Why Do I Have Bubbles in My Garage Door (and What to Do About It)
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You walk outside and notice strange bumps or raised patches on your garage door. They may appear as blisters, air pockets, or warped spots, creating an uneven surface. These imperfections are often referred to as “garage door bubbles.”
This issue is common in Ottawa and surrounding areas, where seasonal weather shifts from hot summers to freezing winters.
The constant changes put pressure on garage door materials, leading to warping, bubbling, or blistering over time.
The purpose of this guide is to help you understand what causes garage door bubbles, why they’re more than just a cosmetic problem, and what you can do to fix or prevent them.
What Causes Bubbles in Garage Doors?
Understanding the causes of bubbling, warping, or blistering is crucial. It’s the first step in finding the right solution and preventing further damage to your garage door.
Heat & Sun Exposure
When garage doors are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, UV rays and high temperatures can soften vinyl overlays, laminate layers, or painted surfaces.
The outer surface expands faster than the inner core, creating raised blisters. Dark-colored doors in south-facing driveways are especially vulnerable.
Moisture Damage
Water is another major culprit. When moisture seeps into wood or poorly sealed steel garage doors, it causes swelling and separation inside the panels.
Ottawa’s notorious freeze-thaw cycles exacerbate the problem—water trapped inside expands as it freezes, pushing the outer layer outward until it bubbles.
Low-Quality or Improperly Installed Doors
Not all garage doors are built the same. Thin steel panels, low-grade vinyl overlays, or poor lamination tend to peel, warp, or bubble over time.
Incorrect installation, such as misaligned panels or inadequate insulation, also increases the risk.
Cheap doors may initially seem like a cost-effective option, but they often lead to premature deterioration.
Age of the Door
Like any part of your home, garage doors wear down over time. Older models, especially those over 15–20 years old, are more likely to bubble as their protective finishes degrade.
At this stage, bubbling often signals that the door is approaching the end of its lifespan.
Why It's a Problem
Bubbling may start small, but it can signal larger issues. Here’s why ignoring a warped garage door is risky:
- Aesthetic Decline – Bubbles make your garage door look old and poorly maintained. Since the garage door is one of the first things people see, it can lower your home’s curb appeal and even affect property value.
- Structural Weakness – If bubbling is caused by trapped moisture, the core material could be rotting or rusting. Over time, the integrity of the door panel weakens, increasing the chance of full failure.
- Energy Efficiency Loss – Damaged insulation reduces your garage door’s R-value, meaning higher energy bills as heat escapes in winter and enters in summer.
- Costly Future Repairs – What begins as a cosmetic concern can quickly escalate into a significant issue. If bubbling spreads to multiple panels, you may end up paying for a complete garage door replacement in Ottawa instead of a minor repair.
What Can Be Done About It?
Fortunately, solutions depend on the severity of the bubbling.
Short-Term Fixes (If the Door is Structurally Sound)
- Repainting or Refinishing – A fresh coat of paint or sealant can slow down sun and moisture damage.
- Patch Repairs – Small, isolated bubbles can sometimes be sanded down and refinished to restore appearance.
- Weatherproofing – Sealing cracks and improving weatherstripping prevents further moisture intrusion.
These fixes are effective only if the problem is minor and the door remains structurally sound.
When Repair Makes Sense
- Bubbles are limited to a single panel.
- The rest of the garage door is in good condition.
- The door is relatively new and still energy-efficient.
In these cases, a technician may be able to fix a bubbling garage door in Ottawa by sanding, refinishing, or replacing a single panel.
When Replacement is the Better Option
- Multiple panels show bubbling.
- The door is over 15 years old.
- Insulation is poor, and energy bills are rising.
- Bubbling is spreading or caused by structural issues.
In these situations, replacement is usually more cost-effective. Upgrading to modern, insulated steel, fiberglass, or Canadian-made doors ensures durability and prevents future bubbling.
You should also consider the best insulated garage doors Ottawa has to offer, especially if your garage is attached to the home.
How a Professional Can Help
While DIY solutions may seem tempting, a professional inspection ensures the right decision between repair and replacement. At Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers, with our deep understanding of Ottawa’s unique climate challenges, we offer services that deliver long-lasting results for homeowners.
Here’s how a professional garage door service helps:
- On-site inspection – A trained technician can quickly identify whether bubbling is cosmetic or structural.
- Our team at Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers is committed to providing honest advice. We’ll recommend the most cost-effective solution, whether that’s repair or replacement, to ensure your garage door is safe and functional.
- Repair services – For minor issues, we can sand, refinish, or replace a single bubbled panel.
- Complete replacement options – If your door is beyond repair, we offer durable, insulated, Canadian-made garage doors built for Ottawa’s climate.
- With our same-day service, in many cases, we can respond immediately to ensure your door is safe and functional, providing you with the reassurance you need.
When you search for garage door panel replacement near me, you often require fast and trustworthy service. Choosing a professional like Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers ensures the work is done right the first time, preventing repeat issues and providing you with the security you need.
Get The Best Insulated Garage Doors in Ottawa
Bubbles in your garage door are more than just an eyesore; they’re a sign of underlying issues caused by heat, moisture, poor materials, or simple aging. While minor bubbling can sometimes be repaired, spreading or severe damage often necessitates a full garage door replacement in Ottawa.
If you’re wondering, “Why does my garage door have bubbles?”, the best step is to call a professional. At Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers, we provide honest assessments, expert repairs, and durable replacements designed explicitly for Ottawa’s weather conditions.
Whether you need to fix a bubbling garage door in Ottawa or upgrade to a modern, insulated model, we’re here to help.
Don’t ignore the warning signs of a damaged garage door. Contact Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers today for an inspection and take the first step toward restoring your garage door’s appearance, performance, and durability.
