Question:
I have a conventional automatic garage door that, like others I've
seen, lets in a lot of cold air on the sides. I'd like to install some
sort of insulating gasket along the edges of the door to cut down on air
leakage. I'm concerned that whatever is installed would need to exert
sufficient pressure on the garage door to stop the leaks, but anything
that exerts much pressure on the door will wear out quickly as the garage
door slides into place.
Has anyone figured how to do this?
Answer:
Frost-King makes all kinds of weatherstripping/gaskets for every
situation. Most hardware stores and home centers have a weatherstripping
area loaded with their products.
What you need for the sides and top of a garage door is a strip of
vinyl, usually held by an extruded nail-up frame, which gently touches the
door at an angle on the outside surface. When the door moves, it either
pulls away from the weatherstripping or slides along it with no increase in
pressure. Works fairly well if installed properly, and in combination
with a door bottom-seal, will keep out drafts and rodents all around the
door. The trick is to make sure all your surfaces are not bumpy, so a
good seal is possible with light pressure.
I know Builders Square has something like this. Its about 2" thick and is
black vinyl. Made for sealing garage doors. You might have to trim it for
your application. I used it to seal a garage door to keep put yellow
jackets/mud dobbers that constantly wanted to get in. Used it on the sides
and top and then used a 1/2" thick neoprene gasket for the door bottom.
