You’re not the only one who’s noticed a gap under your garage door. Almost every homeowner experiences this problem at some point or another. It can be caused by worn-out weatherstripping or a misaligned door. Luckily, it’s an easy fix. Here, we’ll talk about how to fix a garage door side gap and the causes of gaps under garage doors.
Causes of a Gap Under your Garage Door
Some of the most common causes of the gap under your garage door are:
Worn weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a crucial component of a garage door that helps prevent air and water infiltration. It is a rubber or vinyl seal located at the bottom of the door and serves as a barrier against the elements. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause weatherstripping to wear out, crack, or become damaged. This can result in air and water seeping into your garage, leading to increased energy bills and potential damage to your belongings stored inside.
Fortunately, replacing worn weatherstripping is a relatively simple task that can be done by most homeowners with the right tools and materials. Before beginning the replacement process, it’s important to purchase weatherstripping that is specifically designed for your garage door and is compatible with your door’s size and shape.
Sagging or misaligned door
A garage door that is sagging or misaligned can create a gap, which can let in unwanted air and elements. This can occur due to various reasons such as wear and tear on the springs, rollers, and cables, or simply due to a lack of maintenance. But don’t worry, fixing a sagging door is a fairly easy task!
If your garage door has brackets and it’s sagging, you can easily fix it yourself. Just tighten the nuts on both rods to straighten the door. This is a quick and simple do-it-yourself job that can be accomplished with just a few tools. If the sagging or misalignment is due to a more serious issue, such as worn or damaged springs, rollers, or cables, it may be necessary to seek professional help.
Incorrect door size
If your garage door is different from the right size for your opening, you may get a gap under it. Many homeowners do this when they install a new door without measuring the opening or when they install a door with a different track system.
If you have an incorrect door size you will need to reinstall a new door for which you will require professional help. Installing a new garage door definitely requires a professional or else you may end you with a wrongly fitted door which is another cause of the gap under a garage door.
Foundation issues
Sometimes the gap under your garage door is caused by foundation issues. The concrete slab under your garage can sink or settle, causing the door to be out of level. If you suspect that foundation issues are the cause of the gap under your garage door, it’s important to seek professional help.
Foundation problems can be complex and require specialized knowledge and tools to repair. A foundation contractor will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Improper installation
If your garage door isn’t installed properly, gaps could form under it. Using low-quality hardware or materials can cause this or a lack of experience on the installer’s part. In case of improper installation, it is mostly the fault of the professional who did the incorrect installation. You will have to call the professional back to correct their mistake or if you do not trust them you can call a capable professional to properly install your garage door.
Fixing a gap under your garage door starts with figuring out what’s causing it. As soon as you figure out what’s wrong, you can fix or replace the damaged or worn parts, realign the door, or do whatever else you need to do. For an evaluation and repair, you should call a professional garage door technician if you’re not sure what’s wrong.
Here’s how to adjust a garage door gap
If you have a gap under your garage door, you may be losing precious energy and allowing cold air in. But don’t worry, fixing this is a fairly simple process! Here’s what you need to do:
Clean the area: Before you start, make sure the surface around the gap is clean. This will ensure a strong bond for any materials you use to fill the gap.
Check the weather stripping: If you have weather stripping along the bottom of your door, check to see if it’s damaged. If it is, replace it with a new strip. This will help prevent any air or water from entering your garage.
Add a door sweep: A door sweep is a flexible strip that attaches to the bottom of your door and seals against the floor. Installing one will help cover the gap and prevent air from entering.
Caulk: If there are any small gaps, fill them in with silicone caulk. This is a long-lasting and weather-resistant solution.
Insulate: If you want to take it a step further, fill the gap with expanding foam insulation. This will help keep the cold air out and reduce energy loss.
Adjust the door: If the gap is due to a misaligned or sagging door, adjust the door using bolts or hinges. This will ensure a tight seal against the floor.
Get professional help: If the gap is due to a more serious issue like a damaged door or track, it may be time to call in a pro. If necessary, they can identify the problem and repair it.
In conclusion, fixing the gap under your garage door is an easy and effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your garage and prevent unwanted air and elements from entering. However, if the issue is more serious or you’re not comfortable doing the repair yourself, it’s best to seek professional help. At Veteran Garage Door, our experienced technicians are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and repair any problem with your garage door, including gaps under the door. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Veteran Garage Door Repair
3415 Custer Rd #103
Plano, TX
75023
(972) 432-5695
