How to Fix Garage Door Gaps on the Sides: Step-by-Step Guide

Published Date: Nov 11, 2025

Noticing a chilly garage door draft or seeing daylight creeping in around your closed garage door? If your garage lets in cold air, daylight, or pests from the sides, it’s time to learn how to fix garage door gaps on the sides. While some fixes are simple DIY projects, it’s important to first understand why the gap is there. This guide will walk you through practical ways to fix side gaps and when to call the pros at Up & Down Garage Doors.

Why Do Gaps Appear on the Sides of a Garage Door?

Most garage door side gaps are not due to a single issue; they are one of several common garage door problems homeowners face. The most common reasons include:

Worn-Out Weatherstripping: The seals on the garage door stop molding are cracked, compressed, or torn.
Weather Damage: Knowing how extreme weather affects garage doors is important, as temperature swings can warp materials.
Door Misalignment: The tracks are out of alignment, causing the door to close unevenly.
House Settling: A shifting foundation can move the garage door frame, creating gaps.
Loose Hardware: Loose hinges can cause a garage door gap between panels, create garage door gaps on the bottom sides, or make the door sit crookedly.

Method 1: Replace Worn Weatherstripping

This is often the easiest and most effective fix for a consistent garage door draft. A garage door side seal is attached to the garage door stop molding that frames your garage door opening. For a complete solution, it helps to understand how to seal garage door gaps — and the sides are a great place to start.

How to do it:

Inspect the Seal: Check the existing vinyl weather seal. If it’s cracked, flat, or torn, it needs replacing.
Remove the Old Seal: Use a pry bar to gently remove the old weatherstripping.
Clean the Surface: Remove any old sealant, nails, or debris from the molding.
Measure and Cut: Cut the new weatherstripping to match the height of your door opening.
Install the New Seal: Attach the new seal per the manufacturer’s instructions. The flexible flap should press lightly against the closed door to create a firm seal. This is an excellent garage door gap filler that improves garage door energy efficiency year-round.

Method 2: Adjust the Garage Door Tracks

If the gap is large or clearly uneven — wider at the top or bottom — the door’s tracks are likely misaligned. This section explains how to adjust a garage door side gap by repositioning the vertical tracks. For more details, check out our guide on understanding garage door track alignment.

Important: Track alignment is not always a safe DIY task. Incorrect adjustments can cause the door to bind, go off-track, or even fall. If you’re unsure, contact a professional.

What you can try safely:

Close the Door: Always start with the door fully closed and powered off.
Loosen the Bolts: Slightly loosen (do not remove) the bolts holding the vertical track brackets.
Adjust the Track: Gently push the track closer to the door by hand or with a rubber mallet, moving only 1/8 inch at a time.
Check and Tighten: Make sure the track sits flush with the door and the rollers are properly seated, then re-tighten the bolts.
Test the Door: Open and close the door to confirm the gap is reduced and movement is smooth.

If the problem persists or the door still feels off, Up & Down Garage Doors can inspect and realign the tracks safely and correctly.

Method 3: Check Hinges and Panel Alignment

Sometimes the gap isn’t caused by the frame but by the door itself. A loose hinge can cause a garage door gap between panels, making the entire door sit crookedly.

How to do it:

Inspect Hinges: With the door closed, look at all the hinges on the side with the gap. Check for any loose screws and tighten them.
Consider Shims: If a hinge seems to be pulling the door away from the jamb, the hinge may not be seated properly. A professional can sometimes place a thin shim behind the hinge leaf on the door to correct the angle, pushing that section slightly forward to close the gap. This is a precise adjustment best left to an expert.

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When DIY Isn’t Enough: Call Up & Down Garage Doors

We’ve covered how to fix garage door gaps on the sides, but not every issue can be solved with a seal or track adjustment. If your door is warped, misaligned, or still leaking air and light, it’s time to call the pros. One of the most effective ways to seal gaps on the side of a garage door is to have a trained technician handle it.

At Up & Down Garage Doors, our garage door repair services include expert solutions for fixing side gaps, damaged seals, and alignment problems. We’re here to restore your garage’s comfort, efficiency, and performance.

Tired of drafts and uneven gaps? Contact Up & Down Garage Doors today for fast, professional help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to seal a garage door to stop drafts?

You can seal a garage door using weather stripping, side and top seals, and threshold gaskets — or call a pro for full garage door insulation service.

How to fix gaps around a garage door?

Gaps around the door can be fixed by replacing seals, adjusting the track, or installing new stop molding to close the space tightly.

How to fix a gap in a door?

If the gap is on a regular entry or side door, you might need to add weather stripping or adjust the hinges using shims or spacers.

How to seal garage door gaps to keep out mice?

Use vinyl or brush seals tightly installed along the sides and bottom to prevent mice and pests from entering through small openings.

How often should I replace my garage door weatherstripping?

Most vinyl or rubber seals last 5-10 years. We recommend inspecting them annually, especially after a harsh winter, and replacing them when you notice they are brittle, cracked, or no longer sealing properly.

Noticing a draft or a bit of daylight around your closed garage door? Those small spaces can let in cold air, rain, and unwanted pests. Learning how to seal garage door gaps is a simple way to improve comfort, protect your belongings, and lower energy costs. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing commercial property maintenance, this guide breaks down the best methods to seal gaps at the top, sides, and bottom of the door. With support from trusted professionals like Up & Down Garage Doors, you can seal your garage properly and extend the life of your door system.

How Extreme Weather Affects Your Garage Door and Ways to Protect It

Your garage door deals with more direct exposure to the elements than almost any other part of your home. From high winds and driving rain to summer heat and freezing snow, it takes the hit every season. Most homeowners don’t think much about weatherproofing until problems show up—leaks, drafts, loud operation, or damage. Adding simple upgrades like garage door weather stripping can make your door last longer, perform better, and help you avoid costly repairs. Let’s go over the essentials to keep your garage door ready for any season.

Best Ways to Weatherproof a Garage Door

Ensuring your garage door is weatherproof is vital for safeguarding your belongings, improving energy efficiency, and creating a comfortable garage environment. By employing reliable weatherproofing techniques, you can effectively shield against drafts, moisture, and external elements. This article delves into the most effective methods for weatherproofing your garage door to ensure optimal protection. Start taking the necessary steps today to weatherproof your garage door and reap the rewards of a well-protected and energy-efficient garage. If you require professional assistance, Up & Down Garage Doors is readily available to provide expert help!