The garage is one of the classic American workplaces. More do-it-yourself projects and car capers have been done in that room, and more often than not it’s seen as a simple, easily maintained workplace. But, if you have any form of running water in there (such as your washing machine or a faucet for cleanup), there could be a chance for water damage.
Lest you think that water damage is something that you don’t need to be aware of, let it be known: any surface that can hold water can suffer water damage, and sometimes that means major repairs. Considering that the garage floor is often also the foundation slab, that water damage could add up pretty quickly. With that in mind, here’s what you can do to prevent water damage.
Check Your Plumbing Regularly
The garage is usually seen as so simple that it doesn’t need that much maintenance work, and sometimes that’s right. If it’s constructed correctly, the garage is a strong, safe place that doesn’t contain that many fittings, pipes, and surfaces for water to infiltrate.
But, not many doesn’t mean none. The concrete floor, concrete walls (or potentially even drywall), and wood surfaces of shelves can all be subject to water damage. That’s not good!
But, if you check your plumbing on a regular basis, you’ll find that there’s plenty of chances for water to find its way to these surfaces. Be sure to inspect the pipes for rust, leaks, and possible mishaps such as large objects running into the piping. These accidents can happen anywhere, especially in a garage which isn’t often climate controlled.
Note: If you have your washing machine in the garage, you could very well have a major leak if the drain pipes clog or if the water line breaks. Inspect those as well if you’re concerned.
Humidity
Here in Florida, we suffer with very high humidity for most of the year, which normally isn’t that big of a problem if the room is climate control or if the air flow is generally good. However, if the garage is kept sealed most of the time, the humidity and heat is the perfect condition for mold to grow.
Make sure to air out your garage regularly to prevent this from happening. While the outside is often as humid as the inside, you can easily ensure that the room is kept with fresh air and circulation, which can help eliminate some of the problems resulting from water sitting on your surfaces.
As an additional barrier, a dehumidifier is a good choice for the room to remain dry and free from water damage. If this option is taken, be sure to keep the garage closed as often as possible to prevent new water from entering the room. Without this change, you’ll be fighting a losing battle.
Cleanup
If you’ve got a major spill in your home, there’s a definite need to get it cleaned up. The concrete floor can get water damage, staining, and other problems if the water remains for too long, and the walls can lose part of their structural integrity as well. Be sure to fix the problems as quickly as possible:
- Mop up all the water
- Clean every surface that has water on it
- If the garage remains sealed, use a dehumidifier and fans as the heat will evaporate the water
- Disinfect and treat every surface that can grow mold
Call The Professionals
If you’re having issues with your garage, give us a call. We’re here to help, and we’ve got professionals who are certified in this type of work. Don’t let water destroy your garage; let us help you fix it instead!