Water damage, regardless of the amount, can make for a stressful situation. Much like your home, your detached garage is susceptible to water damage. The garage is often neglected where waterproofing is concerned. Your detached garage is an investment alongside your home that contributes to your overall property value. Therefore, if you are currently experiencing a leak it is important to find the source of the water to avoid future issues and to minimize the damage and repairs. To prevent such costs, it is important to know how to keep your garage protected from areas where water can easily enter the structure.
Gutters And Downspouts – Just as you would for your home, it is important to keep the gutters and downspouts on your detached garage clear of debris. Clearing the gutters allows water to channel to an appropriate drainage system preventing the gutters from overflowing and allowing standing water along the foundation of your structure. Prolonged standing water at the base of your detached garage can cause heaving to the foundation and create costly structural issues.
If you do not currently have gutters and downspouts on your garage it may be time to consider the investment.
Moisture Barrier – Often the siding of your garage, if unprepared, will allow water and moisture to affect the walls, creating problems both on the interior and exterior of the structure. Utilizing a house wrap prevents that water from penetrating the exterior walls of the garage and allows it to run down the outside of the structure. Without such preventative measures, your garage is at risk for leaks as well as mold growth over time.
Garage Plumbing – Some garages come with plumbing for an exterior hose or a utility sink. Plumbing leaks within the garage go unnoticed longer than a home leak, allowing more time for the surrounding area to be affected. Stored items can absorb the water, thus not leaving an obvious pool of standing water, or hiding it from view. It is important to check on the interior areas where plumbing is entering the garage, as well as the exterior where it risks pooling alongside the foundation of the structure.
Car Liquids – Keeping the garage floor clean is typically the last chore that crosses anyone’s mind; however, it is one to take into consideration if you are noticing cracks in your foundation. The snow and salt that cling to your car after a snowstorm, or the rain running off the vehicle after a drive can both cause trouble for your garage floor. An epoxy floor would help to create a barrier between the elements and the foundation.
Liquids such as oil and coolant are a cause for concern if allowed to pool on the floor. Left to sit, these chemicals will erode the flooring, allowing for pits in the concrete and creating areas susceptible to cracking in the foundation.
A waterproofing specialist would be recommended to inspect the damage, in efforts to assess what steps should be taken next to correct the source of the water damage or prevent future problems. Depending on the age and condition of the garage, it may be time to consider updating the structure itself with a garage builder who can address these concerns in your new garage going forward.
If it is time to update your detached garage and are interested in a free consultation and estimate, contact Heartland Garage Builders at 224-326-2698 or HeartlandGarageBuilders.com