How To Fix Gaps Around Your Garage Door (And Why Your Energy Bill Will Thank You)
Hey there, fellow garage tinkerers! Ever noticed that sneaky gap under your garage door letting in more than just your car? Maybe it’s welcoming a family of mice, a gust of icy Ottawa wind, or worse—your neighbor’s judgmental stare as they walk by. We’ve all been there. Gaps around garage doors aren’t just an eyesore; they’re like leaving your wallet wide open for Mother Nature to raid. Lucky for you, we’re diving into exactly how to fix this mess, whether you’re a DIY warrior or ready to call in the pros (looking at you, Garage Door Doctor fans in Barrhaven and Kanata).
Let’s get one thing straight: garage doors are basically the moody teenagers of your home. They slam, they creak, and they love testing your patience. But gaps? Those are the ultimate rebellion. Let’s show ’em who’s boss.
Why Gaps Are Basically Your Home’s Worst Roommate
(The Problem With Gaps You Can’t Ignore)
Picture this: It’s January in Ottawa, -20°C outside, and your garage feels like a walk-in freezer. That gap under your door isn’t just letting in cold air—it’s inviting pests, dust, and even rainwater to crash your cozy party. Worse, if the gap’s up top? Congrats, you’ve just installed a VIP entrance for squirrels.
Here’s the kicker: gaps waste energy like a leaky faucet wastes water. Your HVAC system works overtime, your energy bills skyrocket, and suddenly that “tiny” gap becomes a $200/month problem. Not cool.
DIY Fixes vs. “Yeah, Let’s Call Someone” Moments
(How To Seal Gaps Without Losing Your Mind)
Before you duct-tape the entire door shut (we’ve all considered it), let’s talk real solutions. Some fixes are quick weekend projects; others? Well, let’s just say you’ll want Garage Door Doctor’s number on speed dial.
Weatherstripping: The Hero Your Garage Deserves
(Cheap, Easy, and Surprisingly Satisfying)
Weatherstripping is like the Band-Aid of garage repairs—simple but effective. Here’s how to nail it:
- Measure the gap width (FYI: most gaps under doors need a threshold seal).
- Buy vinyl or rubber weatherstripping (avoid foam—it crumbles faster than your New Year’s resolutions).
- Clean the area, peel, stick, and boom—instant draft blocker.
Total cost: $20–$50. Total time: 30 minutes. Bragging rights: Priceless.
But if your door’s crooked or the tracks are misaligned? Weatherstripping’s just a temporary fix. Which brings us to…
Adjusting the Tracks: For When Your Door’s Feeling Drama
(Channel Your Inner Mechanic)
If your door looks like it’s doing the limbo every time it closes, the tracks might be out of whack. Grab a level, loosen the bolts, and gently nudge the tracks into alignment. Pro tip: Don’t over-tighten the screws—garage doors hate commitment.
Still stuck? This is where Garage Door Doctor swoops in. Their team handles garage door track repair across Ottawa, from Gloucester to Richmond. Trust us: Some battles aren’t worth fighting solo.
Frame Capping: The “Nuclear Option” That’s Worth It
(When You’re Done Messing Around)
If your door frame’s rotting or warped (common in Ottawa’s humidity), garage door frame capping replaces the weathered wood with durable aluminum. It’s like giving your garage a suit of armor. Sure, you could DIY it, but measuring wrong means wasting $300 on materials.
Garage Door Doctor’s garage door installers in Kanata and Barrhaven do this daily. Sometimes, paying for expertise beats a weekend of regret.
“How Much Will This Cost Me?” (Let’s Talk Numbers)
(Price Breakdown: DIY vs. Pro)
We get it—no one likes surprise bills. Here’s a quick cost comparison for Ottawa folks:
| Fix | DIY Cost | Pro Cost | When to Call a Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherstripping | $20–$50 | $80–$150 | If the gap returns (hint: bigger issues!) |
| Track Adjustment | $0 (if tools) | $100–$300 | When the door sounds like a screech owl |
| Frame Capping | $200–$400 | $500–$1,200 | Always. Seriously. |
| New Garage Door Install | N/A | $1,000–$3,500 | If your door’s older than dial-up internet |
FYI: Garage Door Doctor offers free quotes. No upsells, no jargon—just honest prices tailored to your needs.
“Should I Fix This Myself?” (Spoiler: Sometimes, No)
(When to Wave the White Flag)
Look, we love a good DIY project. But if your garage door…
- Makes noises that belong in a horror movie
- Has gaps wider than your thumb
- Suddenly decides gravity is optional
…it’s time to call garage door repair near me experts. Garage Door Doctor handles everything from commercial garage door repair to garage door opener installation—because no one wants to manually lift a door in February.
3 Burning Questions (Answered Without the Fluff)
(FAQs: No-Nonsense Answers)
-
“How much does fixing a garage door gap cost in Ottawa?”
Between $20 for DIY weatherstripping and $1,200 for full frame capping. Depends on whether your door just needs a hug or a full replacement. -
“Can I fix gaps myself, or am I doomed?”
Start with weatherstripping. If that fails, please stop before YouTube tutorials turn your garage into a meme. -
“How urgent is this?”
If water/pests are getting in, treat it like a 2 a.m. pizza craving—fix it now. Otherwise, schedule repairs before winter hits.
Final Thought: Gaps Happen. Panic Doesn’t Have To.
Whether you’re in Barrhaven battling drafts or in Kanata nursing a crooked track, gaps don’t stand a chance. Tackle the easy fixes, know when to call Garage Door Doctor (we’re pretty sure they’ve seen it all), and enjoy a garage that’s cozy, critter-free, and finally acting its age.
Still staring at that gap like it’s judging your life choices? Give us a shout. We’ll make sure your garage door stops being the neighborhood punchline. 😉
