How to Keep Your Garage Dry in Heavy Rain
Why a dry garage makes all the difference
Tired of finding puddles inside your garage after every downpour? You're not alone. In the UK, sudden rainstorms and sloping driveways often mean water finds its way under garage doors and into places it shouldn’t be.
The good news? You can stop it.
This guide walks you through the most effective ways to keep your garage dry using garage door thresholds and related GaraDry products – from tough, weather-resistant seals to smart draught-proofing options. You’ll learn how water gets in, how to block it out, and which products are best for your setup.
No jargon. Just simple, proven solutions that work – even in heavy rain.
A wet garage isn’t just annoying – it can lead to bigger problems down the line. Think rusted tools, soggy boxes, and damp creeping into your home.
In the UK, where a sunny start can quickly turn into a storm, it’s worth taking steps to protect your space. The right setup means you can stop water at the door – and avoid costly repairs later.
Here’s what staying dry helps you avoid:
- Moisture is bad news for metal, wood, and electronics. Keeping water out protects your car, power tools, and anything else you store.
- Damp corners are the perfect place for mould to grow – not great for your lungs or your belongings.
- Water-soaked concrete can crack. Wooden frames can start to rot. Pests love damp hiding spots too.
- No more scooping out puddles or scrubbing away mud. Just a clean, dry garage – and more time for better things.
All GaraDry® products are engineered in Britain and designed to tackle these risks head-on. They’re built to last, easy to install, and made to keep the weather out for good.

How water gets into your garage
Before you can stop water getting in, it helps to know how it’s getting there in the first place. A quick check after heavy rain can reveal the weak spots.
Here are the most common entry points:
- If your driveway slopes towards your garage, rainwater naturally flows downhill – straight to the door.
- Even tiny spaces beneath up-and-over or roller doors can let in wind-driven rain and puddles.
- Worn seals around windows or damage to the roof can drip during heavy downpours.
- When warm air hits cold surfaces, it creates moisture – often leading to damp patches on walls or ceilings.
Once you’ve spotted where the water’s coming in, you can choose the right combination of defences – from door seals to threshold seals – to stop it for good.

Door Seals: Blocking Rain at the Perimeter
One of the simplest ways to stop water getting in is by sealing the gaps around your garage door. Door seals create a tight barrier between the door and the frame, blocking wind, rain and even dust from sneaking through.
What are they?
GaraDry® door seals are made from high-quality rubber or PVC. They compress when the door closes, forming a watertight seal around the edges – perfect for stopping draughts and rain-driven spray.
Why it matters
- Stops wind-blown rain from getting in through side and top gaps.
- Helps maintain a stable temperature inside.
- Cuts down noise from outside.
- Ideal if you use your garage as a workshop or utility room.
What makes GaraDry® door seals better?
- What makes GaraDry® door seals better?
- Built to withstand extreme UK weather – from –40 °C up to +90 °C
- Designed by British engineers to last over 10,000 open/close cycles
- Easy to install with strong adhesive or screw fixings
Quick installation tips
- Clean the door frame thoroughly before fitting.
- Measure carefully and cut to size for a snug fit.
- Use the included fixings – adhesive for PVC, screws for aluminium versions.
- Check the seal after fitting by opening and closing the door – it should sit flush with no friction.
Need help choosing the right seal? Browse our range of garage door seals or get in touch – we’re here to help.
Threshold Seals: Your Under-Door Defence
Even with a tight-fitting door, water can still seep in underneath – especially if your driveway slopes toward the garage. That’s where threshold seals come in.
Installed directly onto the garage floor, threshold seals block surface water from crossing the bottom edge of the door.
What are they?
GaraDry® threshold seals are made from heavy-duty PVC, designed to sit firmly across the doorway. They create a physical barrier that stops water, leaves, and debris from getting in – without making it hard to drive over.
Key features
- Durable PVC: Tough enough for everyday vehicle use
- High-visibility strip: Prevents trips and makes the threshold easy to spot
- UV-stable material: Won’t crack or fade over time
Why choose GaraDry® threshold seals?
- Designed and made in Britain to exacting standards
- Simple DIY fitting with included fixings or sealant
- 5-year warranty for added peace of mind
How to install
- Level and clean the garage floor surface.
- Drill through the pre-marked holes (or apply adhesive for no-drill options).
- Secure in place using screws or high-strength sealant.
- Seal the edges with the supplied silicone to keep water out completely.
Threshold seals are ideal if you often find water pooling outside your garage or running in during storms. See our full range of threshold seals to find the best fit for your door.


