Water At The Bottom Of Your Garage Door? Here's Exactly What To Do

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Water gives life. It nurtures crops, feeds forests, and cools the earth after a long summer day. Yet, when it defies boundaries, it loses its grace. Because when it strays from where it belongs — creeping under doors or pooling where it shouldn't be — its gentle force quickly becomes destructive. Nowhere is this betrayal more visible than at the bottom of a garage door, where a small puddle can signal a bigger problem. While nature cannot be tamed, your garage door, the creation of human design, is something you can control. Check its defense system by taking a closer look at the bottom seal on your garage door. Drainage around the area is another factor to pay attention to, as poor flow can redirect water to your garage.

Now, here's the thing most people overlook. Even if you installed the perfect size seal, it might not be doing its job today. That's because rubber tends to shrink over time. It may also stiffen under low temperatures and lose its ability to keep water from entering indoors. Besides, if your driveway slopes downward toward your garage door, gravity's working against you. Rainwater naturally rushes toward your garage instead of away from it. So, if you're tired of mopping up that same old puddle, it's a sign to investigate what's happening beneath your garage door.

If the bottom seal of your garage door is cracked or just doesn't sit flush anymore, it's time to replace it. You have several different types of garage door seals to choose from. A seal's lifespan generally depends on its material and how often the door moves. A quality rubber seal is the best type of garage door seal because it can last for years. Meanwhile, brush seals tend to wear out faster under heavy use. So, opt for a rubber seal like the MD Building Products Garage Door Seal.

Start by unrolling it. Then, let it straighten out. Measure your garage door carefully, and cut the seal slightly larger than needed. The extra length can be tucked neatly into the track. This way, even if the material shrinks over time, you can pull it out to maintain full coverage. Clean the underside of the door thoroughly so the seal can slide in without resistance. Once it's aligned, guide the seal through the track, making sure it sits evenly along the bottom. When you're done, secure it with nails that come with the strip to keep it in place.

Note that a seal alone won't solve everything, especially if the ground around your garage guides water straight toward your door. Check your gutters and downspouts regularly and clear them to prevent puddles. For persistent drainage problems, consider installing a channel or trench drain in front of your garage. By controlling where the water goes, you protect your garage floor and your peace of mind.