Winter may be over, but your garage can still be attacked by harmful elements. Spring and summer can bring scorching heat, heavy rains, and strong winds—all of which can seriously damage your garage and its contents. Fortunately, there are some ways to protect your garage from Mother Nature.
Locate Any Entry Points
Your garage may seem like an impenetrable fortress, but a close inspection may reveal otherwise. There are a couple of ways to test your garage for entry points—places where the wind and rain can sneak in. Both options below will require a partner, so make sure you have someone to help you.
Light Method
For this testing method, you'll just need a flashlight and one other person to assist you. Position one person inside the garage and one person outside the garage with the overhead door closed. Have the person standing outside the garage shine a flashlight along the seal where the garage door meets the door frame. Mark any areas where light is visible with a marker or masking tape. These areas will need to be sealed or insulated.
Heat Method
The heat method will work exactly the same as the light method. A flashlight beam can be difficult to see during daylight hours, so this method can be effective if you don't want to wait for the sun to go down. Grab your partner and position one person inside the garage and one person outside. Have one person use a hair dryer to blow air along the trim of the garage door where the door meets the frame. Mark any areas where heat or air movement is felt with a marker or masking tape. These areas will need to be sealed or insulated.
A visual exam of your garage can help you locate any other breaches in your garage’s exterior. If you have exterior doors and windows in your garage, be sure to test them for entry points as well.
Install Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is a highly effective way to keep wind, rain, and humidity out of your garage. There are various types of weather stripping. Check out this extensive list from the Department of Energy to determine which kind is best for you. Weather stripping can be used on your overhead door as well as any conventional doors or windows you have in your garage.
Seal Cracks
After you’ve addressed obvious points of entry, repair any other cracks in the walls, roof, or floor of your garage. Choose a sealant based on the size and location of the crack. Foam insulation, caulk, or putty may all be viable solutions; just be sure that you understand the uses of whatever material you choose. Sealing cracks will not only protect your garage from undesirable weather, but it will also help keep out unwanted bugs and other pests. If you’re struggling with a rodent problem, read our article, “Keep Mice Out of Your Garage for Good.”
Add Insulation
Insulating your garage is one of the best ways to protect it from the elements, no matter what the season. A well insulated garage will stay cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and help keep your energy bills low year round. If you haven’t yet installed drywall, you can apply insulation to your garage walls as well as on your garage door itself. Insulation comes in a variety of forms, so be sure you choose the kind that works best for your needs.
Does your garage door need repairing before inclement weather hits? Contact Doors by George! If you live in the Cedar Rapids area, we can repair your current garage door or install a new insulated door just in time for the warm, wet seasons. Give us a call today, or request a free quote!
