3 Tips to Get Rid of the Dreaded Garage Door Gap

This garage door is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat XL, 9' x 8', Black, Clear windows.

Does this look like your dream home? This garage door is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat XL 9' x 8' in black with clear windows.

Don’t Let the Outside into Your Garage

If there’s a gap between your garage door and the ground or floor beneath it, you’ve probably realized that this is the perfect opening for mice, insects, or other critters to get inside. Those pests can be a huge problem for your belongings stored in the garage.

Another problem is the weather. Rain or snow, or even extreme cold can cause other problems for your home. Letting the outside into your garage can raise your electricity bill or cause problems to your flooring if moisture gets in.

But don’t worry! If you have that dreaded gap in the floor, we have 3 tips for you to help keep that garage door firmly closed all year long.

Check On the Weatherstripping

How long has it been since you’ve given the bottom weatherstripping a once-over? Not sure what bottom weatherstripping is?

Garage doors have a strip of rubber or PVC at the bottom of the door, placed there to help block any gaps between the door and the ground. The seal type and material will be chosen based on other factors of the garage door. This feature can make the biggest difference in the insulation and durability of your garage door.

One of the best options for most garage doors is a u-shaped bottom weatherstripping. This is a flexible, adaptable type of weatherstripping that is also very easy to install. Again made of PVC or rubber, these u-shaped strips can withstand temperatures as low as -62 degrees F (negative 52 degrees C), as well as strong winds and heavy snow.

Look at what a U-shaped bottom weatherstripping is.

This u-shaped weatherstripping is one of the best options for many garage doors.

When Should You Check the Weatherstripping?

That’s a great question! It’s highly recommended that you perform a seal inspection regularly, especially right before autumn. You’ll want to notice if the weatherstrip has broken apart, cracked, or dried out at all. Make sure the material is still flexible, and check for any air coming through the bottom seal. If you see any problems, it’s time to replace this strip.

Replacing the weatherstripping isn’t the only option. Regular maintenance can help keep the strip perfect so you can avoid the expense of replacing it. Our best tip for maintenance is to add lubricant to the garage door weatherstripping. The best lubricant to use for PVC weatherstripping is a silicone-based version.

Do not use petroleum-based lubricant for PVC. It will cause the material to get hard which can reduce the durability. Use lubricant on the weatherstripping twice a year.

Do this once in the spring. This is a great time to inspect for any damage from the winter and check for any defective parts. Look for substandard materials that need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Do this once a second time in the autumn. This helps prevent any issues from occurring during the harsh winter weather. Corrosion from snow, wind, and cold can be prevented with good maintenance.

The best weatherstripping for your door depends on several factors. You will want to make sure that you get quality materials from a reputable professional who can walk you through the process of what is best to choose.

Changing the Bottom Weatherstripping

You can change the weatherstripping yourself if you think it’s time for a full replacement. There are some tools and parts you’ll need to do the job correctly. This website has some simple steps to follow for a successful replacement, give it a try!

However, if you feel that you might forget a step, it’s a great idea to talk to a garage door specialist. This will ensure that your garage door weatherstripping is effective and reliable. A good specialist will have years of experience of installing every part of a garage door.

What Is the Condition of the Floor?

Understand how your garage door threshold is placed according to your floor.

In this photo, you can see that an efficient garage door threshold involves both an outward slope and an inward slope for draining water.

Outside

The second tip we have is to check the condition of the floor. You need to have an outward slope that channels water down and away from the garage door if possible. The water should go down the driveway towards the road, so that it doesn’t seep into the structure.

Inside

The floor where the threshold meets the ground has to be flat without any imperfections. Cracks will allow moisture to get inside. The u-shaped weatherstripping is perfect for floors that may have cracks, because it can adjust to the unevenness of the surface.

You can also buy garage door seal strips to compensate for any unevenness. These are flexible rubber strips that you can install very easily. Just cut the strip to the right length and glue it down. It will fill in the crack or gap between the door and the floor.

Another important factor is the material of the floor. Concrete floors are the most common and provide many options for finishes based on what you need. This material is very durable and resistant to moisture damage, so it’s a great choice. Here are some of the finish options:

Epoxy: This is an attractive finish that makes the floor more durable. You can even choose from a variety of designs or different colors so that your space is totally unique.

Paint: Painting a concrete floor is another good option. It can cover up stains and add a touch of creativity. Be sure to choose a paint that doesn’t create a slippery surface or one that is hard to clean.

Tiles: If you don’t love the look of the concrete, try plastic, rubber, or wooden tiles. These can help create a new look without having to repair or maintain a concrete floor.

Mats: Finally, the simplest way to protect and cover a concrete floor is laying down a roll-out mat. You can choose from many materials based on how you use your garage.

Cracks in the Concrete?

If there are cracks in the concrete floor of your garage, it’s easy to panic. But don’t worry – there is information out there about the different types of cracks and what causes them. It may not be as bad as you think!

Cold joints: One reason you may see cracks is because the concrete wasn’t mixed well during the flooring process. This is called “cold joints”, and it happens when one area of the floor hardens faster than the rest of the floor is laid down.

Foundation settling: Another reason that concrete floors crack is because the structural foundation below has started to settle. This is a problem with the construction, not the concrete, and can be normal.

Hairline cracks: If you have very tiny cracks that you barely notice, they are probably hairline cracks or crazing cracks. These happen because the preparation process was not done properly.

Image of Concrete with cracks

This crack is a common sight in concrete. Image from Pixabay.

If you notice cracks in the concrete floor, know that you can do something about it. First, you can actually prevent cracks from spreading across the floor by cutting what are known as control joints. This stops the crack in its path. Second, keep an eye on cracks so that you can address any structural problems before they get out of hand.

Don’t Forget the Garage Door Opener

Yes, the garage door opener can help you with the gap in the door. The weatherstrip under your garage door should be sealed tightly, but not so tightly that it crushes the weatherstripping material. That correct balance could be due to your electric garage door opener.

To find out if your opener has all the right settings, or to adjust the settings, open up your garage door opener manual. The two systems you’ll need to test are the Protector System and the Safety Reversal System. These two systems make sure that your garage door works properly.

The ideal fit for your garage door is accomplished if you can slip your fingers between the threshold and the weatherstripping.

This garage door is a Cambridge CM, 9' x 7', Ice White door and overlays, 4 lite Panoramic windows.

Do you love the look of this home? The garage door is a Cambridge CM ice white door, 9’ by 7’, with four lite panoramic windows.

Get in Touch with a Professional

If you need help getting rid of the gap in your garage door, contact one of our garage door specialists. They are fully certified to install and repair all kinds of garage doors. Any issues you have with weatherstripping can be completely remedied, and we can even give you some tips for DIY projects.

At Allison’s Manufacturing Ltd., you will have complete confidence in your garage door for years to come, in any climate.

Custom Create Your Own Garage Door

You can create your own garage door style to match your home’s exterior. Check out our Design Centre and browse the image gallery to get inspiration!

We offer many garage door services including maintenance and replacement. Contact us today or get a free quote to your inbox.

Our phone numbers:

Miramichi: 506-622-3146

Bathurst: 506-546-6988

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