Gaps in garage doors cause a great deal of mechanical and structural issues. In this blog entry, the Chicago garage door repair experts here at Garage Door Repair Chicago will describe the causes of garage door gap issues, and the best possible way to close gaps in your garage door.
What are garage door gaps?
Garage door gaps are unwanted or extraneous spaces along the top, bottom, or sides of your garage door. They can allow moisture, rain, pests, and wind to enter through them, and subsequently damage your garage, residential, or commercial property – even seriously. If you regularly work from your garage, garage door gaps can change your insulation and increase your energy bills.
Analyzing Garage Door Gaps
Sometimes garage door gaps are clear to the naked eye. Some other times, you might need to look for garage door gaps yourself. In order to do this, turn off all the lights inside your garage, and stand inside it. Look for any cracks of sunlight. You can also place your hand along the edges of your garage door to see if you feel any wind drafts.
Checking Garage Door Stops for Gaps
Stops are the rubber pieces that run along the entire length of your garage door. If your garage door gap is running along the upper, side, or lower edges of your garage, your garage door stops might be the issue. It’s possible you will need to adjust or replace your garage door stops, or fill in gaps using caulk.
Checking Garage Door Tracks for Gaps
If your garage door tracks are misaligned, bent, or horizontal, your garage door might begin to sag which can cause gaps along the garage door edges. Contact a professional Chicago garage door repair expert to realign your garage door tracks.
Garage Limit Switch Adjustment
If your gaps are under the weatherstripping of your garage door, try adjusting the limit switches on the garage door opener. Consult your garage door opener manual, and adjust the downwards travel limit switch so that your garage door flushly closes in comparison to the floor.
Replacing Garage Door Weatherstripping Seals
If your garage door has gaps alongside it’s lower half, the issue might be from worn down or chewed weatherstripping. Purchase a weatherstripping restoration kit at a hardware store, measure the trimming a few times to make sure it matches the entire length of your garage door, cut it, and then install it according to the instruction manual!
