What Should You Do if Your Garage Door Leaks

A leaking garage door might seem like a small inconvenience, but it can quickly lead to bigger issues if not addressed promptly. Water infiltration through a garage door can cause damage to your belongings, create mold and mildew problems, and lead to structural decay.

Learning what to do if your garage door leaks is essential for maintaining your home's functionality, safety, and overall value. You can avoid and manage this problem with preventative measures, quick repairs, or professional assistance.

This guide will give you an in-depth understanding of handling a leaking garage door with easy-to-follow steps. It will also help you recognize when to seek professional services to ensure your garage remains secure and watertight.

Identify the Source of the Leak

Begin by carefully inspecting the entire perimeter of the garage door, paying close attention to the edges and any gaps where water might seep in. Look at the threshold and the area where the garage door meets the floor, ensuring the surface is even and free of cracks that could direct water into the garage.

Inspect the walls adjacent to the door and the door panels themselves for any damage or weaknesses that may allow moisture to penetrate. By thoroughly assessing these areas, you can accurately pinpoint the source of the leak and take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue effectively.

Replace Worn-Out Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a crucial barrier along the edges of your garage door that keeps out water, dirt, and drafts. However, over time, this material can deteriorate, becoming cracked, brittle, or dislodged, compromising its ability to protect your garage.

Remove the old strips carefully and clean the surface to ensure proper adhesion. Next, measure and cut high-quality replacement weatherstripping designed for durability and a snug fit. Attach the new strips securely along the edges, making sure there are no gaps.

Check and Repair the Garage Door Threshold

Over time, thresholds can become worn out, cracked, or misaligned, compromising their effectiveness as a barrier against water and air infiltration. Ensure the threshold sits flush with the garage floor and forms a tight seal when the door is closed. If the threshold has damage, repair small cracks with a sealant or replace it entirely for a more durable solution.

Installing a new garage door threshold seal can effectively block water intrusion, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Proper maintenance and timely repairs help enhance the functionality of the garage door and contribute to improved insulation and protection against the elements.

Inspect the Garage Door Panels

Carefully inspecting the garage door panels is crucial for identifying potential sources of leaks and ensuring the overall durability of your garage door. Begin by examining each panel for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, warping, or separation, especially near the bottom edges, where water and debris accumulate.

Use a waterproof sealant or epoxy to repair small cracks and imperfections to prevent further deterioration. If your garage door is outdated, it might be a good time to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model that will provide better protection against the elements.

Ensure Proper Door Alignment

An uneven or misaligned door can occur due to worn-out tracks, rollers, hinges, and accumulated debris. Inspect all these components for any visible signs of damage or obstruction. Clean the tracks thoroughly, removing dirt or buildup, and lubricate all moving parts, such as rollers and hinges.

Adjust the door carefully so that it aligns correctly along the tracks. Misalignment affects the door's ability to close tightly, leading to further wear and tear if left unaddressed. If the problem persists, consult a garage door professional to restore the alignment safely and effectively.

Improve Garage Floor Drainage

Poor drainage often leads to water pooling near the base of your garage door, heightening the risk of water intrusion and damage. Examine the slope of your garage floor and observe how water flows during rainfall or cleaning. The floor should slope slightly away from the garage door to guide water outward.

If you discover improper drainage, consider installing a trench drain along the interior or exterior of the garage floor to efficiently channel water away. Regrading or resurfacing the floor can also help create a proper slope that prevents pooling.

Call a Professional

While you can resolve some garage door leaks with DIY solutions, professional help is sometimes necessary. Significant issues, such as severe structural damage, major misalignments, or mechanisms that aren’t functioning properly, require expertise beyond basic repairs. Attempting to handle complex problems without the right tools or knowledge can lead to further damage or safety risks.

A residential garage door replacement professional can accurately diagnose the problem, recommend the best course of action, and provide high-quality repairs or a complete garage door replacement when needed. Investing in professional services ensures your garage door is durable, secure, and fully leak-proof, giving you peace of mind while maintaining the longevity and functionality of your garage.

Use Garage Door Seals and Insulation

Using garage door seals and insulation protects your garage from external elements while enhancing energy efficiency. Bottom, threshold, and side seals provide a tight barrier that prevents water, dirt, pests, and cold air from entering your garage. These seals are essential for maintaining a cleaner and drier space, especially in areas prone to harsh weather conditions.

Insulating your garage door offers significant benefits brought about by regulating indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption. Proper insulation ensures your garage remains comfortable in hot and cold weather, preventing energy loss and lowering heating or cooling costs.

Examine the Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters with debris or damage fail to effectively channel rainwater away from the building. This can result in water overflowing and pooling near the base of the garage, undermining the door’s defenses and increasing the risk of leaks.

To prevent this, clean your gutters regularly, removing leaves, dirt, and other buildup that might obstruct water flow. Inspect the gutters and downspouts for damage, such as cracks, sagging, or loose connections, and address any issues promptly. Ensuring your gutters and downspouts function properly will protect your garage door and help preserve the structural integrity of your home.

A leaking garage door is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a problem that demands swift action to protect your home. By learning what to do if your garage door leaks, identifying the source, and addressing it, you can prevent water damage and maintain the durability of your garage. Whether you’re replacing weatherstripping, improving drainage, or investing in a new, professionally installed garage door, taking the appropriate measures will help you safeguard your garage and keep your home safe.