Weatherproof Your Garage with the Right Door Gap Filler

Garage doors bear the brunt of rain, UV rays, extreme temperatures, and harsh weather conditions. Although your door may look sturdy, tiny gaps can easily become a pathway for moisture, debris, drafts, and even destructive pests. Before you know it, you’re due for another garage door repair in Los Angeles– but not if you install a durable and quality door gap filler.

In this post, we discussed how these small door gaps can become big problems. We also shared the benefits of installing a gap filler, available filler types, and how to choose one for your door.

How garage door gaps affect your home

Garage door gaps might seem harmless at first, but they can lead to several issues compromising your home’s comfort, safety, and even your wallet. Here’s how these tiny openings can become an expensive problem:

• Poor energy efficiency.Tiny gaps on the top, bottom, and sides of your garage door let outside air flow in and out. These drafts will overwork your heating during winter and your cooling during summer. The result? Hefty energy bills while your family remains uncomfortable due to fluctuating temperatures.

• Potential pest infestation.Did you know that rodents only need a hole as small as 6 millimeters in diameter to enter a space? Surprisingly small openings in your garage door can easily allow the entry of critters, leading to property damage and potential contamination.

• Noise pollution.Garage door gaps also allow outdoor noise to disturb your home. This includes traffic sounds, neighborhood noises, and so on. This can be a big issue, especially if you’ve been using your garage as a functional space.

• Poor indoor air quality.Door gaps allow pollutants, such as dust, dirt, and pollen to creep into your home. This increases the likelihood of allergies and sickness in your family, which can be prevented by simply installing gap fillers.

Benefits of installing a garage door gap filler

Sealing small garage door gaps can make a huge difference in your home. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip this weatherproofing feature:

1.   Save money on heating and cooling

Since door gaps cause drafts, installing a door gap filler can stop hot or cold air from escaping your home. You’ll maintain a steadier indoor temperature while reducing the unnecessary load on your HVAC system.

In the long run, you’ll enjoy lower energy bills and a more comfortable living space. Filling gaps can also save your garage door from premature damage, which will help you save on repair costs!

2.   Keep your belongings safe

Weather elements, such as rain, dust, intense sunlight, and wind-blown debris, can mess up the items stored in your garage. Filling the gaps where these elements could enter will prevent moisture buildup and other expensive damages in your home.

3.   Enhanced security

Door gaps can be an invitation for intruders to pry open your garage door. These small entry points can easily fit in prying tools, making it easier for burglars to enter your property. While gap fillers aren’t invincible to forced entry, they won’t let anyone peek and plan a break-in into your garage.

Types of garage door gap fillers

Garage door fillers are available in different types to match which part of your door you want to seal. Here are the most common options in the market:

1.   Garage door bottom gap filler

Bottom garage door gap fillers are the most common types attached at the bottom edge of your door. It’s often made of vinyl or rubber and has a compressing effect against the floor to block any external elements. Some bottom gap fillers have plastic or metal retainers you can slide onto the door for a more secure fit.

2.   Door gap filler top/side weatherstripping

Weatherstripping strips can function as a door gap filler, side, or vertical in orientation. It’s typically made of silicone, rubber, or foam that sits between the door’s edges and the frame to prevent drafts and moisture from getting in.

3.   Foam tape or rubber strips

Foam tapes or rubber strips are an affordable choice if you need a door gap filler, vertical or sideways. It’s easy to DIY and often comes with an adhesive that you can easily stick to your garage door. But while foam tape or strips are a quick solution, they don’t hold up well when exposed to extreme weather for long periods.

4.   Garage door brush seals

Brush seals are made of stiff bristles attached to a strip and mounted along the edges of your garage door. This works well in blocking debris, dirt, and small pests without compromising the smooth movement of your garage door, making it a good choice as a sliding glass door gap filler.

How to choose the right gap filler for your garage door

Gap fillers are simple components, but choosing the right one will make a big difference in keeping your garage weatherproof. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you buy one:

1.   Identify where the gaps are

Start by inspecting your garage door closely. Check if there are gaps at the bottom, sides, top, or between panels. Take note that these areas require different fillers, so knowing exactly where the problem lies helps narrow your choices.

Also, in the process of inspecting your garage door for gaps, you can spot potential damage. This way, you can address them before they become a big problem.

2.   Measure the gap size

Next, you need to measure the size of the gap to know what kind of filler you need to purchase. Use a tape measure or ruler to find out how wide and tall the gaps are. This ensures you pick a filler that will fully cover the space without leaving room for drafts or pests to sneak through.

Take note that if the gaps are already too wide for the fillers to close, it might be time to call a garage door technician for professional repairs. It’s possible that your garage door wasn’t installed properly, or the door isn’t compatible with your doorway.

3.   Check your garage’s floor condition

You should also check the floor surface where the seal will come in contact with. If your garage floor is cracked, uneven, or sloped, a bottom seal may not solve the issue. In this case, you may need to combine both a bottom filler and a threshold seal installed on the floor for a better sealing effect.

