How to Fix Gaps Around Your Garage Door (and Why Your Wallet Will Thank You)
Let’s be real—garage doors are like that one friend who thinks they’re low-maintenance but secretly needs constant attention. Ever felt a draft sneaking under your garage door in winter? Or spotted sunlight peeking through the sides like an overeager neighbor? Gaps around your garage door aren’t just annoying; they’re basically throwing money out the window (or, well, the garage). At Ranger Garage Doors here in St Louis, we’ve seen it all—from DIY fixes gone hilariously wrong to legacy garage door openers that belong in a museum. Let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle this together.
Step 1: Find the Gaps (No Detective Hat Required)
First things first: where are those sneaky gaps hiding? Grab a flashlight, close the door, and inspect the perimeter. Look for:
- Light leaks: Sunlight = free gap detector.
- Drafts: Hold your hand near the edges—if you feel air, you’ve got a problem.
- Critter highways: If ants or mice are RSVPing to your garage party, gaps are the open invite.
Pro tip: Check the bottom seal. If it’s cracked, flattened, or missing chunks, it’s time for a garage door repair—or maybe even a garage door replacement if the damage is widespread.
Step 2: DIY Fixes for the Weekend Warrior
Got minor gaps? Let’s hack this.
Weatherstripping: Your New Best Friend
Weatherstripping is like duct tape for garage doors—cheap, easy, and shockingly effective.
- Vinyl or rubber seals: Stick these along the sides and top of the door.
- Bottom seal replacement: Slide out the old one (it’s usually held in by screws or a channel) and pop in a new one.
FYI: If your garage door looks like it’s been through a tornado, replacing the entire seal might cost less than you think. Ranger Garage Doors offers free estimates—just saying.
Threshold Seals: For the Overachievers
If your floor is uneven (thanks, St Louis weather), a threshold seal fills the gap under the door. It’s basically a speed bump for drafts.
Adjust the Door Stops
If the door isn’t closing flush, loosen the stops (those metal strips on the sides) and nudge them closer to the door.
But wait: If you’re staring at a legacy garage door opener that groans like a teenager asked to do chores, maybe skip the DIY. Garage door springs and cables are not the place to test your handyman skills. Trust us—we’ve seen the aftermath.
Step 3: When to Call the Pros (aka Ranger Garage Doors)
Look, we love a good DIY project. But some jobs scream “call a garage door technician”—like when:
- The gaps are caused by bent tracks or a warped door.
- You need garage door spring replacement (those things are under enough tension to launch a rocket).
- Your garage door cable replacement involves more knots than a boy scout manual.
Fun fact: Replacing a garage door entirely can actually save you money long-term. Modern doors seal better, insulate better, and hey—they won’t embarrass you in front of the neighbors. Ranger Garage Doors offers garage door installations that balance price and performance, so you’re not stuck choosing between “cheap” and “not collapsing.”
“But How Much Will This Cost?” (We Hear You)
Let’s cut to the chase:
- Weatherstripping: $20–$50 (DIY).
- Threshold seal: $30–$100.
- Professional garage door repair: Starts around $150, depending on the issue.
- Garage doors replacement: $1,000–$4,000 (but hey, energy savings + curb appeal = worth it).
Hot take: Skipping repairs to save a few bucks now could mean a four-figure garage door replacement later. IMO, fix the gaps before your garage becomes St Louis’s newest wind tunnel.
The Big Question: Repair or Replace?
Here’s our brutally honest take:
- Repair if: The door is <10 years old, gaps are small, and you’re not battling daily breakdowns.
- Replace if: Your door predates smartphones, needs constant repairs, or looks like it lost a fight with a snowplow.
Need a second opinion? Ranger Garage Doors offers free, no-pressure assessments. We’ll tell you straight-up whether to fix it or kick it to the curb.
FAQs (Because We Know You’re Curious)
Q: Can I use foam or caulk to seal gaps?
A: Caulk works for tiny stationary gaps, but avoid foam—it can interfere with the door’s movement. For bigger issues, call a garage door company.
Q: Why is my new seal not stopping drafts?
A: The door might be misaligned. Adjust the tracks or let a garage door technician handle it.
Q: How often should I replace weatherstripping?
A: Every 5–10 years, depending on wear. If yours is crumbling like a stale cookie, it’s time.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Garage Door Be the Weak Link
Fixing gaps isn’t just about comfort—it’s about keeping energy bills in check and avoiding “hey, what’s that noise?” at 2 a.m. Whether you’re tweaking weatherstripping or replacing a garage door, Ranger Garage Doors has your back. We’re local, we’re obsessed with details, and we’ve got the expertise to make your garage door behave.
So, what’s next? Grab a flashlight and start inspecting. And if you hit a snag, give us a shout. After all, life’s too short to fight with a garage door that thinks it’s a sieve. 😉
Need a hand? Ranger Garage Doors serves St Louis and nearby areas. Call us for garage door repairs, installations, or just to chat about why garage door springs are secretly the scariest part of homeownership. We’re here to help—gaps, quirks, and all.
