How Do I Keep Dust and Sand Out of My Garage?
Most dust gets into a garage through a worn bottom seal, gaps at the sides of the door or simply by leaving the door open on a windy day. Fixing the seals and keeping the tracks clean solves most of it.
Request a technicianWhere is the dust getting in?
Close the door on a bright day and turn off the garage light. Any daylight under or around the door shows a gap. The bottom corners and the area where the slab dips are the usual spots.
Which seal do I need?
A cracked or flattened bottom seal can be swapped for a new one that fits the retainer on the bottom panel. If the floor is uneven, a threshold seal on the slab closes the remaining gap. Side and top gaps are sealed with new stop-molding. See seals and insulation.
Should I grease the tracks?
No. Grease collects grit and makes rollers stick. Wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and use a garage door lubricant only on hinges, roller bearings and springs.
Does dust hurt the opener?
Dust on the safety sensor lenses can make the door reverse. Wipe them gently every month or two. Keep the opener's vents clear of cobwebs and dust.
When is it time for a technician?
If the door grinds, the rollers are worn or the seal retainer is bent, a technician can replace the parts and check the balance. See cable and roller repair.
Does an open door make it worse?
Yes. A door left open on a windy afternoon lets more dust in than any gap. Close it when you are not working in the garage, and keep a broom or shop vacuum handy for the corners where sand collects. Stored items last longer in plastic tubs with lids, and the air filter on any garage freezer or fridge will thank you.
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