Also, for uneven floors, avoid using hard strips or those with plastic edges that may crack over time.

4.   Consider installation complexity

If you prefer DIY installation of door gap fillers, choose easy-to-install types, such as foam strips or rubber seals. They typically come with adhesive backing ready to stick.

However, if you prefer a more durable and long-lasting door gap seal, you may not like fillers that are challenging to install. This is where professional installation would be a smarter option.

5.   Think of longevity

Are you looking for a quick yet temporary solution, or do you prefer a long-term door gap filler? The answer to this will help you choose the gap filler you need to purchase.

Overall, rubber seals are durable and can last for years. Meanwhile, foam fillers are flimsy and only ideal as short-term solutions for your garage door gaps.

Additional weatherproofing tips for your garage door

Aside from installing gap fillers, the following can also improve the weatherproofing of your garage door:

1.   Install garage door insulation

Garage door insulation greatly helps in temperature regulation inside your home. It prevents outdoor temperatures from messing with your home’s cooling or heating. This means that your space stays warm during winter and cool during summer.

There are several insulation options for garage doors, such as polystyrene panels, reflective foil, or spray foam. Polystyrene panels are lightweight and rigid, which can fit snugly between door sections.

Meanwhile, reflective foil insulation is good at warding off radiant heat, making it a choice for places with hot climates, such as Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, spray foam, when applied professionally, offers excellent insulation, but often costs more.

2.   Apply weather-resistant coatings

Weather-resistant treatments, such as paint or seals, can protect your door from damage. For example, painting a wooden door can delay potential rotting and pest infestation. Meanwhile, applying an anti-rust coating on a steel garage door will prevent corrosion due to moisture exposure.

You can also consider UV-resistant coatings to reduce fading and cracking of your door is exposed to direct sunlight.

Aside from preventing damage, these coatings also boost your garage door’s energy efficiency.

3.   Apply exterior-grade caulking

Exterior-grade caulking is a pliable and waterproof sealant that you can apply on your door’s seams, joints, and edges. For example, you can use this between the door frame and the wall to ensure that there aren’t any crevices.

Overall, caulking serves as a water barrier that prevents rainwater from seeping into gaps around the door frame. It also acts as an air seal and pest deterrent to keep your garage as safe and comfortable as possible. And since exterior-grade caulking is flexible, it remains durable despite temperature changes.

4.    Install doorstop molding

Doorstop molding is a strip of vinyl or wood typically installed along the edges of the door frame. While doorstop moldings are commonly used in entry doors, you can also install them on top of your garage door. This way, your door will close tightly by placing a defined surface where the door’s weatherstripping can press against.

Aside from that, the doorstop molding will add more wind resistance, structural support, and pest barrier on your garage. Still, you may need to replace it after some time, especially if it’s made of untreated wood.

5.   Perform regular inspections

Weatherproofing your garage door isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it task. It’s important to perform regular inspections to see if any of your gap fillers, weatherstripping, moldings, and other components are damaged and due for replacement.

Doing regular checks on your garage door can help prevent costly repairs in the future. Also, scheduling annual inspections with a certified technician will ensure that your garage door is in tip-top shape all year long.

FAQs about weatherproofing garage doors

How to make a garage door airtight?

To make your garage door airtight, you should install perimeter weatherstripping and a threshold seal. It’s also important to seal cracks and seams that allow air to get in and out of your garage.

How to fix the gap between a garage door and the concrete?

To fix the gap between your garage door and concrete floor, you can either install a bottom seal. For a permanent solution, you can level or repair the concrete floor so it seamlessly aligns with your door.

How to fix a gap in garage door panels?

To fix the gap on your garage door panels, check if there are misaligned, loose, or warped hardware. If worn-out hardware isn’t the issue, see if the door panels are aligned, then adjust them as necessary.

How much does a weatherstrip cost for a garage door?

Weatherstrips for garage doors cost around $20 to $500 for basic materials like vinyl or foam. Meanwhile, bottom seal kits will set you back by $75 to $130. For professional installation, you should expect to shell out about $100 to $200, depending on the size of your door.

What can I put on my garage door to keep water out?

To keep water from seeping through your garage door, you can install a rubber bottom seal, threshold seal, and weatherstripping. If you want to avoid direct rain exposure, you can consider installing a canopy or awning above the garage door.

Get professional weatherproofing for your garage door!

Weatherproofing your garage door protects your home from harsh outdoor elements. It also helps extend the lifespan of your door by minimizing repairs and physical damage. And if you’re looking for durable and long-lasting weatherproofing, you can always call us for professional LA garage door repair!

At Rock Garage Door Repair, we provide 24/7 and same-day garage door services in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We can repair and install just about any garage door make or model, including top brands like LiftMaster, Genie, Clopay, Chamberlain, Amarr, and more!
Contact us today for all your garage door needs and get a free, no-obligation quote!