Are there gaps between the wall and your garage door? Have you tried several fixes but haven’t been able to get rid of them? You may be tempted to just live with it, but that gap is more than an eyesore. It can result in hot air slipping out of the garage during summer, which increases your electricity bills. This problem is fairly easy and
inexpensive to fix – all you need to do is follow these simple steps and guidance! With this blog post, we’ll teach you how to fix garage door side gap so that your home remains warm and energy efficient year-round. Keep reading for some foolproof tips on making sure your garage stays snug.
Why Does My Garage Door Have Gaps on the Side?
There are several reasons why you might find gaps on the sides of your garage door. The most common cause is that the weatherstripping has come loose or worn out, allowing air to get in and create an opening. Another possibility is a damaged track or misaligned panels, which can make it difficult for the garage door to close properly.
In some cases, the entire door may need to be replaced. No matter what the cause of your garage door’s side gap is, it should be fixed right away to prevent moisture and pests from getting inside your home.
If you want to ensure that your garage door is secure and functioning properly, it’s important to address any gaps you find as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix the gap in your garage door and help keep it securely shut. Read on to learn more about how to fix a garage door-side gap.
The first step is to inspect the weatherstripping around the edges of your door. Look for any gaps or loose strips of material, as these can create openings along the side of your door. If you find any damage to the weatherstripping, it’s best to replace it with a new one.
Next, check the tracks that lead to the garage door’s opening mechanism. Make sure that the tracks are properly aligned and that there is nothing blocking them. If you notice any bends or dents in the track, it’s best to have a professional repair it.
Finally, inspect the door’s panel for misalignment or warping. If you notice any issues, it may be time to replace the door altogether. Make sure to look for any signs of wear and tear before investing in a new one.
By following these simple steps, you can fix the gap in your garage door side and help keep your home secure from pests and moisture. Taking the time to inspect your door regularly will also ensure that it continues to function properly for years to come. Remember, safety always comes first when it comes to your home.
10 Methods How to Fix Garage Door Side Gap
1. Inspect the Tracks
The first thing you should do if you notice a side gap in your garage door is to inspect the tracks. If the tracks are not level, they may cause the door to tilt to one side, which can create a side gap. You can use a level to check whether or not the tracks are level. If they are not, you will need to adjust them so that they are.
If you are having difficulty adjusting the tracks, consult a professional for assistance. Try to avoid making any drastic adjustments, as this may compromise the long-term security and stability of your garage door.
2. Check the Rollers
If the tracks are level but there is still a side gap, the problem may be with the rollers. Over time, rollers can become worn down or damaged, which can cause them to no longer roll smoothly. This can cause the door to tilt to one side and create a side gap. You will need to replace any damaged or worn rollers.
To do this, you will need to remove the rollers from each track and replace them with new ones. Make sure to install the rollers correctly and use the right size for your garage door. This should help to alleviate the problem of the side gap.
3. Adjust the Springs
If the tracks and rollers are in good condition but there is still a side gap, the problem may be with the springs. The springs may be too loose or too tight, which can cause the door to tilt to one side and create a side gap. You will need to adjust the tension of the springs so that they are neither too loose nor too tight.
To adjust the springs, you will need to use a winding bar. Start by loosening the bolts that secure the spring anchor bracket to the wall. Then, insert the winding bar into the hole in the spring and use it to turn the spring counterclockwise to increase tension or clockwise to reduce tension.
4. Replace Worn Out Parts
If you have inspected all of the above parts and none of them seem to be causing the problem, it is likely that some of the parts are simply worn out and need to be replaced. This is especially common with garage doors that have been in use for many years. In this case, you will need to replace any worn-out parts, such as tracks, rollers, springs, etc.
Replacing worn-out parts can be a difficult and dangerous task for someone who is not experienced in this type of work, so it is best to call a professional garage door repair service to handle this job.
5. Check the Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping can become damaged or worn over time, resulting in gaps along the sides of your garage door. If your door has weatherstripping, check it carefully and replace any damaged pieces. You can also try reattaching it by hammering in small nails or by using adhesive.
Additionally, make sure the weatherstripping is properly aligned with your door and that it fits snugly against the sides of the door. If the weather stripping is not properly fitted, it could be causing a gap on one side of the garage door.
6. Inspect the Door Frame and Joints
The door frame and joints can also become damaged or worn over time, which can cause gaps along the sides of the door. To fix this, you’ll need to inspect the frame and joints and repair or replace any damaged parts. If the framing is in good condition, you can fill in any gaps with a flexible caulk or add weather stripping along the edges. Make sure to use appropriate materials for your door, as some materials may not be able to withstand the elements.
7. Check for Loose Nuts and Bolts
It is important to check for any loose nuts and bolts on the door frame and other components. If these are found, tighten them with a wrench or screwdriver. If the nuts and bolts are rusted or worn, it may be beneficial to replace them.
8. Inspect the Alignment of Your Door
If your door is not properly aligned, there may be gaps along the sides. You can use a level to check the alignment of your door. If the door is not level, it can cause the gap to be larger on one side. Make sure that your tracks are also lined up properly, and inspect them for any potential issues. You may need to adjust the hinges or other components to get your door back in alignment if this is the case.
9. Tighten Loose Fasteners
If you find any loose fasteners, such as screws, nuts, or bolts, near the side of your garage door, it’s important to tighten them up. Loose fasteners can cause a gap in the sides of your garage door that allows air and moisture to get through. Use a screwdriver or wrench to securely tighten all fasteners around the perimeter of your garage door. If you don’t know how to identify a loose fastener, consult a professional for assistance.
10. Call a Professional
If you have tried all of the above methods and none of them have worked, it is best to call a professional for help. Garage door professionals have the knowledge and experience necessary to properly diagnose and fix any problems with your garage door.
By following these steps, you can successfully fix a side gap in your garage door and keep it secure and functioning properly. Remember to inspect your door regularly so that any issues can be caught early on before they become major problems. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.
Conclusion
If your garage door is suffering from a side gap, don’t despair! You can fix the problem with a few simple tools and some elbow grease. With these tips, you’ll have your garage door looking good as new in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get to work fixing that side gap! Thanks for reading our blog post on how to fix garage door side gap! We hope you found it helpful and informative. Happy fixing!
