Built to Stay Dry

How to Stop Water From Entering Your Metal Building

A common complaint we hear from building owners—especially under roll-up doors—is water seeping in at the base of the building. It’s frustrating, and it can usually be avoided with the right prep work before your building ever goes up.

The Real Issue: How the Concrete Is Poured

Most water issues at the ground level don’t come from the building itself—they start with the concrete pad. When the slab isn’t poured level or sits flush with the surrounding ground, rainwater has nowhere to go except under your walls and doors.

The Right Way to Prevent Water Problems

Here’s what to keep in mind when preparing your site and concrete pad:

1. Keep the Pad Level and True
   Your concrete pad must be perfectly level across the entire surface. A level pad ensures proper alignment during installation and prevents gaps at the base where water can enter. Uneven concrete can cause low spots where water collects—and eventually seeps inside.

2. Frame-on-Pad Construction (with a Seal)
   Most manufacturers design the steel frame to sit directly on the concrete pad. When poured correctly, the edge of the pad should align with the outside of the frame’s base rail. To add extra protection, apply a waterproofing seal or barrier—such as a butyl tape, foam closure strip, or concrete caulk—between the base rail and the concrete before installation.
   This helps close off tiny gaps that can let in wind-driven rain or standing water.

3. Slope the Surrounding Ground
   The pad itself should stay level, but the ground around it needs to slope away. Grading the surrounding area helps direct rainwater away from the building. Even a small slope—about 1 inch per foot—is enough to encourage runoff and prevent pooling along the base.

4. Add a Door Gasket or Threshold Seal
   For roll-up doors, a threshold seal or rubber floor gasket can create a tight seal and prevent splashing or runoff from sneaking under the door—especially if your site sits on flat ground.

The Bottom Line

A dry, well-protected building starts with the right concrete prep. Keeping the pad level, sloping the ground away, and adding a waterproof seal under your frame can eliminate most water entry issues—especially under roll-up doors.

At Solid Rock Structures, we always recommend discussing these details with your concrete contractor before the pour. A little preparation now means no water headaches later.

Building it right starts from the ground up. Message us before you pour—our team can walk you through pad prep, sealing tips, and ways to keep your structure dry and durable for years to come.