When winter comes around, your garage can quickly turn into one of the coldest spots in the house. Usually, the garage isn’t connected to the central heating system that you use in the rest of the home, and it’s often not as insulated as it could be. The cold can take a toll on some of the things you store in the garage, from your car to any electronics that you frequently use in that area. It can also make the garage a less pleasant place to be, which might discourage you from using it as a workshop or home repair station during the winter months. Take a look at some hot tips that will help keep your garage warm this winter.
Check Your Weatherstripping
Your garage door probably came with weatherstripping, but after a while the rubber can harden and crack, allowing drafts to come in through your door. Weatherstripping is easy to replace, so take the time to see if yours is in need of replacement. You can remove old weatherstripping with a pry bar and a putty scraper. Make sure to remove all the old sealant so your new weatherstripping will lie flat and seal properly.
Before you apply new weatherstripping, be sure to measure it so that you can cut the correct amount. Close the garage and ensure that the new strip flattens against the door to ensure a good seal.
If you have windows in your garage, you may want to add caulk around them as well. This will help keep out drafts.
Paint Your Floor
Plain concrete floors don’t do anything to add warmth to your garage, and if your concrete floors are damp, they can make it even colder. Applying epoxy concrete paint to your floors will help limit dampness and increase the warmth in your garage. It will also improve the look of your garage.
You’ll need to clean and acid-etch the floor before you apply epoxy paint. You may also need to run a dehumidifier for a few days to dry out the area and ensure that the paint adheres properly to the concrete floor. When the paint is dry, you can increase the insulation of the floor by adding rugs or rubber mats.
Insulate Your Walls
The simplest way to insulate your garage walls is with fiberglass batt insulation. This insulation is simple enough to install yourself, as long as you avoid a few common mistakes.
Make sure to read the instructions and measure the insulation carefully before installing. You want the batts to cover the wall, but not to overlap each other. You also have to make sure that they’re securely fastened to the wall, and that the fuzzy side of the insulation is installed facing you on walls that are attached to your home. The paper side should be facing the interior wall. This side contains a vapor retarder that helps keep moisture out of your home.
Warming up the garage for the winter helps make the space more functional and pleasant to spend time in. For more information about winterizing or renovating your garage, contact us.
