Wondering how to protect your garage from flood water damage? Here are some tips that you can use to prevent garage flooding!
If you happen to live in areas where thunderstorms are a regular occurrence, then you must be well acquainted with flooding. Flooding is a major issue faced by many homeowners across the US. The most common areas of the house that face flooding include the basement and garage. If your garage floods, it can lead to lasting damage and costly repairs. Moreover, the standing water will also invite mold to grow in your garage. This is why you must protect your garage from floodwater.
Here are some incredible tips that you can use to prevent your garage from flooding:
Weather-Strip the Garage Door
Maintain weather-stripping around your garage door. Weather-stripping, such as rubber and vinyl stripping, or self-adhesive tape offers ample protection against flood water and also helps maintain the temperature inside your garage. The weather-strip at the bottom of your garage door will protect your garage from minor flooding. However, it will eventually wear off after repeated exposure so make sure to replace it regularly by keeping a check on the current one for signs of damage and visible cracks.
Check the Foundation for Cracks
Always keep a check on your property’s foundation for any visible cracks and damage. Even the tiniest cracks can create space for flood water to seep into your home and garage and make them vulnerable to water damage. So, make sure to inspect your foundation, find all the cracks, and cover them with waterproof paint or a vinyl concrete patch. If you see larger cracks, then don’t shy away from calling a professional contractor to prevent further damage.
Improve the Drainage Around Your Home
Make sure to improve the drainage around your home. This is because when the drains and street gutters are overflowing with floodwater, your house becomes vulnerable to flooding. This is why having adequate drainage around and on your property is of utmost importance. Install French drains along your driveway or in front of your garage so that they can transport the excess water away from your property’s foundation.
Install Floor Vents
During a severe storm, the chances of severe flooding increase significantly. Usually, with such an occurrence, garage doors cannot withstand the sheer force of the flood water.
This is when flood vents enter the picture. They allow the floodwater that comes from outside to flow through your garage unhindered. What’s more is that flood vents are designed in a way that allows them to protect your living space from water damage by allowing your garage to flood and the water to move through it instead.
Use Sandbags or Flood Barriers
Make sure to install flood barriers or sandbags around your property. These barriers act as short dams that expand when they come in contact with water, which allows them to stop low-level flooding effectively. When used properly, these barriers can direct floodwater away from your home and garage.
Use the aforementioned tips to prevent your garage from flooding. In case of accidental flooding and water damage, make sure to reach out to a professional water damage repair service right away to prevent costly and lasting damage.
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