If you live in an area with heavy rain or snowstorms, your garage could flood if you don’t protect it. Water getting into your garage can cause wood to rot, lead to mold and fungus, and harm your house’s structure.
Therefore, it is crucial that you grasp the following 8 ways to safeguard your garage door and possessions from water damage. Most of them are easily doable and highly effective with the help of professional garage door experts.
- Examine the Garage Foundation and Bottom Seal
The bottom seal is a thin piece of rubber or vinyl at the bottom of your garage door. It can’t stop water if there’s a flood, but it does help keep rain and snow out. If you feel air or light coming through, replacing it should be a cheap fix.
You can do a few things if your garage’s foundation has cracks. First, see how big the cracks are. If they’re big and getting worse, call a professional for help. But if they’re small and don’t cause serious problems, you can fix them yourself.
First, locate the crack. Then, use a wire brush to remove dirt or debris. Apply concrete sealant to the crack, following the instructions carefully. Let it dry completely before using the garage like normal. - Install New Weatherstripping
Replace the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door to create a secure seal that keeps out rain, snow, and other outdoor elements. Ensure the weatherstripping is intact and free of tears or rips, particularly if you have a newer garage door. - Test Your Garage Door’s Function
Before an anticipated storm, verify that your garage door operates smoothly. Clean the sensors and clear any obstructions that might hinder the door’s closing. If you encounter any issues, promptly contact a technician for diagnosis and repair to avoid potential water damage. - Inspect the Quality of Your Garage Door
Regularly examine your garage door for cracks or holes, paying close attention to the bottom section. Any cracks or misalignment can permit rainwater to infiltrate your garage, potentially causing damage. - Add a Trench Drain
Install a trench drain if your garage is vulnerable to water collection during heavy rainfall. This drainage system helps divert water from your garage, reducing the risk of flooding. - Clean Your Gutters
Maintain cleanliness in the rain gutters above your garage to prevent water from directly attacking the garage door. If your garage lacks gutters, consider installing them to provide additional protection. - Using Waterproof Paint
Applying waterproof paint on your garage door, its surrounding trim, and the siding and roofing can help shield them from water damage. This protective layer prevents materials like wood and metal from being harmed by water. - Replacing or Repairing Trim Around Your Door
Check the trim around your garage door, which is often made of wood and may crack or rot over time. If you notice any damage, contact a local technician to fix or replace the broken or missing trim. This ensures your garage door remains properly sealed and protected against water infiltration.
Wrapping Up
Water damage caused by flooding and heavy rain threatens your garage door’s integrity and negatively impacts your home. Heavy water damage can be costly to repair if you ignore the 8 ways to protect your garage door from flooding.
Need a hand in making your garage door flood-proof? Contact our seasoned garage door specialists at Cypress Garage & Gates. As a family-owned business, we have been your trusted garage door service provider with 30 years of industry experience. Call us at (832) 349-2189.