Keep dust, pests and draught out: the ultimate guide to garage door brush seals.

Gaps beneath or around your garage door can lead to a range of persistent issues for homeowners. These openings often allow for windblown debris, pests and cold air to enter the space, compromising the cleanliness, comfort and energy efficiency.

Fortunately, there is a straightforward and cost-effective solution. Garage door brush seals are designed to close the gap, offering long-term protection against external intrusions, protecting the things that matter most in your space.

What is a garage door brush seal

A garage door brush seal is a sealing device composed of dense synthetic bristles (typically nylon or polypropylene) mounted into a durable aluminium carrier strip. This content is fixed to the bottom, sides or top of the roller or sectional garage door to create a barrier against dust, insects and draughts.

The flexible nature of the bristles allows them to adapt to uneven surfaces, such as sloped driveways or worn concrete while still maintaining an effective seal. Brush seals can be installed on a wide range of garage door types, including residential sectional and rolling doors, as well as commercial doors.

Brush seals vs rubber weather seals

Rubber or vinyl weather seals are commonly used alternatives to brush seals. However, there are notable differences in performance, durability and application. While rubber seals perform well in ideal conditions, brush seals offer enhanced versatility and longevity.

Feature	Brush seal	Rubber seal
Durability	High resistance to wear and environmental factors	Prone to cracking or hardening in extreme temperatures
Surface adaptability	Adapts well to uneven or textured surfaces	Less effective on non-uniform surfaces
Pest resistance	Superior protection for blocking insects and rodents due to dense bristle coverage	Moderate, but small caps may form over time due to composition
Noise control	Excellent noise reduction properties	Provides some sound insulation, but less effective overall
Maintenance	Low – generally requires periodic cleaning	May require replacement more frequently.

Benefits for homeowners

Investing in garage door brush seals offers several long-term benefits:

1. Improved pest control

Dense bristles create a physical barrier that is highly effective at deterring insects. Rodents and spiders from entering the garage. Unlike rubber seals, which can deform or tear, brush seals retain their structure even under pressure.

2. Protection against dust and debris

Windblown leaves, dirt and other outdoor contaminants are significantly reduced with the installation of brush seals. This results in a cleaner, lower-maintenance environment inside the garage.

3. Energy efficiency

By sealing draughts around the door, brush seals contribute to improved thermal insulation. This is particularly valuable for attached garages where temperatures fluctuate, impacting adjacent living spaces.

4. Noise reduction

Brush seals can act as sound dampeners, reducing the transmission of external noise into the garage and vice versa. This is especially useful for properties located near main roads or used as workshops.

5. Moisture control

A installed brush seal installed by a professional can help minimise water ingress during rainfall, preventing damp conditions that can lead to corrosion, mold or structural damage to the garage over time.

Choosing the right brush seal

B&D bristle seals fill the gap around the garage door, acting as an effective barrier against dust, sand or leaves. An experienced B&D garage door professional will measure the gap and recommend the appropriate seal to meet your needs

Maintenance of your brush seals

While brush seals are highly durable, periodic inspection is recommended to ensure continued effectiveness. Every 6-12 months you should conduct a maintenance check on your garage door. Below is a checklist to follow:

Remove dust or cobwebs from the bristles using a soft brush or light vacuum.
Inspect bristles integrity and alignment – bristles should still be sturdy and in place.
Check the aluminum carrier remains securely intact – look for any damage or parts that are sticking out.
Contact a B&D professional to replace any damaged or worn sections

At B&D, we recommend servicing your garage door every two years. In your routine service, the garage door technician will assess the state of your brush seals and conduct any cleaning or maintenance.

Conclusion

Brush seals are practical and cost-effective solutions for improving garage protection. Their advantages over traditional rubber seals include better adaptability, longer service life and improved protection against pests, draughts and debris.

For homeowners seeking to maintain a clean, insulated and secure garage environment, installing a B&D garage door with brush seals is a worthwhile investment.