Your garage door is vital to your home’s security and appearance. However, over time it will start to show signs of age. One common problem affecting garage doors is gaps on the door’s top, side, and bottom. These gaps can be unsightly and let in drafts, pests, and dirt. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix these gaps and improve your garage door’s look and function. In this article, Metro Garage Door Repair LLC will explain how to fix gaps in your garage door to keep your home looking its best.
Gaps In Garage Doors: How To Check For Them
Before fixing the gaps in your garage door, you need to know where they are. The best way to find gaps is to inspect your door visually. Start by looking at the top of the door to see if there are any places where light is coming through. If you see any light, that means there’s a gap. Consider turning on the garage lights and viewing your garage door from the outside if you cannot easily spot any gaps. Light shining through is a sign that there are gaps.
Next, pass your hands along the door’s edges to feel for any place where there might be a draft. If you can feel air coming through, that means there’s a gap that needs to be filled.
Follow up with an inspection of the garage door stops. These are the rubber or plastic pieces that line the inside of the door frame. Garage door stops can allow gaps to form if they are not in good condition. Check if the stops are cracked, missing, or otherwise damaged.
Inspecting your garage door tracks is also an excellent way to check for gaps. If the tracks are misaligned, that can cause the door to lift unevenly and create gaps. So, make sure the tracks are level and aligned correctly.
Once you’ve identified the gaps, you can start fixing them.
How To Fix Gaps In Your Garage Door
Here are some ways that you can fix the gaps in your garage door:
Use Weather-Stripping
If you have a metal garage door, you can use weather-stripping to fill the gaps. Weather-stripping is long, narrow strips of rubber or plastic that you can apply at the bottom of a door panel. Weather-stripping will create a seal that will help to fill the gaps. Two types of weather-stripping can be used for this purpose:
1. Bulb seal weather-stripping: this type of stripping looks like a garden hose that has a T-shaped spine running along its length.
2. U-shaped weather-stripping: U-shaped weather-stripping fits into two channels on the bottom of the door.
Make Up For The Settling
When the garage door frame settles, it can cause gaps to form at the bottom of the door. You can make up for this by trimming the bottom of a wooden door. This will make the door fit more snugly in the frame and close the gaps. A circular saw or jigsaw can do the trick. Just be careful not to cut off too much, or the door won’t be able to close correctly. A compass can help you make straight cuts. And don’t forget to sand and refinish the door afterward.
Increase The Concrete Level On The Floor
During the pouring process of a concrete floor, the level can drop slightly, leaving a small lip. This can create a gap at the bottom of the door. You can solve this problem by adding more concrete to the floor until it is level with the door seal.
Adjust Your Garage Door Opener’s Settings
Sometimes the culprit of gaps is the garage door opener. If your opener is not set properly, it can cause the door to open unevenly and create gaps. To adjust the opener, consult the user manual. It will have specific instructions on how to make the necessary adjustments. For instance, this could mean resetting the limit switches.
Consult Garage Door Professionals
Fixing gaps in your garage door is a technical task. You can always consult garage door professionals if you don’t feel confident about doing it yourself. These professionals will assess your door and recommend the best solution to fill the gaps in your garage door.
If your garage door has gaps on the top, side, or bottom, it’s essential to fix them. otherwise, drafts and moisture can get in and cause damage. There are a few ways to fix gaps in your garage door, depending on the size and location of the gap. You can use weather-stripping, make-up for settling, and adjust your garage door opener’s settings. In addition, you can consult garage door professionals for help.