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How Do I Fix My Garage Gap?

Published in Garage Repair 3 mins read

Fixing a gap in your garage door involves several potential solutions, primarily focusing on weatherstripping, floor issues, and door adjustments. Here's a breakdown of how to address the problem:

1. Replace or Upgrade Your Garage Door Weatherstripping

  • Inspect the Existing Weatherstripping: Check for cracks, tears, or general wear and tear on the rubber or vinyl weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door.
  • Replace Damaged Sections: Purchase replacement weatherstripping from a hardware store. Ensure it matches the type currently installed (e.g., T-style, P-style, bulb seal).
  • Installation: Remove the old weatherstripping (usually held in place with nails, screws, or adhesive) and install the new strip, ensuring a snug fit against the door and the floor. Pay particular attention to corners.

2. Check and Upgrade Your Garage Floor

  • Inspect the Floor: Look for cracks, unevenness, or damage to your garage floor. These imperfections can create gaps, even with good weatherstripping.
  • Leveling Compound: If the floor is uneven, consider using a concrete leveling compound to create a smooth surface. This is best for smaller imperfections.
  • Concrete Repair: For larger cracks or damage, you may need to patch or repair the concrete floor professionally.

3. Increase the Depth of the Weather Seal

  • Thicker Seal: If the existing weather seal isn't adequately filling the gap, consider installing a thicker seal. This will require removing the current seal and replacing it with a more substantial one. Be sure it still allows the door to close properly.
  • Adjustable Retainers: Some weather seals use adjustable retainers, allowing you to fine-tune the depth of the seal.

4. Add a Threshold Seal to Your Garage Floor

  • Threshold Seals: These are strips of rubber or vinyl that attach directly to the garage floor, creating a raised barrier that the garage door seals against.
  • Installation: Clean the floor thoroughly and apply adhesive (as recommended by the manufacturer) to secure the threshold seal in place.
  • Benefits: A threshold seal can effectively block drafts, water, and pests, even with minor floor imperfections.

5. Make Adjustments to Your Garage Door Opener

  • Limit Switch Adjustment: Garage door openers have limit switches that control how far the door closes. If the door isn't closing completely, adjust the down limit switch to allow the door to travel further. Consult your garage door opener's manual for specific instructions on limit switch adjustment. Improper adjustment can damage your door or opener.
  • Force Adjustment: Ensure the opener's force setting isn't too sensitive. If the door encounters slight resistance (like a slightly uneven floor), the opener might reverse the door before it fully closes. Adjust this carefully, as too much force can be a safety hazard.

By systematically addressing these areas, you can effectively eliminate or significantly reduce the gap under your garage door.