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Why Your Garage Door is Mocking You with That Annoying Bottom Gap (And How to Fix It)
Hey there, fellow garage door enthusiasts! Let’s talk about that infuriating gap at the bottom of your garage door—the one that lets in drafts, critters, and maybe even your neighbor’s judgmental stares. We’ve all been there. You close the door, hear that satisfying thunk, and then… wait, why is there a two-inch void where sealed perfection should be? Don’t worry—we’re diving into the “why” and the “how to fix it” without the jargon. And hey, if you’re in Calgary, Okotoks, or Strathmore, we’ve got your back (more on that later).
Why Is My Garage Door Leaving a Gap? Let’s Play Detective
Garage doors are like that one friend who’s mostly reliable but occasionally forgets to text back. The gap? It’s their way of saying, “Hey, something’s wrong, and I’m not telling you what.” Here’s what’s likely going on:
1. The Weatherstripping Has Seen Better Days
That rubber seal along the bottom of your door—the weatherstripping—is the MVP of keeping gaps at bay. But over time, it cracks, shrinks, or just gives up. If yours looks like it’s been through a Canadian winter (which it has), it’s time for a replacement. Pro tip: Cold weather accelerates wear-and-tear.
2. The Tracks Are Throwing a Tantrum
Misaligned tracks are like a toddler refusing to eat veggies—they ruin everything. If your garage door isn’t sitting flush, the tracks might be bent, dirty, or just out of alignment. FYI: Garage door track alignment is a common fix, but it’s easy to botch if you’re not a pro.
3. Springs Are Snapped or Stretched
Broken springs? Oh, we’ve met. A snapped torsion spring or loose extension spring can prevent the door from closing fully. And let’s be real: garage door torsion spring replacement isn’t a DIY project unless you enjoy flirting with disaster.
4. Your Floor is… Unlevel
Homes settle, concrete cracks, and suddenly your garage floor isn’t the flat surface it once was. That tiny slope? Enough to leave a gap big enough for a raccoon rave.
Fixing the Gap: Solutions That Won’t Make You Rage-Quit
Replace the Weatherstripping
- Cost: $20–$50 for materials (or $150–$300 if you hire a pro).
- DIY Difficulty: Easy-peasy. Just measure, cut, and snap into place.
- Why Gloss Garage Doors Loves This: It’s a quick fix, but if you’re not into ladder acrobatics, we’ll handle it.
Realign or Replace the Tracks
- Signs of Trouble: Grinding noises, door jerking, or visible bends.
- Garage Door Track Repair 101: Loosen bolts, gently hammer bends out, realign, and tighten. Sounds simple? It’s not. One wrong move and you’ll need a whole new track system.
Spring Surgery (Leave It to the Pros)
Broken spring = instant “nope” zone. Garage door spring adjustment or replacement requires tools, tension, and a solid life insurance policy. Our Calgary team at Gloss Garage Doors handles this daily—no raccoon raids required.
Adjust the Limit Settings (For Automatic Doors)
If you’ve got an automatic garage door opener, the close-limit setting might be off. Think of it like teaching your door where “down” actually is. Check the manual or call us for automatic garage door opener repair—we’ll make it obey.
“Should I DIY or Call a Garage Door Contractor?” Let’s Break It Down
| Issue | DIY-Friendly? | Cost (DIY) | Cost (Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherstripping | Yes | $20–$50 | $150–$300 |
| Track Alignment | Risky | $0 (time) | $200–$500 |
| Broken Spring | NO | — | $250–$500 |
| Automatic Opener Fix | Maybe | $0 (adjust) | $100–$200 |
Hot take: Unless you’re a certified garage door whisperer, skip the YouTube tutorials for anything involving springs or torsion cables.
4 Burning Questions About Garage Door Gaps (Answered)
1. “Can I just ignore the gap?”
Sure, if you want higher heating bills, bugs, and the occasional possum roommate.
2. “How much does garage door repair cost in Calgary?”
Prices vary, but for most gap-related fixes, you’re looking at $150–$500. Full garage door replacement? That’s $1,000–$3,000 depending on materials.
3. “Is a noisy garage door related to the gap?”
Absolutely. Grinding or screeching often means track issues—a common gap culprit.
4. “How do I find a reliable garage door contractor near me?”
Start with locals like Gloss Garage Doors (shameless plug). We serve Calgary, Okotoks, and Strathmore, and we’re big on free quotes.
When to Throw in the Towel and Replace the Whole Door
Look, we get it—garage door replacement sounds drastic. But if your door is older than your teenager, has more dents than a golf ball, or just looks like it’s judging you, it might be time. Modern automatic garage door installations are quieter, safer, and way less likely to embarrass you in front of the HOA.
Final Thoughts: Gaps Happen. Panic Doesn’t Have To.
That gap isn’t just an eyesore—it’s your door’s cry for help. Whether it’s a quick weatherstripping swap or a full garage door torsion spring replacement, tackle it before winter turns your garage into a snow globe. And hey, if you’re in Calgary or nearby, Gloss Garage Doors is always here to help. We’ll fix that gap, quiet that noisy garage door, and maybe even share a dad joke or two.
TL;DR: Gaps = bad. Weatherstripping, tracks, and springs = usual suspects. DIY with caution. For everything else? Call the pros. 😉
Need a gap-free garage door? Contact Gloss Garage Doors today—because nobody wants a surprise visit from Alberta’s “finest” wildlife.
