Water leaks can be a big problem in a garage. Water damage in a garage not only affects the structure of the garage, but it could also affect your car and anything else that you keep in your garage for safe storage. Moisture can enable and worsen any number of problems ranging from rust to mold. The garage may seem more prone to leaks than any other part of the house, but you can prevent garage leaks, especially if you know where they’re most likely to originate.
Garage Wall Leaks
One reason garage leaks can be so difficult to deal with is that they often seem to come from the walls and can be difficult to pin down. Because garages are often left with unfinished walls, they don’t have the drywall and insulation that can help prevent moisture from forming on other interior walls in the home.
Concrete garage walls often leak because they’re naturally porous, allowing water in easily. Concrete can also develop cracks through which more water can enter. You can use hydraulic cement to patch obvious cracks or holes in the walls. Concrete walls can also be painted with masonry coatings that create a waterproof membrane that prevents water from seeping into the garage.
Garage Roof Leaks
Ascertaining the source of a leak can be tricky. Before you decide that the leaks are coming from the wall, it’s a good idea to check the roof. It’s common for leaks to originate in areas where the roofs flashing meets the walls. The water then runs along the framing studs and appears to emerge from the wall.
Garage roofs can also leak because of holes in the roof or because of damaged or flawed roofing materials. Look for wet or discolored patches on the roof or on wooden areas that may indicate a need for a roofing contractor to inspect and repair the garage roof.
Garage Door Leaks
The garage door is another common area for leaks. When the weatherstripping that comes with the garage door is worn out, it can dry out and begin to crack and crumble, allowing water to seep in underneath the door when it rains. Replacing the weatherstripping is an affordable process that can be performed by most homeowners with reasonable handyman skills.
A more difficult problem to solve is when the surface below the garage door is uneven. As your home gets older and settles, you may find that the garage has settled to a point that is lower than the driveway. This can make it very difficult to keep water out entirely. Installing a drain in your driveway may be the best way to avoid most of the leakage into your garage. It can be difficult to determine the best spot and the correct size for a driveway drain system, so you may want to hire a professional for the task. If installing a drain is too expensive or otherwise not a good option, another alternative is to install a new layer of concrete or a garage threshold that will allow your garage door to create a watertight seal when it’s closed.
For more information about your garage repair and renovation options, contact us.
