How to Prepare Your Garage for Winter

The garage is an easy area of the house to overlook at various times of the year. It tends to accumulate appliances and items for storage and can become quite cluttered. But in winter it pays to take some time to organise the place to make sure it is ready for the cold weather and that you know where everything is. Below are some tips on how to prepare your garage this winter. 

Check Your Garage Door 

A garage door is one of those easy things you overlook when preparing your garage for winter, but neglecting to look after it properly can cause issues with temperature control and accessibility. Firstly, check the weather stripping around the edges. If it’s cracked or loose, it might be an idea to replace it before the freezing temperatures arrive. Also, check the door tracks and your gliderol door opener. Lubricate any moving parts using grease, so they don’t freeze and cause your garage door to lock. 

Store Appliances

It’s a good idea to keep your garage organised, especially in the winter. Too often the garage gets neglected until something is needed from it, then you have to fight your way through the clutter. Avoid this scenario by keeping your garage space organised and storing the appliances you will need for the winter. When the temperatures are freezing, and it’s dark, you’ll be very grateful that you know exactly what you need and where to get it from. 

Seal the Garage Floor 

Any garage floor will take some punishment, especially if you store your vehicle in there. The salt from the wheels can significantly damage the concrete floor. Luckily, there are some ways you can prepare it before the cold weather comes in. Using a professional sealant, cover the floor to protect it from salt. Also, wash it regularly; this will help prolong its life. To enhance the quality of your garage floor long-term, consider epoxy flooring. 

Insulate Your Walls 

A garage with insulated walls not only protects the appliances stored thereby keeping the average temperature higher, but it also protects the pipes from freezing and bursting, not to mention makes the garage space more pleasant to work in. You can choose from two types of insulation; there is foam or loose-fill. Foam is more expensive but probably more effective then loose-fill. If you’re on a budget, however, loose-fill is a good option. Most of your garage temperature is lost through the roof and walls so insulating these will make a big difference. 

Protect Your Pipes 

Protecting your pipes in the garage through the winter months can save you a lot of time frustration and money. Burst pipes can cause flooding and are expensive to repair. Protect your pipes this winter by using insulating covers. These are easy to buy at your local hardware store and can be fitted using a Stanley Knife and some tie-wraps. One tip to prevent your pipes freezing over winter is to allow the faucet to run slightly. Even if you have insulated pipes, this might be a good thing to do if the weather is particularly cold. 

Install Some Heating

You might think that heating your garage is a bit overkill in the grand scheme of things. But, it’s a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, it prevents unlagged pipes from freezing during cold snaps.

Secondly, if you’ve got an antique car or are restoring one, the heat can ensure any exposed metal doesn’t get rusty. And, thirdly, it’ll always feel warm inside whenever you need to go in there to get something!There are a few ways you can heat your garage. An industrial or fan heater is one option, as is a standard indoor central heating radiator. If you’re pressed for space, a setup like Warmup Loose Wire underfloor heating can ensure you don’t have to sacrifice any space.