Garage Door Bottom Seal Replacement in Calgary | From $180 + GST

Garage door bottom seal replacement is a service that involves removing a worn, cracked, or damaged rubber seal (also called weatherstrip or astragal) from the bottom edge of your garage door and installing a new one to block drafts, water, dust, pests, and debris. In Calgary, bottom seal replacement costs $180–$340 + GST depending on door size and whether the retainer needs replacement. At Calgary Garage Door Fix, we provide same-day seal replacement across Calgary—call (403) 990-9536 to stop cold air and water from entering your garage.

The bottom seal is your garage door’s first line of defense against Calgary’s harsh elements. When it fails, you’ll notice cold drafts in winter, water pooling after rain or snowmelt, dust and debris accumulating on your garage floor, and possibly mice or insects finding their way inside. A new seal restores protection and can even improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Garage Door Bottom Seal Replacement Pricing

Service	Door Size	Price (+ GST)
Seal Replacement Only	Single car (8–10 ft)	$180
Seal Replacement Only	Double car (16 ft)	$200
Seal Replacement Only	Oversized (wider than 16 ft)	$220
Seal + Retainer Replacement	Single car (8–10 ft)	$265
Seal + Retainer Replacement	Double car (16 ft)	$285
Seal + Retainer Replacement	Oversized (wider than 16 ft)	$340

What’s included: New rubber seal, professional installation, door inspection, and adjustment to ensure proper contact with the floor.

What Is a Retainer and When Does It Need Replacement?

The retainer (also called a seal retainer or astragal retainer) is the aluminum or plastic channel attached to the bottom panel of your garage door that holds the rubber seal in place. The seal slides into or clips onto this retainer.

When seal-only replacement works:

Retainer is straight and undamaged
No rust, cracks, or missing sections
Seal slides in and out easily

When you need retainer + seal replacement:

Retainer is cracked, bent, or warped
Sections are corroded or rusted through
Pieces are missing or broken off
Old retainer won’t hold the new seal properly
Previous seal was glued or stapled (improper installation)

When retainer replacement is needed, we install a durable L-shaped aluminum retainer that will last for many years. This is a significant upgrade over plastic retainers, which crack in Calgary’s cold winters.

What Does a Garage Door Bottom Seal Do?

The bottom seal (also called weatherstrip, astragal, or threshold seal) performs several critical functions:

Blocks drafts — Prevents cold air from entering in winter and hot air in summer
Keeps out water — Stops rain, snowmelt, and puddles from flowing under the door
Prevents dust and debris — Creates a barrier against leaves, dirt, and road grit
Deters pests — Seals gaps that mice, insects, and other pests use to enter
Reduces noise — Cushions the door when closing, reducing vibration and impact sound
Improves energy efficiency — Helps maintain garage temperature, reducing heating costs if you have a heated garage or rooms above

Signs Your Bottom Seal Needs Replacement

Bottom seals typically last 5–10 years in Calgary, but our extreme climate can shorten that lifespan significantly. Here’s how to know if yours needs replacement:

Visible Damage

Cracking or splitting — Rubber has dried out and cracked
Flattening — Seal is compressed and no longer springs back
Brittleness — Rubber crumbles or breaks when touched
Missing sections — Pieces have broken off completely
Hardening — Seal feels stiff instead of flexible

Performance Issues

Visible light — You can see daylight under the closed door
Water entry — Puddles form inside after rain or snowmelt
Cold drafts — Noticeable cold air coming from the garage in winter
Dust accumulation — More dust and debris than usual on the garage floor
Pest evidence — Signs of mice or insects entering the garage
Increased heating costs — Noticeable if you have a heated garage

Why Calgary Destroys Bottom Seals

Calgary’s climate is particularly harsh on rubber weatherstripping:

Extreme Temperature Swings

Calgary regularly experiences temperature swings from -30°C in winter to +30°C in summer—a 60-degree range. This constant expansion and contraction causes rubber to fatigue, crack, and lose flexibility much faster than in milder climates.

UV Exposure

South-facing garage doors receive intense UV radiation, especially during Calgary’s sunny winters. UV breaks down rubber compounds, causing hardening and cracking—often on one side of the seal before the other.

