When you own a home there are many steps to take to prepare it for the winter months. Winterizing your garage is one task that many people often overlook although it is an important job. There are some huge benefits of getting your garage properly prepared for the cold weather such as;
- Protecting Piping
Many garages have piping that runs through it. Frigid temperatures put them at high risk of bursting which can cause severe damage, be expensive to repair and certainly creates a very stressful situation. Winterizing the garage will help prevent this type of unfortunate event from occurring.
- Protecting Storage
Many people commonly use their garage as a storage space. Insulating it properly will prevent your stored items from becoming damaged from extended periods of exposure to the cold as well as from moisture.
- Keeping Your Home Warmer
Garages that are not well winterized can reach temperatures very close to that of the outdoors. The cold air will seep through the walls into your home. A warmer garage will allow your home to stay warmer inside, especially in those rooms that share a wall with the garage. Keeping the air in the garage warmer will therefore save you money on your heating costs.
- Warmer Garage Environment
It is becoming increasingly common for homeowners to make their garage another functional space within their home. Many have transformed their garages into workshops, offices, home gyms or studios so naturally the cold needs to be kept out to keep it comfortable. Even if you only use your garage for your car, you will be much more comfortable getting in and out if the garage is winterized. Also, your car will be warmer.
If you are looking for ways to get your garage ready for the cold winter ahead, we have some tips to help you along. The following suggestions will effectively winterize your garage, ensuring that those nasty cold drafts will be kept out!
- Insulate your garage door. Your garage door is where most of the cold air will make its way through. If your garage door is simply a standard, single-panel door, it can be a good idea to replace it with a new insulated door. If you wish to keep your current door, you can insulate it yourself. There are many DIY garage door insulation kits available, just be sure to research and pick one that is suited to your door and your heat retention needs. Keep in mind that adding insulation to your garage door will add weight so you should consult a professional and have them carry out the adjustments to accommodate it to ensure its safety.
- Check and replace the weatherstripping. The weatherstripping on your garage door is the material that lines the bottom and side door jambs to seal the openings. Over time it will wear out and need to be replaced. Replacing faulty weatherstripping alone can make a huge difference.
- Inspect for any gaps or cracks around the garage door and windows. Feel for any cold drafts and seal the areas up with caulking. This will prevent the entrance of drafts and moisture.
- Lubricate all the moving parts of your garage door. A well-maintained door that is working optimally will open and close correctly and quickly. This minimizes the amount of time the door is open allowing the cold air inside.
- Insulate the walls. Even if you ensure that everything is sealed tightly, your garage will still be quite cold without wall insulation. This will be important if you plan to spend long periods of time in your garage. There are many types of insulation that can be used. If you are unsure, it is best to speak to an insulation specialist.
- Install a heater. Again, this step will be important if you will be spending long amounts of time inside your garage and require it to be temperature regulated or you are storing temperature sensitive items that could be damaged by the cold.
If you need help with a new insulated garage door or servicing your current garage door to begin preparing your garage for the winter, give ONC Garage Door Services a call! We are here to help in any way that we can!
