Garage Door Thresholds: How They Protect Your Garage and When to Install One

• Benefits of installing a garage door threshold for protection
• Signs you need a garage door rubber threshold
• Step-by-step guide on installation and maintenance

A garage door threshold strip is a critical yet often overlooked feature that protects your garage from the elements. Positioned along the floor where your garage door meets the ground, this garage door threshold creates a tight seal to prevent water, dust, pests, and cold air from entering your garage. Whether you're safeguarding your tools, vehicle, or home from the elements, a garage door rubber threshold can provide an extra layer of defense.

In this blog, we'll explore how garage door thresholds protect your garage and offer insights into when and why you should consider installing one.

How a Garage Door Threshold Protects Your Garage

A garage door threshold acts as a barrier against several external factors that can cause damage to your garage and belongings. Here's how it protects your space:

• Moisture Prevention: Rainwater and melting snow often seep under your garage door, especially during storms or when the driveway slopes toward the garage. Installing a garage door threshold strip creates a watertight seal, blocking water from entering and keeping your garage dry.
• Pest Control: Small gaps between the ground and your garage door are an easy entry point for insects, rodents, and other pests. A garage door rubber threshold eliminates this space, preventing unwanted critters from nesting in your garage.
• Temperature Regulation: Drafts that slip under your garage door can make the space colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. This makes your garage less energy efficient, especially if it's attached to your home. A threshold improves insulation, reducing energy costs and keeping your garage comfortable.

5 Signs It's Time to Install a Garage Door Threshold

1. Visible Gaps Under the Garage Door: If you notice daylight shining through the bottom of your closed garage door, this indicates a gap. Even small gaps allow drafts, water, and pests to enter. Installing a garage door threshold strip can seal this space effectively.
2. Frequent Water Puddles Inside the Garage: If rainwater or snow regularly leaks into your garage, it's a sign your current garage door seal isn't working properly. A garage door rubber threshold creates a solid barrier that prevents water from entering, protecting your belongings from moisture damage.
3. Increased Pests in the Garage: Have you noticed an increase in bugs, mice, or other pests inside your garage? This could be due to gaps under the door. Installing a garage door threshold will block their entry and help maintain a pest-free garage.
4. Temperature Fluctuations in the Garage: If your garage feels excessively hot in the summer or cold in the winter, it's likely that drafts are slipping through the bottom of the door. A garage door threshold strip provides an additional seal that helps regulate temperature and energy efficiency.
5. Worn-Out Bottom Seal: If the existing seal on the bottom of your garage door is cracked, damaged, or no longer functioning, it's time to either replace it or add a garage door rubber threshold. While the door's seal can prevent minor drafts, a threshold provides more robust protection from water and debris.

For more insight on the signs of a failing garage door seal, check out our blog on replacing your garage door seal.

When to Install a Garage Door Threshold

Installing a garage door threshold is a smart move for homeowners experiencing any of the signs mentioned above. You should also consider installing one if:

• You live in an area prone to heavy rain or snow.
• Your driveway slopes toward the garage, making it easier for water to flow inside.
• You use your garage for storage and want to protect items from moisture and temperature fluctuations.
• You want to increase the energy efficiency of your home by blocking drafts from entering through the garage.

If any of these situations apply to you, now is the time to install a garage door threshold strip.

How to Install a Garage Door Threshold

Installing a garage door rubber threshold is a relatively simple task that most homeowners can handle on their own. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Clean the Garage Floor: Sweep and clean the area where the threshold will be placed. Any dirt or debris can prevent the threshold from adhering properly.
2. Measure and Cut the Threshold: Measure the width of your garage door opening and cut the garage door threshold strip to fit snugly across the bottom.
3. Apply Adhesive: Using the adhesive that comes with the threshold, apply a thick bead along the floor where the threshold will be placed.
4. Position the Threshold: Lay the threshold on the adhesive and press down firmly. Ensure that the ribbed side faces the outside of the garage to block water effectively.
5. Let it Set: Allow the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before driving over the threshold.

A garage door threshold is a simple yet powerful solution to protect your garage from moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations. Whether you're noticing drafts, puddles, or an increase in pests, installing a garage door rubber threshold can save you from future damage and improve your garage's overall functionality.

If you're unsure about installing the threshold yourself, or you'd like a professional opinion, contact the experts at Balanced Garage Doors. Schedule an appointment today to keep your garage protected year-round.