Should You Leave Your Garage Door Cracked Open?

Ever go for an evening stroll around your neighborhood and notice a garage door cracked open, with the bottom of the door sitting about an inch off the cement garage floor? The first time you see it, it likely gets filed away as a weird quirk or perhaps an accident. It’s akin to that neighbor with twelve lawn gnomes, or the one who mows his lawn daily. You may notice, however, that another neighbor is cracking his or her garage door, then another and another.

Now you start to wonder if you’re missing something, and cracking your garage door is a special trick that will make all your homeowner dreams come true. Will your utility bills disappear, your house magically clean itself, and your appliances sing together like a six-piece band on a main stage? Allow us to offer some insight!  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cracking Your Garage Door?

The Pros

• Ventilation: If the space is too hot or humid, cracking the door can help cool air flow into the enclosed space.
• Exhaust Dissipation: Exhaust from a recently parked car can dissipate from the space under the door. If you are eager to get inside your home and would like your door mostly closed, leaving it cracked can allow for the exhaust to escape.
• Light: Garages lack natural light, even with a window or two. A cracked door can allow someone to better see a project that is being done in there
• Helps the door: Cracking open your door can help ease the tension on the torsion springs. Though this is not a necessity for your door, it is an added bonus if you are cracking the door for other reasons.  

The Cons

• HVAC Strain: While ventilation makes some sense, opening your garage door is more likely to let out wanted cool air and let in more hot air (or vice versa, depending on the season). Your house will heat and cool better with a fully closed door.
• Pests: Cracking the door allows for pests, bugs, and rodents to enter underneath. Those curious little chipmunks love to sneak in when given the chance.
• Security Concern: If the door is left open and unattended or forgotten about overnight, this can present an opportunity for an old-fashioned break-in or snatch and run.
• Possible Damage: Leaving your door cracked regularly can begin to strain the garage opener. If you have a particularly heavy door, we do not recommend that you crack it regularly for this reason.  

At the end of the day, it’s truly up to you. Perhaps you’ll decide to crack it sometimes, or maybe you’ll just open and close it fully. Whether you join your neighbors in stopping the door short or decide to keep it fully open or closed, we salute you. As always, we are here as your trusty helpers in all things garage doors and more. Call Jim’s for advice on your door, an estimate, or an update today.