You might not be feeling the bitter cold of winter just yet, but that doesn’t mean your garage isn’t. As an unfinished spot, it’s easy to set it and forget it when it comes to maintaining this area, but The Zachos Team is here to explain why that’s a bad idea.
The Issue
So what happens when you ignore the garage?
It’s easy to treat it just like any other room of your house, but you might be forgetting something. With outside heating and cooling systems as well as plenty of moving parts, your garage deserves just as much attention as any other space. Because when you ignore the exterior rooms, you’re leaving a big part of your home unattended.
And that can lead to a buildup of problems down the line.
How to Fix It
Thankfully, there’s a few easy things to look for when it comes to garage issues.
For one, keeping an eye on insulation and cold weather maintenance is key as we drift towards the colder months. Paying attention to your car within the garage is extremely important as well. And finally, the mechanical systems of the room are not to be ignored.
If you can keep any eye on these things, you’ll be in good shape.
Here’s what you can do specifically:
Wrap your water heater: If your water heater is in the garage, you can wrap it in an insulated blanket to help the water stay warm longer. This is useful for larger families, or if you’re just the type to love a long, hot shower at the end of the day.
Close garage windows: It might sound obvious, but it can be easy to forget about any windows you might have left open when you were airing out that brand new project you’re building. In the colder months, make sure the windows are closed to help keep the heat inside.
Only crank your car when the door is open: This one comes down to safety; if you run your car inside, the carbon monoxide in an enclosed space can be fatal. Always start your car after opening the door, and pull out as soon as you can to reduce the risk of any harmful gases staying in your home.
Check garage safety switches: The sensors that keep your garage door from closing on anything important need regular checkups. Putting your hand in front of the sensor, you should see a light come on and off. If it looks like they’re misaligned or not working properly, it’s best to call an expert to come take a look.
The Results
While maintaining the garage can be a daunting task, these simple steps can ease the burden of taking care of it all at once.
The main things to remember have to do with the cold and carbon monoxide, as well as the systems around the door. If you can keep these three areas in mind, it simplifies things and helps you dial in on what’s really important to keep an eye on.
And when everything is in working order, your family will thank you for it.
Still confused on where to start? The Zachos Team has decades of building experience, and we’re happy to give some quick advice on what could be done to fix things up. In addition, we can help you find a home that won’t be plagued with garage issues, or help you fix up your own to get you some extra points with the appraiser if you’re trying to sell. Contact us today and we’ll make sure your garage is in top shape.
Written by Paul Zachos III