A visible gap under your garage door might not seem like a big deal at first. After all, it’s just the garage, right? But that small opening can quickly lead to bigger problems, such as cold drafts creeping into your home, pests finding an easy entry point, rainwater seeping in during storms, and even higher energy bills as conditioned air escapes.
If you’ve noticed daylight peeking through under your garage door, you’re probably wondering: Do I just need a new weather seal, or is there a bigger repair issue at play? The answer depends on what’s actually causing the gap. Today, we’ll walk you through the main reasons for garage door gaps and when it’s time to call in a professional for a more involved repair.
Common Reasons Gaps Form Under Garage Doors
Garage doors are large, heavy, and used multiple times a day, which means wear and tear is inevitable. One of the most common signs of the passage of time is a gap forming at the bottom of your garage door. This gap often appears as parts age, shift, or fall out of alignment.
Worn or Damaged Weather Seals
The bottom weather seal (sometimes called a door sweep or astragal) is designed to compress against the floor and block out air, water, and debris. Over time, exposure to temperature changes, moisture, and everyday use can cause it to crack, harden, shrink, or tear. When this happens, the seal no longer sits flush against the ground, leaving gaps behind.
Uneven or Settled Garage Floors
Concrete garage floors can settle, crack, or slope over time. Even a slight dip in one area can create a noticeable opening under the door. In these cases, the door itself may still be functioning properly — the floor just isn’t level anymore.
Door Misalignment
If the tracks, rollers, or cables are worn or improperly adjusted, the door may not close evenly. One side might hit the ground before the other, leaving a visible gap at the bottom of the door. This often happens gradually and can go unnoticed until drafts or pests become an issue.
Warped or Damaged Door Panels
Wood garage doors are especially susceptible to warping from moisture and temperature changes, but metal doors can bend from impact or age as well. A warped panel can prevent the door from sealing correctly along the bottom edge, letting in sunlight, drafts, and pests.
Structural Shifting
Homes naturally settle over time. This movement can subtly affect the garage opening, tracks, or framing, creating alignment issues that lead to gaps.
How to Tell if a Weather Seal Replacement Is Enough
In many cases, the solution for garage door gaps really is as simple as replacing the weather seal. You can usually tell this is the case if:
- The gap is small and consistent across the entire width of the door.
- The existing seal is visibly cracked, brittle, flattened, or missing sections.
- The door closes evenly and appears level when fully shut.
- You feel drafts or see light, but the door itself looks straight and undamaged.
- The floor is level when you place a long carpenter’s level on the floor beneath the door.
Replacing a worn weather seal can make an immediate difference. It helps block cold air in winter, keeps hot air out during summer, and prevents water, leaves, and insects from entering your garage. It’s also one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency, especially if your garage is attached to your home.
That said, not all seals are created equal. Using the wrong size or type can lead to poor performance or premature wear. A professional garage door repair technician can ensure the correct seal is installed and properly fitted to your specific door and floor conditions.
When a Larger Repair Is Necessary
Sometimes, a new weather seal won’t fully solve the problem. If the underlying issue isn’t addressed, the gap may persist or return quickly.
You may need a more involved repair if:
- The Gap Is Uneven: If one side of the door has a larger gap than the other, alignment issues are likely at play. This could mean you need track adjustments, cable balancing, or roller replacement.
- The Door Doesn’t Close Smoothly: If your garage door jerks, hesitates, or looks crooked as it closes, there may be mechanical issues contributing to the gap once the door is closed.
- The Door or Panels Are Warped: Warped or damaged panels often can’t be fixed with a seal alone. Depending on the severity, panel repair or replacement may be necessary.
- The Floor Is Significantly Uneven: In some cases, specialized seals or threshold systems can help bridge minor floor inconsistencies. For more severe issues, additional solutions may be required to achieve a proper seal.
- You’ve Already Replaced the Seal, and the Gap Is Still There: This is a clear sign that the problem goes beyond basic weatherstripping.
Risks of Ignoring a Gap Under Your Garage Door
Putting off repairs might save time in the short term, but it can lead to bigger headaches down the road. Ignoring a gap under your garage door can result in:
- Higher energy bills as cold or hot air flows freely into your garage and adjacent living spaces.
- Pest infestations, including rodents and insects that can damage stored items or wiring.
- Water damage from rain, melting snow, or runoff entering the garage.
- Increased wear on your garage door system, as misalignment or mechanical strain worsens over time.
- Reduced home comfort, especially if rooms near the garage feel drafty or harder to heat and cool.
Addressing the issue early helps protect both your garage and the rest of your home.
Let Our Professionals Fix the Gap Under Your Garage Door
Because multiple factors can cause a gap under a garage door, guessing at the solution often leads to frustration and unnecessary repairs. A professional inspection ensures the real issue is identified the first time.
DoorTek Garage Door Service takes a thorough approach, examining the door, tracks, hardware, seal, and surrounding structure to determine whether a weather seal replacement will solve the problem or if a more comprehensive repair is needed. Once the cause is identified, we will perform the necessary repairs efficiently and correctly, restoring your garage door’s ability to seal properly, operate smoothly, and protect your home.
Ready to say goodbye to that troublesome gap at the bottom of your garage door? Contact DoorTek Garage Door Service today!
