Hey there homeowners! Today, we’re tackling a question that has been bugging many – “Should there be a gap at the bottom of my garage door?” 

Quickly answering this – yes, it is generally recommended to have a small gap, and here’s a detailed breakdown of why and how you should go about it.

The Benefits of Having a Gap

First things first, let’s talk about why having a gap can be a great idea. Here we bring you a detailed look into the advantages:

• Fresh Air All The Way: A garage can sometimes harbor unpleasant smells. A gap allows your garage to breathe, bringing in fresh air and pushing out the bad smells, promoting a healthier environment.

• Avoiding the Mini Pool: We all hate puddled water, don’t we? A gap ensures that water finds a way out, protecting your precious garage floor from water damage.

• Temperature Balance: During hot summer days or cold winter nights, a gap can help in maintaining a somewhat steady temperature, avoiding the garage from becoming a furnace or a freezer.

Challenges of Having a Gap

While having a gap offers several benefits, it comes with its own set of challenges:

• Unwanted Visitors: Small gaps can unfortunately welcome tiny creatures like rodents and insects, turning your garage into a comfy home for them.

• Security Risks: Bigger gaps can potentially be a security risk, offering easy access to burglars to pry open the garage door.

• Energy Efficiency: In regions experiencing extreme weather conditions, a gap can sometimes let in too much hot or cold air, spiking your energy bills as your heating or cooling systems work overtime.

Getting the Perfect Gap

Getting the right size for your gap is almost like hitting a sweet spot; here’s how you can aim to get it just right:

• The Ideal Size: Generally, a gap size between 1 to 2 inches strikes a good balance between the pros and cons. It’s enough to allow water drainage and airflow while restricting the entry of small animals.

• Use of Sealants: You can use sealants to effectively maintain a gap while blocking unwanted entries. Sealants are materials that can fill up spaces, providing a shield against pests and potential intruders.

• Expert Opinion: If you are in two minds about the gap size, get in touch with experts who can suggest the optimal size based on various factors like your locality, garage usage, and weather conditions.

Caring for Your Garage Door Gap

Creating the perfect gap is half the battle won; maintaining it is essential too. Here’s how you can ensure your gap stays perfect:

• Routine Inspections: Make it a habit to regularly check the gap to ensure it’s doing its job right. Look out for signs of wear and tear and address them promptly.

• Cleaning is Key: Keeping the gap clean ensures it functions correctly. Remove any debris, leaves, or stones that might block the gap, preventing proper drainage.

• Weather Stripping: If you are concerned about energy efficiency, consider installing weather stripping to prevent air from sneaking in, while still maintaining the necessary gap for drainage and ventilation.

Products to Help Maintain the Perfect Garage Door Gap

Creating the perfect garage door gap is easier than ever thanks to a range of handy products available in the market. Let’s take a closer look at some of these products that are not only easy to use but effective in maintaining that ideal gap:

Door Seals

Think of door seals as the perfect barrier that helps in keeping unwanted stuff out while retaining the benefits of having a gap. These seals are attached to the bottom of the garage door, doing a great job of stopping water and pests from getting in, but still letting fresh air circulate. 

Door seals are simple to install and work for a long time, saving you the hassle of regular adjustments.

Threshold Seals

Unlike door seals, these are fixed to the garage floor and work beautifully to block dirt and water from entering your garage. 

They create a barrier that cooperates with your garage door, ensuring that the fresh air can come in while keeping the garage clean and dry. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of a garage door gap without the drawbacks.

Brush Strips

These are cool accessories that are fixed to the bottom of the garage door, acting almost like a broom, sweeping away pests and not allowing them to enter while letting the garage breathe. 

Brush strips are a practical and simple solution, helping to maintain that necessary gap without inviting trouble.

Get in Touch with the Experts: GoPro Garage Doors 

To wrap it up, maintaining a small gap at the bottom of your garage door can indeed be a boon, serving various helpful purposes. But striking the right balance in gap size is vital to enjoy the benefits while keeping the downsides at bay.

This is where GoPro Garage Doors comes to your rescue, offering expert guidance and solutions tailored for your garage needs. Whether it’s helping you find the ideal gap size or installing a weather strip to keep your garage energy-efficient, GoPro Garage Doors is here to assist. Reach out to us and take a step towards a safer, more efficient home.