Is Your Garage Ready for Winter?
Winters in the Chesapeake are unpredictable. Some days are bitter cold, while others are balmy. For this reason, you must prepare your garage for all sorts of extreme weather. It is imperative. There are simple steps to get your garage ready for winter. These precautions would also be a benefit during the sweltering months as well. What’s more, an insulated garage positively affects the temperatures inside your home, therefore saving money on your energy bills.
Replace the Weather Stripping
The weather stripping on the bottom of your garage door takes a beating, for sure. This rubber strip extends along the entire door. In the winter it is designed, so that when the door is closed to block warm air from leeching out and cold air from seeping into your garage. However, being that it is susceptible to such extremes in weather. Therefore, it wears out over time. Replacing it is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to get your garage ready for winter weather. Further, if your garage does not have weather stripping, we advise you install some. Not a DIYer? Hire a professional. An air-tight, weather-proof garage will be worth it.
Seal Up Any Gaps
You may not realize it, but there may be significant gaps around your garage door and windows. Filling these will make an enormous difference. There are two simple methods to check. On a sunny day, close your door and turn off the lights. Anywhere you see sunlight shining through, seal up. Or, is is a particularly windy day? Feel around frames and seal anywhere you feel air leaking in. You can use a combination of caulking and weather stripping, depending on where the leak is.
Tint Your Garage Windows
The clear glass in your garage door windows can turn your garage into a greenhouse. Tinting your windows may allow you to control the temperatures better so that it never gets too hot or cold. Another added feature? Security. Tinted windows prevent potential burglars from clearing peeping at all your valuables contained within. And, for the same reasons, if you have windows in your garage hang curtains, blinds or shades.
Insulate Your Garage Door
An insulated garage door is without a doubt one of the best ways to weatherproof your garage. If your garage door is an older model, you may be able to retrofit it with insulation. However, while this may stabilize temperatures, it may not quite keep you safe from extreme weather. Newer models are insulated and guaranteed to protect your home during hurricanes and blizzards. Also, your local building regulations may also require replacing doors that are not up to code.
Have questions about building codes or any of the methods described here to get your garage ready for winter? Contact Garage Tech. Our technicians are knowledgeable regarding county and city building regulations. We can also assist with any weather-proofing steps. Start saving money now on your energy bills and keep your home safe…contact us today!