Are Threshold Seals and Door Seals Better Together?

Garage doors are one of the most important features of a property, protecting vehicles, tools, and belongings from the elements as well as unwanted pests. While most people focus on the lock or the strength of the door itself, one of the most overlooked aspects of garage security and comfort is sealing. A properly sealed garage door not only keeps water out but also improves insulation, reduces draughts, and makes the garage a cleaner and more usable space.

There are two main types of sealing products used for garages: threshold seals and door seals. Each works in a slightly different way and offers unique benefits. This often leads homeowners to wonder whether it is best to use one type or whether the two can be combined for better performance. This article explores that question in depth, looking at what each type of seal does, the benefits of using them together, and the factors you should consider before making a decision.

The Purpose of Garage Door Seals

Garage doors rarely fit perfectly flush with the floor or frame. Small gaps can form along the bottom, top, and sides of the door. These gaps may appear harmless but can cause significant problems over time. Rainwater can seep in, damaging the floor, stored items, and even vehicles. Cold air enters through draughts, making the garage uncomfortable to work in and increasing the risk of condensation. Dust, leaves, and insects can easily enter, while in some cases even small rodents can squeeze through.

Seals address these issues by filling the gaps. A good seal prevents water ingress, improves insulation, and helps keep the garage cleaner and more secure. While no single seal is perfect for every situation, combining different types can create a more complete barrier.

What Are Door Seals?

Door seals, sometimes referred to as weatherstripping, are strips fitted to the sides, top, or bottom of the garage door itself. They can be made from rubber, vinyl, or brush material, depending on the design. When the door is closed, the seal compresses against the frame or floor to block gaps.

Bottom door seals are the most common. They are typically made of flexible rubber that sits in a channel on the bottom of the door or attaches with screws. When the door closes, the rubber compresses to create a barrier. Side and top seals work in a similar way but are fixed to the frame around the garage opening.

Door seals are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to install. They are widely available in standard sizes and can often be cut to fit different doors. Their flexibility makes them suitable for most garage types, including up-and-over, roller, sectional, and side-hinged doors.

What Are Threshold Seals?

Threshold seals are slightly different. Instead of attaching to the door, they are fitted to the garage floor itself. Usually made from heavy-duty rubber, they create a raised barrier across the width of the doorway. When the door closes, it rests against the threshold seal, blocking water, draughts, and debris from passing underneath.

Threshold seals are especially useful in garages where the floor is uneven or where rainwater tends to run towards the entrance. Because they are glued or screwed to the floor, they remain fixed in place and provide a strong line of defence. Many threshold seals are also designed with a sloped profile, allowing vehicles to drive over them without difficulty.

Benefits of Door Seals Alone

Door seals are the first line of defence for most garages. They are relatively simple, inexpensive, and effective against draughts and small gaps. A good-quality rubber bottom seal can stop most rainwater, particularly if the garage floor is level. Side and top seals add further protection, closing off gaps that might otherwise let in wind or insects.

Another advantage is that door seals are discreet. They are fitted directly to the door or frame, so they do not interfere with driving vehicles in and out. For many households, this makes them a practical everyday solution.

However, door seals alone may not be enough in certain situations. If the garage floor slopes towards the entrance or has cracks and uneven spots, water may still find its way inside. A thin rubber strip cannot always hold back heavy rain or pooling water.

Benefits of Threshold Seals Alone

Threshold seals offer a stronger barrier against water. Because they are fixed to the floor, they create a raised ridge that water cannot easily cross. This makes them ideal for homes in areas prone to heavy rain or where driveways slope downwards.

They are also very effective at blocking debris. Leaves, dirt, and pests are far less likely to enter when a solid threshold is in place. The durability of threshold seals means they can withstand repeated use, including vehicles driving over them daily.

On the downside, threshold seals do not provide insulation around the sides or top of the door. They only protect the base. If draughts are a major concern, or if insects are entering around the frame, a threshold seal alone may not be sufficient.