Road Salt and Chemicals

Salt and de-icing chemicals tracked into the garage accelerate rubber deterioration. The chemicals dry out the rubber and cause premature cracking, particularly near the ends of the seal where tires enter.

Dry Climate

Calgary’s low humidity dries out rubber seals faster than humid climates. Without moisture, rubber loses plasticizers (the compounds that keep it flexible) and becomes brittle.

Types of Garage Door Bottom Seals

There are several types of bottom seals, and we install the right type for your door:

T-Style Seals (T-End or T-Bulb)

The most common type. Features a T-shaped profile that slides into a retainer channel. Easy to replace and provides excellent sealing. Works with most standard garage doors.

Beaded Seals (Bead-End)

Has rounded beads on each edge that snap into a grooved retainer. Common on older doors. Provides good sealing but can be harder to find replacements for.

J-Type Seals

J-shaped profile that wraps around the bottom of the door. Often found on wooden doors or doors without a retainer channel.

Bulb Seals

Features a rounded bulb at the bottom that compresses against the floor. Excellent for uneven floors as the bulb conforms to surface irregularities.

Our technician will identify your seal type and install the correct replacement. If your current seal type isn’t performing well, we may recommend a different style better suited to your floor conditions.

Important: When a New Seal Won't Solve the Problem

While a new bottom seal helps significantly, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t guarantee a 100% watertight seal. Sometimes water or dust still enters—and that’s usually due to issues beyond the seal itself:

Uneven or Settled Garage Floors

In many Calgary homes, one side of the garage slab gradually sinks over time due to soil settlement. This creates a gap between the seal and the floor—typically near one corner. Even with a brand-new seal, a visible gap may remain because the floor has shifted, not the door.

Warped or Damaged Bottom Panel

If the bottom door panel is bent or warped, the seal won’t make consistent contact across the full width of the door.

Track Misalignment

If tracks aren’t properly aligned, the door may not close evenly, leaving gaps on one side.

Our approach: If we notice any of these issues during installation, our technician will show you exactly what’s happening and discuss your options. We believe in honest assessments—we won’t promise a perfect seal if the underlying issue is floor settlement or door damage. While the bottom seal is not as critical for garage door operation as springs, cables, or opener, it is still essential to keep the garage door seal in good shape.

Our Bottom Seal Replacement Process

Here’s what to expect when Calgary Garage Door Fix replaces your bottom seal:

1. Inspection (5 min)
We examine the existing seal, retainer condition, bottom panel, and floor contact to determine the right solution.

2. Retainer Assessment
If the retainer is damaged, we’ll explain why it needs replacement and the cost difference before proceeding.

3. Old Seal Removal (5–10 min)
The old seal is carefully removed from the retainer. If replacing the retainer, the old retainer is also removed.

4. Retainer Installation (if needed, 15 min)
New L-shaped aluminum retainer is measured, cut to size, and securely attached to the bottom panel.

5. New Seal Installation (10 min)
The new rubber seal is slid into the retainer channel and positioned for optimal floor contact.

6. Adjustment & Testing (5 min)
The door is cycled several times to verify the seal makes proper contact. Minor adjustments are made if needed.

Total time: 30–45 minutes for seal only; 45–60 minutes if retainer replacement is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does garage door bottom seal replacement cost in Calgary?

Bottom seal replacement in Calgary costs $180–$340 + GST depending on door size and whether the retainer needs replacement. Seal-only replacement costs $180 for single car doors, $200 for double car doors (up to 16 ft), and $220 for oversized doors (wider than 16 ft). If the retainer also needs replacement, prices are $265 for single, $285 for double, and $340 for oversized doors.

How long does a garage door bottom seal last?

In Calgary's climate, garage door bottom seals typically last 5–10 years. Factors that shorten lifespan include south-facing exposure (UV damage), frequent use, road salt exposure, and extremely cold winters. With our harsh temperature swings from -30°C to +30°C, seals deteriorate faster here than in milder climates.

Can I replace the garage door seal myself?

If you have a standard T-style seal and the retainer is in good condition, DIY replacement is possible. However, many homeowners struggle with identifying the correct seal type, cutting to the right length, and ensuring proper seating in the retainer. Professional installation ensures the right seal type, proper fit, and optimal floor contact—plus we inspect for other issues during the visit.

Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

You should not attempt to open a garage door with a broken spring. Without spring support, a standard door weighs 150–250 pounds and can cause injury if it falls. Additionally, using the opener with a broken spring puts extreme strain on the motor and can damage the opener, cables, and other components. If you must get a car out, call for same-day service.

Why is water still getting into my garage after seal replacement?

Water entry after seal replacement is usually caused by uneven or settled garage floors, not the seal itself. Many Calgary homes experience soil settlement that causes one side of the garage slab to sink, creating gaps the seal can't bridge. Warped bottom panels or misaligned tracks can also prevent proper sealing. Our technicians will identify these issues and explain your options.

What's the difference between seal replacement and retainer replacement?

The seal is the rubber weatherstrip that contacts the floor. The retainer is the aluminum or plastic channel attached to the door that holds the seal in place. If your retainer is straight and undamaged, we can simply slide in a new seal ($180–$220). If the retainer is cracked, bent, corroded, or missing sections, we need to replace both the retainer and seal ($265–$340).

What type of bottom seal is best?

T-style (T-bulb) seals are the most common and work well for most Calgary homes. For uneven floors, bulb seals provide better conformity to surface irregularities. Our technician will assess your door and floor conditions and recommend the best seal type for your situation.

How do I know if my retainer needs replacement?

Signs your retainer needs replacement include: visible cracks or breaks, rust or corrosion (especially on steel retainers), bent or warped sections, missing pieces, or if the old seal was glued or stapled rather than properly inserted. If the retainer can't hold the new seal securely, it needs replacement.

Will a new seal reduce my heating bill?

A new bottom seal can reduce heat loss from your garage, which matters most if you have a heated garage, living space above the garage, or an attached garage that shares a wall with your home. While the energy savings won't be dramatic, eliminating cold air infiltration improves comfort and reduces heating load.

Do you replace seals on all garage door types?

Yes. We replace bottom seals on all garage door types including single car, double car, oversized (wider than 16 ft), steel doors, wood doors, aluminum doors, and fiberglass doors. We carry multiple seal types to match your specific door configuration.

How long does bottom seal replacement take?

Seal-only replacement takes approximately 30–45 minutes. If the retainer also needs replacement, the service takes 45–60 minutes. We complete the job in a single visit with no need for follow-up appointments.

Why Calgary Homeowners Choose Us

Transparent pricing — Exact costs explained before we start
Honest assessments — We’ll tell you if a seal won’t fix your problem
Quality materials — Durable rubber seals and aluminum retainers
Same-day service — Most appointments completed same day
2,450+ five-star reviews — Calgary’s highest-rated garage door company
Complete inspection included — We check your entire door system during every visit
Local family business — Serving Calgary since 2019

Service Areas

We provide garage door bottom seal replacement throughout Calgary:

Northwest: Tuscany, Arbour Lake, Citadel, Evanston, Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Royal Oak, Bowness, Brentwood, Varsity

Northeast: Taradale, Martindale, Skyview Ranch, Saddleridge, Coventry Hills, Cityscape, Redstone

Southwest: Signal Hill, Aspen Woods, Evergreen, Shawnessy, Killarney, Altadore, Marda Loop

Southeast: Mahogany, Cranston, Auburn Bay, McKenzie Towne, Copperfield, Douglasdale, Lake Bonavista

Surrounding Areas: Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Okotoks

Stop Cold Air and Water Today

If your garage door bottom seal is cracked, flattened, or letting in drafts and water, it’s time for a replacement. A new seal keeps your garage cleaner, warmer, and better protected from Calgary’s elements.

Call (403) 990-9536 or book online to schedule your bottom seal replacement.

Single Car: $180 | Double Car: $200 | Same-Day Service Available

Stan Klugman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan Klugman | Founder, Calgary Garage Door Fix
Stan has over 15 years of experience in the garage door industry and has personally overseen more than 32,000 residential and commercial repairs across Calgary. Calgary Garage Door Fix is a BBB-accredited business and holds registered trademarks in both Canada (TMA1352082) and the United States (98141232).