Essential Garage Maintenance: Keeping Your Space Safe and Organized
Your garage is not just a place to park your car or store your belongings; it is an extension of your home that requires regular maintenance to keep it safe, organized, and functional. Neglecting proper garage maintenance can lead to many different problems. That is why it is essential to consistently upkeep your garage, especially if you are a new homeowner or built a new custom garage. If you are looking for a place to start, here are some essential responsibilities for any homeowner.
Regular Cleaning
It may come as no surprise that your garage needs the same care as the inside of your home. Performing tasks such as sweeping the floors, dusting shelves, and removing any debris or clutter from the garage not only improves its appearance, but regular cleaning also helps prevent pests from taking up residence in your space. This is also essential to prevent slip and fall accidents from happening.
Inspecting The Garage Door
For effective garage maintenance, it is vital to inspect the door at least once or twice annually. With this in mind, you should conduct checks for wear and tear on springs, cables, rollers, hinges, and tracks. If one or more of these parts are worn out, it is important to make sure you reach out to a professional who can perform proper maintenance on the door.
Maintaining Garage Door Opener
Test the functionality of your garage door opener by opening and closing and listening for any unusual noises or issues. If you notice that your garage door is making unpleasant noises, lubricating moving parts may be necessary to control the noise. This can help to increase the longevity of the parts, since metal on metal contact can cause parts to break down.
Monitoring Moisture Levels
Checking for signs of moisture or water leaks in your garage should be treated immediately. Signs of this include seeing mold or mildew in your garage. However, since this type of growth will usually grow in dark, damp places, sometimes this can build up without you realizing. Using a tool such as a hygrometer will help you to be an indicator that your garage has excessive moisture. If you do find any of these signs, it is important to address these issues promptly.
Safely Storing Hazardous Materials
If you store hazardous materials such as paint cans or chemical containers in your garage, make sure that you are taking proper safety precautions. This means making sure they are stored in a secure spot that is out of reach from children and pets. Avoid storing these items on the floor or window sills, where accidents can happen. If you have a heated garage, make sure that you store these items away from heat sources as this can cause gas to be released throughout your garage. This means making sure they are properly sealed and labeled in order to prevent future accidents.
Contact a Downers Grove, IL Garage Expert
Maintaining your garage is not only important for its functionality but also for improving overall safety and preserving the value of your property. By staying proactive with regular inspections and maintenance tasks, you can avoid expensive repairs down the road while creating a well-organized space that meets all your needs. If you require professional assistance with maintaining or repairing your garage in Illinois, reach out to our custom garage builders at 630-852-8485.