How to Fix the Gap on a Refrigerator Door Gasket?

The door gasket is an essential component of your refrigerator. It prevents air and moisture from entering, keeping food fresh. If there is a space between the refrigerator door and the gasket, you may need to replace or repair the gasket. Read on if you wish to learn how to repair the gap in a refrigerator door gasket from Strip-Curtains.

Why Does My Refrigerator Door Gasket Have a Gap?

When you open your refrigerator door, you may notice a gap between the door and the gasket. The gap is not only unsightly, but it can also cause excess humidity in your refrigerator. Here's why:

The gasket is made of rubber and has an elastic quality. When the door closes, the rubber pulls away from the metal to allow air circulation. The gap may be small or large depending on how old, or new your refrigerator is, but it will always be there to some degree.

The gasket is made of rubber and has an elastic quality. When the door closes, the rubber pulls away from the metal to allow air circulation. The gap may be small or large depending on how old, or new your refrigerator is, but it will always be there to some degree.

Here are some common causes of gaps in refrigerator door gaskets:

• The gasket is old and worn out, so it's no longer doing its job of keeping cold air inside and the warm air outside.
• The door was installed incorrectly during installation, so there is not enough tension on the seal.
• The door was removed from its hinges, causing the seal to become warped or bent.

Should the Refrigerator Door Gasket Be Repaired or Replaced?

If your refrigerator door gasket is damaged, you may wonder if you should repair or replace it. The answer depends on how old the gasket is and whether or not it's still in good shape.

If your refrigerator door gasket is relatively new and only has minor tears, then repairing it is a great option. However, replacing it will be a better option if there are multiple holes or tears in the gasket.

Another thing to consider is how much use your refrigerator and its hardware gets. If you have an older fridge that isn't being used very often, then repairing the gasket may be fine because it won't get much use. But if you have an older fridge that gets a lot of use, replacing the gasket would be best because it will last longer.

How to Fix the Gap in a Refrigerator Door Gasket?

A gap in a refrigerator door gasket can be caused by several things, including a poorly fitted gasket or a warped door. You will need to remove the refrigerator door and repair it. This can be done with a screwdriver and some patience.

To fix the gap in a refrigerator door gasket, you'll need the following:

• Tape measure
• Replacement gasket
• Screwdriver
• A hacksaw or utility knife to cut the old gasket into smaller pieces

Step 1: Measure the gap between the doors at their widest point. This will provide you an idea of how much new gasket you need. If there is more than 1/8" (3 mm) of a gap, replace both doors' gaskets.

Step 2: Remove the old gasket from both doors with your screwdriver and pry out any staples or screws holding it in place. If necessary, you can also use a utility knife or hacksaw to split the old gasket into multiple pieces. The new gasket will be easier to work with if it comes pre-cut into smaller pieces.

Step 3: Clean both sides of each door with a damp cloth to remove any debris or dust that might inhibit the proper installation of the new gasket. Dry them thoroughly before installing your new replacement piece(s).

Step 4: Starting from one end of each door, line up one side of your new gasket with its corresponding side on top of its door frame, so they're flush against each other. Make sure you don't stretch the gasket too thin, or it will tear when you close the door.

Step 5: Once both sides are lined up, slowly work around the door until it's all in place. Then slowly close the fridge door to ensure it doesn't get caught on anything and tear off any excess gasket material.

Takeaway

A refrigerator door gasket is a barrier that keeps out outside air and keeps inside air in. Over time, this gasket can get worn or torn, allowing warm air to escape inside the refrigerator and cool air to seep through the door. This can cause your refrigerator to run more often than necessary and waste energy. 

If you are experiencing an issue with your gasket, Strip-Curtains can help! Our website has everything you need to repair or replace your refrigerator door gasket, including detailed instructions and helpful videos. Contact us today.