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If you have a garage, shed, or other outbuilding, now is the perfect time to check it for leaks. Leaks can develop in warmer weather as the materials your structures are made of expand and contract with changing temperatures. In the summer, a small leak might not be such a big deal, but moisture can wreak havoc once the weather cools down and water freezes and expands inside of cracks. Getting ahead of any small issues before they become big ones can save you a lot of money on repairs. Here are a few simple steps you can take now to prevent damage down the road.
Look for wet spots
Begin by inspecting the floor, walls, and ceiling for any wet spots. It’s best to do this soon after it rains, before any moisture dries up. Water that’s leaking from the roof might not collect immediately under a leak but could run down the roof beams to the walls, so look for wet spots at the base of walls where they meet the floor. Another common place water can get into your garage is under the door. A shed door can also be a source of potential leaks.
Check the roof
The roof of your garage can be damaged by wind or falling branches from storms. Look for dislodged shingles or any place where the roof looks disturbed. You should also look for any clumps of leaves or debris, as these can trap moisture close to the roof, causing damage from freezing water once the temperature drops. A good blast from the hose usually works to dislodge clumps of leaves. If you find a gap in the shingles, you might be able to do a DIY repair if only a few are loose, but if there is more extensive damage, it’s a good idea to get a professional involved.
Check your slab
Now is also a good time to inspect the concrete slab that your garage or shed sits on. If you notice any small cracks, you can use a concrete repair sealer to fix them and prevent water damage. If you notice larger cracks or see that your slab is moving, you might need to have a professional come take a look.
Check weather stripping
The weatherstripping around doors and windows can wear out over time, allowing drafts as well as moisture to get in. You can use a garage door weather-stripping kit to seal around a roll-top door, and you can also find weather stripping for windows and regular doors. If you have an issue with water coming in under the door, you can replace the under-door seal to keep water out or you can add a threshold strip under the door to keep water from running in when the door is open.
Check your drainage
If you have water collecting on the outside of your shed or garage, it could be a problem with grading or your downspouts might not be working properly. To address issues of grading, you should make sure that the ground around your structure slopes down at a rate of about one inch to every one foot of distance away from your structure for about five to 10 feet. To address issues with your downspout, try clearing it of leaves or using a downspout extension to aim water away from the building.
Cut back vegetation
Bushes and trees that touch your structure can keep moisture close to the walls, allowing ice to form in areas it shouldn’t. In addition to increasing the risk that a brush fire could jump to your garage, having plants in close contact with walls can cause water damage over time. Pruning back shrubs and trees at least 18 inches from walls can increase the lifespan of your siding and prevent damage from ice as the weather changes.
