Garages are often vulnerable to water damage due to their location, exposure to the elements, and use of materials that may not be as water-resistant as other parts of the home. Whether the damage is caused by flooding, a burst pipe, or heavy rainfall, water in the garage can damage floors, walls, doors, and any personal belongings stored inside. Professional water damage mitigation services in Marietta, GA can restore your water-damaged garage by removing standing water, thoroughly drying the area, and repairing any structural damage. Here’s how we handle water damage in garages.
Common Causes of Garage Water Damage
Garages can experience water damage for several reasons, often due to their exposure to the elements and proximity to ground level. Whether it’s from external weather conditions or internal leaks, water damage can compromise the structure and functionality of your garage.
Common Sources of Garage Water Damage:
Flooding from Heavy Rainfall: Poor drainage around the home or a heavy downpour can lead to water seeping into the garage, especially if the garage is on a slope or below ground level.
Leaking Roof or Walls: Roofs with missing shingles or compromised seals around windows and doors can allow rainwater to enter the garage, damaging walls and floors.
Burst Pipes or Water Heater Leaks: Garages often house water heaters, washing machines, or plumbing pipes, which can leak or burst and flood the garage.
Poor Drainage or Sloped Driveways: Improper drainage systems or sloped driveways can direct water toward the garage, leading to standing water or flooding during storms.
Steps Professionals Take to Restore Water-Damaged Garages
When water damage occurs in a garage, a professional water damage mitigation team follows a thorough process to restore the space to its original condition. Here’s how professionals handle water damage in garages, from removing water to repairing structural damage.
1. Assessing the Extent of the Water Damage
The first step in restoring a water-damaged garage is to assess the damage. Professionals inspect the entire garage to determine how much water has entered the space, whether there is standing water, and what materials have been affected.
Inspection Process:
Checking for Standing Water: Professionals will assess whether there is standing water in the garage and measure the depth of the water if present.
Inspecting Walls, Floors, and Doors: The structural integrity of the walls, floors, and garage doors is inspected to determine whether water has caused warping, staining, or other damage.
Evaluating Electrical Systems and Stored Items: If the garage contains electrical systems, appliances, or personal belongings, these items will also be assessed for water damage.
2. Removing Standing Water
Once the inspection is complete, the next step is to remove any standing water. Prompt water removal is critical to prevent further damage to the structure and to minimize the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Water Removal Techniques:
Pumping Out Standing Water: Industrial-grade pumps are used to quickly remove large amounts of standing water from the garage floor, especially in cases of flooding.
Wet/Dry Vacuums: For smaller pools of water, wet/dry vacuums are used to extract water from concrete floors, tiles, or other hard surfaces.
Water Extraction for Stored Items: Any water-damaged items, such as tools, boxes, or furniture stored in the garage, will be removed and dried separately to prevent further damage.
3. Drying and Dehumidifying the Space
After the water is removed, the next step is to thoroughly dry the garage to prevent moisture from lingering in walls, floors, or structural materials. This helps prevent mold growth and ensures that the garage is fully restored.
Drying Techniques:
Air Movers and Fans: High-powered air movers are strategically placed around the garage to circulate air and speed up the drying process for floors, walls, and doors.
Dehumidifiers: Industrial dehumidifiers are used to reduce moisture levels in the air, especially in areas like garages where humidity can linger. This helps prevent moisture from remaining trapped in walls or flooring materials.
Moisture Monitoring: Throughout the drying process, professionals use moisture meters to monitor the moisture levels in affected materials to ensure they are completely dry before proceeding with repairs.
4. Repairing Structural Damage
Water damage can compromise the structure of the garage, including walls, floors, and the garage door - Get a water damage repair estimate in Marietta, GA. Once the garage is fully dried, professionals assess and repair any structural damage caused by the water
Structural Repair Steps:
Repairing Water-Damaged Walls: If the garage walls have absorbed water, they may need to be repaired or replaced. This may involve replacing water-damaged drywall, insulation, or other materials.
Restoring or Replacing Flooring: Water can damage garage floors, especially if they are made of materials like wood or laminate. Concrete floors may need to be cleaned, resealed, or resurfaced if they have become cracked or stained due to water exposure.
Garage Door Repair: If the garage door was damaged by water, it may need to be repaired or replaced. This could include fixing water-damaged door panels, seals, or hardware to restore functionality and prevent future leaks.
5. Addressing Mold and Mildew
Garages are prone to mold and mildew growth due to their damp and enclosed nature (Call the best water damage mitigation company in Marietta, GA). After drying the space and repairing structural damage, professionals take additional steps to address any mold that may have developed as a result of the water damage
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Mold Prevention and Remediation:
Applying Antimicrobial Treatments: Professionals apply antimicrobial treatments to walls, floors, and other surfaces in the garage to prevent mold and mildew growth. This is particularly important in damp areas like garages.
Removing Mold-Affected Materials: If mold has already developed, any affected materials will be removed and replaced to ensure the garage remains safe and mold-free.
Improving Ventilation: If the garage is prone to humidity or poor ventilation, professionals may recommend installing exhaust fans or dehumidifiers to improve airflow and prevent moisture buildup in the future.
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6. Final Inspection and Restoration
Once the water removal, drying, and repair processes are complete, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that the garage is fully restored to its pre-damage condition. This includes checking for any lingering moisture or damage and confirming that the space is safe to use.
Final Steps:
Inspecting for Remaining Moisture: Professionals will use moisture meters to check for any remaining moisture in walls, floors, or other materials, ensuring that the garage is completely dry.
Testing Garage Door Functionality: The garage door and any electrical systems or appliances in the garage are tested to ensure they are functioning properly after the restoration.
Sealing and Waterproofing: To prevent future water damage, professionals may apply sealants to the garage floor or walls to make them more resistant to moisture. Garage door seals or weatherstripping may also be replaced to prevent leaks.
Preventing Future Water Damage in Garages
After your garage is restored, it’s important to take steps to prevent future water damage. Implementing preventive measures can help you protect your garage from future leaks, floods, or moisture issues.
Tips for Preventing Water Damage in Garages:
Install Proper Drainage Systems: Ensure that your garage has a proper drainage system, such as French drains or floor drains, to direct water away from the foundation.
Use Weatherstripping on Garage Doors: Check the seals and weatherstripping around your garage doors to ensure they are in good condition and can prevent water from seeping in during heavy rain.
Maintain Roof and Gutters: Ensure that the roof and gutters are well-maintained and free of debris to prevent water from leaking into the garage during storms.
Consider Waterproofing: Waterproof your garage floor and walls to protect them from future water exposure. Applying a concrete sealer can help make the floor more resistant to moisture.
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Call Us for Water Damage Mitigation Services in Marietta, GA
If your garage has experienced water damage, don’t wait to address the issue. Contact us today for professional water damage mitigation services in Marietta, GA. Our team of experts will assess the damage, remove water, dry the space, and restore your garage to its original condition, ensuring it’s protected from future water-related problems.
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