January 15, 2026 8 min read Voluntown Garage Doors Team
# Weatherstripping: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
When it comes to maintaining your garage door and protecting your home from the elements, weatherstripping is one of the most important yet often overlooked components. At Voluntown Garage Doors, we've helped thousands of homeowners in Norwich, Groton, New London, and throughout southeastern Connecticut understand the importance of proper weatherstripping. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about keeping your garage sealed and protected.
Garage door weatherstripping refers to the flexible seals installed around the perimeter of your garage door to prevent air, water, debris, and pests from entering your garage. These seals create a barrier between the door and the frame, floor, and side jambs, ensuring your garage remains a controlled environment regardless of outdoor conditions.
There are several types of weatherstripping used on garage doors, each serving a specific purpose. The bottom seal, also known as the astragal or threshold seal, prevents water and debris from entering under the door. Side and top seals, often called jamb seals, prevent air infiltration along the door's edges. Some homeowners also install threshold seals on the garage floor for additional protection against water intrusion.
The benefits of well-maintained weatherstripping extend far beyond simply keeping out rain. First and foremost, proper sealing dramatically improves your home's energy efficiency. According to energy experts, garages can be significant sources of heat loss, especially if they're attached to your home. When cold air infiltrates your garage during Connecticut's harsh winters, it affects the temperature of adjacent rooms and forces your heating system to work harder.
Additionally, weatherstripping protects your belongings stored in the garage from moisture damage, dust, and pest intrusion. Many homeowners store valuable tools, vehicles, and seasonal items in their garages, and proper sealing helps preserve these investments.
Modern garage door weatherstripping comes in several materials, each with its own advantages. Vinyl weatherstripping is the most economical option and works well in moderate climates. However, it can become brittle in extreme cold, making it less ideal for Connecticut winters.
Rubber weatherstripping offers superior flexibility and durability, maintaining its sealing properties across a wide temperature range. This makes it our recommended choice for most homeowners in our service area. EPDM rubber, in particular, provides excellent resistance to UV rays, ozone, and temperature extremes.
For premium applications, we often recommend silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) seals. These materials offer the longest lifespan and best performance but come at a higher price point. For contemporary aluminum doors with glass panels, which are popular among our customers, these premium materials ensure a perfect seal without compromising aesthetics.
Knowing when to replace your weatherstripping can save you money on energy bills and prevent damage to your garage and its contents. Look for visible gaps or light coming through around the door edges when it's closed. Feel for drafts near the door, especially during windy days. Check for water stains or moisture on your garage floor after rain. Examine the weatherstripping for cracks, brittleness, or sections that have pulled away from the door.
At Voluntown Garage Doors, we inspect weatherstripping as part of our comprehensive maintenance service. Our technicians can identify worn seals before they become problems and recommend the best replacement options for your specific door type.
While replacing bottom seals is a manageable DIY project for handy homeowners, we recommend professional installation for complete weatherstripping replacement. Proper installation requires ensuring the seals are correctly sized, positioned, and secured. Incorrect installation can actually make problems worse by creating gaps or preventing the door from closing properly.
Our team at Voluntown Garage Doors brings over 22 years of experience to every weatherstripping installation. We ensure your seals are perfectly fitted to your door, maximizing energy efficiency and protection. Plus, our work is backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Weatherstripping might seem like a small detail, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your home and maintaining energy efficiency. Whether you need a simple seal replacement or a complete weatherstripping upgrade for your garage door, Voluntown Garage Doors is here to help. Contact us today for a free inspection and quote. Our 30-minute response time means you won't wait long for expert assistance.