Garage Preparations for Winter
Winter is coming. Of course, that does not mean quite the same thing as it does in the rest of the states in Florida. But cooler weather is on the way. That means it is time to start preparing your home for the temperature changes. You may need to bring some plants inside or close your pool for the season. While you are preparing the rest of your house for winter, do not forget about your garage maintenance. This often-overlooked area of your home also needs some attention to optimize its function throughout the winter months. After all, we all dress a little differently and adjust some behavior patterns in the winter as a reaction to the cold. These adjustments can affect your garage as well. Little changes like shifting where you store your garbage cans or parking inside versus outside make a difference.
Inspect Your Garage Door
The best place to start winterizing your garage is with the garage door. First, you should make sure that it is in good working order. Ensure that the safety measures like the obstruction sensors are clean, properly aligned, and in good working order. This is also a good time to perform annual safety tests of your garage door. For instance, if you place a brick or other firm object on the ground in the path of the door, the door should automatically reverse when it is detected by the obstruction sensors or, if just out of range of the sensors when it meets the object. Once all safety tests are completed, be sure to lubricate the door according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prevent Pests
Many animals and insects like to seek refuge from the cold in your garage. To prevent this, you should perform a few basic maintenance tasks. First, ensure all weatherstripping around the garage door is in good condition and provides an adequate seal around the door. A rule of thumb is that if light can get in, so can bugs. So, if you can see the light under your door, it is time to update the weatherstrip. Second, check that there are no holes or cracks in the door itself. If so, you may need to fill them or contact a garage door company to help repair them.
Protect Yard Tools
To preserve the quality of your yard tools, it is best to prepare them for winter. This means draining and covering your lawnmower, cleaning any debris off of your shovel or rake, and draining any left-over water from your garden hose. Little actions like these can help maximize the lifespan of your tools and keep your garage free from pests.
Inspect Your Roof
Lastly, you will want to inspect the roof over your garage. Whether it is attached to your home or not, you should inspect your roof at least once a year. Verify that there are no holes or weak points that can cause leaks. You may need to patch any missing shingles or tiles, depending on the style of roof you have. Another important step is to clean the gutters around your roof to ensure that water can flow freely off rather than getting trapped and causing damage to the roof and surrounding structure.
