Waterproofing A Garage – A Simple Beginner’s Guide

The goal of this post is to help you understand the basics of waterproofing a garage. Waterproofing the walls, floor, door and roof.

This is a beginner’s guide and by the end of it, you’ll have a better understanding on what to do next.

Waterproofing garage walls

Waterproofing a garage wall is key because it helps prevent water from entering the structure and causing potential damage.

Garage walls are especially vulnerable since they’re exposed to moisture. Waterproofing the wall will help keep garage possessions dry while extending the life of the building.

Tanking slurry

The tanking slurry is a type of waterproof membrane material used to coat walls and structures that can be exposed to high levels of water pressure or moisture.

It is applied in thick layers using a brush or sprayer and provides an effective seal against the seeping of water. The aim is to prevent any damage that dampness or flooding can cause.

Tanking slurry is a water-resistant aggregate and cement. The benefits of tanking slurry include how it’s a fast and cost-effective way of waterproofing. They can also withstand freeze-thaw cycles and other extreme weather conditions, so it’s perfect for garages in any climate.

More advantages include:

• Protecting stored items and belongings
• Warding off potential bugs
• Helps maintain optimal air quality
• Reduces mould growth on surfaces 

Interior

To effectively waterproof the internal walls, consider these steps:

Step 1 – Start by cleaning the walls

Scrub them with a mild detergent and rinse well with a hose or high-pressure washer (do so sparingly). Allow the walls to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 2 – Patch any cracks or holes

Use cement, concrete patching mix, or filler paste. A putty knife can spread the material over the hole. Ensure it’s pressed against the wall. Let it dry completely before continuing.

Step 3 – Apply an adhesive bonding primer to the garage walls

Using a brush or roller for even coverage. This will help ensure that waterproofing materials will stick properly to the wall surface and last longer than if applied without a primer first. Again, let this dry completely before proceeding.

Step 4 – Cover the floor with plastic sheeting

This will protect it from spills of waterproofing materials that will be applied shortly.

Step 5 – Go in with the tanking slurry

Apply the tanking slurry or a waterproofing paint and let it dry thoroughly between coats according to package directions. Once dried, go over with another coat of paint in a preferred colour to keep the inside of the garage looking fresh.

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Exterior

The exterior of the garage walls can use waterproofing in addition to the interior to prevent corrosion from water entering the surface. It can also prevent air leakage from outside, which can affect the temperature inside the garage.

Waterproofing the exterior walls is key. Individuals who wish to improve the longevity of their garage structures should consider this. As garages get older, water can seep through cracks and other openings in external walls.

Applying waterproof paint or sealant to the outside of the garage’s walls provides an effective barrier against this water infiltration. Tanking slurry will work best for this.

Waterproofing the bottom of the garage wall

Waterproofing the bottom of the garage’s internal walls can help prevent the weakening of its foundation, which causes costly damage.

This method protects against soil erosion which can further weaken garage foundations. Moreover, extreme water damage.

Waterproofing the bottom of the garage wall will help to keep out pests such as rodents and insects that could otherwise make their way in.

Waterproof garage wall panels

Waterproofing garage wall panels is a good idea to prevent water ingress that could lead to internal and external structural damage. It also helps to lock out heat and cold, reducing energy costs if the garage uses gas and electricity while keeping it more comfortable.

Additionally, it can add a layer of protection against pests that seek to make their way indoors.

To waterproof the wall panels, the walls require cleaning first. Once clean, apply a waterproofing product like a tanking slurry to the surface.

Allow time for the product to set before applying another coat or sealant to further protect the walls.

A non-toxic silicone sealant can also be added along any seams or cracks in the wall surfaces as an extra layer of protection against water damage.

Waterproofing garage door

When considering waterproofing a garage door, look for any cracks or gaps in the seals that could allow water to enter.

Also, check for any loose hardware or hinges that may need to be tightened up. Ensure that all weatherstripping is properly sealed around the edges of the door to prevent water from seeping through.

Individuals should also check for signs of deterioration from the water like rust, or rot. Finding areas that may need to seal will help with insulation from the elements. This makes it more comfortable during hot or cold weather.

Likewise, look for areas of mould or mildew and take steps to prevent them from forming. This can include using a dehumidifier, or running an exhaust fan when working in the garage.

Waterproofing garage floor

Waterproofing a garage floor is beneficial for many reasons. It helps to keep water, liquids and other chemicals from seeping into the ground. Preventing moisture from damaging any items stored in the garage.

It also helps to protect the foundation of the home, as water can cause significant structural damage over time. Additionally, waterproofing a garage floor provides a more stain-resistant surface, which makes it easier to clean.

Waterproofing garage floor with paint

Waterproofing a garage floor is a good idea when using paint. Not only does it keep moisture from seeping into the foundation, but it also adds aesthetic value.

It provides an additional barrier between the floor and dirt that could become embedded in the concrete or other surfaces.

