How To Fix Garage Door Gaps on Sides Fast: Stop Drafts, Pests, & Leaks Today
Is there a mysterious draft sneaking into your garage? Or maybe you’ve found a few unwelcome guests like small insects or rodents making themselves at home. If you’ve noticed daylight peeking through the sides of your garage door, you’re likely dealing with garage door gaps on sides—an issue that can lead to higher energy bills, security risks, and pest problems.
Let’s walk through what causes these gaps, how to inspect them properly, and what you can do to fix and seal those openings quickly and effectively—especially around the sides of your garage door.
Why You Have a Gap in Your Garage Door
Garage door gaps on the sides (and sometimes the bottom or top of the door) can happen for a few reasons. Understanding the root of the problem will help you find the best solution.
Common Causes of Gaps Along the Sides of Your Garage Door:
- Worn-out weatherstripping or molding around the frame
- Wrong door alignment due to bent or misaligned door tracks or rollers
- Improper installation of the garage door system
- Natural settling of your foundation or changes in weather that affect how your door fits
- Damaged or missing stop molding that no longer forms a tight seal
Any of these can cause the door to not sit properly against the frame, leaving too much space between the door and the wall.
Why Gaps Along the Garage Door Sides Matter
Gaps between the door and the wall are not just annoying, they can cause real issues around your home and in your garage. Consider these problems:
- Cold air or rain can enter through the sides, making your garage colder and wetter
- Debris, dust, and pests like mice and insects can start entering your garage
- You’ll lose heated or cooled air—raising your energy bills
- It may compromise the security of your space or stored belongings
Tips for Garage Door Gap Inspection
Before you fix garage door problems, it’s smart to investigate just how big the gap is, and where it’s coming from.
Here’s how to check:
- Close your garage door and walk around to look for daylight. If you can see light along the sides or bottom of the garage door, there’s a gap.
- Check the bottom seal along the garage floor. This rubber strip should make full contact with the concrete floor directly.
- Inspect the door track and rollers. Bent tracks or worn rollers can prevent the door from closing tightly.
- Look at the door frame. If the stop molding is loose, broken, or missing, air and pests could easily move in.
How to Fix Garage Door Gaps on Sides
Now that you’ve found the issue, let’s talk about your options to fix and seal the gaps effectively.
1. Replace Old or Worn Stop Molding
The side of a garage door usually relies on stop molding to create a tight seal. Over time, this vinyl or rubber seal can crack or warp.
- Remove old molding from the door frame.
- Purchase new weather strip or stop molding from your local hardware store.
- Use nails or screws to mount the new strip flush against the closed garage door so that it compresses slightly when the door is closed.
This method is simple and effective for sealing gaps along the side.
2. Adjust the Track to Realign the Door
If the garage door tracks are misaligned, your door may not sit flush with the frame. This isn’t uncommon, especially after years of use or an accidental bump from a vehicle or object.
- Loosen the track bolts slightly.
- Realign the track so it’s straight and allows the garage door to close completely along the sides.
- Re-tighten the bolts securely.
Be cautious while making adjustments. If you’re unsure or the issue is complex, it’s smart to call a professional.
3. Inspect and Replace Worn Rollers
The rollers help the garage door slide smoothly along the track. Worn or broken rollers can cause gaps between the door and the frame.
- Lift the door manually and inspect each roller.
- If any are cracked or don’t spin freely, replace them with high-quality nylon or steel rollers.
Replacing damaged rollers helps ensure a consistent, tight seal when the door closes.
4. Install or Replace Side Seals and Weatherstripping
To seal gaps on the sides and achieve a tighter close, add or replace the current side weatherstripping. You’ll find rubber or vinyl seal options designed to hug the sides of your garage door tightly.
- Measure and cut strips to fit the door’s height.
- Nail or screw the strips along the door frame, making sure there’s consistent pressure when the door closes.
This is perfect for sealing gaps along the side and keeping out rain, insects, and cold drafts.
Sealing Gaps at the Bottom of the Garage Door
The bottom of your garage door can also let in cold air, pests, or standing water—especially if the floor is uneven.
Consider these options:
- Replace the bottom seal: This rubber strip compresses to close that gap between the door and the floor.
- Install a threshold seal on the garage floor: A raised rubber or vinyl strip that sits on the garage floor directly.
- Check for a tight seal when the door touches the threshold. If not, adjust the door track to improve closure pressure.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair
Trying to fix garage door issues can be a good DIY project—but if you’ve tried the above and the problem persists, it may be time for a deeper fix.
You should consider expert help when:
- The door track is bent or damaged
- The rollers aren’t functioning properly
- The gaps seem to get worse each season
- You suspect an issue with the garage door opener or top of the door alignment
- You want to improve long-term energy efficiency
The experienced team at Level Up Garage Door offers professional garage door repair that gets the job done right—saving you time, hassle, and frustration.
How to Prevent Future Gaps
Garage Door Maintenance is the key to preventing new gaps from forming.
- Inspect your weatherstrip, stop molding, and rollers every 6 months
- Keep garage door tracks clean and aligned
- Lubricate rollers and check track bolts for tightness
- Look for changes in how your garage door may be closing
You can extend your door’s lifespan while saving on energy bills and protecting your space from unwanted guests.
Conclusion: Keep Your Garage Sealed and Secure
A gap in your garage door isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s an issue that can cost you money, damage belongings, and invite in pests like mice and insects.
With a little attention to the door frame, rollers, track, and seals, you can get your garage sealed up tight again. Whether you install new weatherstripping, adjust roller tracks, or replace a rubber strip at the bottom—each step helps keep your garage dry, secure, and energy efficient.
And if things still don’t align quite right, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted local garage door expert.
For personalized, reliable help, consider scheduling a visit from a professional garage door repair technician.
Noticed a draft? Don’t wait—need help sealing the sides of your door? Contact Level Up Garage Door.