The Best Ways to Protect Your Garage During an Illinois Winter

 Posted on December 02, 2020 in Uncategorized

Now that December is here, Illinois residents are bracing for a cold and snowy winter. Preparation is key to survive the often harsh winter conditions, and this may include "winterizing" your home and vehicles. In some cases, people put plastic on their home's windows to keep them insulated and free of drafts. Keeping cars running in the winter may mean putting snow tires on and antifreeze in the engine. Similarly, there are steps homeowners can take to protect their garages during the cold months to preserve and maintain their value. Not only do garages house your automobiles, tools, decorations, and more, they may also be used as home offices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important now more than ever to keep your garage properly maintained, especially if it is serving multiple purposes.

Inclement Winter Weather Tips

In the Chicagoland area, the period between December and April can see significant precipitation and blizzard-like conditions. This means your home and garage can take a beating during the winter, with snow, ice, sleet, and slush all hitting these structures. Typically, brick, stone, and siding are meant to withstand the outdoor elements, but over time, they can wear down or break.

A garage that becomes too cold can lead to damage not only to your vehicles but also any equipment stored there. For example, a power washer that still has water in the lines can freeze and crack. Likewise, fuel gels can freeze inside combustion engines, and paint may separate when it freezes.

Many older garage doors are built from wood, which eventually can rot if a weatherproof stain or coating is not applied every year. Many of today's more modern garage doors are made from materials that are sturdier and provide more insulation. In addition, there are products that create a seal between the garage door and garage door opening to prevent cold air from getting inside or heat from escaping.

Ultimately, homeowners can save themselves time and money when preparing for winter by considering the following garage improvements or enhancements with the help of professional garage builders or remodelers:

• Fix or replace weatherstripping along windows and doors
• Insulate garage walls and doors with fiberglass or foam insulation
• Install a gas or electric heating unit or heated coils in the garage floor
• Upgrade to a new, modern garage door
• Clean leaves and debris out of gutters or replace broken gutters
• Replace garage roof shingles or siding if they are worn or damaged
• Fill in any cracks in the garage foundation
• Add a coat of weatherproof paint or stain to wooden garages

Contact a Chicago Area Garage Professional

It is common knowledge that winters in the Midwest can be brutal. The harsh conditions can wreak havoc on the exterior of your house and garage, which can often lead to problems on the inside of these structures. The skilled team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. have more than 40 years of experience updating, improving, and remodeling garages of all different sizes and layouts. Our highly qualified DuPage County garage builders know what improvements can protect your garage from the elements and make it more energy-efficient. To schedule your free estimate and learn more about the services we provide, call us today at 630-852-8485.