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Mitigating the Effects of the Pacific Coast’s Notorious Rainy Seasons

07/19/2021

Whether you live in the Sacramento area or the Seattle, WA area, you’ve definitely noticed there are seasons where it just never seems to stop raining. In Washington, the rainy seasons are primarily in the Spring and in the Fall; it’s raining in Seattle about 50% of the time. Here in Northern California, there is really only one rainy season…. it just lasts almost 8 months, starting in the Fall and persisting to late Spring. In both areas, during these long periods in the year when everything is just kind of wet and humid, you’ve got to think about protecting your home from any potential damage it’s going to take from the constant moisture. And part of protecting your home is making sure your garage is prepped for the long rains as well.

What’s the Big Deal, Though?

Any garage door being wet for a length of time is susceptible to damage. Metal doors can oxidize and break down, wood doors can warp or rot, and the rubber strips that seal the sides and bottom of your door can become loose, misaligned or brittle. Any of these things can cause water to get into your garage and damage anything that has contact with the floor. Not to mention, it’s really unpleasant to take the recycling out to the garage in your socks and have your feet get immediately soggy.

Ways to Protect Your Garage from the Torrential Rains

Whether you’re in California or Washington, there are several ways you can help your garage get through the wet season(s):

  • Check where water goes when it hits the ground in your front drive. Rain should drain away from the house (and garage). If it doesn’t, you may need to get your drive and/or yard regraded to stop water from seeping into the garage and around your foundation.
  • Clean your gutters and make sure all the downspouts are clear.
  • Check the seals on your garage door. Replace any that are brittle, twisted, damaged, or just look like they’ve seen better days. It’s a small investment that may save you a lot of bother when the rains come.
  • If you have a metal garage door, check for existing rust or oxidation damage, and take the time to recoat the door in a weather-resistant sealant.
  • If you have a wooden garage door, take the time to coat it in at least a few new coats of varnish or waterproof paint. Nothing can really stop a wood door from changing shape with the weather, but sealing the wood’s pores thoroughly can stop other damage like rot.

Regardless, it’s always good to call a company like us for a consultation or an in-person appointment. We can evaluate the condition of your current door, tell you what measures you should take to protect it in the next wet season, or advise you on the best choices available if you do decide you want your garage door replaced.

What Sights and Sounds Indicate the Need for Garage Door Repair?

Developing a garage door maintenance routine can help prevent future issues that require more serious repairs. We often tell our clients to complete a visual and auditory inspection. First, look for rust and corrosion, starting with the exterior. This is when you can take note of cosmetic issues, such as dents and damaged wood. When moving to the inside of your garage, check for frayed cables, and loose bolts, nuts and screws. Your auditory inspection should include listening for grinding, creaking, groaning crunching or any other excessive noise. Find tips for addressing these issues in our blog.

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