Depending on the area you live in, winters can be pretty harsh. Some people dislike this season for its cold and dampness, while others worry about getting snowed in. You may also wake up in the morning just to discover a thick layer of solid ice covering your garage doors and preventing you from opening them.
Luckily, things don’t always have to be so bad, as there are plenty of proven methods you can use to weatherproof your garage. This way, you won’t have to lose your sleep regardless of the weather forecast. For instance, you can use caulk to seal your garage doors and windows and keep out the cold air and moisture. Another idea is to upgrade your weather stripping and install a bottom seal.
The best thing is that you don’t need to hire a team of professionals like A1 Garage or be a skilled expert to do these simple fixes. Read the article below for more information, and prepare to DIY.
Caulk Your the Door and Windows
Caulking your garage door and windows is one of the most affordable and effective ways to weatherproof your garage. It’s a simple project that can be completed in just a few hours. All you need is some exterior-grade caulk and a caulking gun.
Start by removing the old caulk using a utility knife. Then, prime the area you want to caulk, especially if they’re made of wood or wood-based materials. Thanks to the primer, the caulk will have no trouble adhering to the surface. Then, grab your new caulk and apply it around the edges of your door and windows, making sure to fill any gaps or cracks. This will help keep out moisture, cold air, and pests.
Once you’re finished, let the caulk dry for 24 hours before testing it. If it isn’t dry, there may be too much moisture in the air. Don’t panic and leave the caulk to dry for a week. In case it’s still not dry after seven days, you’ll need to remove it and repeat the process.
Upgrade the Weather Stripping
If you’ve noticed that your garage door is starting to let in cold air, then it’s time to upgrade the weather stripping. This is a simple DIY project anyone can do in a matter of just a few minutes.
To get started, simply remove the old weather stripping. It should come off easily, but if you need some extra help, grab a putty knife. Make sure to be careful not to damage the door itself. Once all of the old strippings are removed, take a few measurements to determine how much of the new material you need. Then, attach the new stripping around the edges of the doors. Finally, you can also use a caulking gun to apply caulk around the edges to further seal out moisture and cold air.
Install a Bottom Seal
Another great way to weatherproof your garage is to install a bottom seal. This is an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked. The bottom seal helps keep moisture and cold air from entering the garage through the bottom of the door. It also helps prevent pests from entering the inside of your garage and then eventually making their way inside your home.
To install a bottom seal, measure the width of your garage door and purchase the correct size. Then, attach the seal to the bottom of the garage door using a drill and screws. Finally, use a caulking gun to apply caulk along the edges of the seal for extra protection.
Seal Switches and Outlets
This may come as a surprise to some homeowners, but electrical outfits and light switches can get incredibly drafty and let in a lot of cold outside air. Even the smallest gaps can be the reason behind significant heat loss. Luckily, you can fix this issue in a simple and inexpensive way.
For instance, foam gaskets can change a lot if you install them behind cover plates. You just need to unscrew the plates themselves, choose an appropriately sized piece of foam, and fit it in place.
You probably won’t be surprised that another way to seal the switches and outlet is to use the good old caulk. However, bear in mind that since there’s electricity involved, you’ll need to use a special intumescent caulk. It’s fire-resistant and way better for such areas. It’s just as easy to apply as regular caulk and doesn’t take long to dry.
In Conclusion
As you can see, keeping your garage dry and warm during winter or any other season doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the help of the tips mentioned above, you can weatherproof your garage in no time. The best thing about them is that they don’t require you to spend too much money and you can do them all by yourself.
If your like some homeowners and your garage as well as other areas that are need of updating and improving but it feels overwhelming or more than you can manage than you may want to consider selling your home instead to a company like https://www.sellquickcalifornia.com/sell-my-house-fast-napa/
Start by caulking your doors and windows and sealing switches and outlets. Then, install a bottom seal and upgrade your weather stripping if necessary. With these simple methods, you won’t have to worry about the cold winter weather or pests again.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.