It's Crucial to Inspect Your Garage for Leaks Immediately
If you've got a garage, storage shed, or any other outdoor building, this is the ideal moment to investigate for any leaks. Leaks can develop during warmer seasons as the materials your structures are made of expand and contract due to temperature changes. During summer, a small leak might not be a major issue, but moisture can cause chaos once the climate cools down and water freezes inside cracks. Preventing small problems from becoming larger ones can save you a fortune in repairs. Here are a few straightforward actions you can take right now to avoid future damage.
Seek out damp spots
Start by examining the floor, walls, and ceiling for any damp patches. It's best to do this shortly after it rains, while the moisture is still present. Rainwater may not immediately pool beneath a leak, but it could run down the roof beams to the walls, causing dampness at the base where walls meet the floor. Another common entry point for water is beneath the door. Leaks can also come from a shed door.
Examine the roof
Storms can damage garage roofs through wind or falling branches. Look for missing or displaced shingles, or any part of the roof that appears disturbed. You should also check for clumps of leaves or debris. These can trap moisture near the roof and cause damage once the temperature drops. A strong burst of water usually removes clumps of leaves. If you find a gap in the shingles, a DIY repair is possible if only a few are loose, but extensive damage requires a professional.
Inspect the slab
This is also a great time to examine the concrete slab that holds your garage or shed. If you notice any small cracks, a concrete repair sealer can fix them and prevent water damage. Larger cracks or signs of slab movement may require a professional's attention.
Examine the weather stripping
Weatherstripping around doors and windows can deteriorate over time, allowing both drafts and moisture to enter. You can use a garage door weather-stripping kit to seal around a roll-top door, while regular doors and windows can be sealed with weather stripping. Water leaking under the door can be prevented with a new under-door seal or a threshold strip.
Analyze drainage
Pooling water outside your shed or garage could be a problem with grading or issues with your downspouts. Grading should ensure that the ground slopes away from your structure at a rate of about one inch for every foot of distance for about five to 10 feet. Downspout issues can be resolved by clearing leaves or using a downspout extension to redirect water away from the building.
Prune vegetation
Plants that touch your structure can trap moisture against the walls, allowing ice to form where it shouldn't. In addition to increasing the risk of a fire spreading to your garage, this can cause water damage over time. Pruning back shrubs and trees at least 18 inches from the walls can extend the life of your siding and prevent ice damage as the weather changes.
Checking for garage leaks is crucial, especially on the home's garage or shed, during the autumn as moisture can freeze inside cracks, causing extensive damage during winter. After examining the roof for missing or displaced shingles and debris, it's advisable to inspect the slab for small cracks and repair them with a concrete sealer to prevent water damage.
