Garage door gaps might be familiar, but you want to avoid them if you can. Gaps around your garage door can let in all kinds of critters, pests, and weather. Not to mention, it’s just plain unsightly. Understanding the causes of garage door gaps can help you take steps to avoid them or fix them if they do occur. Or at least it will help you know when to call in a professional from Top Garage Door Spring Repair for help. Here are some of the most common causes of garage door gaps.
Brocken Springs
If your garage door has a gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, the springs may be broken. This is a serious issue that can cause the door to fall and injure someone. Typically, other signs of broken springs include a loud noise when the door is opened or closed or a door that seems to be sagging. Next, you can look for gaps in the door springs. They are supposed to be tight against the door. If you see a gap, it’s likely that the spring is broken and needs to be replaced.
Loose Hardware
Another common cause of garage door gaps is loose hardware. This includes any screws, nuts, or bolts that hold the door in place. Over time, these hardware pieces can become loose and fall out. This can cause the door to sag and create a gap at the bottom. In addition, the brackets that hold the garage door in place can sometimes become loose or break, causing the door to sag and creating gaps. You can try tightening the hardware yourself, but it’s often best to call a professional to do it.
Weather Stripping
Worn-out weather stripping is one of the most common causes of garage door gaps. Over time, the sun and elements can take their toll on the rubber or vinyl stripping that’s supposed to seal your garage door closed. If you notice that your garage door has gaps, check the weather stripping to see if it needs to be replaced. You might also want to check the condition of your garage door’s bottom seal. If it’s cracked or damaged, it might be letting in drafts and causing gaps.
Improper Installation
Another common cause of garage door gaps is improper installation. If your garage door wasn’t installed correctly, there are likely gaps around it. First, check to see if the door itself is level and plumb. If it’s not, that could be why there are gaps. Also, check to see if the door is appropriately aligned with the frame. If it’s not, that could also be causing gaps. It could be a simple fix, like readjusting the door, or it could be a more serious issue that requires professional help.
Sagging
One of the most common causes of garage door gaps is sagging. Over time, the weight of the door can cause it to sag, creating gaps at the top and bottom. Sometimes simply tightening the garage door’s springs can fix the issue. However, if the springs are too worn out or damaged, they’ll need to be replaced. Sagging can also be caused by loose or broken hardware. If you notice that your garage door is sagging, it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
Dents or Bumps
If there was something that hit your garage door, like a car or a baseball, it could have caused dents or bumps. This can cause the door to become misaligned, which can create gaps. If the door is severely damaged, it might need to be replaced. However, if the damage is minor, it can often be fixed with some adjustments.
Warping
Wooden garage doors can warp over time due to changes in temperature and humidity. This can cause the door to become misaligned and create gaps. If your garage door is made of wood, it’s necessary to check it regularly for warping. If the door is significantly warped, it might need to be replaced. However, if the damage is minor, it can often be fixed with some adjustments.
Can You Fix Garage Door Gaps Yourself?
In some cases, you might be able to fix garage door gaps yourself. However, it’s often best to call a professional. This is especially true if the problem is caused by something like broken springs or loose hardware. These are serious issues that can be dangerous to fix yourself. Therefore, it’s always best to call a professional when you’re dealing with garage door repairs.
If you’ve noticed gaps around your garage door, it’s vital to have them fixed as soon as possible. Gaps can let in drafts and pests, and they can also be a sign of significant problems. If you’re not sure what’s causing the gaps, it’s always best to call a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and safely.