offer the comfort and facilities of modern garage doors, which feature excellent phonic and thermal insulation, automation, sensors, timers, and who knows what else. However, owners of older models of garage doors don’t find it too convenient to go for a replacement, first of all because of the cost and then because of all the hassle a garage door replacement involves. It’s surely nice to have a better insulation, so you can keep a constant temperature inside your garage without having to pay a fortune for, it, but there are other helpful methods such as garage door insulation kits or weather stripping. You can do this right by getting a thermal leak detector and use it to track down power-draining drafts. Such detectors aren’t very expensive, I think Black and Decker has some for as little as $50. Some home and garden stores may provide rental services for such tools, so you don’t need to buy it, just rent one for a weekend and do your job, then get it back to the store.
Weather stripping is the cheapest and the easiest to install. Moreover, it’s easy to replace when it gets old, so it can save you a lot of money on long term too, not only on short term. As there are many models of garage door weather stripping, it is important to see which one your door has, so you can buy the same type, otherwise you risk that it doesn’t fit. Some weather strip kits include top and side seal, like this Frost King SG30WH Frost King Plastic Garage Door Side and Top Weather-strip kit which is designed to seal and cushion overhead garage doors and which compensates for uneven concrete, thus sealing out drafts and dust. Size also matters. This one, for instance, is available in two sizes: for one car garages and for two car garages. Color is another factor that matters: brown garage doors ask for brown sealing kits. You can’t install a white weather strip on a dark garage door, because it won’t look too nice.
The garage door threshold is another important part of the garage door insulation puzzle: as it is exposed to wear, it needs periodical replacement. Such a threshold prevents water from rain to enter your garage, as well as dust, leaves, insects or snow. Garage door sealing thresholds are easy to install, as they usually are sold together with a powerful adhesive that helps you fix it firmly in position.
Maintaining the garage door weather stripping in good shape is the key to a cleaner air inside your garage and to lower electricity bills. This is even more visible in case you don’t use your garage only for keeping your car inside, but also for your DIY projects or hobbies.