The garage is often overlooked. Some homeowners are usually lax at putting sturdy garage doors or installing efficient home security systems. Others also forget to protect their parking spaces from extreme heat or cold. It’s not surprising that people usually forget to pay proper attention to the garage. It’s because they often view this space as just an extension of the main house. Homeowners forget that burglars can easily break in through faulty or unprotected garage doors. Also, many individuals fail to remember that a garage that’s not well-insulated can actually affect power consumption as the place might let in cold drafts during winter, which will push heating bills through the roof. Furthermore, if your garage also doubles as a storage room or a place where you do some crafts or home improvement project, wouldn’t you want it to be as comfortable as possible?
What Is Weatherstripping?
It is easy to understand what weatherstripping is. This is the installation of a strip of material over gaps or breaks in order to protect the interior from cold drafts. It greatly helps in shielding a place from the elements. There are several kinds of materials used for weatherstripping. Rubber is widely used, as well as foam with an adhesive backing.
The Benefits of Weatherstripping
Winter is here and you should be ready for the bitter cold. This is where weatherstripping becomes very beneficial. First of all, once weatherstripping has been placed on a garage door, this will help in keeping out chilly drafts. So, if you couldn’t work in your garage because it’s just icy cold there, you might be able to work there comfortably once you have properly placed weatherstripping material. Once your garage is better protected from chilly winds, your heating system won’t have to exert itself too much in providing your home with enough heat. If the interior temperature is well-regulated, this means that you’re being more energy efficient, which then translates to more savings. Imagine how much you can save if there’s a 15 to 30 degree difference between outdoor and indoor temperature.
Also, if you’re thinking that weatherstripping only works during winter, well, you’re not entirely right. It can actually be advantageous too during summer or extremely hot days. How? You can also use weatherstripping to keep cold air in. So, if you’re cranking up your air conditioner because it’s very hot outdoors, you don’t have to worry about the cool air escaping outside.
DIY Weatherstripping
If you want to save a couple of bucks or in case you just want to enrich your life experience by doing the weatherstripping on your own, then go for it. You only need a few tools and basic handyman skills. But you don’t have to do this yourself. Professionals can do an excellent job, and the service is not that expensive. Talk to your local garage door repairman regarding fees.
Installation Considerations
Before you install weatherstripping, try to read as much as you can about the process. Generally, you’ll need to work on the bottom portion first, then the top, and finally the sides. After installation, be sure to check other garage door parts and accessories. See if the weatherstripping is not blocking the sensors, and check to see if the door can open and close easily.
Claire Miller is a freelance writer who covers many topics, including garage doors and repair, entry doors, and home security systems. She also provides material for Affordable Door Repair Virginia.
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