The leaves have started to change, which means winter is right around the corner! It’s time to prep and winterize your garage. Before the first snow flies, take the necessary steps to keep your garage warm and protected.
Be Prepared
Everyone in the Midwest knows winters range from warm and sunny in the morning to a surprise snowstorm in the evening. Don’t be caught off guard! Rotate the proper seasonal items to an easy-to-access area of your garage to combat heavy snowfalls. For example, move your snow shovels and salt out of storage and put them near the garage door. This is where they will be used the most. Also, take the time to check salt levels. Ask yourself, “Do I have enough stocked up for my sidewalk and driveway?”. If you take these measurements now, you’ll thank yourself later when that first snow hits.
Pro Tip: To keep your garage door from freezing to the ground, try putting table salt under the bottom seal.
Manage Cold Temps
Without proper insulation, it’s difficult to maintain your garage’s temperature which is expensive . It’s important to keep your garage above freezing, especially if you have your water heater or any other exposed pipes in the garage! Take the tips below to ensure that even if it’s 5 degrees outside, your garage will be able to maintain at least 50 degrees.
Check the Seals
The seals around your garage door, especially the bottom one, are subject to let cold air in your garage if there are gaps. The bottom seal is also where pests and water can come in, which could lead to more damage later down the road.
Fill the Gaps
Small openings around windows or the exterior wall can create cold drafts in your garage, lowering your garage’s temperature. Apply caulk around the interior of your windowpanes or expanding foam in exterior cracks. If you’re not sure if there is a draft, try the lighter trick! Take a standard lighter and move it around cracks. If the flame flickers, you know air is getting through.
Replace Your Garage Door
Like how you should change your tires in the winter for better traction, it’s not a bad idea to install a new garage door with more insulation. It’ll add a layer of durability and protection.
Pro Tip: If you find yourself spending lots of time in your garage, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to add a heating unit. A household space heater should do the job.
Pre-Winter Tune Up
When it gets cold out, don’t your joints get a little stiff? So does your garage door! It doesn’t mean it’s broken, but the parts just don’t run as smoothly as they would on a beautiful sunny day. If they’re not properly maintained, your garage door can come to a grinding halt. A faulty garage door system can leave the garage door closed, trapping your car. If your garage door is stuck open during the winter, there is a risk that the cold air could freeze your pipes. To avoid this, get a pre-winter tune up! Make sure you call a reputable garage door company. They should know to do a motor inspection and to check the lubrication, door balance and the seals.
Don’t wait until winter weather strikes, we are ready to get your garage door prepped for winter!
