Cold air creeping into your garage during winter can make your entire home feel colder, raise heating bills, and even damage tools or stored items. Ottawa winters are long and harsh, and a drafty garage door can make it worse. Understanding where those drafts come from and how to seal them properly can make a big difference in your comfort and energy efficiency.

Understanding Why Garage Doors Let in Drafts

Most garage doors are built in panels that connect with hinges. These joints, along with the edges around the frame, are common spots where air slips through. Over time, the rubber seals or weatherstripping along the bottom, sides, and top can wear out, leaving tiny gaps. Cold air from Ottawa’s winter winds finds its way through those spaces easily.

Another reason for drafts is uneven door alignment. When the door doesn’t sit flush with the frame, gaps form at the edges. This often happens because of bent tracks or old rollers that prevent the door from closing evenly. If the floor under the door is uneven, even new weatherstripping won’t create a full seal. Checking the alignment regularly can help prevent this problem before it worsens.

Inspecting the Source of the Draft

Start by closing your garage door completely and turning off the lights inside during daylight. Look for light shining in through the edges or bottom of the door. Wherever you see light, air is likely getting through. Move your hand slowly around the edges to feel for cold air movement.

Pay special attention to the bottom seal, which often gets stiff or cracked from repeated freezing and thawing. If you notice brittle rubber or visible gaps, it’s time to replace it. The side and top seals, also known as stop molding, should press firmly against the door without leaving space. If they’ve shrunk or pulled away from the frame, air will easily pass through.

Replacing the Bottom Seal

Replacing the bottom seal is one of the simplest and most effective fixes. You can find replacement seals in most hardware stores, but be sure to match the type to your specific door track. Some seals slide into a metal channel at the bottom of the door, while others are nailed or glued directly onto the panel.

To replace it, lift the door slightly and remove the old seal. Clean the groove thoroughly before installing the new one. It’s best to do this when temperatures are above freezing, since cold rubber becomes stiff and harder to work with. Once the new seal is installed, lower the door and check that it sits flat against the floor. If there are still small gaps, consider adding a garage door threshold strip to improve the seal on uneven floors.

Sealing the Sides and Top of the Door

The side and top weatherstripping help keep wind and snow from blowing into your garage. These seals are usually made of flexible vinyl mounted on a wooden or metal frame. Over time, the material can shrink or crack, especially after several Ottawa winters.

Remove any old nails or screws and replace the weatherstripping with new, high-quality material. Press it firmly against the closed door before fastening it, ensuring there’s light contact without resistance. If you make it too tight, the door may struggle to open properly, especially in freezing temperatures.

This simple upgrade can reduce drafts dramatically and make your garage noticeably warmer. Regular inspection before each winter helps catch worn seals early, saving you from energy loss later.

Adding Insulation to the Door

Even when sealed properly, many garage doors let cold air in through the panels themselves. Thin metal doors transfer cold easily, creating a chilly draft even with good weatherstripping. Adding insulation helps block heat transfer and maintain a more stable temperature.

You can use foam board or fiberglass insulation kits designed for garage doors. They attach directly to the interior surface and significantly improve energy efficiency. If you park your car inside or use the garage as a workshop, insulation will make it far more comfortable through the long Ottawa winter.

If you’re unsure how well-insulated your door is, or if it’s starting to show signs of wear, it may be time to consider an upgrade. A professional inspection from a trusted local team that specializes in garage door repair in Ottawa can identify where your current door loses heat and suggest practical improvements.

Checking and Maintaining the Door Alignment

A well-sealed garage door depends on correct alignment. If the tracks or rollers are worn or bent, the door might not close tightly. Even a small misalignment can create visible gaps at the sides or bottom. You might also hear grinding noises or notice uneven wear on the seals.

To check alignment, disconnect the opener and lower the door manually halfway. If it slides or tilts to one side, the tension or track is likely off. Tightening bolts, cleaning the tracks, and lubricating rollers can often fix small issues. However, if the problem persists, a professional adjustment is the safest route. Technicians can check the springs, cables, and rollers to ensure everything moves smoothly.

