Whether you are looking to keep out rodents or rainwater, a good garage door seal is worth shopping for. Plus, the seal serves other functions, ranging from cushioning the close of the garage door to keeping out a draft.
And while we’d all benefit from keeping rain, debris, and pests out of our garage, the stakes are even higher for those storing valuables or cars in their garage. If this describes you, the price of a great seal is an investment worth making. Protect what you care about.
And while it’s true there are a lot of seals on the market to consider, we’ve done the research and found the five best garage door seals. So, let’s dive right in.
Best Garage Door Seals:
Universal Garage Door Bottom Threshold Seal Strip, Weatherproof Rubber DIY Weather Stripping Replacement
Manufactured out of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber, the Papillon seal is the best garage door threshold seal. It can, for instance, endure weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
We’ve already discussed the benefits of its EPDM rubber construction of the Papillon Universal Garage Door Bottom Threshold Seal, but the Seal Dust-proof Insulation is another great feature.
The Anti-Slip Ridges are another useful feature, preventing you and your vehicle from slipping, while the Yellow Strip maximizes visibility at night, enabling you to enter and exit the garage safely.
The majority of consumers are satisfied with the Papillon Universal Garage Door Bottom Threshold Seal. They, for instance, are impressed by just how easy installation is. They are also impressed by its effectiveness at keeping out water and debris.
Pros
- Durable
- Dustproof
- Easy Installation
- Effective
Cons
- N/A
Garage Door U-Bottom Weather Stripping Kit Rubber Seal Strip Replacement, Universal Sealing Professional Grade T Rubber,5/16″ T Ends, 3 3/4″ Width X 20 Feet Lenth
Manufactured out of durable rubber, this garage door top seal strip is designed to withstand both extreme temperatures, weather conditions, and the impact of the garage door closing.
We’ve already discussed the benefits of the kit’s durable rubber. And, of course, Easy Installation and Adjustability are features that make your life a bit easier.
The Anti-Slip Ridges are another useful feature, preventing you and your vehicle from slipping, while the Yellow Strip maximizes visibility at night, enabling you to enter and exit the garage safely.
The majority of consumers are satisfied with the Garage Door Bottom Weather Stripping Kit Rubber Seal Strip Replacement. They, for instance, are impressed by just how easily adjustable it is. They are also impressed by its capability to withstand extreme temperatures.
Pros
- Durable Construction
- Easily Adjustable
- Easy Installation
- Withstands Extreme Temperatures
Cons
- N/A
M-D Building Products, Black 3749 Garage Door Bottom Rubber
Compatible with steel or wood roll-up garage doors, M-D Building Product’s is the most affordable garage door sealing solution on our list. Plus, its heavy-duty aluminum and vinyl provide durability.
We’ve already discussed the durability of its heavy-duty aluminum and vinyl. The product is also known for its capability of retaining flexibility in extremely cold temperatures.
Most consumers are satisfied with the M-D Building Products Garage Door Bottom. They are, more than anything, impressed with the great value. It is, after all, the most affordable option on our list.
Pros
- Durable Construction
- Easy Installation
- Great Value
- Withstands Extreme Cold
Cons
- Limited Applications
BOWSEN Garage Door Bottom Seals Weatherproof Weatherstrip Threshold Buffering Sealing High Performance EPDM Rubber Gasket
Made out of EPDM like the Papillon seal, this BOWSEN seal is particularly durable. Plus, it’s the best garage door seal for an uneven floor.
We’ve already discussed the benefits of its EPDM rubber construction, but this BOWSEN seal is a particularly effective insulator, keeping out cold air while keeping in warm air. And like the other seals we’ve chosen, it’s easily installed—an obvious advantage.
The majority of consumers are satisfied with the BOWSEN Garage Door Seals Bottom Weatherproof Weatherstrip Rubber Replacement Black 5/16 Inch T-End, 16ft Long seal. They, for example, are impressed by just how effectively it insulates their garages. They are also impressed by its effectiveness at keeping out pests, water, and debris.
