Recently, we discussed things you shouldn’t leave in your garage (that everyone does anyway).  

Temperature played a big role in the list. Many household items are designed to exist in climate controlled rooms, and more often than not, your garage does not fit that description. Especially for those who live in an area that experiences sub-freezing temperatures. 

Regardless of what you’re keeping your garage, you should make sure it’s ready for the winter months ahead. 

By taking some precautions, not only can you make your garage more usable during the winter months, but you can improve the warmth and comfort of your home itself (assuming your garage is attached). 

Here are a few simple ways to keep your garage protected for the winter. 

Inspect Seals, Weatherstripping, Cracks, and Gaps 

Drafts are bad news in the winter time. They let in cold air and precipitation. If the source of the draft is wide enough, they may even let in a living creature or two looking for shelter in the winter months. When prepping your garage for winter, the first area that should be checked is the doorways and windows. Replace sealant and stripping as needed. Make sure they can properly close. 

Once those are secure, check for additional drafts and air leaks around the rest of the garage as well. 

Add Insulation 

If your garage isn’t insulated, it might be worth changing that. Especially if you have an attached garage. An un-insulated garage is very hard to keep warm, even with proper heating equipment. It also gets hotter in the summer. 

Insulation is relatively cheap and easy to install, yet it makes a huge difference. 

Protect the Floor 

Winter is hard on floors. From snow to salt to the freezing temperatures, the cement floor of your garage (assuming it’s paved) can quickly become damaged. A great way to prevent this is by adding an epoxy coating to your garage floor.  

This creates a protective layer above your concrete that not only keeps it safe, but improves appearance. 

For more information on concrete work, make sure to check out our sister site here. 

Cover and Protect Pipes 

If your garage is connected to your home, you may have some pipes running through it. Make sure these are covered and insulated. Even with water running through them, they can potentially freeze if left exposed to frigid air temperatures. 

While we’re on the subject, it’s a good idea to shut off outdoor spigots and empty any water from the pipes leading to them. 

Clean and Organize 

If your garage is a little cluttered and messy, it’s best to clean it up before the temperature drops. If you don’t want to clean your garage when it’s nice outside, you certainly won’t want to do it when it’s 15 degrees. 

Add a Heating Unit 

If you’re trying to keep a garage warm, a simple space heater isn’t enough. You need something stronger. There are a large variety of garage heating options out there. The first decision you’ll want to make is whether you’re going with a gas heater or an electric heater.  

Gas heaters, of course require a gas line, which can be more expensive to install, but you’ll pay less in utilities over time. 

Meanwhile, electric heaters are cheaper and easier to install, but they can raise your electricity bills quite a bit. 

Insulated Garage Door Installation 

Another great way to winterize your garage is to install an insulated garage door. A quality insulated garage door can make a big difference in how comfortable your garage’s interior is. At Springfield Overhead Door, we provide a huge variety of insulated garage doors so that you can find one perfect for you home. 

For all of your garage door needs, from insulated doors to garage door openers, Springfield Overhead Door has you covered.