The paint’s advantages include:

• Increasing the lifetime of a floor
• Preventing stains
• Reducing slippery surfaces
• Limiting mildew growth in the colder months
• Typically an inexpensive repair technique, protecting surface materials from deterioration
• Protects concrete from cracking due to extreme temperature changes

Is waterproof paint or epoxy better?

This depends on what individuals plan to use the garage for. For example, epoxy provides a very durable and attractive finish. It can prevent water damage and even abrasions. But it can be time-consuming to apply and not always cost-effective for large areas. 

Whereas waterproof paint is cheaper and faster to apply. But it does not last as long as epoxy. If customers are looking for a long-term solution that will resist water damage, then epoxy might be the better choice. It can withstand high temperatures and areas of high moisture and humidity.

Waterproof garage floor with tiles

Waterproofing the garage floor can be done using tiles. Depending on the tiles manufacturer, some can last up to ten years in the garage before they need replacing.

It’s a fairly simple process to complete, as long as the garage starts with a clean and smooth floor surface. thoroughly clean the garage floor surface.

Individuals can apply a primer to the garage floor before applying an epoxy-based adhesive to ensure that the tiles stick properly.

When the adhesive is tacky, place the tiles on the floor and firmly press them down into place.

Once dry, use a sealant or waterproof coating that doesn’t allow water or other liquids to penetrate the tile surfaces. The sealant will also not damage the underlying structure of the garage floor.

Pros of using tiles

• Floor tiles are very long-lasting
• They offer better protection against damage to the floor compared to other materials.
• Tiles are easy to install and remove 
• They come in various colours and styles, allowing to create a more aesthetically pleasing garage space
• The tiles can be installed over existing surfaces without the need for additional preparation or excavation

Cons of using tiles

• Although individuals can apply these tiles over existing surfaces, it can be labour intensive
• The tiles may show signs of wear over time, requiring maintenance and refinishing

Waterproof garage floor with a mat

To waterproof the garage floor with a mat, begin by sweeping the surface and removing any waste. Also remove items that live in the garage, a clean open space is needed.

Next, measure the floor and purchase a mat that is big enough to cover the entire area.

Once the mat arrives, lay it down on the garage floor and tape it securely in place along all of its edges.

Use sealant products designed for concrete floors to create a waterproof barrier between the mat and the concrete. Allow the sealant to lock in completely before walking on or placing any garage items back inside.

Pros of waterproofing garage floors with a mat

Some of the advantages of using a mat to waterproof the garage floors include the following:

• The mats are durable and long-lasting
• They are easy to install
• Simple to maintain
• Protecting the floor from stains
• Avoids the growth of mould and mildew
• Prevents slips and falls on a hard surface

Cons of waterproofing garage floors with a mat

• It may be costly depending on the type of mat chosen
• If the mat has been damaged or is no longer needed, it may be difficult to remove
• Although it prevents slipping, some mats can be slippery when wet
• Not suitable for uneven surface areas, so consider how flat the garage floor is first before considering a mat on top.

Waterproofing the garage roof

To successfully waterproof the garage room from the internal and external areas:

From inside the garage

Choose a suitable waterproofing sealant material for the internal area of the garage roof. This can include:

• Epoxy based sealer
• Polyurethane based sealer
• Waterproofing paint 

Clean the inside surface of the roof to ensure there is no dirt or dust present on it. Make any necessary repairs before applying the waterproofing product.

Apply the waterproofing sealant with a brush or roller and spread it evenly across the entire surface of the internal garage roof.

Let it set completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before going ahead to cover up or paint over it if desired.

From outside the garage

Start by visually inspecting the garage roof to ensure there are no cracks or areas of potential water leakage problems.

If these problem areas exist, repair these places first with a waterproofing solution or a concrete patching compound. This can resolve larger-scale problems, for example, wide cracks in concrete casings along the edge of the roof line.

After fixing any damages, use a pressure washer to clean the surface of dirt and debris.

Wait for it to dry properly before applying a waterproof coating solution. Seal up any possible points of entry for water leakage from the roof into the exterior and interior garage walls.

Now apply a generous coat of waterproof coating on top of the existing roof membrane. A good technique is to start with vertical strokes first, then horizontal strokes. This ensures the entire top layer is fully covered against the:

• UV rays
• Rainwater
• Other elemental factors

Allow an adequate amount of time for the solution-curing process afterwards. And if an additional sealing coat is needed, do that. This step is generally recommended only if the area needs extra reinforcing protection. 

Waterproofing concrete block garage

Waterproofing concrete block garage walls involves several steps. First, individuals should repair any cracks in the surface. The surface should also be clean, which can be achieved with a pressure washer.

Next, use a liquid waterproofing membrane such as the asphalt-based surface coating on top. A waterproofing sealant can then go over the concrete slab’s surface of the blocks to protect them from moisture penetration.

Finally, additional coats of protective paint can be added depending on the desired level of protection for the concrete.