Garage Water Damage

Garage Water Damage

Only people’s unfinished basements and attics are neglected more than their garages. Even when water damage is seen in a garage, it is often ignored and repairs are put off because it is considered a less important space then other areas of the home.

The problem with this type of thinking is that water damage never gets better on its own. The damage only gets worse and the cost of repairs only goes up. Time is never on your side when it comes to water damage.

What kind of Damage can Water do to my Garage?

Because most garages are basically “unfinished”, you don’t think the damage can become more severe. There is a lot of damage that water can do to your garage.

Structural Damage – Concrete is a porous material. That may sound silly to you, but think about it. If your car leaks oil on your garage floor it creates a stain. The stain is caused because the concrete absorbs some of the oil. If oil can soak into a concrete floor, why would you think that water cannot?

Water absorbed into a concrete garage floor can be transferred to wooden framing or the drywall on the shared walls between the garage and the living areas of your home. It can also enter the air in the form of humidity, and cause damage in that way. Moisture could also travel the other way, down to your home’s foundation. The expansion and contraction in your foundation caused by water can lead to cracks in the foundation, which can be very costly to repair.

Personal Property Damage – let’s face it, our garages are not only for our cars, they are where we store things. And we don’t only store junk in the garage. That is where we store camping equipment, sporting goods, lawn equipment, and hand tools, among other items. Water can damage any of these items to the point of that they become permanently ruined beyond repair and replacement is your only option.

Mold Growth – anytime water affects items and is not removed and then the items dried, mold can begin to grow. Most garages are darker spaces, and for the majority of the time they are warm if not hot. Mold likes wet, dark, warm areas. It is very easy for mold that begins in the garage to infiltrate the walls in your home.

What are the warning signs of Garage Water Damage?

These are some of the more common signs that water may be damaging your garage:

• Puddles of water

• Erosion of the surface of the concrete allowing the gravel in the concrete to become visible

• Large surface cracks

• Gaps between the concrete floor and the walls

• Color variations from lighter colored areas to darker “spots”.

How can I fix Garage Water Damage?

This all depends on the extent of the damage and whether the water problem is ongoing. If you forgot to put the garage door down and it rained in it, you can vacuum up or sweep out the water, then use air movement to help dry everything.

If water intrusion is an ongoing occurrence, you would do well to seek the help of a professional water damage company like Water Mold Fire Restoration. Our expert water damage technicians are nationally certified and are able to help you track down the source of your problem. If water removal and drying are required, we can handle that. If the assistance other professions are required, we can offer recommendations for contractors that can be trusted to perform the work correctly. If mold is found, our certified mold technicians can safely remove any mold.

What can I do to avoid Garage Water Damage?

Prevention is always better than the cure. Here are some places where you can take precautions to avoid any water damage.

• Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are directing water away from your home and your garage.

• Check to see that the seal on the bottom of your garage door is in good condition and that it “seals” completely from one side of the door to the other when the garage door is closed.

• Add an exhaust fan that will help remove any humidity buildup

• Never store items directly on the garage floor in cardboard boxes

• Check for puddles of water or darker areas that might be caused by moisture

Where Can I get Professional help?

If the thought of water damage has you confused or the damage is to great for you to handle on your own, call Water Mold Fire Restoration at 800-905-0277. We answer our phones 24/7 and can have a water damage expert at your home within an hour of your call. Or if you would like to contact us via email, do so at help@watermoldfire.net.