DIY Fix the Gap at the Bottom of Your Garage Door in 3 Quick Steps

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

You like this look? This is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat XL garage door. It measures 9' x 8' and is in Black color with Clear windows.

Stop Debris and Other Elements from Getting into the Garage

Have you noticed a gap between the garage floor and the bottom of the door? Even a small gap can allow water, leaves, rodents, and more to get into your garage. Pests can cause quite a bit of damage in a short amount of time, and if they feel safe, they will breed in your garage.

Additionally, a gap will allow rain, snow, sand, and wind to get into the garage. If it's cold in the garage and it's attached to your house, or you spend time in the garage, it could end up increasing your energy bill.

Fear not! We have some solutions that will work for you. Check out the tips below to eliminate that gap.

1- Consider New Weatherstripping for the Garage Door

The Bottom Weatherstrip

A garage door weatherstrip is what goes around the garage door's perimeter to keep out the debris and the cold air. They are generally made from strips of PVC or rubber, as they can do a good job of keeping out the cold. The type of seal you get will often depend on the garage door model you have.

Using u-shaped bottom weatherstripping is a great option. It is flexible and adaptable, which means it should work with all floors without much issue. They are made from nonrigid materials, such as PVC and rubber. It's also easy to install them. They are even capable of standing up to extremely cold temperatures—down to -62℉ (-52℃).

Look at what a U-shaped bottom weatherstripping is.

The U-shaped bottom weatherstripping is a great solution.

When Does Weatherstripping Need to Be Changed?

Although quality weatherstripping that is installed correctly has the potential to last for a long time, it can start to wear down. If you notice that there are cracks or breaks in the weatherstripping, it should be replaced. Doing a seal inspection to see if there are any areas where the water, rain, or cold can get in is a good idea. It should be done at least once or twice a year. Make sure you do this in the autumn before the cold weather hits.

Regular maintenance is also important. Simple maintenance routines for cleaning the door and the weather seals, as well as the functionality of the door, will help to ensure the door continues to work great. It will also ensure that your door is safe.

Pro Corner > Using a lubricant will help with the garage door maintenance

Something to keep in mind is that you should use a silicone-based lubricant to use with the weatherstripping. This is better for it. A petroleum-based lubricant can cause the material to harden, which will reduce the functionality and could cause it to crack and break. That's the last thing you need when you are doing maintenance!

Lubricating the garage door at least 2 times a year is a good idea.

In the spring, it's a good time to get an inspection. This can let you know if there are any issues with the door that might need to be replaced. It can help to prevent a malfunction from occurring later.

In the fall, you can do a little work and lubricate the door to get it ready for the cold and wet weather. It will help to reduce corrosion and damage to the weatherstripping.

Take the time to find the weatherstripping that's right for your garage door. It's important to choose quality materials, so you need to buy from the right place. The best option is to speak with a professional, so you can be sure you are choosing right.

Changing the Weatherstripping on the Bottom of the Door

You can change out the old weatherstripping on your door on your own if you would like. Just make sure you have all of the parts that you can and then follow the steps on this website.

Although DIY is possible, it's often easier to get help from a professional. They can ensure it's installed properly, so it is reliable and efficient. They know and understand garage doors and have the experience that's needed.

2- The Floor Condition

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

This image shows how the bottom weatherstripping helps create an efficient door threshold. The inward and outward slope helps to ensure the water drains.

Outside

The outside slope is important for your driveway, as it will help the water to flow away from the door so it doesn't get inside.

Inside

The floor in your garage needs to be in good shape. It shouldn't have any cracks in it, and it should be flat. When you use a u-shaped weatherstrip on the bottom of the door, it can help to adjust for unevenness in the floor.

Additionally, there are garage door seal strips available that can help to take care of these gaps from uneven floors. These are made from flexible rubber, and they are easy to install.

You can also add garage door floor finishes, which can help to keep the floor in shape. Check out the options below:

Epoxy: Epoxy offers a range of colors and designs that you can choose. They can help to not only beautify your space but to improve the durability of the floor.

Paint: Another option is concrete paint. There is a range of colors. Find one that's not slippery and that will be easy to keep clean.

Tiles: Tiles are easy to install, as well. They are made from wood, rubber, or plastic, and they work great on a garage floor. This can work well if you don't want to make repairs to the floor.

Mats: Using mats is another great option that's fast and easy to use. Many types of mats can work well in the garage.

Concrete Cracks

Different types of cracks could start to appear in the concrete of the garage floor. It's easy to get the different types confused. Make sure you read this blog to learn more about different types of cracks and how to handle them.

Cold joints

Sometimes, when multiple batches of concrete are mixed and used when putting down the floor, there can be problems with the blending. Problems can arise when one begins to harden when the new one is added.

Foundation cracks during settling or construction

When a garage is being built, cracks could appear. They might also appear when the building settles after a few years. These are normal and are not too worrisome.

Hairline cracks

Another term for this is crazing cracks. They tend to be small and are hard to notice. They will sometimes happen when the surface of the preparation is inadequate, subgrade compaction, post-tension slab, or wire mesh.

Image of Concrete with cracks

Would this crack be something you should worry about? Image from Pixabay.

#1: It's possible to control where concrete will crack. This can be done by cutting linear control joints so the cracks go in different directions.

#2: Always take the time to look at the floor when you are cleaning to see if there are any cracks. Determine whether they are severe or not and make repairs if needed.

3- The Garage Door Opener

Once you have your new weatherstripping in place, you will then need to make sure your electric garage door opener is adjusted. You want the weatherstrip to ensure there is no gap, but you don't want it to be crushed on the threshold.

You can do this on your own when you review the garage door opener manual settings. Once the adjustments are made, you will then need to test the Protector System and the Safety Reversal System. For the safety of you and your family, they need to be working properly.

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

What do you think of this look? Here is a Cambridge CM garage door. It's 9' x 7' in Ice White door and overlays with 4 lite Panoramic windows.

Get in Touch with the Pros

Get in touch with the professionals who know and understand garage doors. They have the know-how to help with all manner of garage door issues, including the weatherstripping.

At Mclaughlin Roof Trusses Ltd., you can get a door that will last for a long time without worry.

We provide many garage door services. Call us at 506-375-4105 and we can provide you with a free quote by email. We look forward to helping you.

Create Your Door

First, you want to check out the options. Find a garage door style that will work well with the aesthetics of your home. You can then use the Design Centre to see how it looks. Check out the image gallery for some more ideas.

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