If the issue comes from damaged hardware, getting timely garage door cable repair can prevent further wear and keep the system balanced for a better seal.

Dealing with the Threshold Gap

Many Ottawa garages sit on uneven concrete floors, especially older homes. Even if the door and seals are new, an uneven surface can leave a gap at the bottom. A garage door threshold seal can solve this. It’s a rubber strip glued directly to the floor, creating a solid barrier against water, snow, and cold air.

Clean the concrete thoroughly and ensure it’s dry before applying adhesive. When the door closes, the bottom seal should press firmly against the threshold, forming a weather-tight closure. This small addition can make a big difference in preventing drafts and keeping your garage dry.

Preventing Future Drafts

Once you’ve sealed all the gaps, keeping your garage door in good shape through regular maintenance is key. Wipe seals clean at least twice a year to remove dirt and debris that could weaken them. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to prevent cracking during cold weather.

Avoid using petroleum-based products since they can damage the rubber. Check that all hardware stays tight, especially after heavy winter storms when temperature changes cause metal parts to expand and contract.

You can also test your garage door opener to make sure it closes fully without reversing early. Adjusting the close limit slightly may help if the door leaves a small gap at the bottom. When in doubt, a professional service can fine-tune the system to ensure everything seals as intended.

The Role of the Opener and Springs

Sometimes drafts appear because the door doesn’t close completely due to tension problems or an opener limit setting. Springs that are too tight or too loose can cause the door to hang slightly open. Similarly, if the opener stops before the door hits the floor, cold air sneaks in unnoticed.

Testing the opener’s close limit is simple. Run the door down and check if it sits snugly against the bottom seal. If there’s a visible gap, adjust the close limit setting slightly. Also, listen for squeaks or uneven tension in the springs. A small adjustment can prevent air leaks and extend the life of the system. For complex cases, a quick inspection from a specialist who handles garage door spring repair can ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.

When It’s Time to Replace Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping doesn’t last forever, especially in Ottawa’s freeze-thaw cycles. The material expands, contracts, and eventually loses flexibility. If you notice water seeping under the door after rain or snow, or if your garage floor stays unusually cold, replacement is due.

New weatherstripping costs very little but can save a noticeable amount on heating costs. Most homeowners see results immediately, especially when combined with other sealing efforts. Choosing a high-quality material designed for low temperatures ensures longer performance.

Even if your garage is unheated, keeping drafts out helps protect pipes, vehicles, and stored items from extreme cold and moisture damage.

When to Seek Professional Help

While small fixes like seal replacements are manageable, complex issues like misaligned tracks, broken cables, or malfunctioning openers are better left to professionals. These components carry significant tension, and improper adjustments can cause injury or further damage.

If your door continues to leak air despite your efforts, a technician can check for less obvious problems such as warped panels or structural shifts in the frame. A quick inspection can identify weak points and restore full insulation.

You can always contact us for expert help if your garage still feels drafty after sealing. It’s safer and often more effective than repeated trial and error.

FAQ

Why does my garage door feel colder even with insulation?
Cold metal conducts air easily. If the seals are old or the alignment is off, insulation alone cannot stop drafts. Check for small gaps or cracks around the frame and replace weatherstripping regularly.

Can I use foam tape to stop small drafts?
Yes, foam tape can help in narrow gaps where full weatherstripping might not fit. It works well for temporary sealing or extra insulation around the top and sides.

How often should I replace the bottom seal?
In Ottawa, the bottom seal typically lasts three to five years depending on weather exposure. Replace it once it becomes stiff, cracked, or uneven.

Does adding insulation make the garage too hot in summer?
Not usually. Proper insulation keeps the temperature stable by slowing both heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

What if the door won’t close fully after sealing?
The new seals may be thicker than the old ones. Adjust the opener’s close limit slightly or check for obstructions along the track. If it still doesn’t seal, a professional alignment check may be needed.