Fixing and Preventing Garage Moisture Problems

The garage is one amenity that has been growing in popularity amongst homebuyers in recent years. No longer just a forgotten space that's left out of the overall style of the home, the garage can be made into any sort of functional area that you want. Whether you're seeking a yoga studio, a game room, a place to organize your small trinkets or a workspace, your garage can be turned into an amazing area. However, if you have any sort of moisture problems, that space can quickly become problematic. There are a few solutions for you to follow to make sure that you don't have moisture issues in your garage. Read on to find out how you can fix and prevent moisture problems from developing in your garage.

Moisture Coming in Through the Floor

Some people have noticed that their garage floor can feel moist or damp at times, especially when it rains. If you have this problem, it may be one of two issues. If you notice that moisture accumulates more during certain seasons, it may be a problem with temperature fluctuations. For example, a concrete slab in the garage is usually cold by nature. In the spring and summer, when the air is starting to get warm, that temperature will interact with the coldness of the slab. Since the ground at this time tends to still be on the colder side, the two temperatures mix and can form a vapor on the slab. When the air is humid during the spring and summer, the moisture can be even more noticeable. To prevent this issue, you may want to turn the heat on during those times so that the air and slab warm up a bit. In doing so, there won't be much cold air mixing in with the warm temperatures of the outside air, which results in less moisture. Since the temperature is unpredictable (warm and humid) in the spring or summer, you can also apply a non-slip coating on the bottom of the garage to make sure nobody hurts themselves and slips on the damp floor. Another possibility for moisture on the floor is that a vapor barrier was not installed underneath at the time of pouring. The moisture can then come from the ground up. Be sure to take a good look at your garage floor every month and look for cracks and gaps where water from the ground can seep in and cause puddles. Water that is left in puddles can form mildew and mold. You may notice that your paint or sealers do not stick well to the floor if there's no vapor barrier. If one was not installed, you can either repour the slab or put a vapor barrier and then repour the concrete. If you feel that you still have moisture on the floor, it could be from rain or precipitation that has come off of the tires of your car. One way to try to prevent moisture from your car is to take a moment to grab a rag and wipe away any water that may have come off. This will prevent mildew, mold and musty smells from forming from stagnant puddles. If you keep a refrigerator or freezer in your garage, that also may be contributing to moisture. Since the temperature of the fridge or freezer may be different from the temperatures of the floor or of the ground and air outside, moisture may be forming. In addition, some fridges and freezers leak water from underneath. You may not immediately see the water coming from them, so it’s important to move the fridge or freezer out from where you keep it from time to time to take a look.

Moisture Coming in Through the Garage Door

Weatherstripping is an important part of any garage door, especially if you live in an area where it rains or snows often. A garage door is the first barrier between your garage and the outside air. Even the slightest cracks or dents can result in water coming in from the outside. Fortunately, weatherstripping is an easy fix and can be purchased in most hardware stores. Rather than pay a professional, you can install it yourself to the top of the garage door and along the bottom. You’ll probably need caulk and a garage door stop that has a sealing lip built-in. Checking the bottom trim of the garage door is an important method of prevention, especially if you have a wooden garage door. Since wood warps and changes size when exposed to temperature fluctuations, cracks can easily form and the wood can become rotten. Before you replace a bottom seal, make sure you clean the bottom door well so that you remove dirt and debris and can have a tight seal. For wooden doors, you’ll want to make sure that you apply a wood sealer before changing out the bottom seal.

Moisture Coming in Through the Windows

Some garages have windows, which is always a great way to add fresh air and natural light. Open up those windows from time to time to keep the air circulating and help with garage moisture from forming mildew. If you notice any moisture around the windows, make sure you check that your window seals have not been broken. You may notice the glass looks foggy or even warped if you stand a few feet away. Keep a rag handy to wipe away condensation that may form on the windows to prevent mold. Always get an experienced professional to install windows and window seals to make sure they are perfect from the beginning. If you don’t have any windows, fans and vents do a great job of helping the air to circulate, even though they are not optimal. Formerly relegated to the place where sporting equipment and old tools were stored, it now is a space that can be transformed into whatever you hope, from a functional exercise room to a place where you clean, wax and store your cars. Moisture, though, is a major problem and can wreak havoc. If you notice moisture coming in from the floor, windows or garage door, take the steps outlined above to check them out and fix them. Doing so will help your garage and home cleaner and safer.

Get a New Garage

Sometimes garage moisture problems are a lot to handle. Consider all the cost when it comes to sealing and repairing your current garage. The best course of action for you is to get a detached garage that is constructed to withstand winds, snow, and moisture all year round. At Danley's, we have built over 100,000 garages since 1959 and our determination is to deliver on quality products, outstanding craftsmanship and superb service for customers across Chicago and surrounding suburbs. From our popular garage styles such as gable, reverse gable and hip roof garages to custom garage sizes such as the one, two and three car garages, now is the time to get a new garage with Danley's. Speak to a specialist and get a free quote today.