Your garage door is often the first line of defence against the elements. However, gaps along the sides, top, or bottom of your garage door can spell trouble. Rain, wind, and unwelcome critters can sneak in, wreaking havoc on your home. If your garage doubles as a workspace, these gaps can also sabotage your insulation efforts, leading to skyrocketing energy bills. Here’s an overview of problem areas to look for and how to fix them.
Problem Areas
While some gaps are easily visible, others may require some detective work. First, try turning off the lights in your garage and looking for slivers of sunlight creeping through. You can also try running your hand along the edges of the door to detect drafts.
Here are a few problem areas to consider when troubleshooting a drafty garage door:
- Crooked frame. Over time, your garage door frame may shift or settle, leading to gaps around the door. Inspect the frame’s alignment and look for any visible shifts or irregularities. If you notice any signs of settling, it’s important to consult a professional to make the necessary adjustments.
- Sagging bottom panel. If you see a gap along the bottom of your garage door, one of the panels may be sagging. Replacing the problem panel could fix the issue. However, if you notice two or more damaged panels, investing in an entirely new door may be the more cost-effective option.
Read more in our blog Garage Panel Replacement: 5 Factors Every Homeowner Should Know. - Improperly programmed limit switch. Misaligned limit switches can leave gaps at the bottom of your garage door. Consult your garage door’s opener manual to locate and adjust the limit switch. Fine-tuning the downward travel limit ensures the door closes flush to the garage floor, eliminating gaps.
- Uneven stops. If the rubber trimmings, known as stops, lining your garage door are damaged or improperly adjusted, there may be gaps. It's important to regularly inspect these for signs of wear and tear and replace them when necessary.
- Worn weatherstrip. Gaps at the bottom of your garage door often indicate worn or damaged weatherstrip. If you’re a DIYer, you can install new weatherstrip by getting a kit from your local hardware store. Call a professional if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
- Bent or misaligned tracks. Misaligned tracks can cause your garage door to hit the ground before straightening out, creating side gaps. If the tracks aren’t parallel, call a professional to realign them.
- Uneven floor. The condition of your garage floor directly impacts the effectiveness of your garage door seal. Regularly inspect the flooring for unevenness or damage, especially around the threshold. Promptly repair any issues to maintain a proper seal and prevent gaps.
Once you’ve addressed any gaps around your garage door, check out these other tips on how to make your door less drafty to improve your home’s energy efficiency. The experts at Creative Door Services™ have your back!
Don’t Forget About Your Garage Door
When it comes to your garage door, you don’t want to delay maintenance until it malfunctions. Neglecting this vital entry point into your home can, over time, lead to a cascade of issues. In addition to security concerns, wear and tear can lead to gaps and drafts, compromising your garage door’s efficiency and potentially increasing your energy bills. However, with consistent maintenance, these issues can be detected and resolved.
At Creative Door Services™, our planned maintenance program is designed to provide you peace of mind and safeguard your investment. When you sign up for this program, you’ll receive regular visits scheduled at your convenience, so that one of our expert technicians can conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door system. They will identify and address minor issues and alert you to potential problems before they escalate into a major repair situation.
Our planned maintenance program isn’t just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about preserving the longevity and performance of your garage door and empowering you to take proactive steps toward a safer, more energy-efficient home.
Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance
At Creative Door Services™, our selection of garage doors includes models with excellent insulation properties, helping you minimize heat loss in the winter and keep your garage comfortably cool in the summer. High-quality materials and advanced insulation technology mean you can rest assured your garage door will contribute to an energy-efficient home. We also carry garage door openers and access control solutions to keep your home safe.
Ready to enhance the visual appeal and energy efficiency of your property? Contact us today to learn more about our products and services or to get a free quote. For your convenience, we have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.