How to Prevent Water From Leaking Into Your Garage
You might not expect your garage to be 100% waterproof during a storm, but if you are noticing constant moisture even on dry days — that’s a problem.
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Water can be destructive and dangerous and smart homeowners will do everything in their power to stop the leak at its source before it gets out of hand.
In this article, we will explain how to look for water in the garage, what causes it, and what to do about it.
What Are The Warning Signs?
Hopefully, this one should usually be pretty obvious — if you see damp spots around your garage where they don’t belong, that’s a bad sign. Occasionally you will see water on your walls, or even seeping up from the concrete floor.
At the first sign of water, move around any clutter to find how large the leak is and try to locate the source as best you can. Garages are usually made of naturally porous, unfinished concrete which can let in water easier than you might expect.
If you notice excessive rust on your tools or car this could also be a sign of excess moisture in your garage permeating the air.
Once you have nailed down where the water is coming from it is time to focus on the why….
What Causes Water to Leak Into the Garage?
There are a few main causes of water leaking into the garage:
Cracks in the Floor
Even minuscule cracks are perfect pathways for water to travel. Water from the ground will bubble up through the smallest holes and start pooling on the floor.
Pitting is when tiny holes form on your floor and become wells for water. Pitting can happen over time when concrete floors are not properly sealed.
High Humidity
Extended exposure to high humidity will cause condensation and have water forming on all surfaces. Poorly ventilated garages are most at risk for this.
Garage Door Leak
Over time, the weather stripping on your garage door may wear down and allow water to stream underneath it during rainy days.
Sloping driveways also can prevent a perfect seal between the ground and the garage door.
Garage Roof Leak
If you have a detached garage, be sure to maintain it as you would any part of your home. Flimsy garage roofs are at risk for leaks. If it is not already, upgrade your garage to be up to your local area’s housing code.
Grade Differences
If your house or garage is lower than the top of your garage, the driveway will act as a river flowing directly into your garage and home.
Read more: How to dry a flooded garage
Finding and Fixing the Problem
Once you have highlighted where the leak is coming from, it is time to quickly neutralize the source.
For Cracks and Holes
Use a concrete patching compound to seal up the floor. Seal everything made of concrete, not just the affected areas, or you risk just moving the leak to a new crack.
Always use a water-resistant, silicate-based product for maximum protection from the elements.
For Humid Weather
Make sure your insulation is intact and not water-damaged itself. Your barrier to the outside will keep moisture out. Install a dehumidifier to quickly suck out all the water in the air.
For Leaks
Revamp your weatherstripping to form a tight seal. Hire a contractor to take a look at your roof and find the most efficient way of enhancing or replacing your roof.
For Downhill Streams
This one can be tougher to solve. If you can’t afford an entire grade adjustment of your driveway, then at least install pipes that will direct the flowing water away from your property.
Most of the time you will have to find a tailored solution to your unique home, which means calling in the experts.
Preventing Future Leaks
Untreated leaks can cause serious problems for your home and even your health. Leaking water can foster harmful black mold in less than 24 hours, so it is imperative you handle this problem totally and quickly.
The best way to prevent future leaks is to hire a professional. A contractor can determine the source and propose fixes. A good rule of thumb is to have a professional inspection every 5 years to make sure everything is up to date and keeping water out.
Some people have garages that are built on uneven ground, so a regular garage door will never close tightly. In these extreme cases, intense landscaping and construction may be necessary to fix your garage. While the upfront costs may be high, the long-term benefits of avoiding water damage cannot be understated.
Prevent water from getting in your garage today, and keep your home flawless for tomorrow.
Conclusion
The experts at All Dry USA are the authorities on garage leaks. From diagnosis to bespoke remedies, our team helps you every step of the way until you have a watertight garage all year round.
Our general contractors can provide as-needed patchwork or total restoration and remodeling based on your needs. With years of experience, there is no leak or water damage we haven’t solved!
So don’t hesitate, call us at (888) 998-2379 today and get a quote now.
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
