Did you know that excess moisture can ruin the interior of your garage? That’s right. If you are a Canton resident, you’ll be looking for garage door repair in Canton Ohio before you know it. That’s why in today’s article we are going to take a deeper look at moisture in your garage, the causes of it, why you need to do it, and what takes to prevent it. Because the last thing you want is to have a garage that smells like mold or feels constantly wet. Let’s get started!

Why Does My Garage Always Feel Wet?

There are many reasons why your garage floor might feel damp or wet. Usually, the problem is condensation. Another more unofficial term for this phenomenon is “garage floor sweats.” In many cases, this problem is caused by improperly installed concrete. A bad install results in excess moisture under the concrete slab. Fortunately, there is a simple test you can conduct to determine what type of garage moisture problem you’re dealing with. If the air temperature in your garage is too moist and warm but the ground is cold, condensation could be the problem. It is important to remember that concrete is a porous material. As such, moisture from the ground certainly can seep into your concrete floor slab. It’s up to you to prevent it. Environmental changes can also cause an increase in moisture content levels. One example could be removing a large plant or tree from your garden. These types of landscaping changes will cause the surface water table in the ground to rise because the shrub is no longer using it. You have to keep these things in mind when you make changes to your property. There is another obvious reason you might be experiencing excess condensation in your garage. The lack of a lining or membrane could result in excess moisture. Although it is common practice to install a lining membrane in new construction, it may have been missed in your build. That’s why it is still worth checking to see if this is what is causing your damp concrete and floor. If the damp-proof lining is above floor level, the exposed brickwork will almost always be damp, which will create more humidity and condensation.

How to Properly Diagnose Your Damp Garage

Fortunately, a simple test can be used to determine the source of excess garage moisture. Try these steps as you attempt to isolate the problem. First, clear and brush a section of your garage floor to remove all debris, dirt, and other obstructions. Then, cut a small, approximately 10 centimeters squared, and all over your garage floor and allow it to sit overnight. Then, the next day, head into your garage and feel the top of the plastic. If the top of the plastic is wet but the concrete underneath is dry, you’re experiencing garage floor sweats. Conversely, if the underside of the plastic is wet and not the top, then you may be looking at a problem with excessive moisture beneath the slab. No matter where the moisture is, it could cause major problems in your garage if it is not addressed. In the end, if you want to prevent a garage door repair in Canton Ohio call request, then make sure you conduct the aforementioned test before calling your local garage door repair professional. It may very well be that you do not need any extensive repair or garage reworking.

How Do You Fix or Prevent Excessive Moisture in Your Garage?

In a perfect world, moisture control construction methods would be used during your garage’s initial construction phase. It is common practice for reputable builders to ensure this is done before the first struts are installed. And yet if these methods are unavailable or have failed in some way, we’ve got some suggestions for you to properly resolve and seal a damp garage floor. First, consider the following options:
  • Install a moisture-proof floor sealing membrane.
  • Use a dehumidifier to reduce the overall level of humidity in your garage air.
  • Increase the ambient temperature of the garage to cause excess moisture to evaporate.
  • This is an extreme option, but you could also change the surface of your garage floor.
Let’s look at a couple of these methods individually. First, consider a moisture-proof floor sealing membrane. A membrane of this type is one of the most basic methods for keeping excess moisture from seeping into your garage floor. Sealing membranes provide an impermeable layer, which is installed between the foundation and the concrete floor. Once installed, it acts to prevent condensation and excess humidity in your garage. You could also consider a liquid membrane. A liquid membrane, like standard floor sealing membranes, will form a protective layer that prevents moisture from permeating your garage floor surface. With a liquid membrane, however, instead of inserting a sheet between the two layers, the membrane is painted directly onto the floor. Once it dries, it creates an impenetrable moisture barrier.

PVC Floor Tiles, Epoxy Coatings, and Concrete Sealers – Oh, My!

If your budget allows, there are also some other proven methods for keeping excess moisture out of your garage. First, you could install PVC floor tiles. If you want to avoid installing a membrane, PVC floor tiles offer a good long-term solution. In fact, some garage door repair professionals might argue it is the best long-term solution for preventing garage floor sweats. Interlocking PVC floor tiles are easy to install and can be found in a variety of designs. They are also quite sturdy and provide industrial-level performance. Installing these over your concrete garage floor will create a barrier to keep both dust and dampness out. And many types come with desirable warranties. Epoxy floor coverings are also effective solutions. Whether your garage is part of your business or you just need a clean place to keep your cars overnight, epoxy flooring keeps the moisture out. It also gives your garage a uniform, sleek look. Epoxy is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Finally, consider concrete sealers. There are a variety of different concrete floor sealers that you can use in your garage and each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic sealers offer a glossy look and provide a finished, sharp look. Still, acrylic might not be the best option because it doesn’t protect against moisture as much as penetrating sealers. Penetrating sealers meld with the concrete and protect against moisture, oil, and other liquids

You Won’t Need Garage Door Repair in Canton Ohio

Guess what? With the fall and winter months approaching, you want to ensure your garage is protected. How do you conduct proper garage door maintenance? What are the best ways to seal your garage from moisture? Whether you use your garage as an office space or as a room for your car – we aim to provide you with all the information you need. For example, how you manage moisture on the floor is important, you must also make sure your garage door is weatherproofed and insulated While we provide professional garage door repair services in Canton, we service the entire wider Northeast Ohio area. Peruse our blog to learn more about how you can keep your garage and garage door in tip-top shape. Hopefully, you won’t need a garage door repair professional, but if you do, we’ll be right here.
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