While garages are usually a safe place for vehicles, tools, and cherished belongings, they can still be vulnerable to the extremes of British weather. Whether it's a torrential downpour or melting snow, water entering your garage is a real threat and the consequences can be costly. Knowing how to prevent garage flooding is a simple fix that can save you money and prevent potential water damage to your belongings. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of garage flooding and how to prevent it effectively.
There are several reasons why you may find water in your garage when it rains such as: Poor drainage around the garage - You may find that the land around your property slopes towards your garage instead of away from it causing rainwater to flow towards the garage. Poor drainage + heavy rain would equal a garage flood. Clogged or damaged gutters - Gutters play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home. If they are clogged with leaves or not functioning correctly, water can overflow and pool around the garage, leading to flooding. Cracks or Gaps in the Garage Foundation - Cracks or gaps in the foundation can allow rainwater to seep into the garage. Inspecting and sealing any gaps can prevent water from entering your garage. Faulty Garage Door Seals - Your garage door is often the source of water ingress and garage door rain seals that are damaged or improperly installed, will allow rainwater to easily find its way inside.
A good place to start is to tackle the causes of garage flooding. While addressing drainage issues and cracks in the foundation may require the help of professionals, inspecting and replacing your garage door rain seals can be a DIY job.
The first step is to inspect your garage door to assess where the water is coming in from. Wet patches on the floor after rainfall will be an obvious indication of a gap in the garage door. You can also use a hose to imitate rain by spraying the perimeter of the garage door to locate the gap. Any water that makes its way into the garage will indicate a faulty seal. Next, check the condition of the seals, keeping an eye out for signs of wear and tear. Worn garage door seals may be cracked, torn or misshapen meaning the seal they provide will be less effective.
Stormstop has a wide range of high-quality garage door seals, and each of them does a superior job of protecting your garage from floods and water damage. The type of seal you need will depend on the location of the seal and the type of garage door you have. In the Stormstop range, you’ll find:
Each garage door rain seal in the Stormstop range will protect different parts of your door so you will need to investigate how the water is entering your garage. Often, the top, sides or bottom of the garage door can have gaps that allow water to flow in and in some cases, gaps can be present in all three areas. To help you figure out which one is best, let’s look at the types of garage door seals you may need to prevent garage flooding.
For gaps under your garage door, a Stormstop garage door rubber seal is a great solution. Our rubber blade garage door seals can be fixed to the bottom of the garage door, closing any gaps that allow rainwater to seep through. The heavy-duty rubber used to make this seal is of superior quality meaning it will last longer than cheaper alternatives.
A Stormstop brush strip garage door seal features robust nylon bristles that can also act as a barrier to keep water away from your garage.
Both types of garage door bottom seals feature a durable aluminium carrier that comes in either 40°, 90° or 180° for the perfect fit.
A garage door threshold seal is another way to close a gap under your garage door. Sometimes referred to as a garage door floor seal, a threshold seal is fixed to the floor with a waterproof adhesive and creates a barrier that prevents water from entering the garage as well as any dust, leaves or pests.
A Stormstop multi-seal is the perfect solution to fix a garage door gap on one side, both sides or a gap at the top. This type of garage door weather seal can be easily fixed around the perimeter of the garage entrance with adhesive. These seals are ideal for closing smaller gaps that allow bugs and creepy crawlies to find their way inside.
Stormstop garage door seals not only prevent garage flooding but can also help keep out draughts, dust and debris. Stormstop seals are also an ideal way to prolong the life of your garage door. To make things more convenient, Stormstop supplies garage door seal kits containing everything you’ll need to replace your old seals.
For more information, browse our range of garage door weather seals or contact our team who will be happy to answer any questions.
