Your garage door should not have any gaps — not at the bottom, top, sides, or even between the panels. If you can see light streaming through the spaces around your door or feel a draft, there’s clearly too much space between the door, floor, ceiling, and walls. What do you do when you suspect these gaps are too big? You reseal your garage door and check for other problems.
Sealing the Bottom of Your Garage Door
If you’re going to have issues with gaps around your garage door, it will most likely occur where the door meets the floor. This is often due to the fact that the weather stripping has worn away, but in some cases, it can result from the concrete floor settling. In most instances, all you need to do is replace your door’s weather stripping to get more life out of your garage door system and to protect your garage’s environment.
There are a few different options available for weather sealing a garage door. You can install weather strips or threshold seals. Weather strips are rubber or vinyl seals that slide onto or stick to the bottom panel of your garage door. They keep cold air out of your garage, allowing you to maintain an even temperature inside your garage and preventing your energy bills from skyrocketing.
Threshold seals are a great option for uneven garage floors. This simple strip-style seal is installed on the floor directly beneath your garage door, so there aren’t any gaps between the door and the floor. It can be used along with weather stripping to prevent drafts, dirt, insects, and rain from getting into your garage.
Sealing the Sides of Your Garage Door
Just like the bottom of your garage door, the sides of your door can begin to develop gaps. Whether from wear and tear, structural shifting, or improper installation of the frame, these gaps can spell disaster for your garage. Fortunately, garage door weather stripping works effectively on the sides (and top) of your garage door. Simply ask your local garage door specialist for assistance.
How to Know if the Gaps Are a Result of a Larger Issue
Sometimes, garage door gaps form because of a more serious problem than just worn garage door bottom seals. Your garage door may not be closing properly because of one of these reasons:
- Your garage door opener’s settings need to be adjusted so that the weather stripping reaches the garage floor.
- Your torsion springs have loosened from wear.
- Your lift cables are worn, loose, or broken.
- Your tracks are damaged, or the rollers keep getting stuck.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to hire a professional to repair or replace the broken parts right away. In some instances, such as with a worn or broken spring or cable, delay of action could result in dangerous consequences (like a dropped door).
Turn to M&M Garage Doors for Immediate Assistance
Gaps around your garage door should not be ignored. Worn weather stripping can allow heat to escape through your garage, driving up your energy costs, and invite dirt and pests into your space. And, if the gapping is a result of a more serious problem, your family’s safety and security could be at risk. Whether you need help sealing or repairing your garage door, the experts at M&M Garage Doors are here for you. Contact our team today for garage door repair services in Michigan to keep your door in excellent condition.