Replacing the rubber seal on a garage door is an important maintenance task that can improve your home’s energy efficiency, security, and curb appeal. The rubber seal, also called a weatherstrip, creates a tight seal around the edges of the garage door to prevent air leaks, dust, and water from entering the garage. Over time, exposure to the elements causes the rubber seal to degrade and lose its flexibility, compromising the seal. Replacing a worn or damaged rubber seal can seem intimidating for a homeowner, especially when trying to determine the replacement cost. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the factors that influence the cost to replace a garage door’s rubber seal.
Page Contents
What is a garage door rubber seal?
The rubber seal on a garage door, also called weatherstripping, is a long strip made of rubber, vinyl, or a combination of materials that runs along the outside edges of the door. Its purpose is to fill the gaps between the door and the door frame to form an airtight seal. This helps keep out drafts, dust, dirt, water, insects, and other elements. The flexible nature of the rubber allows it to compress when the door is closed to completely fill any uneven gaps. High quality garage door seals will have a locking edge or fin that inserts into a slot along the door’s edge for a tight fit.
Types of garage door rubber seals
There are a few common types of rubber seals used on garage doors:
- Vinyl seals – Vinyl is inexpensive and withstands weather well. It comes in single and double fin options.
- Rubber bulb seals – These have a bulbous shape that compresses when the door closes. They are very flexible and create a tight seal.
- Foam seals – Foam is affordable and provides good insulation. It compresses easily but is not as durable as vinyl or rubber.
- Neoprene seals – Neoprene is strong and flexible. It resists weathering and makes an excellent seal.
- Combination seals – Some seals combine materials like vinyl fins with rubber bulbs for enhanced performance.
The type used can depend on the garage door material and your budget. Bulb seals provide exceptional sealing for minimal cost.
Why replace a garage door seal?
If your garage door’s rubber seal is cracked, brittle, missing sections, or not snugly fitting against the door frame, it’s time for a replacement. Worn seals allow outside air, dust, and moisture into your garage leading to a number of problems:
- Higher energy bills – Gaps around a garage door can account for up to 10% of a home’s air leaks, forcing your heater and AC to work harder.
- Pest infiltration – Rodents, insects, and spiders can enter through cracks in the seal.
- Dust and humidity – Unsealed gaps let in dust and moisture promoting mildew growth.
- Safety issues – Poor sealing diminishes the door’s ability to withstand wind load and impacts.
Replacing damaged seals every 5-10 years extends your door’s lifespan, improves insulation, and reduces repair bills from associated damage like warped panels or rusted hardware. Investing in new seals helps protect your home and vehicles.
Cost factors
Several factors influence the total costs to replace the rubber seals on a garage door including:
Garage door size
Larger garage doors require longer rubber seals which impacts material costs. Typical garage door sizes include:
- Single car door – 9 x 7 feet
- Double car door – 16 x 7 feet
- Two 1/2 car doors – 9 x 7 feet each
The length of the perimeter seal needed depends on your specific door size. Measure the height along each side and width across the top and bottom to determine your exact lineal footage.
Seal type
Seal type affects material prices. Less expensive foam and vinyl seals cost $0.20-$0.40 per linear foot while higher performance rubber seals average $0.40-$0.80 per linear foot. Consider how well each seals, their durability, and your budget. Combination seals provide better sealing for slightly more cost.
Installation method
You’ll need to account for labor if hiring a professional. However, with DIY installation you only pay for materials. Handy homeowners can replace seals in about 2 hours with basic tools. Take care to thoroughly clean the channel where seals sit before installing. Watch for binding and maintain even tension when positioning seals.
Disposal fees
Disposal costs for old seals may add $10-$20. Many haulers accept weatherstripping with regular garbage. You can also bring them to a recycling center that takes rubber and vinyl.
Cost to replace garage door seals
Typical costs fall within the following ranges:
DIY materials cost
- Single car garage door: $40-$100
- Double car garage door: $65-$150
Exact costs depend on the seal type, length required, and your supplier. Online retailers tend to offer better prices on brands like MD Building Products and Clopay.
Professional installation cost
Hiring a garage door pro averages:
- Single car door: $150-$200
- Double car door: $200-$300
Many companies charge hourly or set a minimum fee of around $100 and up. Installation typically takes 1-2 hours.
Saving on seal replacement costs
There are a few ways to score discounts on changing your seals:
- Buy seals and install them yourself
- Purchase seals online for lower prices
- Ask companies for any warranty discounts
- Inquire about combo deals with opener tune-ups
- Compare quotes from at least 3 professionals
Savvy homeowners can save 20-50% on supplies and labor with smart negotiating and DIY replacement.
When to replace seals?
These signs indicate it’s time to replace your garage door seals:
- Seals are cracked, brittle, torn, or missing sections
- Noticesable gaps between seal and door edge
- Seals have flattened out and don’t fill gaps
- Drafts, dust, or moisture enter around door edges
- Door sticks or binds when opening
- Seals are over 10 years old
Annual visual inspections will help you identify when seals need replacement before air leaks or damage get too severe. At the first signs of wear, consider seal replacement.
How to replace garage door seals
These steps provide a general overview for replacing seals. Refer to your door model’s manual for any specific instructions.
- Clean the seal channel – Vacuum and wipe away debris so the new seal sticks.
- Measure for replacement seals – Measure along all sides and top/bottom.
- Purchase new seals – Acquire the right length and type for your door.
- Remove old seals – Pull out the old seals from the channel.
- Install new seals – Insert seals into channel evenly without twisting or binding.
- Trim excess length – Cut any extra seal length for a custom fit.
- Test operation – Open and close the door to ensure proper seal compression.
- Dispose old seals – Throw away old seals or recycle if possible.
Take care not to over-stretch or damage seals during installation. Having a helper makes positioning the long lengths easier.
Hiring a professional
While a DIY seal replacement is totally feasible, many homeowners prefer hiring a pro. Professionals have the right tools, parts, and knowledge to complete the task swiftly and correctly.
Benefits of professional installation include:
- Expertise assessing your door’s unique needs
- Efficiency and proper installation in 1-2 hours
- Access to commercial-grade seal materials
- Ability to spot other issues needing repair
- Knowledge of building codes and manufacturer specs
- Proper disposal of old seals
Find a reputable pro by checking ratings and reviews online or asking neighbors for referrals. Be sure they are licensed, bonded, insured, and back their work.
Conclusion
Replacing worn seals on your garage door provides big benefits for your home’s temperature, air quality, energy efficiency, and security. Typical costs range from $40-$300 depending on door size, seal type, DIY versus professional installation, and your location. With regular inspections and timely seal replacements every 5-10 years, you can keep your garage and vehicles protected from the elements. Investing in quality seals now prevents more expensive repairs later.