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Our garage door bottom seals are pretty used up, original from 1996 so it's time. They are the nailed on version but I'm curious if the tube/rail design would be a better alternative. They sell kits for cheap enough so you just screw the aluminum channel rail on the bottom of the door and slide in the seal. Also seems like it would be easier to replace the rubber over time.
Anyone go this route or am I wasting time and should just get another nail on strip?
T-type bulb seals are great seals by themselves; however, the retainer is the weak link.
Retainers are usually made of aluminum or vinyl- now granted this doesn't happen often, but when it does you're usually screwed. The door comes down on an object and damages the retainer. Then when it's time to replace the seal you can't get it off, and you certainly can't get the new one on. Vinyl retainers tend to be a little more resilient to "crushing". Aluminum, once bent is pretty much toast.
Other problems are finding the right size seal for the retainer- most retainers are for 1/4" "T" ends- however, 5/16 "T" ends are much more durable- and a bit more of a headache to install; especially when the door is already installed. Some retainers are flat, others are "L" or "U" shaped. Flat and "L" shaped are best for wood doors- at least when installed correctly. The "U" shape should not be used on wood period- it can trap water and rot the door bottom.
Personally, if you have a wood door I'd just use the nail-on foam type. It's cheap, will last 5-8yrs with no trouble. Can be easily replaced within an hour. Most important thing to do before installing a new seal on a wood door- clean and put a new coat of paint on the bottom edge before installing.
Also if you have a garage door opener on your door, and put too thick a seal on, you may have to adjust the limit switch on the opener.
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