Why protect your garage against damp?
Water infiltration under a garage door can cause significant damage, from floor and wall deterioration to mold and rust on stored equipment. Leaking water can also damage the door itself, especially if it’s made of untreated wood or steel. To preserve the durability of your installation and ensure good insulation, it’s essential to adopt effective anti-humidity solutions.
Check and reinforce door sill seal
One of the main causes of infiltration is an ill-fitting threshold, or one that has become worn over time. To prevent water penetration, we recommend installing a rubber or aluminum threshold, which creates a physical barrier against moisture. These thresholds are specially designed to fit the bottom of the garage door and prevent water run-off.
It’s also possible to add a gasket under the door, for extra protection against infiltration. This foam or rubber gasket is fixed directly to the bottom of the door, providing better insulation.
Installing a drainage weir
If water tends to accumulate in front of your garage, installing a drainage channel is an effective solution. Placed just in front of the garage entrance, this system collects rainwater and drains it into a drainage system, preventing it from stagnating and seeping under the door.
For optimum efficiency, the channel must be :
- Well positioned with a slight slope towards the drain.
- Equipped with a protective grid to prevent debris build-up.
- Checked and cleaned regularly to ensure proper flow.
Check ground conditions and slope
A poorly levelled floor or one that slopes towards the inside of the garage encourages water infiltration. Ideally, the garage entrance should be slightly raised or sloped outwards to prevent water from collecting at the base of the door.
If water continues to penetrate despite these adjustments, it may be necessary to resurface the garage or install an impermeable coating on the floor to limit moisture absorption.
Maintain and replace seals
The rubber gaskets around the edges and bottom of the door play a key role in sealing the system. Over time, they can crack, harden or deteriorate, allowing water to pass through. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure their effectiveness:
- Clean seals with soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Apply a rubber maintenance product to maintain flexibility.
- Replace worn seals as soon as they show signs of ageing.
Apply a water-repellent coating to walls and floors
If your garage suffers from recurrent damp, it may be worth applying a water-repellent coating to the walls and floor. This type of product waterproofs porous surfaces and prevents water absorption. There are several effective solutions:
- Water-repellent paint for garage walls and floor.
- Waterproofing resin to seal microcracks and enhance protection against moisture.
- Protective PVC film to be applied to the bottom of walls to prevent capillary rise.
Why choose Leader Services to improve the watertightness of your garage door?
Leader Services can help you protect your garage against water infiltration by offering :
- Installation of suitable sills and seals.
- Installation of drainage channels for efficient water evacuation.
- Check and adjust ground level for best drainage gradient.
- Water-repellent wall and floor treatment for long-lasting protection.
Consult our services on our garage door page or contact us via our online form.
Conclusion
Water infiltration under a garage door can cause long-term damage, but it can be prevented with simple, effective solutions. Installing a watertight sill, a drainage system, properly maintaining joints and applying a water-repellent treatment are essential measures to protect your garage. For a professional, long-lasting solution, trust Leader Services.
