winterized-garage

How to Winterize Your Garage

With winter just around the corner, now would be a great time to prepare your garage for the cold months ahead. Whilst the winter months bring us great times such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years’, it also brings about some pretty cold, nasty weather.

Have you thought about how the harsh elements can have an impact on your garage, and the contents within it?

We’ve decided to put together a couple of tips detailing how you can prepare your garage for the winter to ensure you keep everything inside safe from damage. 

Organize your space

You don’t want to go into the cold season with a dirty and untidy garage, as this can be a fertile ground for rodents. Make sure you tidy, clean, and organize your space.

Investing in sturdy cabinets and storage systems will ensure you maximize your space and keep your garage clear of clutter all year round. Installing a heavy-duty storage wall is ideal as it is incredibly strong, rugged, and waterproof – ensuring your garage wall is a mold, mildew, and stain-resistant surface.

Storing your belongings off the floor in a cabinet or storage unit will ensure they are kept safe from any water that may creep in under the garage door or melted off snow from the car parked in the garage.

Cleaning will also allow you to locate any areas that may need attention, such as damp spots or cracks in the wall.

Fix any cracks

Most garages will go through a lot of wear and tear over the years, and will likely have a few cracks. But don’t worry, as long as you fill these in before the cold weather starts, you shouldn’t experience any damage to the interior.

It is important to focus on any cracks in the roof or walls, as these will be linked to the exterior and a point of entry for moisture and cold air. You can fill these cracks using any type of sealer or expanding foam.

Protect the floor

Cold weather can leave your floor cracked, in a similar way to your walls and ceiling. The best way to prevent this from happening is to lay alternative flooring over your garage floor. 

One of the best ways to protect your floor, not just from the winter, but from spillages, knicks, and scuffs, is to have an epoxy floor installed. 

An epoxy floor coating adds immediate character and value with a durable, impermeable, and seamless epoxy finish. Unlike other concrete floor coating systems, this product will not wear down or peel and can withstand spills, stains, and extreme temperatures associated with the garage environment. Perfect for winter prep.

Check the garage door

If you have an electronic garage door then make sure you regularly check that it is working. Lubricate moving metal parts and check the door regularly for signs of ice buildup. 

Check if there are any gaps below the door in which water run-off could enter your garage – you can create a barrier inside using expanding foam. The foam will stick, it’s waterproof, and you can walk or drive over it without damaging it – and come summer, you can remove it easily without damaging your epoxy floor.

Get Prepared with Carolina Custom Garages

These are just a few tips on how to keep your garage protected as the colder months approach. Our team specializes in custom storage units and cabinets as well as high-quality floor coating finishes.

 

Contact our team today to start getting your garage prepped and ready for Winter.