Using Threshold Seals and Door Seals Together

The idea of combining both threshold and door seals is increasingly popular among homeowners looking for maximum protection. The two types complement each other well. Door seals cover gaps around the edges and top of the door, while threshold seals provide a strong barrier along the bottom.

When used together, they create a complete sealing system. Water is blocked both at the base and around the edges. Draughts are reduced significantly, making the garage more comfortable in colder weather. Dust, leaves, and pests are kept out more effectively than with either type alone.

For households that use the garage as more than just a place to park the car, this combination can be particularly valuable. If you use the garage as a workshop, gym, or utility space, the improved insulation and cleanliness make it far more comfortable and practical.

Practical Considerations

While combining seals offers many benefits, there are practical points to keep in mind.

The first is compatibility. Threshold seals are designed to create a raised ridge, which the door presses against when closed. If you already have a thick bottom seal attached to the door, adding a threshold may prevent the door from closing properly. Careful measurement is essential to ensure the two work together rather than against each other.

The second is installation. Threshold seals need to be fixed securely to the floor with adhesive or screws. The floor must be cleaned and levelled as much as possible before installation. If there are large cracks or holes, these should be repaired first.

The third is cost. While neither product is hugely expensive, buying and fitting both will naturally cost more than using one. For many households, however, the long-term benefits of protection and reduced maintenance outweigh the initial expense.

When to Use Both Together

There are specific situations where combining threshold and door seals is especially effective.

If your driveway slopes down towards your garage, water will naturally flow towards the entrance. A door seal alone may struggle to hold it back. Adding a threshold seal creates a physical barrier that water cannot easily cross.

If your garage doubles as a living or working space, such as a home gym, workshop, or office, insulation and cleanliness become more important. Using both seals together reduces draughts, dust, and insects, making the space more comfortable.

If you have experienced repeated problems with pests entering through small gaps, the double layer of protection makes it far harder for them to get inside.

Finally, in older properties where doors and frames may not be perfectly aligned, using both types of seal can compensate for irregularities and provide a more reliable overall barrier.

Environmental and Energy Benefits

Sealing your garage effectively has environmental benefits too. By reducing draughts and keeping the space warmer, less energy is needed to heat adjoining rooms. This can contribute to lower household energy use and smaller bills. A well-sealed garage also helps prevent damp and mould, reducing the need for repairs and replacements that have their own environmental costs.

Choosing high-quality seals that last longer reduces waste and the frequency of replacements. While cheaper products may seem attractive, they often wear out quickly, creating more waste over time.

Maintenance of Combined Seals

Using both types of seal together does not mean maintenance can be ignored. Regular checks are still necessary. Rubber seals should be inspected for cracks, stiffness, or signs of wear. Cleaning them with mild soap and water prevents dirt from building up.

Threshold seals should be checked for secure attachment. Over time, adhesive can loosen, particularly if the floor was damp when installed. Keeping the floor clean and ensuring water drains properly away from the threshold extends its lifespan.

By looking after both types of seal, you ensure that the benefits continue for many years.

Conclusion

So, are threshold seals and door seals better together? For many households, the answer is yes. Each type of seal addresses different issues, and when combined they provide a more complete and reliable barrier against water, draughts, dust, and pests.

Door seals alone are affordable, versatile, and easy to fit, but may struggle against heavy water ingress. Threshold seals are excellent for keeping water and debris out but do not address draughts around the frame. Together, they offer the best of both worlds.

The decision ultimately depends on your garage and how you use it. If your floor is level, your garage is used only for storage, and you live in a relatively dry area, a door seal alone may be sufficient. If you face water problems, use your garage as a workspace, or want the highest level of protection, combining both seals is the smarter choice.

By taking time to measure carefully, choose high-quality products, and maintain them properly, you can create a garage that is clean, comfortable, and well protected. The extra effort and small additional cost of using both threshold and door seals together often pays off in long-term peace of mind and improved quality of life.