Gaps in your door can let unwanted things into your garage, from noise to pests and debris. Cracks can form in the seals at the top, bottom and sides of your garage door, and they might not always be visible.
Fortunately, you can take some steps to seal garage door gaps on your own — and you can always turn to the professionals at Cornwell Door Service for assistance. Our family-owned company offers comprehensive garage door services to homeowners and businesses in Camp Hill, Lebanon, Harrisburg and throughout south central Pennsylvania.
What Causes Garage Door Gaps?
Garage door gaps can occur for various reasons, including wear, improper installation and weather changes. Gaps create a security risk by making your door less efficient in preventing break-ins. Openings also expose your garage, vehicles and belongings to heat, dust, debris and moisture. Sealing garage gaps enhances protection and can decrease your energy bills by improving insulation.
If you see any gaps or suspect your previous garage door company didn’t install your door properly, our experienced technicians will gladly come and inspect. We offer professional recommendations and services to ensure your door is secure and in top condition.
Finding Gaps in Your Garage Door
Identifying garage door gaps is the first step in adjusting them. Significant gaps are more visible, especially at the bottom of your garage door. Small cracks and those at the top and sides of your door can be more challenging to spot. Your garage door may have a hidden gap if you notice:
Pests in the garage: Pests like mice and insects will often enter your garage through cracks in the door. Once they make a home inside, they can damage any belongings you have in storage. If you have an attached garage, pests may even find an entry point to the rest of your home.
Wind and water inflow: Gaps in your garage door can let the elements inside. Moisture from rain and snow may reach your storage area and damage the structure of your garage over time. Wind in your garage can decrease the temperature and increase your utility bills, especially during winter.
Increased noise from outside: Sounds from the street can also leak in through gaps in your garage door. You might not notice or mind if you only use your garage for parking or storage, but excess sound can be distracting if your garage functions as a workspace.
How to Fix Garage Door Side Gaps
If you’ve noticed a gap in your garage door on the side, it may stem from an issue with the stops. You can find these rubber trimmings along the length of your garage door, and you may need to replace them occasionally. As a short-term fix, you could fill in any small cracks in the garage door stops with caulk.
Bent or misaligned tracks also lead to gaps in the side of garage doors. If the tracks aren’t parallel, it’s best to find a garage door technician to realign them safely and adjust the garage door gap.
How to Fix Gaps Under Your Garage Door
If you notice gaps at the bottom of your garage door, worn weatherstripping is a likely cause. Garage door weatherstripping often wears down on its own over time. It’s also a frequent target for mice and other pests to chew.
You can call a professional to install new weatherstripping or visit your local hardware store to find a kit to install garage door weatherstripping yourself. If you opt to install your own weatherstripping, it’s a good idea to measure the bottom of your garage door at least twice to ensure the product will fit. Then, cut the weatherstripping to the length of your garage door and install it per the instructions in the kit.
A bottom gap may also indicate that your garage frame has settled. Another possibility is that the bottom door panel is sagging, indicating it might be time to replace the panel or the entire door.
How to Seal Gaps at the Top of a Garage Door
Like gaps on the sides of your garage door, gaps at the top could be the result of an issue with the stops. Track misalignment can also cause the door to reach the ground before the top of the door straightens out completely, resulting in a gap. It’s best to turn to an expert technician in this case.
Like gaps on the sides, garage door gaps at the top could be caused by an issue with the stops. Track misalignment can also cause the door to reach the ground before the top of the door straightens out completely, resulting in a gap. In this case, it’s best to turn to an expert technician.
Maintenance Tips for Garage Doors
The best tip for keeping your door in good condition and prolonging its life span is to invest in preventive garage door maintenance services. Regular inspections and seasonal maintenance can save costs over time by reducing the likelihood of major issues.
Here are some additional tips that either you or our technicians can do to increase the longevity of your door:
Clean and paint the door to protect it from the elements.
Clear tracks and tighten hardware for smooth operation.
Lubricate all moving parts to reduce rust and corrosion.
Replace weatherstripping to seal gaps and protect your garage interior.
Schedule inspections to prevent costly repairs.
Your garage door is vital to your home’s security, and preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure your family and belongings are safely protected.
Contact Us for Your Garage Door Needs
If you’re not sure what’s causing the gap in your garage door, the experts at Cornwell Door Service are here for you. We’ll work to diagnose the issue and provide a long-term solution. Businesses and homeowners throughout Camp Hill, Harrisburg, Lebanon and other parts of Central Pennsylvania turn to Cornwell Door for everything from garage door installation to maintenance and repairs.
If you live in Central Pennsylvania and need help fixing your garage door, we can help! We make it easy to request an estimate or schedule a service for your garage door online. You can also call us at 717-273-9841 to schedule a service or to learn more!
