As winter slowly creeps into the Tri-State, bringing colder temperatures and snow with it, now is the time many people look for ways to winterize their home by adding insulation, re-caulking windows and more. As you take time to keep the cold air out of your home, don’t forget to give your garage the same attention! Winter proofing your garage will help you stay comfortable while working in your garage, helps protect tools and other items that may be stored there, and most importantly, keeps your vehicle protected from the elements. Here are 5 key tips to help you winterize your garage space and keep it ideal all winter long:
1. Garage Weatherproofing
Make sure your garage doors are properly weather stripped to keep winter moisture out. This is especially important if you have a bedroom over your garage to keep the cold air out and floors nice and toasty. A convex rubber door stripping on the bottom of the door and weatherstripping the garage door around the outside of the door on a wooden frame is recommended. And if you had installed weather-proofing previously, make sure to check the stripping to ensure it isn’t in need of any repair or replacement.
2. Sealing off Cracks & Holes
Similarly to checking for areas to add weather stripping, make sure you do a thorough assessment of your garage to locate all cracks and holes that may bring in moisture or allow warm air to escape. This may include cracks in the garage door itself or holes in walls or doors. Electrical outlets and dryer vents may also provide a place for air to escape and can be sealed along with other trouble areas with a simple caulking gun. Also check your windows for cracks or break and replace as needed.
3. Heater Installation
If needed, a garage heater can help keep your space warm throughout the winter months. Do no install a normal heater because of its ability to catch fire with chemicals around the area. Instead, look for an electric, forced-air heater capable of heating the larger space of your garage safely and comfortably.
4. Ventilating The Garage
Allow moisture to properly escape by creating a ventilation on the cavity of the garage. Install a wall vent on two sides of your garage to allow the moisture to evaporation and leave the garage through the passive wall vents. Ventilation is also important to keep out the moisture created by the daily heating of the garage. Heat can cause condensation, which turns into moisture, and if left unchecked, could have far-reaching health effects on the occupants within the house.
5. Thorough Cleaning
Most importantly, but the least fun is conducting a thorough cleaning of your garage space to get rid of all dirt, debris, and leftover leaves and mulch that got tracked in throughout the summer and fall. Clear everything from the walls and use a stiff broom to sweep out the clogged dirt. Hit all the cobwebs from the walls and the ceilings. Of course, Ideal Garage Solutions customers experience a much easier clean with their custom flooring!
If your garage is in need of any repairs or replacements this winter, contact one of our trusted partners to help you out.