Floor Drainage Options: An Overview
If your garage sits at the bottom of a slope or is prone to frequent flooding, sealing alone might not be enough. You may also need active drainage to direct larger volumes of water away from the entrance.
While GaraDry® doesn’t supply drainage systems, here’s what you need to know:
Common drainage types
- Wide grates positioned across the garage entrance that direct rainwater into underground drainage pipes.
- Slim, discreet gaps that collect water without the bulk of a traditional grate – ideal for tiled or epoxy-coated floors.
What to consider
- The ground needs a slight fall towards the drain so water flows properly.
- Look for a system that can handle heavy rain – around 10 litres per second is a good benchmark.
- Choose systems with removable covers or grates so you can easily clear out leaves and debris.
Installing drainage? It’s best to speak with a professional. Once that’s sorted, you can pair it with a GaraDry® threshold seal or door seal to completely seal off your garage from water ingress.
Draught-Proofing: Dual-Purpose Defences
While draught-proofing is mainly used to block out cold air, it also plays a key role in keeping wind-blown rain and fine mist from creeping into your garage.
Used alongside door seals and thresholds, it adds an extra layer of protection – especially around the edges of the frame.
Popular draught-proofing options
- Fit to the top and sides of your door to block gaps without affecting movement.
- Perfect for sealing small recesses and cracks inside the frame.
- Work with your threshold seal to close off the final gap underneath the door.
Why it helps
Adding draught-proofing:
- Deflects airborne moisture and wind-driven spray
- Keeps warm air in – great for garages used as workshops or storage rooms
- Lowers heating bills by reducing heat loss through the garage
For the best results, combine brush seals, foam tape and a threshold – each one targets a different type of gap. Explore GaraDry’s full range of accessories to find what works for your space.


Maintenance: Keeping Your Defences at Peak Performance
Once you’ve sealed your garage, a little upkeep goes a long way. Regular checks help you spot early signs of wear and make sure everything keeps working as it should – especially after heavy rain or during winter.
Simple maintenance tips
- Look over your door and threshold seals after each wet season.
- Remove leaves, dirt, and gravel that might build up around the seal.
- Refresh silicone or PU sealant every 2–3 years to keep joints watertight.
- Make sure roof runoff is directed well away from the garage entrance – blocked gutters can lead to water pooling near the door.
Taking a few minutes each season can protect your garage for years – and help maintain your GaraDry® warranty.
At GaraDry®, we make garage door thresholds and related products that are built to last – and built to work. Whether you’re dealing with a sloping driveway, driving rain or just want a clean, dry space, we’ve got a solution you can trust.
Why choose GaraDry?
- British-engineered quality: All our seals are designed and manufactured in the UK.
- Award-winning products: Proud winners of the King’s Award for International Trade 2023.
- Sustainable materials: Our domestic seals use recyclable PVC. Commercial ranges use aluminium – the world’s most recyclable metal.
- Backed by a 5-year warranty: Every seal comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee for added peace of mind.
Looking for the right fit? Browse our full range of garage door seals and threshold seals to get started. Just select your product, enter your door size, and order online – or contact our team if you’d like help choosing the best solution.
Simple solutions that work. Expert help when you need it. And a dry, secure garage – no matter what the British weather throws at you.