Garage Door Problem Guide
Garage Door Lets Water In
Heavy storms can push water under a garage door fast. Better sealing helps — but the driveway and floor play a role too.
Quick answer
Water usually gets under a garage door because of a worn bottom seal, a gap from a short close limit or uneven door, or a driveway that slopes toward the garage. A new bottom seal and a threshold seal stop most leaks; serious drainage problems may need a trench drain or grading work.
Where the water comes from
- Under the door — worn seal, gap or uneven floor.
- Around the sides — worn perimeter weather stripping.
- Through the door — rarely, through damaged panels or window lites.
- From the driveway — water running toward the garage during heavy rain.
Safe checks you can do
- During or after rain, note where water enters — center, corners or sides.
- Look for daylight under and around the closed door.
- Inspect the bottom seal and side weather stripping for cracks and gaps.
- Check whether the driveway slopes toward the garage.
- Look for water marks on the inside of door panels.
Fixes that help
- Replace the bottom seal with a profile that seals well on your floor.
- Add a threshold seal to create a small raised barrier.
- Replace perimeter weather stripping on the sides and top.
- Adjust the close limit so the seal compresses evenly.
- Address drainage — gutters, downspouts, grading or a trench drain if needed.
Standing water near the door also rusts cables and bottom brackets. If your garage takes on water often, have the lower hardware checked during maintenance.
Not comfortable checking this yourself?
Call and a technician can diagnose the door safely and explain the repair options.
What not to do
- Don’t rely on towels against the door; they trap moisture.
- Don’t seal the door shut with caulk.
Related: weather seal replacement, insulated door installation, won’t close after rain.
Repair Services for This Problem
When a basic check doesn’t solve it, these are the services that usually do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does water come under my garage door?
A worn bottom seal, a gap from an uneven door or floor, or a driveway that slopes toward the garage.
Will a threshold seal stop water?
It helps by creating a small dam at the floor. It works best combined with a good bottom seal.
Can water damage my garage door?
Repeated exposure can rust the bottom section, cables and bottom brackets and degrade the seal.
Should I replace the side weather stripping too?
If it’s cracked or not touching the door, yes — water and wind can get in around the sides.
What if my driveway slopes toward the garage?
Sealing helps, but you may also need drainage improvements such as a trench drain.
How often should seals be replaced?
When they’re cracked, brittle or flattened. Sun and heat shorten seal life.
Still Having Trouble
With Your Garage Door?
Call to describe what the door is doing. We serve Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta and Aiken.