You’ve noticed an annoying gap between the bottom of your garage door and the concrete floor. Maybe some debris blew in, or rainwater splashed in during the last storm. Or perhaps it’s just been driving you crazy for months now, and it’s time to fix it.
A gap in the bottom of a garage door poses some issues beyond just irritating noises or letting in elements—it can also compromise the security of your garage as well as the energy efficiency of your home. The good news is that fixing a garage door gap is usually an easy DIY project that you can tackle yourself.
In this post on how to fix garage door gap, I’ll walk through the main reasons why garage door gaps develop, identify the most common causes, and share simple steps you can take to seal up that bottom gap for good.
What Will You Need?
- A measuring tape
- An old towel or rag
- Household cleaner
- Scissors or a utility knife
- Exterior caulk or weather stripping (depending on the size of the gap)
- A caulking gun (if using caulk)
- A screwdriver
- Some muscle power to lift the garage door
Once you’ve gathered all your materials, let’s fix that pesky gap!
10 Easy Steps on How to Fix Garage Door Gap
Step 1. Identify the Cause
The first step in fixing a garage door gap is to identify the cause of the problem. Several potential reasons for an opening include loose hinges, worn weatherstripping, or uneven ground. Look closely at your garage door and determine what may be causing the gap.
Step 2. Adjust the Hinges
If the hinges on your garage door are loose, they may need to be adjusted to fix the gap. Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws on the hinges and check to see if this helps to close the gap. If not, you may need to replace the hinges altogether.
Step 3. Replace Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a strip of rubber or foam that lines the bottom of your garage door and helps to seal out drafts and pests. Over time, weatherstripping can become worn or damaged, resulting in a gap between your garage door and the ground. Replace the old weather stripping with a new strip that fits snugly against the floor to fix this issue.
Step 4. Level Uneven Ground
In some cases, an uneven ground surface can cause a gap between your garage door and the ground. This can be fixed by leveling out any bumps or dips in your driveway using concrete filler or asphalt patching compound. Be careful not to damage the surface of your garage door when applying these products.
Step 5. Call a Professional
If none of these solutions fix your garage door gap, it is best to call a professional for assistance. They will have experience dealing with various types of garage doors. They can accurately diagnose and fix any issues causing the gap in your specific situation. Additionally, they will have access to specialized tools and materials that may be needed for the job.
Step 6. Clean the Area
Before sealing up the gap, cleaning the area thoroughly is essential. Use a household cleaner or soap and water to remove any dirt, debris, or grease from the bottom of your garage door and the size of the floor where the gap exists. This ensures the new sealant or weatherstripping will adhere properly and provide a tight seal.
Step 7. Measure the Gap
Next, use your measuring tape to measure the width and depth of the garage door gap. Knowing the dimensions of the hole will help you choose the correct size of sealant or weatherstripping and ensure a perfect fit. Record the measurements, and take these notes when purchasing your materials.
Step 8. Apply the Sealant
Once you have selected the correct sealant or weatherstripping for your garage door gap, it’s time to apply it. If you’re using caulk, cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle, load it into the caulking gun, and apply a generous amount along the length of the gap.
Remember to smooth out the caulk with a tool or your finger for a neater finish. If you’re using weatherstripping, cut it to the exact length of your garage door, then firmly press it into place along the bottom of the door. Ensure it’s securely attached and fits well to prevent future gaps.
Step 9. Check for Proper Fit
After applying the sealant or weatherstripping, close your garage door to check for a proper fit. No light should be visible from the inside of the garage, and the weatherstripping or sealant should touch the ground evenly along the entire garage door length.
If you notice any areas where the sealant or weatherstripping is not touching the ground, you may need to adjust or apply more material. Make sure you account for any unevenness in the floor. Test the door several times to ensure the new sealant or weatherstripping doesn’t interfere with its operation.
Step 10. Maintain Regularly
Lastly, to prevent future garage door gaps from developing, it’s essential to maintain your garage door regularly. This includes cleaning the door and its parts, lubricating the hinges, rollers, and tracks, and inspecting for any signs of wear or damage. Replace worn weatherstripping promptly, and adjust the door whenever it gets off track.
Regular maintenance will not only extend the life of your garage door but also ensure it functions properly and securely, keeping your garage free from pests, water, and any potential intruders.
By following these ten easy steps to fix the garage door gap, you can prevent energy loss, protect your belongings from harsh weather conditions, and maintain the security of your home.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Inspect the Weather Stripping: Always ensure the weather stripping at the bottom of the garage door is in good condition. If worn out or damaged, unwanted air may seep through, causing gaps.
- Adjust the Limit Screws: These screws on the garage door opener control how far the door moves when it’s closing. Incorrect adjustments can cause gaps at the bottom. Adjust these screws until the door fully closes.
- Check the Door Track: The track might get bent or misaligned over time, creating gaps. Check the alignment and straighten the way if necessary.
- Replace Damaged Panels: Damaged or warped garage door panels can create gaps. Replacing the damaged panels can effectively eliminate the gaps.
- Install Sealant Strips: If you have tried all the above methods and the gaps persist, consider installing sealant strips. These strips can be attached to the bottom of the door to provide a tight seal and prevent air from entering your garage.
Keep in mind that garage doors are susceptible to wear and tear over time, so regular maintenance is essential to ensure they function correctly and without any gaps.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Ignoring Regular Maintenance: Neglecting regular checks and maintenance can lead to gaps over time. Ensure that periodic inspections are conducted to spot any potential issues early.
- Using Incorrect Tools for Adjustment: Utilizing inappropriate tools for adjusting limit screws or realigning tracks could cause further damage. Always use the correct tools.
- Delaying Replacement of Damaged Parts: Postponing the replacement of worn out or damaged parts, like weather stripping or panels, can exacerbate the gap issues. Immediate relief is advised.
- Improper Installation of Sealant Strips: Incorrectly installed sealant strips may not provide the desired sealing effect and could lead to recurring gaps. Follow the installation instructions carefully.
- DIY for Complex Issues: While homeowners can handle minor adjustments, complex issues should be left to professionals. Attempting to resolve complex problems could lead to further damage and safety risks.
You can effectively fix and prevent garage door gaps by avoiding these common mistakes. Remember always to prioritize safety and consult a professional if needed.
Why is There a Gap on the Side of My Garage Door?
So why do gaps occur on the side of your garage door? It could be due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Uneven or unevenly settled ground causing misalignment.
- Loose or damaged tracks.
- Worn out weather stripping.
- Warped or damaged panels.
Regardless of the cause, addressing and fixing these gaps promptly is essential. Not only do they allow unwanted air and pests into your garage, but they can also affect your home’s insulation and increase energy costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a garage door gap may seem like a minor annoyance. Still, it can cause significant problems such as energy loss, security vulnerabilities, and even structural damage to your garage. However, with the tips and techniques we’ve discussed in this blog post on how to fix garage door gap, you now have the knowledge and tools to fix this issue yourself.
Remember always to prioritize safety and consult a professional if needed. By addressing this problem promptly, not only will you save money on energy bills and potential repairs down the line, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your garage is secure and properly functioning.
Don’t let a small gap turn into a bigger issue – take action today and get your garage door fixed! Now go out there and show your garage some love!