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Adjusted
- Easy Installation
- Excellent Insulator
Cons
- N/A
BOWSEN Heavy-Duty U+O Ring Universal Garage Door Bottom Seals Weatherstrip Rubber with Aluminum Track Retainer Kit (10FT)
Like BOWSEN seal we just discussed, this one is also manufactured out of EPDM rubber, being both durable and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
Plus, this Seal and Retainer Kit is a viable option for wood garage doors and any doors with flat bottoms. Plus, there are other applications for the kit (e.g., sliding doors, gate edges).
We’ve already discussed the benefits of its EPDM rubber construction, but the variety of applications of this seal kit differentiates it from the other seals we’ve discussed.
The majority of consumers are satisfied with the BOWSEN 10FT Heavy-Duty U+O Ring Universal Garage Door Bottom Seals Weatherstrip Rubber with Aluminum Track Retainer Kit. They, for instance, are impressed by just how easy installation is. They are also impressed by its variety of applications and its effectiveness.
Pros
- Durable
- Many Applications
- Easy Installation
Cons
- Relatively Expensive
Why a Seal Is So Important: Some Facts
We’ve already discussed some of the reasons a garage door seal is important, but there are quite a few.
- Keep out rainwater/snow.
- Keep out rodents/insects.
- Protect your valuables.
- Manage garage/home temperature.
- Prevent garage door rusting.
As we’ve discussed, if you’re storing valuables in your garage—such as a classic car—having a good garage door seal is crucial.
Consider this: the first three seals on our list could be purchased for under thirty bucks each. If the contents of your garage are worth more than thirty bucks to you, why not invest in a garage door seal?
And even if you aren’t storing valuables in the garage, retaining warmth in your home during the winter is sure to save you money on your energy bills. (Or the other way around, if you live somewhere like Florida and want a cool, comfortable home.)
In short, there are more reasons to get a good garage door seal than not get one. Years from now, you’ll be glad that you made the right choice.
FAQs
How long does a garage door seal last?
Up to two years. As Precision Garage Door Service of Omaha puts it, “if your garage door doesn’t change too much and the use of the seal is relatively consistent it could last much longer, upwards of 2 years.”
However, due to various factors, it may not last this long. Such factors include where you live and the type of usage your garage door endures.
What is EPDM rubber?
As we’ve mentioned EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. It’s a synthetic rubber with many applications including seals. It lends durability to the seal it creates.
Why is insulation so important?
As far as temperature goes, you want to maintain a comfortable temperature. This amounts to keeping a cold draft out in winter for many, whereas it means keeping the heat out in a warmer climate. This is something residents of Florida know all too well.
And since many store valuables in their garage, keeping bad weather—as well as debris, pests, and rainwater—out is imperative.
Can an insulated garage door save me money?
Yes, after all, garages are known as energy-inefficient areas of the home. Moderate the garage temperature and save excess money heating or cooling the rest of the home.
Are there other ways to make my home more energy-efficient?
Yes. Such ways include…
- Turning down the thermostat when away
- Unplugging chargers when not using them
- Installation of low-flow shower heads
- Sealing windows
As for the thermostat suggestion, there are many who invest in smart thermostats to regulate the temperature in their homes. For instance, a Google Nest E Smart Thermostat or ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat can save homeowners a great deal, despite the initial investment.
Ecobee, for instance, asserts that their thermostat will “save 23% on annual energy costs.” That’s a lot of savings.
In short, we should all explore as many ways as we can to save on energy costs. It’s not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for our wallets.
Are there seals better for a roller door?
Yes, and the M-D Building Products 87643 9-Feet Universal Aluminum and Rubber Garage Door Bottom on our list is worth looking into.
Recommended reads for you: Best Garage Door Rollers
Conclusion
In conclusion, a garage door seal is a wise investment for homeowners. As we’ve discussed, it serves many purposes, ranging from temperature control to keeping pests and rainwater out of your home. Maintain comfort and keep your valuables safe.
While all the seals on our list are high-quality, you need to make the ultimate decision that best meets your needs. For instance, if you’re on a tight budget, perhaps the M-D Building Products Garage Door Bottom is the right one for you.
That said, most of the seals are relatively inexpensive, with the exception of the BOWSEN seals. This is not to say that they’re not of great value, because they are.
However, now is a good time to break out a pen and paper, listing what matters most to you in a garage door seal (e.g., price, durability, easy installation). Compare this with the features and product prices.
While a bit more research is necessary, we hope that you found our guide useful. Best of luck selecting the seal you need.
