How to Pick a Garage Door Weather Seal That Will Last

You don't want to go through the hassle of installing a weather seal on your garage door or other entry point just to do it all over again in a year. But how do you pick high-quality weather stripping that stands the test of time when all of the descriptions online claim their products are "durable," or "long lasting?" Luckily, our experts have years of experience in the industry, and we're rolling out the truth. 

What to Look for When Buying Garage Door Weather Stripping 

While all weather seals will at least somewhat protect your space against pests, air infiltration, dirt, debris, and more, as with most home accessories, weather seals have a basic, builder-grade option -- and a premium, upgraded version with a steeper price tag but better protection. Generally, EPDM weather seals are the premium buy when it comes to sealing the bottom of a door, while vinyl is the most effective choice for a door’s sides and top. 

Bottom Seals: Buy EPDM, Not Vinyl

The builder-grade garage door bottom seal that gets the job done well enough but isn’t anything special are those made from vinyl. Vinyl tends to crack in cold temperatures and stick in extreme heat. They also have a shorter lifespan compared to more premium seals like EPDM. EPDM rubber seals are a premium choice and remain pliable regardless of the temperature (they can withstand temperatures from -50F to 300F). EPDM is rated excellent in weather resistance, ozone resistance and heat resistance too. 

Avoid Rubber Thresholds 

Similar to side and top seals, EPDM thresholds (such as the easy to install StormShield 2 Peel-N-Stick) are more durable and able to withstand extreme temperatures compared to rubber alternatives. With the addition of an EPDM bottom seal that will press into the threshold when a door is shut, a garage or similar entry point will have a nearly impenetrable seal to keep out unwanted furry infiltrators and the elements. 

Side & Top Seals: Buy Vinyl, Not Rubber

For the top and sides of your garage door, get a vinyl stop molding seal (also known as jamb seal) instead of one made from rubber. Rubber seals are flimsier and tend to warp over time compared to vinyl seals which have both a flexible element (the fin) and a relatively rigid element (the part you nail to the side/top). 

How Flexible Should Stop Molding Be? 

It's fine for the stop molding to be flexible enough to coil into a roll. For example, Coiled DuraSeal rolls into a shape that's convenient for shipping. But if the seal can be twisted into a spiral, it's too flexible and won't do a good job of sealing your entry point. 

Where Do You Find Premium Seals?

The best place to find a premium weather seal is a garage door-focused retailer that knows what quality products are the best for their customers. Home improvement stores and Amazon typically sell cheaper and lower quality builder-grade seals, whereas our experts have decades of experience in dealing with USA-made premium seals used in a range of industry applications. 

Need More Information 

About Choosing the Best Seal for the Job? Please ask! Our in-house experts are ready to answer your seal questions and recommend the best seal for you. Connect with our support team: 

• Call: 800-783-6112 
• Email: support@northshorecommercialdoor.com