Fixing a gap at the bottom of a garage door can be a challenge for homeowners. You might need garage door repair experts to visit your home and add weatherstripping or make adjustments. Learn more about how to deal with an uneven floor or perform a bottom seal replacement.
Why a Gap at the Bottom of the Garage Door Is Worrisome
When the weatherstripping at the bottom of the closed garage door doesn’t quite touch the ground, you might notice unwanted air and precipitation getting in. Most units feature vinyl or rubber weatherstripping along the bottom to create the desired seal. This material may degrade over a period of months or years, necessitating replacement.
When the material wears out or isn’t installed correctly, you may notice gaps at the bottom, leading to such issues as:
- Moisture damage
- Cold air blasts
- Leaves and dust blowing inside
- Reduced security
- Pest and insect infestation
By correctly sealing garage door gaps, you can make better use of the space for workouts, a media room, or a workshop. You won’t have to worry about snow or rain seeping through the open space. Properly installed weatherstripping reduces cold, drafty air, making the space more comfortable to use.
Determining Whether You Have a Problematic Gap
Simply seeing an open gap doesn’t mean you have to take steps to fix it. If the ground doesn’t quite fit tight against the weatherstripping, it might not be a major concern.
Stand inside a darkened garage during the day and look at the bottom of the closed door. If you can see a sliver of light, there’s a gap. If it’s barely noticeable, you probably don’t have to worry about it. If you can slide your fingers through the gap while barely touching the weatherstripping material, though, it’s easily large enough to allow moisture or rodents to sneak through it.
If the visible light is not consistent across the width of the garage, the door’s alignment could be off. You’ll need to request help from a repair professional to fix this issue. It’s also possible that the weatherstripping is loose or torn, meaning you might be able to adjust it and eliminate the unwanted hole.
DIY Fixing a Garage Door Seal Gap
Learning how to fix a gap at the bottom of a garage door yourself is possible for some confident do-it-yourselfers. However, a DIY fix might not give you the permanent solution you’re looking for, meaning you’ll eventually have to call a professional for help anyway.
Worn Weatherstripping on the Bottom
Weatherstripping that has sustained damage or wear is the most common reason for a gap. However, replacing this material yourself can be a challenge, as you have to select the correct length and configuration for the connector edge. A professional will guarantee a perfect fit.
Bent Rollers or Loose Hardware
Inspect the rollers and other hardware across the entire garage door and support rails. If you notice any loose or missing screws or bolts, tighten or replace them. This may fix the misalignment and remove the gap along the ground.
Rollers that are worn or bent may also cause this kind of problem. You’ll need a professional to replace the rollers.
When To Call the Professionals To Repair a Door Gap
Rather than learning how to fix a gap at the bottom of a garage door themselves, homeowners have the option of calling repair professionals. If you want a permanent solution, garage door technicians will fix it correctly the first time.
The professionals will inspect the door, the support structure, and the concrete to find the issue. Some of the problems they might try to solve include the following.
Adjusting the Flooring
When the concrete along the bottom is out of alignment, you might notice a gap. Given how often you drive over this area, it’s normal for the concrete to sink or crack over the years, especially if water gets into the seams.
A professional might add a layer of concrete over the top to raise its level and properly match the weatherstripping. If the concrete has severe cracks, it might need to be dug out and replaced by an appropriate contractor.
Adding concrete yourself can be tricky, as the drainage slope from the edge of the door toward the driveway has to be precise to prevent rain from backing into your garage.
Adjusting the Opener’s Settings
Some automatic garage door openers might stop the door a little too early if they fail to detect the ground properly, leaving an unwanted gap.
A professional can test the automatic opener and adjust the settings to allow the door to properly close. Sometimes, performing annual maintenance on the automatic opener is enough to fix this issue and keep it from coming back.
Missing or Broken Weatherstripping
If you have broken or missing weatherstripping, a replacement is necessary. A professional may suggest a wider option that covers the gap better than your old weatherstripping.
Modern weatherstripping designs have a U shape that is more effective at covering gaps. A professional repair company can determine whether your garage door is made to accommodate this new kind of weatherstripping.
Let Action Overhead Door Repair Your Garage Door Seal for Year-Round Performance
At Action Overhead Door, we know how to fix a gap at the bottom of a garage door, along with any other problem you might encounter with your system. You’ll no longer have to worry about a threshold seal failing to keep drafty air out of your garage. During your appointment, we can deliver a garage door tune-up, too, ensuring your automatic opener is operating at maximum efficiency.
We offer appointments during normal business hours and emergency repair work 24 hours a day to ensure your garage is operational, safe, and secure. To learn more or to request a service appointment for a garage door seal replacement or door alignment work, call us today at (502) 955-7725.
