Water of unknown origin is one of the last things any homeowner wants to see in their car port. Some may notice anything from small puddles to a flood after heavy rainfall, but there can be even more mysterious sources of water seepage.
The appearance of water is not a good sign for the structural integrity of the house. A relatively innocuous small puddle that appears after rainfall will eventually create a “build an ark” scenario if left untreated.
Even a small amount of water leaking in can destroy precious keepsakes if space is used for storage. Leaks can also produce a musty smell and cause mold and mildew.
There are many reasons why water commonly seeps into this area. Some are obvious while others are less so. Homeowners may struggle to determine where the water is coming from. Leaks are often not the result of damage that is visible to the eye. While some of the causes of leaks require professional services, there are often DIY solutions that can be implemented with supplies from any local hardware store.
There are also steps homeowners can take to prevent leakage and protect their property and belongings from water damage.
Here are some of the most common reasons for water to leak into this area.
Hidden Cracks
The most obvious source of leaks is hidden cracks or crevices, however, the location of these water entry sources may be hard to discern. Garages are often made of concrete, which is naturally porous, making it prone to cracks and fissures over time. The cracks can function like small channels for water to seep in, making the cracks bigger over time. Eventually, the crack becomes big enough to let a noticeable amount of water in.
Even a relatively small crack can result in a noticeable leak and the location of the crack may be hidden behind stored items or tucked away in a dark unused corner. If space is renovated, cracks can be even harder to detect, as they may be hidden behind drywall over the concrete.
Homeowners who observe water in this area should thoroughly check around the base of the flooring and seal even small cracks with caulking or another material.
Leaks from the Roof
The water that people find around their cars may not be coming in from the ground. The source could be the roof above. If there are flaws where the roof joins the wall, water can trickle down through the walls and come out in this area.
If all cracks along the base of the space have been identified and sealed, homeowners should then consider if the source could be the roof. Flaws in the roof can lead to other problems for the structural integrity of the home, so a professional inspection is worth considering.
Joint Seams
Spots, where walls connect with doors, utility boxes, or windows, are key culprits for introducing water into this often unfinished space.
This source of water entry can usually be addressed with DIY solutions like caulking or foam sealant.
Poor Water Drainage
Ensuring that your downspouts are draining water far enough away from the home can eliminate one potential source of leakage. If the foundation shifts over time, then eventually downspouts may begin to drain water too close to the house. Extending or relocating downspouts may eliminate the problem.
Humidity
While this source won’t lead to a big puddle, humidity can create a weeping wall look. Apart from being a bit off-putting, this can be bad for your walls. It can also create a musty smell or produce mold and mildew.
If there is plumbing inside the walls that is not properly insulated, this can cause condensation in humid weather. This is more likely to be a problem if there are concrete walls since concrete’s porous nature allows it to easily retain water.
Old Concrete Flooring
Related to concrete’s porous nature, over time, flooring can develop pits that are major draws for groundwater seepage. Floors are more likely to have this problem if driveways are on a grade that causes groundwater or heavy rainfall to flow towards the front of the house.
There are some measures, such as sealants, that can prevent or stop this type of leakage.
Old Weather Strips
When the rubber strip that runs along the bottom of the door wears out, rainwater will start to seep in. For those who use the space for storage, there could be a sufficient amount of water from this source to damage items stored in cardboard boxes.
Luckily, this strip is relatively easy and affordable to replace. Many people learn to replace the weather strip themselves with guidance from their local hardware store or by looking at a DIY video online. There are newer products on the market that make this strip more effective at keeping out the elements.
Plumbing Problems
There can be aging or faulty plumbing from washing machines or water heaters behind walls that are the source of property-damaging water. This is an important water source to consider if puddles are found along the base of a wall that has an appliance or water heater behind it.
In this event, any pipes or hoses should be checked immediately. If this is the source of the problem, a plumber will likely be needed.
Preventative Measures
Protective floor coating in Jacksonville that can help protect homes and belongings from water damage. Garage floor coating in Jacksonville is a good option for new homebuyers. The coating can prevent cracks from developing, extending the life of the investment.
Preventative measures against leaks can avoid the expense and hassle of water removal services and lost property that may be irreplaceable.
A good interior and exterior coating team can provide consultation on what type of products to use and estimates on the cost of treatment.