Flooding can cause major damage to any property, especially a garage. Regardless of where you live, it’s important to take steps to keep your garage clean and dry. The team at Sevan Locks and Doors has some helpful tips on how to do that for your home.
Secure Your Weatherseal
The weatherseal on the bottom of the garage is very important for several reasons. The main purpose of the seal is to keep out dirt and debris from entering your garage. Dirt and debris can interfere with garage door parts. The seal also keeps water from getting into your garage.
Check your weatherseal for any rips or tears. You may also notice if the seal is worn down. You can easily replace your seal. If you notice any damage, replace it right away. This will help keep your garage dry.
Fill In Foundational Cracks
Checking the floor is one of the first things you should do when protecting your garage from floods. If your home is older, chances are the foundation is already settling. When the foundation settles, cracks can form which leaves room for water and other damages.
If you notice any cracks in the garage floor, don’t panic. Start by cleaning the floor and then applying a good coat of sealant. This will create a barrier and prevent water from seeping through.
Adjust Your Garage Door
Even if you’ve already had your annual maintenance and inspection, check the door anyway. Many things can throw the balance off and you want to make sure it’s perfect. If your door is not properly balanced, call your local garage door professional to come and take a look. Proper door alignment means more protection against flooding.
Don’t forget the Opener
Your garage door opener helps open and close the door when you push the button on the wall. Sometimes the opener malfunctions for different reasons. Give the opener a test and make sure it’s working. If not, a professional can adjust that as well.
Put Up A Barrier
Many people put up a barrier around their property in place with heavy rainfall. Barriers are very helpful when it comes to excess rains or even flash flooding. They can protect your property from major water damage.
Creating a barrier is not hard and you can use sandbags to get the job done. Here’s how:
- Get some large bags such as polyethylene (plastic) or even burlap.
- Fill the bags ½-⅔ full of sand. The bags should lay flat after you’ve filled them. The bags expand when they get wet. If you overfill them, they could leak.
- Stack the bags in front of the garage door. Keep them directly on top of one another so that they stay close together. The weight of each sandbag will also help keep them closed.
The great thing about using polyethylene bags is that you can reuse them. The burlap bags are not as reusable since they can rot from the water damage.
Install A Drain
There are bigger steps to take when securing your garage against flooding. One of them is installing a drain. Not every homeowner needs to do this. This really depends on the angle of your house. If your driveway curves toward your garage, then consider installing a drain for the excess water.
Contact Your Local Professionals
When it comes to protecting your garage from flooding, the team at Sevan Locks and Doors knows what to do. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about your door. We’re happy to help in any way.
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