How To Seal An Uneven Garage Door Or An Uneven Floor

Every homeowner appreciates a functional garage. Unfortunately, it's a common issue for garage doors to be installed on uneven surfaces that end up creating gaps. We know this can be problematic in the long run, so we have rounded up valuable solutions to the issue of gaps between the bottom of a garage door and the floor. 

To avoid the hassle of an existing gap, here are four ways to seal an uneven garage door or an uneven floor: 

  • Repairing the concrete under the garage door
  • Installing a floor-mounted threshold seal
  • Replacing your garage door weatherstripping
  • Adjusting the closing position of the garage door

By now, you are probably keen to fix that uneven garage door in your home. Continue reading as we elaborate on the solutions that will keep your garage door sealed in all seasons! 

Basic Methods For Sealing

Garage doors are opened, and behind them is a car. 3d illustration.

No one wants the hassle of rain, cold air, leaves, and rodents entering their garage just because they ignored a small slit. It is important to seal openings at the bottom of the garage door to avoid any future problems.

You can choose one of the methods below to solve that uneven gap issue with your garage door. 

Repairing the Concrete Under the Garage Door 

Uneven gaps under a garage door might occasionally result from poor workmanship or deteriorating concrete. Placing a layer of screed at the door's bottom will produce a smooth surface if the underlying concrete is otherwise still durable.

While installing a screed is a quick and easy fix that does not require redoing the entire floor, it may only be a temporary solution. 

A more thorough repair of the concrete base may be necessary if the loose concrete that caused the uneven floor has already developed cracks.

Undesirable cracking in concrete floors has different causes, and it is important to discover what type and the extent you are dealing with to come up with the best repair technique.

The three most common types of fissures are cold joints, cracks during foundation settling or construction, and hairline cracks. Regardless of what type of cracks are found on your garage floors, the good news is you can still have them fixed. 

To ascertain the need for a new concrete floor in your garage, the best idea is to meet with an expert contractor. 

Installing a Floor-mounted Threshold Seal 

The easiest and most economical option for closing the gap between the bottom of your garage door and the floor is to install a garage door threshold seal.

A threshold seal offers a strong physical barrier—like a dam—behind the door to keep out things like water, trash, and bugs. It is usually glued onto the floor and is a great addition to any garage requiring a sealing solution for uneven floors.

Threshold seals come in different types. When fixing an uneven garage door, it is recommended to use a threshold seal specifically designed for a variable gap.

If the gap between the garage door and the floor is uneven, it is best to use a ramp-profile threshold seal. 

Check out this universal garage door threshold seal from Amazon. 

Replacing Your Garage Door Weatherstripping

Contractor installing garage door weatherproofing garage door seal.

The garage door weatherstrip can wear out over time, which might be the reason for your uneven garage door.

If this is the case, you should replace your garage door weatherstrip immediately. If you haven't installed a garage door weather seal, you might want to consider adding one if you are dealing with a gap in your garage.

Your garage door model will determine the seal you select, and it will significantly impact the durability and insulation of your garage door.

The best thing about garage door weatherstripping is that it comes in different sizes so that it can fix any gap created by uneven garage doors or floors. Compared to a threshold seal, weatherstripping is usually attached to the bottom of the garage door.

Those who own wooden garage doors will benefit from a simple strip-style seal with angled edges. This type will ensure a tight seal against the door.

Those with metal garage doors can opt for a T-style or astragal seal. This is because metal doors usually have an aluminum channel on the bottom that can hold a U-shaped rubber gasket, which makes it easier to install a weather seal.

It is also possible to use a T-style or astragal seal for wooden garage doors. With this type of seal, homeowners would need to install a metal gasket channel at the bottom of the door. 

Check out this garage door weatherstrip from Amazon. 

Adjusting the Closing Position of the Garage Door

If your garage door is the roller type or an electrically operated sectional one, it is possible to adjust the closing position of the door to address that uneven gap between the factory bottom seal and the concrete floor. 

Typical up-and-over styles open as a single piece, but newer garage door models have multiple articulated panels. So, a small gap on the floor can be quickly solved by adjusting the panel's settings directly toward it. 

Can You Use A Self-Leveling Compound On A Garage Floor?

Contract painter painting garage floor to speed up selling of home.

If you are hesitant about completely redoing your garage floor to seal an uneven gap, a self-leveling compound will make things easier.

A self-leveling compound is a versatile substance that looks and functions much like traditional concrete. The only difference is its material flows more easily and hardens more quickly. 

Because a self-leveling compound is more fluid, it can settle smoothly in one to two hours. Although it is a bit more expensive, it will save you time and effort in addressing structural concerns in your garage floor. 

Can You Epoxy An Uneven Garage Floor?

Garage door at a huge building, How To Seal An Uneven Garage Door Or An Uneven Floor

One of the best garage flooring options on the market today is epoxy. It is recommended for its durability, beautiful shine, and low level of maintenance.

While epoxy is famous for hiding imperfections in concrete, using it to level an uneven garage floor is not a good idea. Epoxy is best used as a finishing touch on flat surfaces or completely level floors.

According to one of the members of an online training platform on industrial floor coatings, applying epoxy on uneven concrete may require too much product, and so the coating may eventually crack. 

Spotting An Uneven Garage Door 

Damaged bent door that rises when opening a lift garage.

The easiest way to make sure that your garage is in perfect condition is by checking the performance of the garage door.

With just a simple look at your garage, you can quickly tell if the door is a little more slanted than usual or in a sagging position. If this is the case, there is a good chance that your garage door is out of balance

Another telltale sign of an uneven garage door is if it makes a strange sound when opened or closed. Garage doors are supposed to open smoothly and require little effort.

If you find yourself struggling more than usual when opening or closing the garage door, it is a sign that the door needs some troubleshooting. Physical damage, such as dents or loose rollers, can cause an uneven garage door. 

In Closing

If you recognize any of the above signs, chances are, you need to have your garage door fixed. You can try common DIY solutions, but you can always call your trusted handyman for help.

If the garage door is not the main problem, you can try the solutions we shared earlier. 

When you have a properly working garage door, you’re protected against potential damage caused by weather and even some insects that may creep into your space.

Do not let the gap from an uneven garage door or floor expose your belongings to the outdoors and unwanted pests. Secure and weatherproof your garage as soon as possible. 

Need more tips for your garage? Check out these articles below:

Can You Paint Weather Stripping On A Front Or Garage Door?

What Should The R Value Be For My Garage Door?

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