Heavy rains and floods are the brutal forces of nature that are beyond any control. Weather forecasts can predict the occurrences and frequencies of rains in an area. However, it is almost impossible to completely avoid the infrastructure and property damage caused by flooding.
Still, some measures can help prevent irreversible and extensive damage to property. This article details tips and tricks that can help protect garages in case of flooding.
Water seeping into a garage can quickly become quite problematic. A damp atmosphere harbors mold, and once a garage starts getting mold infestation, it can spread throughout the rest of the property. Water also can cause wooden planes and furniture to rot, and it wreaks havoc on floors and walls while making the whole garage smell.
Here are the eight most efficient methods homeowners can use to keep the water out or minimize it as much as possible.
Easy To Execute Steps
Cleaning the Door Entrance
The easiest yet most effective step is to keep the door entrance clear. Dust and pebbles can accumulate in the corners of the garage doorway. This buildup can stop the door from closing completely, leaving a space between the base and the door. Water can get through the crack. Brush the dust buildup away with a stiff brush to ensure that your garage door closes completely.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is the process of installing a rubber or vinyl ribbon along the bottom and edges of the garage door. If your garage door does not already have a weather strip installed, investing in one will help you a lot in the long run.
This ribbon works by sealing the door against dust, outside air, and seeping water. The material used for weatherstripping can get worn out over time, and cracks and tears will allow water inflow. Check your weatherstripping for signs of wear and tear, and repair or replace it if needed.
Form a Makeshift Barrier
Heavy rainfalls and flashfloods are becoming common with the ongoing climatic changes. To deal with these emergency conditions, an effective way is to create makeshift barriers by using sandbags in the water path. To absorb any water that seeps in, fill the bags, line them up against the outside of the door, and add absorbent material behind them, such as towels, newspaper, or painter drop cloths.
Alternatively, you can buy “quick dams” to do the same thing if you do not want to go through the hassle of filling sandbags. These “quick dams” should be placed in front of doors, and when they come into contact with water, they will expand to form a barrier.
Filling Floor Cracks
Houses in regions having heavy rain or flood patterns also need regular flooring inspections. Home foundations shift and settle with time, and it may cause cracks in the house floors. In such cases, in the houses built on clay foundations, any water accumulations along the sides result in water draining into the gaps. To avoid this, clean the floor to look for any emerging gaps, and use a waterproof sealant to fill in any cracks.
Long-term Solutions
Install a Drain
Installing a new drain is more time-consuming, and costly, as it requires the services of a professional. However, it is your best option because water will always be an issue if the inclination of your driveway is towards the door. A trench drain can be installed along the garage door to collect water and divert it away from the house.
Balance the Garage Door
An unbalanced garage door is not only an unrestricted gateway for water flooding into your garage, but it is also a safety hazard for your property in general. Garage doors can become unbalanced due to many reasons, the door springs can get worn, their tracks might be damaged, or the door hinges might get loose.
Any of these issues could result in a door not closing. Contact your local professional garage door technician to service the door and ensure that The Garage Door is Balanced and running smoothly. Not only will this lessen the chances of water flooding your garage, but it will also extend the life of your garage door.
Check the Garage Door Opener
A fully functional garage door opener with a working backup battery is just as important as a correctly aligned garage door. Garage door openers can break down. They can result in a door that is either completely stuck in its place or a door not shutting down properly onto its base, resulting in the weatherstripping not being able to perform well enough.
Garage door alignment and any extensive repairs or adjustments on garage door openers should only be carried out by professionals to avoid further damage to the door and wasting additional money.
Author Bio: Ran Kroynish is an experienced handyman who’s been working for Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair for 10 years. When he’s not fixing garage doors, he likes to share his repair ideas and knowledge with others.
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