SnirtStopper™ Installation Instructions
The Ultimate Garage Door Seal
Snirt Stopper will give you years of all-weather performance, providing added insulation, and keeping dirt and critters out of your garage. But a proper seal requires a proper installation. No matter how great the seal is, if it is improperly installed it just won’t work as well. Follow these simple step-by-step directions to get a professional fit that will seal your garage door as tight as the front door of your home!
Choking Hazard: This package contains small parts which may be a choking hazard to children under 3. Keep small parts away from children.
Sharp Objects: This package contains screws, which may have sharp edges. Handle with care.
Which seal are you installing?
Click here for Special Applications like Hydro and Bi-Fold Doors.
SideSealer and TopSealer Installation Instructions
Installing a SnirtStopper SideSealer and TopSealer couldn’t be easier! Every order comes with all hardware necessary for a complete installation! All you need is a a good pair of scissors, a tape measure, a drill driver and about 30 minutes!
View this video for an overview of the full process and complete directions. Or check out the step-by-step instructions and diagram below.
- Snirt SideSealer/TopSealer has two halves. The half with the white foam thermal insulator is installed against the garage door. The half without the foam is fastened to the garage door casing/frame. Note: There is no need to remove the existing weatherstripping as long as it is intact and smooth against the building.
- Lay the SideSealer/TopSealer strip on a flat, clean surface, making sure the side facing up is the same side that will be facing away from the door when installed. The half with the foam thermal insulator will rest against the garage door. Put a mark about an inch from the end of the seal on the half without the foam. This will mark where the first screw will be placed. Since you want to start at the top, be sure to place this mark so you can install it as the top screw on the SideSealers. Starting at this mark, continue placing marks every 9 inches.
- Start by installing the TopSealer first. Use the seam in the center of the seal as a guide, pushing the seam into the corner to help align the seal as you install it. Every door is different. Adjust the seal so more or less is pressed against the door as needed. Hold the TopSealer so it is tight against the side of the garage door casing/frame while you place the first screw. The first screw should be where you made the first mark on the seal. Pull the Snirt strip tight as you install each of the following screws every 9 inches to create a good seal. Before installing the last screw, trim the seal so that it is tight against the side of the garage door casing/frame.
- After installing the TopSealer, install the two SideSealers. Again, use the seam in the center of the seal as a guide, pushing the seam into the corner to help align the seal. Every door is different. Adjust the seal so more or less is pressed against the door as needed. Hold the SideSealer so it is tight against the top of the garage door casing/frame and overlap the TopSealer slightly as you install the first screw. The first screw should be where you made the first mark on the seal. Pull the Snirt strip tight as you install each of the following screws every 9 inches to create a good seal. Before installing the last screw, trim the seal so that it is flush with the garage floor but still able to move freely. Repeat this for the other SideSealer.
- If your original side and top sealer is hard or brittle, it’s essential to remove it. The following image shows how the Side/TopSealer should be positioned directly on the garage door jamb. When you fold the SnirtStopper Side/TopSealer in half, make sure the center of the product aligns with where the garage door meets the door jamb. You can make adjustments by adding more material to the garage door as needed for optimal sealing.
Important Short Side/TopSealer
Installation Video Tips
Tip: How to position Side/TopSealer for the best installation.
Tip: Installing the TopSealer along the top of your garage door.
Customer Tip:
“After predrilling, install the first screw into the SnirtStopper strip, and then remove it. Then, place in position and mark the hole on the door trim. Install the screw on this mark. Remove screw, and reattach it in the hole on vinyl. Install as usual. Using a pilot hole in this way takes the strain and clumsiness out of installing the strip without a helper.“
Thanks for this great tip, Bob!Congratulations, you have installed your new seal!
Click here to download the SideSealer and TopSealer instructions as a PDF.
BottomSealer Installation Instructions
Installing a SnirtStopper BottomSealer couldn’t be easier! Every order comes with all hardware necessary for a complete installation! All you need is a a good pair of scissors, a tape measure, a drill driver and about 30 minutes!
View this video for an overview of the full process and complete directions. Or check out the step-by-step instructions and diagram below.
Short Helpful Videos for Correctly
Installing the BottomSealer
Tip: Removing BottomSealer Wrinkles
Tip: Installing BottomSealer Tight
Tip: BottomSealer Screw Placement
- Begin installation by measuring your door to make sure you have purchased the correct size. Custom sizes are available at www.snirtstopper.com.
- Open your garage door to a comfortable working height. Most electric garage door openers can stop the door halfway between fully open and fully closed by pushing the open/close button twice at the desired height. Make sure to brace or block the door so that it stays at a comfortable work position. It may be beneficial to have a helper at this point.
- Lay out the Snirt Stopper flat along the floor with the SnirtStopper™ logo on the left and the top tab facing up.
- Begin at one end of the door and hold the Snirt Stopper so that the edge of the Snirt Stopper is flush with the edge of the door. Note: Make sure you are attaching the Snirt Stopper to the inside of the door. The foam needs to remain inside the garage, not outside or underneath the door.
- Begin by inserting the first screw approximately 3/4 inch from the edge of the door or next to the edge of the roller bracket. In some areas, particularly at the ends of the door, you may need to pre-drill with a 1/8 inch drill bit to accommodate any additional metal. Next, pull the SnirtStopper tightly, like a guitar string, and ensure it is level to eliminate any wrinkles caused by packaging. Place the subsequent screws every 12 inches from the initial screw. Continue this process across the door until you reach the garage door rail. Install the final screw about 3/4 inch from the edge of the door or just at the edge of the roller bracket. We recommend positioning the SnirtStopper BottomSealer past the ends of the garage door inside the garage door rail. Trim as necessary to ensure the BottomSealer does not pucker as the garage door opens.
- Lower the door and inspect the fit of the seal. The seal should touch the floor across its entire length at approximately the same time. Additionally, check for any overlap of the SnirtStopper with the electronic eye sensors of the garage door. If adjustments are needed for the photo eyes, refer to your garage door opener’s owner’s manual. After making any necessary adjustments, finish securing the SnirtStopper by installing the remaining screws at 6-inch intervals as you move across the door.
- The Snirt Stopper is flexible enough to allow you to adjust its placement on the bottom of the door to help with any inconsistencies you may have in the fit between the floor and door. If your door does not rest flush on the floor, fully close your door and look for gaps. Readjust the seal, at any points where gaps are visible by backing out the screw(s) and slightly moving the Snirt Stopper lower or higher, as needed and re-inserting the screws. Remember the longer “tab” is meant to go underneath the door.
Congratulations, you have installed your new seal!
Click here to download the BottomSealer instructions as a PDF.
Special Applications
See these videos for step-by-step directions for installing SnirtStopper on large Hydraulic or Bi-fold Doors.
If you have questions, comments or just need additional help with installing SnirtStopper on your garage door, let us know using our contact form, and we’ll be glad to help!