Is your garage prone to flooding? Do you wince at the very thought of rainfall because you know what awaits you at home? If the answer is yes, we’ve found a solution that could change everything – and it costs less than £30.
While garage flooding is quite common, this drainage problem certainly isn’t normal – nor something you should have to put up with regularly (especially when you live in rainy England!). There are plenty of ways to stop water from entering your garage, and it’s not as expensive as you might think...
To find out how, you'll want to keep on reading – we spoke with two waterproofing experts to hear their recommendations, complete with direct links to products you can order with next-day delivery.
What can I put on my garage door to keep water out?
1. Replace damaged rubber seals
First things first, you’ll want to carry out a thorough inspection of your garage door, checking the condition of any existing rubber seals, advises Damian Willis, Technical Manager of Safeguard Europe.
"Over time, these can crack, harden or deform, preventing them from forming a reliable weather-tight seal. Any damaged or degraded seals should be replaced, as even small gaps can allow wind-driven rain to penetrate."
2. Install a bottom threshold seal
To prevent water from entering under your garage door, Damian says to invest in a bottom threshold seal, which acts as an effective first line of defence.
He recommends choosing a high-quality EPDM or PVC option and fixing it to a clean, prepared surface using a suitable hybrid sealant/adhesive (you can buy a kit so everything comes together).
"As an added benefit, it also helps keep leaves and debris out. They come in different sizes to suit the gap you have."
3. Install side and top weather strips
For maximum rain protection, Damian recommends fitting side weather strips to the external edges of your garage door, which can also help keep unwanted draughts and pests out.
"A head weatherstrip fitted to the top of the door frame ensures the door compresses tightly against the frame when closed, preventing rain and debris from entering from above."
Shop these flood-prevention essentials
Made from flexible PVC with a yellow safety strip, this threshold seal kit keeps water, draughts, and pests out of your garage.
This affordable sealant kit includes a rubber barrier and a strong adhesive, all for under £30.
Protect the sides and top of your garage door with this heat-resistant, rain-proof sealing strip.
Damian Wallis CSSW is a Technical Manager for Safeguard Europe, and a specialist in structural waterproofing, damp diagnosis, and remediation, with over 21 years of industry experience.
How do garage door barrier seals prevent water coming in?
Before installing a garage door water barrier, you may want to know how it actually works. Adam Whitehouse, founder of Volarex, explains that by creating a raised, continuous upstand across the threshold, these barriers prevent surface water from tracking under the door.
"When correctly installed, the door compresses onto the seal, forming a capillary break that stops water being drawn inside," he explains.
To work effectively, the barrier must be installed on an even floor structure, be correctly aligned with the door, and fixed with strong adhesion.
As the founder of Volarex, Adam brings 20+ years of construction, real estate, and regulatory experience to clients seeking rigorous, commercially informed surveying and advisory support. He is a Chartered Surveyor (FRICS), Counselor of Real Estate (CRE), Chartered Building Engineer (C Build E) and Chartered Civil Engineering Quantity Surveyor (MInstCES).
Why does water seep into my garage when it rains?
1. External ground levels
If your driveway slopes downwards toward the garage and you don’t have proper driveway drainage in place, rainwater will naturally find its way inside, Damian Willis explains. This is one of the most common causes of garage flooding he sees.
"Installing a channel drain or threshold drain across the garage entrance can intercept this water and divert it safely away from the building. This is particularly important for garages set below surrounding ground levels," he says.
2. Penetrating damp
Garage flooding can also be caused by penetrating damp, so watch out for any patches on your internal walls or around the garage door frame after rainfall.
"Rainwater can enter through defects in external walls such as cracked masonry, failed pointing, damaged render or defective gutters and downpipes," explains Damian.
3. A leaky roof
Check your garage roof for deteriorated coverings or flashings – particularly if you have a flat roof.
"As with all moisture-related issues, the key principle is to address the source of the problem. Stopping water at the point of entry is far more effective than attempting to manage it once it has already entered the structure. Weatherproofing your garage is well worth the investment," Damian concludes.
Found this helpful? You might also want to read our guide on how to insulate a garage or what you need to know about building a house in a flood zone.
