How to Fix Gaps Around Your Garage Door (So You Don’t Have to Share Your Home with Ants)
Let’s face it: nobody wants uninvited guests in their garage, especially the kind with six legs, wings, or a knack for chewing through your holiday decorations. Gaps around your garage door aren’t just an eyesore—they’re basically a neon “Vacancy” sign for pests. And here in Miami, where humidity and critters team up like a bad reality show, sealing those gaps isn’t optional—it’s survival.
At 305 Garage Doors, we’ve seen it all: palmetto bugs throwing raves, lizards staging home invasions, and even the occasional raccoon auditioning for Ocean’s 14. The good news? Closing those gaps isn’t rocket science. Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn your garage into Fort Knox for pests.
Step 1: Play Detective—Find the Gaps
First things first: where are these sneaky gaps hiding? Grab a flashlight (or your phone’s flashlight if you’re feeling modern) and inspect every inch of your garage door. Pay attention to:
- The bottom seal: Is it cracked, flattened, or missing chunks?
- The sides and top: Are there visible spaces between the door and the frame?
- Corners and tracks: Look for daylight sneaking through—it’s not paying rent, so shut it down.
Pro tip: Close the door and stand inside the garage during daylight. If you see beams of light, congratulations—you’ve found your problem spots.
Step 2: Choose Your Weapons (AKA Materials)
Not all gaps are created equal, so you’ll need the right tools for the job. Here’s our go-to arsenal:
- Weatherstripping: Perfect for sealing gaps along the sides and top of the door. Opt for vinyl or rubber—they’re durable and handle Miami’s “sauna mode” weather.
- Bottom seal replacement: If your current seal looks like it survived a zombie apocalypse, swap it out with a garage door threshold seal.
- Caulk or foam sealant: For tiny cracks in the walls or around the door frame.
- Adjustment tools: Sometimes gaps happen because your door is misaligned. A simple garage door track alignment can work wonders.
FYI: If your door sounds like a dying robot when it moves (cough noisy garage door cough), gaps might not be your only issue. Worn rollers, a broken spring, or garage door track repair could be in order.
Step 3: Let’s Get to Work—Sealing the Gaps
Fixing the Bottom Seal
- Remove the old seal: Slide it out of the metal retainer (aka the “holder thingy” at the bottom of the door).
- Measure twice, cut once: Buy a replacement seal slightly longer than your door’s width. Trim the excess with a utility knife.
- Slide the new seal into place: Channel your inner Tetris master—it should fit snugly without gaps.
Weatherstripping the Sides and Top
- Clean the door edges: Dirt and grease are the enemy of adhesion. A quick wipe-down with soapy water does the trick.
- Apply the weatherstripping: Peel and stick it along the door frame, pressing firmly. Pro tip: Start at the top and work downward to avoid wrinkles.
Caulking Smaller Gaps
For cracks where the door frame meets the wall, grab a caulk gun. Apply a steady bead, smooth it with your finger (or a tool if you’re fancy), and let it dry.
Step 4: When to Call the Pros (Like 305 Garage Doors)
Look, we’re all for DIY heroics. But if you spot any of these red flags, it’s time to tag in the experts:
- Your door won’t close evenly: This could mean garage door track alignment issues or a broken spring.
- The gaps keep coming back: Your door might need garage door torsion spring replacement or garage door spring adjustment.
- You’re dealing with a commercial space: Commercial garage door repair requires heavy-duty solutions (and permits—shudder).
At 305 Garage Doors, we handle everything from emergency garage door repair to automatic garage door installation. And because we’re Miami locals, we know how to battle the humidity, salt air, and occasional hurricane prep that wreck lesser doors.
“But Wait, How Much Does This Cost?”
Glad you asked! Here’s a quick breakdown of common fixes:
| Service | Average Cost in Miami |
|---|---|
| Bottom seal replacement | $75–$150 |
| Weatherstripping installation | $100–$200 |
| Garage door track alignment | $125–$300 |
| Full garage door replacement | $1,000–$2,500+ |
Prices vary based on materials and labor, but investing now beats paying for pest control later. IMO, it’s a no-brainer.
4 Questions Miami Homeowners Always Ask
1. Can I fix gaps myself, or should I hire a pro?
Small fixes like weatherstripping? Go for it! But for garage door cable repair or garage door opener repair, call a pro. Safety first—springs and cables are under crazy tension.
2. How often should I check for gaps?
Twice a year—once before rainy season (June) and again after hurricane season (November). Miami weather doesn’t play nice.
3. Will sealing gaps lower my energy bill?
Absolutely! Gaps let in hot, humid air, forcing your AC to work overtime. Seal them, and your wallet will thank you.
4. Do you offer emergency services?
Yep! 305 Garage Doors provides 24/7 emergency garage door repair for those “oh-crap-the-door-won’t-close” moments.
Final Thoughts: Keep Pests Out, Sanity In
Fixing garage door gaps is like flossing—it’s not glamorous, but skipping it leads to bigger problems. Whether you DIY or call 305 Garage Doors (hi, that’s us!), the goal is the same: a pest-free, functional garage.
And hey, if you’re staring at a noisy garage door or a garage door spring repair that’s way above your pay grade, drop us a line. We’re Miami’s go-to garage door company, and we’ve got your back. Because let’s be real: the only critters in your garage should be the ones on four wheels. 🙂
Need help? Contact 305 Garage Doors today for a free quote on garage door installation, garage door opener installation, or any repair. We’re local, licensed, and weirdly passionate about keeping pests out of your space.
