Whether you have an external or attached garage, the odds are that, at some point, you’ve had water in it. Any sign of moisture and water in your garage is a problem. Over time, long-term damage can occur, including destruction to your property, dangerous mold and mildew growth, and significant structural damage.
Waterproofing protects your space from water and moisture. Garages often add value to a home, so you want to ensure it remains in the best condition possible. Here’s how to waterproof your garage and protect your belongings.
Step 1: Clean Out the Garage
Waterproofing your garage is easier when your garage is free of clutter and clean. After waterproofing, you can use this opportunity to reorganize your garage and keep it clean and maintained. Thoroughly clean the floor and the walls, using cleaning solutions or a pressure washer if necessary.
Step 2: Evaluate the State of Your Garage
Place your safety equipment on your hands and face, then perform a careful visual inspection of the space. Walk around the outside of the structure to assess its condition, too. If there’s any clear water damage, you’ll want to treat it before waterproofing it further.
Should you observe mold or mildew growth, contact a mold remediation specialist to ensure a professional removes the danger. Do not cover over the mold with paint or drywall, as that will not resolve the problem.
Step 3: Seal all gaps and cracks
With waterproofing sealant or caulk, use a caulking gun to seal up any gaps or cracks you find. That includes crevices in the garage floor, the foundation, external and internal walls, wall-floor joints, ceilings, and around doors and windows.
Ensure you seal the foundation with a high-quality sealant that does its job. Seal all cracks in the garage floor to prevent water from seeping up through the ground.
Step 4: Weatherstrip windows and doors
Installing weatherstrips and door sweeps around garage doors and windows is necessary to keep the space completely dry and protected from the elements.
Begin by filling in all cracks or holes in the areas you plan to weatherstrip. Then, clean these spots and the surrounding areas with soap and water; then dry the areas with a clean cloth. Finally, cut the weatherstripping tape to the length needed for the section. Press the tape down firmly into the areas you want to cover.
Step 5: Use Waterproof Paint
One of the best ways to ensure a solid and effective moisture barrier in your garage is to use waterproof paint or coatings on your garage walls. Start by checking the garage walls, verifying that all crevices and cracks are filled and that the walls are clean and smooth.
Apply the waterproof paint to the walls using a paint sprayer or rolling brush. Should you need a second coat, wait until the first coat has thoroughly dried before painting again.
Step 6: Use Protective Floor Coating
Most garages have concrete foundations or floors. Unfortunately, because concrete is porous, groundwater seeps into it over time, causing splitting and cracking in the floor. To prevent this issue, use a protective coating to create a barrier to protect the floor. Popular and effective coating choices include epoxy, tanking slurry, moisture vapor barriers, liquid rubber, liquid membrane, and latex.
Water Damage Prevention
After waterproofing your garage, you want to ensure all your hard work is not wasted. Periodically inspect the garage to prevent rainfall and floodwater damage. Check on your drain and gutter systems regularly for damage to downspouts or gutters. Make sure they are unclogged, clean, and working correctly, otherwise, they won’t direct water away from the garage’s foundation.
If you have any pipes running through your garage, stay vigilant against any leaks. Ignoring a hidden leak can cost you thousands in repairs. There are several ways to determine whether you have a hidden leak within your garage, including looking for the following:
Any discoloration on floors, walls, or ceilings.
A sudden decrease in water pressure.
Moldy smells resulting from a long-term mildew buildup and mold growth.
Excessively and unusually damp areas.
Signs of rust on metal objects in a garage.
Additionally, look for new cracks or crevices that develop in the ceilings, walls, or foundation, and immediately fill these spots in with a crack filler or sealant.
Conclusion
Waterproofing your garage is a great way to protect your property proactively from water and moisture. It is a wise investment that enhances the longevity of your garage. Plan to waterproof your garage so it remains a reliable part of your property for years.
