It’s the middle of a Tennessee summer, and your garage feels like an oven. You’ve noticed your energy bills creeping up, and that drafty garage door is definitely not helping. Every time you walk in, you can feel hot air seeping through the edges, making your cooling system work overtime.
Don’t worry – choosing the right weatherstripping can solve these problems. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect garage door weatherstripping for Tennessee’s unique climate.
Understanding Tennessee’s Unique Weather Challenges
For many years, I’ve been a home improvement professional working throughout Tennessee. I have seen, time and again, how our state’s extreme weather can damage garage doors. From the torrid, humid summers to our unexpected, chilly winters, the weather can take a toll. Your garage door’s weatherstripping isn’t just an accessory; it’s an essential line of defense.
This matters for a clear reason. The national weather service informs us that capes that span the top of the garage door are walk-in weatherstrip protections against these interior-exterior conditions. They are also inhibitors of the draft/moisture energy inefficiencies that many garages struggle with. Just like homeowners in Saint Paul, MN, we understand the importance of proper insulation.
These conditions can break down bad weatherstripping. So, if you lose your walk-in weatherstripping, you also lose the three-mile walk-in weather protection for your garage.
Types of Weatherstripping: Vinyl vs. Rubber
Not everyone realizes that not all weatherstripping is equal. When it comes to Tennessee’s climate, rubber is the better choice over vinyl, in the main weatherstripping materials. Rubber can typically withstand temperature changes much better than any vinyl can.
Rubber weatherstripping affords superior sealing capabilities and usually holds up better than vinyl. They tend to last longer and provide more consistent protection over their lifetimes. I recommend checking out Benjamin Garage Doors for professional advice on selecting the right materials.
You May Like To Read: What Causes Garage Door Hardware Failure in Tennessee?
Measuring Your Garage Door Correctly
Ensuring the right fit is not just significant—it’s vitally important. A weatherstrip that doesn’t fit well is functionally equivalent to wearing shoes two sizes too big or small. After working with homeowners for years, I can say with confidence that good measurement up front saves a ton of grief.
Gauge the bottom seal and side jambs of your garage door with precision. Professional tip: always take several measurements to make sure your figures are spot on. You can also get expert measurements at our Google Maps location.
Installation Tips for Tennessee Homeowners
When is it appropriate to take on this task as a do-it-yourself enterprise? If you can depend on yourself to be handy with basic tools, it’s not uncommon for DIYers to install these parts. But these parts can be tricky.
If you’re not a full-on DIYer and don’t have a high confidence level, it’s better to call in a pro. If you are feeling bold, ensure you have:
- Correct measurements
- Suitable tools
- The patience to get it just right
Maintenance and Replacement Signs
Weatherstripping is not a permanent solution. Look out for these signals:
- Obvious fractures or fragility
- Spaces when the door is shut
- Escalating power payments
- Wind or water getting past the barrier
Weatherstripping replacement can pay for itself many times over. It keeps warm air in your home during winter and prevents cool air from escaping during summer. Replacing it before total failure can save you significant money on heating and cooling.
Professional suggestion: Check the garage door weatherstripping at least twice a year—preferably right before summer and winter. It’s a simple task that can prolong the life of your weatherstripping and protect your home from Tennessee’s unpredictable climate.
