Garage Leaks

mattpc · 15 Dec 2007 at 15:42

Have finally got round to clearly the junk out of my garage so that it can actually be used as a workshop. Problem I have is that it a concrete pannelled type effort with an aspestos roof. The aspestos in itself is not really a problem (Q the health and safety freaks) and I have been advised that if left alone it will not cause problems. The issue I have is that between the roof and the concrete panels there are some gaps because the roof is corrogated and also between the concrete panels. The damp causes my tools to go rusty!

Anyone know what would be best to seal these gaps with? I'm sorry it's slightly off topic but I doubt I would get any helpful advise in general discussion.

nutcase · 15 Dec 2007 at 16:10

The cement sheets are indeed no significant issue. Just don't go grinding it up - and even then you'd have to snort it

If the gaps are quite big, try an expanding foam filler, if small, a mastic gun.

mattpc · 15 Dec 2007 at 16:13

expanding foam filler sounds like just the job! Well excited as the garage even has power and everything. It has just been completely unusable due to the junk in it and a huge transit that was sitting down the side of my drive.

Ben M · 15 Dec 2007 at 17:35

nutcase_1uk said:
expanding foam filler

exactly what I was going to say.

nutcase · 15 Dec 2007 at 17:40

Be careful when using it - it can get everywhere, and it's damned hard to get off your hands etc.

Definitely seals as it's used a lot in the asbestos removal industry to plug gaps before a smoke leakage test

helpimcrap · 15 Dec 2007 at 17:47

i'm thinking i might work on the garage tomorrow. mine really really needs some flooring putting down though. can anyone suggest a self levelling paint i can apply to the floor in 2 sections so i can have an easy to clean floor instead of the crappy uneven conrete i have at the moment.

Werewolf · 15 Dec 2007 at 18:17

Be careful with the foam filler, too much can result in it forcing the sheets apart (from memory), but it's certainly the easiest way to plug leaks/gaps that appear due to the corrugated roof (we used it on ours).

Remember it expands massively, so start off with a small amount then you can add more later if need be.

Zuma · 15 Dec 2007 at 19:20

maybe just buy some better tools?

Sparky · 16 Dec 2007 at 09:16

Thompsons water seal should stop any penetration through the concrete and as mentioned expanding Foam in small quantities.

TaKeN · 16 Dec 2007 at 10:47

Silicone sealant,

Wicksta · 16 Dec 2007 at 11:03

I'll echo the 'don't get the foam on your hands' thing. My hands were covered in it and I thought 'It'll come off with thinners or something" - WRONG. The only thing that got rid of it was time, and I had to go to work with crusty looking hands for about a week.

mattpc · 16 Dec 2007 at 11:15

cool thanks everyone for the mostly very helpful tips.

mattpc · 7 May 2008 at 16:08

thread revival! I've finally got round to putting the foam on! Unfortunately have got some foam on my elbow but otherwise things are going well. Might even take some pics of my finished garage eventually!