How to Select the Right Side and Top Seals for Your Garage

When it comes to selecting a seal for the sides and top of your garage door opening, there are generally three types of seals for the job, flexible PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) flap seals, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber flap seals, and brush seals, typically made with polypropylene or nylon bristles. Most of these seals are available in various lengths to cover a multitude of gaps.

FLEXIBLE PVC SEALS

Flexible PVC flap seals are used in many applications due to their cost and a wide range of colors. These seals typically come in three different forms, flexible one-piece seals that can be nailed around the door opening, flexible flaps that can be installed in plastic or aluminum retainers, and the most common, vinyl, which is a dual material stop molding that has a flexible flap extruded on a rigid mounting surface. Both parts of the vinyl seal are available in a wide array of colors to match the exterior color of a garage door. Action Industries offers DuraSeal Stop Molding.

RUBBER FLAP SEALS

EPDM rubber flap seals are engineered for applications with extreme temperature conditions that range anywhere from -60 to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Rubber is a more pliable material than vinyl and functions better in extreme temperatures. Rubber flap seals are most commonly used in combination with aluminum retainers that are screwed to the jamb around the door.

BRUSH SEALS

Brush seals are the most versatile of the three types of seals. The individual bristles of the brush conform to any surface deviations to create a robust seal against the elements. This makes for a seal that is more complete around the door. Brush seals can also be a deterrent to pests, as the individual bristles create a mat to block their entry. Some brush seals can be used in fire-rated assemblies as well. Most brushes are a cut to length part that fits in the corresponding, typically aluminum, retainer. Action Industries is the exclusive distributor of Flex Brush a unique coiled brush product that has the filaments fused to the brush holder. The biggest advantage of FlexBrush is the material being coiled allows for seamless brush seals on long length applications.