I've been dealing with a problem where water seeps into my garage through the door during heavy storms. I've tried to get to the bottom of it, but I'm not sure what's causing it or how to fix it. I've got a few quotes from contractors—one suggested just using silicone for $50, another recommended a new bottom seal and weatherstripping for $150 including labor, and the last one wanted to install extra water protection guards. This seems like it shouldn't be too complicated of a fix, so I'm looking for advice on what steps I should take to solve this issue for good.
4 Answers
First things first, make sure the water runoff is directed away from your house. Check if the ground slopes down away from your garage. Sometimes just regrading the area can make a big difference! If it keeps pooling at the door, that could be a major factor in the water getting in.
I can't see your garage in detail, but it looks like you might be missing a door sweep at the bottom. Get low down with the lights off and check if you can see any gaps letting light in. That could be where the water is sneaking through!
You might want to check the drainage around your garage. I faced similar issues until I added gutters to the roof. But that wasn't enough since the soil didn't drain well. I ended up digging a French drain that led away from the house, connecting the downspouts directly to it. This approach completely solved my water issues, so it might be something to consider!
There are a few possibilities here. If the bottom sweep of the door is worn, it could be time for a replacement. Also, check if water is getting in under the door sill—try caulking that area if so. Be sure to look at the concrete in front of the door too; if it’s sloping towards the garage, it'll create puddles right where you don't want them! Watching the situation during a heavy rain should help you pinpoint the entry points and find a solution.
Definitely! I had a similar issue and found that my concrete was lower in front of the garage door, allowing water to pool. Watching the rain is a key step in figuring it out!
That's a solid solution! I think a French drain could save a lot of hassle in the long run if you're dealing with consistent water intrusion.