As the crisp air of winter starts to settle in, it’s time to give some extra attention to a space that often plays a crucial role during the colder months—the garage. Beyond just parking your car, the garage serves as storage for winter gear, holiday decorations, and other essentials. Some of those things may be sensitive to weather changes. In South Carolina, many use their garage as recreational space, sporting televisions, refrigerators, workout equipment, furniture, and more. While the winter here on the Grand Strand may not be as brutal as other parts of the states, the chill can still become a threat to your home, and your garage. Here are a few tips and a quick guide to prepping your garage for the winter.
Inspect Your Garage Door
Your garage door can mean the difference between an efficient heating system and a costly one. Repair or replace any damaged weather stripping around the door to reduce energy loss, and make sure there is enough insulation to keep cold air outside. Replace a damaged door with an insulated one that also keeps out cold air by investing in a new garage door.
Make sure to clean the tracks and lubricate moving parts on your garage door to keep it running smoothly all season long. Tighten all hardware, inspect high-tension cables, and observe how the door moves so you can troubleshoot any problems quickly.
Organize Your Space
Get ready for winter with a garage declutter. Start by removing items you no longer need, donating or selling any items that can be reused, and organizing everything left in a way that works for your needs. Organizing your garage doesn’t have to be difficult. Take time to consider your storage space, create designated zones for different categories of items, and organize similar items together within those zones.
Inspect and Weatherproof
Many drafty and cold areas of our homes can be attributed to holes in the walls, windows, and doors. If you haven’t already, check for any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. Seal these openings to prevent cold drafts and moisture from creeping in. Consider weather-stripping around garage doors to maintain a more consistent temperature inside.
Secure Outdoor Equipment
Outdoor equipment can be costly and inconvenient to replace. If you want to protect your lawnmowers, trimmers and garden tools from damage during winter storage, start by draining the fuel and keeping them in a dry location with low humidity. Store all of your power tools on wall racks that are out of the garage floor or invest in a tool bench so that it can double as additional storage space for your gardening supplies.
Insulate Your Walls
Insulation helps keep your garage comfortable, whether it’s a winterized space or an extra storage room for tools and materials. The right amount of insulation keeps cold air out in the winter and hot air in during the summer. Insulation also prevents pipes from freezing, which can save you from costly repairs down the road. It also allows you to run internalized heating or a space heater, making it a comfortable space year-round!
As you prepare to add your garage wall insulation, carefully inspect the walls for leaks and gaps. Seal up any cracks and gaps to ensure that your insulation is effective. If necessary, replace damaged or cracked windows as part of this process.
Protecting Your Home’s Pipes
If you have water pipes running through your garage, it’s essential that you protect them during the winter. If you don’t, you could end up with serious damage to your plumbing system. As the temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, drain the water from your spigots and insulate your pipes before temperatures drop below freezing. If you have a sink in your garage, allow it to drip until springtime when it is safe again to turn off faucets completely.
Prepping Your Garage For The Winter With Overhead Doors of the Grand Strand
By taking the time and prepping your garage for winter, you not only protect your belongings but also create a more functional and organized space. From basic organization to insulating your garage, these steps ensure that your garage is ready to face whatever winter brings.
From residential garage doors to commercial entrance solutions, Overhead Door Company of the Grand Stand™ is here to help. We provide the services that support you need, from residential to commercial. For help getting the design process off the ground, call the Overhead Door Company of the Grand Strand today at 843-448-9124. Check out our line of products to get started!
