Heavy rains wreaked havoc throughout many parts of the US in 2015. As a result, homeowners are faced with hundreds of dollars in damages as well as lost items that can never be replaced. If you want to make sure that your garage is protected from flooding the next time severe weather comes your way, the following six tips will help.
Install Drainage
Even though most neighborhoods have drainage systems built into them, the drains and gutters can’t always keep up – especially in torrential downpours and other flooding conditions. When these systems back up, it often results in the additional water building up on your property. If your yard drains towards your home or garage, it can result in significant damage.
One of the best ways to prevent the backup from drainage systems that can’t keep up is to install a trench drain. This type of drain is essentially a channel that will direct the water away from your garage so that it doesn’t cause an issue. Depending on the location of your garage, you can dig the trench along the front of it, or you can place it along your driveway. Whichever option you choose, make sure it leads the water a safe distance away to make sure it doesn’t end up right back in your yard.
Install Weatherstripping
You can increase the protection for your garage by making sure that you install or replace the weatherstripping on your garage door. Weatherstripping, which is installed along the bottom of the door, keeps rain, snow and other weather conditions from making their way into your garage. Most garage doors come with it already installed, but it can weaken or become damaged over time. Additionally, some types of weatherstripping use adhesive strips that can separate from the door. Do a thorough inspection to make sure you don’t have any gaps, and if you do it’s time to replace your weatherstripping.
Consider Flood Vents
In areas where flooding is unavoidable, you may need to install flood vents that will allow water to flow straight through your garage. While it might not seem like it, doing so can help prevent serious damage to your home. Even minor flooding packs serious power that can crumple garage doors. With the vents installed, the water pressure won’t build up and this will reduce the potential for damage. Additionally, you may even qualify for discounts on your flood insurance when you purchase and install specific types of vents.
Check Your Foundation
Even though your foundation is designed to provide support and protection for your garage, it can develop cracks as it settles. These cracks typically are not a problem in most cases, but when flood conditions occur, the water can widen the cracks considerably. If this happens, water will pour into your garage. You should take the time to inspect your foundation well before bad weather strikes. If there are small cracks, you should be able to seal them with a concrete patch or waterproof sealant or paint. However, if you have large cracks or holes, you need to contact a contractor to determine whether you need to replace the foundation before the next heavy rains move into your area.
Install Landscaping
The landscaping you install in your yard does much more than just look nice. It actually helps to absorb and direct the flow of water when it rains. Pay attention when planting grass, shrubs and trees to make sure you are keeping the water runoff away from your garage.
Invest in Sand Bags or Flood Barriers
Blocking the water from your garage is also advisable, especially if you don’t have time to complete any of the other tips provided in this article. You have two different options, and the one you choose is essentially up to you. You can purchase flood barriers and place them around your garage and home. These products are designed to expand up to several inches within just minutes of contact with water. You can also opt to use sandbags, which are effective even though they don’t form a complete seal. Simply arrange the bags in the flood zone so that they are in a pyramid and directing the water away from your garage. Keep in mind that if you use sand bags that you should not wall off your entire yard. This will have the reverse effect of trapping water inside, which could cause even more damage.
Each of these tips will add a layer of protection for your garage. However, if you want to make sure you have complete protection you will need to speak with a professional. Contractors have a wealth of knowledge concerning the appropriate ways to prevent flooding. Additionally, you may want to consider replacing your old garage door with one that is designed to provide additional protection against the weather.
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