DuraSeal Garage Door Weather Stripping Kit (PVC) — Cold-Weather Handling & Installation Tips

Your DuraSeal Garage Door Weather Stripping Kit is made with a foamed PVC base and a flexible PVC fin and ships coiled for easier storage and shipping.

Because PVC is a thermoplastic, its stiffness and flexibility change with temperature, which matters most when uncoiling and bending the product during installation.

Recommended installation temperature

For best results:

• Install when the ambient temperature is above 50°F.
• For easiest handling and the smoothest install, 60°F+ is ideal.

Why this matters (PVC in the cold)

As temperatures drop, many plastics (including PVC formulations) become stiffer and more prone to cracking under stress, especially when bent sharply. 

In materials terms, polymers become more “glassy” as they cool, meaning they can lose flexibility and crack more easily if forced.

Before you start: let the coil relax

Since the kit arrives coiled, the material needs time to relax and straighten before installation.

Recommended prep (from the installation instructions):

1. Roll the DuraSeal out on a flat surface
2. Weigh it down for 24 hours to straighten it out 

Best practice for cold deliveries / cold garages:

• If the strip arrives cold, bring it indoors (or into a heated space) first so it can warm up and relax before uncoiling.

Cold-weather warning: don’t force bends

If it’s cold outside (or the strip itself is cold), do not force tight bends while uncoiling or positioning the seal.

PVC products can become stiffer as temperature decreases, and plastics in general can shift toward brittle behavior at low temperatures, increasing the chance of cracking when bent or stressed.

Safe ways to warm the material (if needed)

If you must install in cooler weather:

• Warm it gradually in a heated room/garage before uncoiling.
• Avoid open flame or extreme heat sources.

Installation steps (quick guide)

Follow your included instructions. Key points:

1. Straighten the coil first (roll out + weigh down)
2. Measure and cut the top/header piece, then each side piece
3. Use the pre-tapped holes and start nails partway so you can adjust
4. Position the seal with the vinyl fin facing inside the garage
5. Close the door, confirm contact, then finish fastening 

Tip: Don’t place the seal too close to the door, this can cause damage during operation.

Troubleshooting

The strip keeps curling back / won’t lay flat

• Let it relax longer: roll out flat and weigh down for 24 hours
• Warm it indoors first if it arrived cold

Cracking during handling

• This is most common when PVC is cold and forced to bend. Warm the material first and install above 50°F.

FAQ

• Is it normal that it arrives coiled?
  • Yes. The coiled format helps with storage and shipping. Straightening the strip before installation is part of the normal install process.
• Can I install it in winter?
  • Often, yes but we strongly recommend installing above 50°F and warming/relaxing the strip first. Cold PVC can be harder to work with and more prone to cracking if bent sharply.
• What is the DuraSeal made from?
  • DuraSeal uses a foamed PVC base and a flexible PVC fin for durability and sealing performance.