Garage Door Weatherproofing: How to Stop Drafts and Keep Your Garage Warmer in Ottawa
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A homeowner recently reached out to us after discovering that their single garage door lacked weatherproofing, and the difference was noticeable.
Cold air poured in around the sides, dust gathered near the frame, and it felt colder, even on days that weren’t cold.
This is a common issue in Ottawa homes, particularly when perimeter seals were never installed or were removed during renovations.
Between strong winds, sudden cold snaps, and constant freeze-thaw cycles, proper garage door weatherstripping and a tight seal matter more than you realize. The good news?
Most draft problems can be identified fast and resolved without a major renovation, making garage door weatherproofing one of the fastest ways to improve comfort and protect what’s stored in your garage.
Why Garages Lose Heat Even When The Door Looks Closed
From the outside, a closed garage door can appear sealed. In reality, tiny gaps around the edges create problems.
Air leakage around the perimeter is one of the biggest reasons a garage feels cold, even with insulated garage door panels. The problem? Wind pressure in Ottawa intensifies the issue.
On windy days, cold air is forced through gaps along the sides and top of the door, creating drafts.
Even unheated garages suffer because they are warmer than outdoor air and are often directly connected to the house.
Sealing those gaps with proper garage door weatherproofing solutions in Ottawa improves comfort, reduces drafts, and helps protect your vehicles, tools, and stored items from moisture and temperature fluctuations.
The 3 Sealing Points That Matter Most
Effective garage door weatherproofing focuses on three areas. Missing even one can leave your garage exposed.
Perimeter Weatherstripping (Sides + Top/Door Stop Seal)
Perimeter weatherstripping, often called a garage door side seal and garage door top seal, runs along the door frame.
What it does:
- Blocks cold air, wind, and daylight
- Stops dust, snow, and insects from entering
Common symptoms it fixes:
- Daylight showing around the garage door when closed
- The garage door is letting cold air in around the frame
- Garage door drafts on windy days
Many older homes or renovated properties end up with missing weatherstripping around garage door openings because it was never installed, removed during siding work, or overlooked during a door replacement.
Bottom Seal (Rubber Gasket/Astragal)
The garage door bottom seal sits along the bottom edge of the door and presses against the floor.
It helps:
- Stop water, slush, and melting snow
- Reduce cold air infiltration at ground level
In Ottawa, bottom seals fail due to cracking, flattening, or tearing. A garage door bottom seal cracked replacement is one of the fastest ways to improve winter performance.
Threshold Seal (Optional Floor Seal)
A garage door threshold seal is installed on the concrete floor.
It’s best used when:
- Concrete floors are uneven
- Water intrusion persists
- A visible floor gap remains after replacing the bottom seal
This option is situational and should never be oversold, but for homes with drainage issues or older slabs, an uneven garage door threshold seal can make a noticeable difference.
Is My Weatherproofing Missing or Just Worn Out? (DIY Checks)
Homeowners often ask us whether the weather seals are missing or simply worn out. A few quick checks can provide you with clarity:
- Flashlight Test: Turn off your garage door lights at night and look for daylight lines around the frame
- Draft Test: On a windy day, move your hand along the sides of the frame and the top of the door
- Debris Pattern: Dust, leaves, or snow buildup near edges signals air movement
- Seal Inspection: Look for brittle rubber, cracks, gaps, or missing sections
If the door itself is misaligned or sagging, new seals alone may not solve the problem, as the alignment should be addressed first.
Why a Single Garage Door Might Have No Seal at All
We found several factors why a single garage door has no weatherstripping:
- The weatherstripping was never installed in the first place
- The trim or framing changed during siding or exterior renovations
- A new door was installed, but the seals were overlooked
- Older wood door stops don’t accept modern seal profiles
These situations are common in older Ottawa neighbourhoods.
What a Professional Weatherproofing Visit Includes
A professional garage door seal replacement Ottawa Service goes beyond nailing on rubber strips.
A proper visit from Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers includes:
- Measuring gaps and checking door alignment
- Selecting the correct vinyl or rubber seal profile
- Installing perimeter seals with proper compression (not too tight)
- Replacing the bottom seal when necessary
- Confirming smooth door operation and opener safety
Most garage door weatherstripping jobs in Ottawa take under an hour, and companies such as Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers carry standard seal sizes on their trucks to avoid delays. This service is often bundled with garage door repair visits for added convenience.
Results And Expectations
After proper garage door weatherproofing, you can notice:
- Fewer drafts and cold spots
- More stable garage temperatures
- Reduced dust, moisture, and pest intrusion
While sealing won’t turn an unheated garage into a warm room, it reduces discomfort and prevents unnecessary heat loss from the home.
FAQs
When installed correctly, weatherstripping does not strain the opener. Professional installation ensures proper compression without binding.
DIY installation is possible, but choosing the wrong seal profile or over-compressing it can cause issues.
A garage door threshold seal can compensate for floor irregularities.
Yes. Replacing both often provides the best results and prevents repeat service calls.
Quality seals typically last 5–10 years, depending on exposure and material.
Absolutely. Sealing reduces drafts and protects stored items even in unheated spaces.
Door alignment or structural gaps may need attention beyond standard sealing.
Don't Let Cold Air Win: Seal Your Garage Door Before Winter Gets Worse
If your garage already feels colder than it should, waiting won’t make the problem go away.
Missing or worn garage door weatherstripping lets cold air, moisture, and debris in whenever the wind picks up, something you, as an Ottawa homeowner, know happens often.
Addressing these gaps early helps stabilize temperatures, protect stored items, and prevent unnecessary heat loss from your home.
A professional garage door seal replacement service in Ottawa is a quick, cost-effective upgrade that delivers immediate results.
If you’re noticing drafts, dust, or snow sneaking in, it may be time to book a garage door weatherstripping Ottawa inspection. A short visit can make a noticeable difference before winter conditions become more severe.
Reach out today to schedule your garage door seal replacement and take control of your garage comfort before the cold air wins.
