Keeping your garage warm in the winter may have a more beneficial side‑effect than just keeping your car toasty when you want to get into it – it may also allow your home to retain more of the heat that may otherwise seep out of cracks and holes in your almost‑outdoor area. Just like you plan ahead to keep the small varmints out of your home, doing the same for your garage should be a critical part of your winter ritual. Add these 5 steps to your annual wintering project and reap the rewards of a warmer and cleaner home (and garage!).
1. Add Insulation to the Walls and Doors
When your garage was built, it is unlikely that it was intended to be completely air- and water‑tight, so adding insulation is a relatively inexpensive way to make your garage just a little more secure. Generally, you can get rolls of pink insulation that you can roll directly into the garage walls, but check with your local licensed contractor if you have any questions. Your garage door might prove a little more challenging – based on when it was manufactured you may be better off taking down your stock garage door and replacing it with a more‑insulated version.
Another option is blow‑in insulation; and while it’s certainly warmer and a higher‑rated insulation than the standard rolls it can usually only be installed by a licensed contractor which will add to your overall cost. Adding just a minimum amount of insulation can pay big dividends on your winter heating bills.
2. Add or Replace Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is the long, rubbery strip that runs underneath your garage door. This barrier stops bugs, dirt, other debris and water from getting into your garage and wreaking havoc on the contents. This material wears down and dries out over time, making it much less resilient than it was when installed. When it gets cracked and torn from years of wear or (even worse!) freezes in the track itself, then your garage door will have a seal that is no longer tight and that may not even close properly.
At least twice a year, or when the seasons change, take a peek at your weather stripping and make sure that it is still creating a weather‑resistant seal under your garage door. If you’re seeing problems, make this replacement quickly to keep your garage free of bugs and other small vermin.
3. Add Insulated Covering to Switches, Outlets, Pipes and More
Pipes in your garage need to be insulated in the same way as the ones outside your home do in order to keep them from freezing. You may not think about it, but if you accidentally left your garage door open in freezing weather, then it’s a good bet that you’re going to come home to burst pipes, which is not a pretty picture. There are several different types of insulation that you can use such as fiberglass or foam – both of these are adequate options.
Any exposed area of your garage that might allow in cold winds or water should be covered as well, including switches, outlets or any other exposed corners in order to minimize the amount of cold air entering your home. If you can keep your garage relatively toasty, then you stand a much better shot at keeping that cold air out of your home and keeping those energy bills in line all winter long.
4. Waterproofed Flooring
Water gets into your garage in a number of different ways, including snow and ice building up around the sides, doors and garage doors – and possibly even windows, depending on where you live. How can you keep this water from causing problems in your garage due to a flood? As long as your floor is waterproofed, even the water that comes in on your car’s tires is not going to be problematic for your garage’s floors.
5. Keep it Clean
If your garage is so full of gardening tools, boxes, Christmas decorations, old clothing, and spare furniture there may not be room left for what the garage was intended for – namely, your vehicle. Before the temps head for the cellar, make a concerted effort to clean out the clutter and get your garage winter‑ready.
Shelves, wall, and ceiling storage can make a huge difference in the efficiency of your space. Did you ever notice that there’s a lot of wasted space on your high garage ceilings? Add a little drop‑down storage area or hang bicycles or other summer toys from sturdy ropes or chains to keep them out of harm’s way and free up some floor space. Throw away or donate items that you’re no longer using, or consider a garage sale to make some extra money – you can even use it for Christmas shopping!
Keep your garage clean, organized and in great shape; don’t forget to check the smaller details such as the door track and pulley system. Keeping these and the hinges and wheels well maintained can assure that the door continues to serve you for years to come.
Schedule Maintenance and Repair Services
As you’re going through your garage clean‑up, you may notice some small (or large!) maintenance items that you need to take care of. Never fear, we are here to help you take care of whatever maintenance needs you have in your garage from parts to an entirely new garage door. You will be pleasantly surprised the difference a few changes will make in your energy bill.
Contact us today to learn more about our garage door maintenance services.
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