Garage doors have two functions: to keep stuff in the garage and to keep stuff out of the garage. No matter how you see things, these two functions are fundamental. However, a lot of people have found that their doors are unable to do this. They can’t prevent heat from seeping out of the garage -which increases heating bills- and they can’t keep stuff like water, leaves and snow out. This is why there are such things as garage door thresholds.

Garage Door Thresholds Benefits

First of all, you have to realize that the threshold is an accessory. This means that its function depends on the function of the door itself. If the door flat-out sucks in insulation, the threshold can only do so much to improve it.

Why even add this accessory? Well, you have to first realize that the garage door does not actually reach all the way to the ground. A small gap is left open so that the door does not get scraped against the flooring each time it is opened or closed.

Garage Door Thresholds Vs Garage Door Rubber Sweep

One option that people consider before deciding on a threshold is the rubber sweep. This is a type of extension that, when attached to the door itself, acts like an extension to keep out unwanted elements. The problem with this is that a door sweep swivels, which means that rodents and other small animals can push it aside and enter the garage.

The garage door threshold offers a better alternative. It is actually attached to the floor and not the door, which means that it does not need to move. How does it work? Well, when you close the door, it actually presses against the threshold, forming an airtight seal. The threshold is made of rubber, so you don’t have to worry about marring the craftsmanship of the door.

Being airtight, the seal actually helps lower your heating bills. Leaving a gap where air can pass through allows heat to escape. If you like working in the garage and have installed heating there, a gap can definitely lower the energy efficiency of the garage.

Garage Door Thresholds Problems

However, a garage door threshold is not quite perfect. Although it works perfectly with rolling doors, people who have tilt-up doors have some trouble in closing the garage. Why? Well, wedging the piece of rubber is a lot easier if the door is coming straight from above rather than at an angle. It is often the case that people who have tilt up doors are unsuccessful in forming perfect weather seals with the threshold alone. This is why it is recommended that when you do use the threshold with a tilt-up garage door, you use it with some type of door sweep. This will definitely make sure that you have the perfect weather stripping.

What should you look for when buying a garage door threshold? Well, you first have to make sure that it resists wear and tear. Although the item is made out of rubber, it is not indestructible. Cold weather can cause the threshold to become brittle and it could crack, leaving you with a useless product. It is also essential that you get one that’s easy to install. Most thresholds come with an adhesive to help you attach the rubber to the flooring. Read the instructions carefully so you will be able to make sure that the bond becomes as strong as possible.