If you live in an area where snow and ice are common during the winter months, it’s important to take some time to prepare your garage for the cold weather.
Some simple steps can help to prevent damage to your garage door, opener, and other equipment, as well as help to keep your vehicle safe and clean.
Here are 10 tips to help you get started:
1. Inspect your garage door. Make sure the door is properly sealed and insulated to help keep out the cold air. The experts from Champions Garage Door Repair suggest checking the weather stripping and adding more insulation if necessary.
2. Check your weatherstripping. Make sure there are no gaps or cracks where heat can escape from your garage. You can contact a professional to replace the weatherstripping if necessary.
Another tip from the experts at Garage Door Repair Maryland is to apply a silicone-based lubricant to the weatherstripping to help keep it in good condition.
3. Consider installing a storm door. This will help keep out drafts and help insulate your garage. You can find storm doors at most home improvement stores. Another option is to install a garage door opener with MyQ technology. This will allow you to control your garage door from your smartphone, so you can open it remotely to let in some heat on cold days.
4. Get rid of any clutter. Extra boxes and storage items can make it difficult to move around in your garage during the winter. If possible, store these items in another location or donate them to charity. If you must keep them in the garage, make sure they are stored off the floor and away from any heat sources.
5. Store flammable liquids safely. Be sure to store any flammable liquids, such as gasoline, away from heat sources in your garage. To be extra safe, you can store them in a flammable liquids storage cabinet.
6. Keep your garage floor clean and dry. Snow and ice can track into your garage, so it’s important to keep the floor clean and dry. Apply a non-slip coating to the floor if necessary. You can find these products at most home improvement stores.
7. Protect your tools and equipment. Store your tools and equipment in a dry, protected place to prevent rust and damage from moisture. You can find many types of storage shelves and cabinets at your local home improvement store. You can also find tips for storing your tools and equipment. For example, here are some great tips for garage door organization.
8. Winterize your car. If you plan on keeping your car in the garage during the winter, be sure to winterize it properly. This includes adding antifreeze to the engine, inflating the tires, and more.
9. Install extra lighting. Garage lights can help you see better when working in your garage during the shorter days of winter. A motion-sensor light can be a helpful addition, as it will turn on automatically when you enter the garage.
10. Keep an emergency kit handy. Include items such as a shovel, salt, sand, a first-aid kit, and flashlights in case of a power outage.
By following these tips, you can help make sure your garage is ready for winter weather.