8 Ways to Stay Warm in a Cold Garage

Winter is almost over and spring is just around the corner. You have spent the entire winter bundled up in your house, slowly watching dirt and grime build up on the home’s exterior while knowing you cannot wash it in the freezing temperatures.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to throw on a spring jacket and gloves and spruce up that exterior. Start your spring exterior clean-up checklist with these tips.

Inspect Damage

Winter weather wreaks havoc on home exteriors. A homeowner’s first step should be to take a stroll around he property and inspect it from top to bottom. Check for damage to the siding, deck, screens, the deck and porch, gutters and roof, and outside utilities such as the air conditioner and water outlets.

Siding

We previously wrote a blog on cleaning different siding types. So check that our for a more detailed description.

In general, a power washer is all you need to clean a home’s siding. For harder-to-remove substances, like mildew or other types of grime, specific cleaners will be needed.

The Deck

A deck is one of the most noticeable exterior features of a home. A clean and well-maintained deck is essential to maximizing curb appeal. Fortunately, cleaning the deck is relatively simple. Homeowners should:

• Sweep off debris, dust, twigs, leaves, etc.
• Power wash the surface and scrub it to remove tough spots and prevent gross stains
• Check for any damage, repair if needed.
• And lastly, apply stains and sealers to make the deck look brand new again.

A deck does not need new stain after every winter, as many quality stains and sealers will last a few years. Most professionals recommend staining the deck every two to three years.

Repairing Screens

It’s important that you repair any damaged storm screens before thunderstorm season hits. The Midwest is situated in the perfect spot for severe storms. Cold weather from Canada meets warm weather from the South, which all comes to fruition in the jet stream that runs through the rolling plains. This is why everyone in the midwestern states has storm screens, or at least should. The last thing you want is to feel the storms affects in your living room.

The Roof and Gutters

The roof and gutters take a beating in the winter. Plus, storm season starts in the spring. Homeowners have very little time to transition from winter to spring, meaning roof repairs from the winter and preparation for the spring storms are a high priority. Check for leaks, clogs and damaged areas to ensure the home is trimmed and ready for spring.

Outside Pavement

A power washer is all you need to rinse off the outdoor pavement. SimpThe shop can be a person’s simple escape from the world. But when the winter comes, it becomes increasingly difficult to enjoy a DIY project or simply talking with a group of friends when it is 8 degrees outside.

Some of the best conversations you ever had were held in that garage, so you push through the freezing January temperatures. Even if you have an attached garage, running heat from your home to it is far too wasteful. If only there were a way to make it a bit warmer. Whether you are building a new TV stand, repairing your favorite classic car or simply having some laughs with friends and family, we compiled a list of ways to warm that old man’s version of a treehouse during the frigid winter months.

Determine What the Garage Needs Most

No heater is efficient if the garage is not adequately sealed. Replace damaged and missing weather stripping in drafty areas before making any big decisions. This can go a long way in keeping your garage warm. Afterward, you will be able to assess what you need next to upgrade the garage’s heating.

Insulate the Garage

Insulating the garage is pricey, but you will enjoy the benefits for years to come. Plus, it will cool down the garage in the hot summer months.

Do not stop with the walls, insulate the garage door too! Kits can be purchased to assist you in the insulation process.

Forced Air Heater

Forced air heaters can be installed into your home’s gas line, but home improvement is needed first. Unfortunately, the forced air makes it difficult to complete certain projects (such as staining or painting) as forced air heaters blow tremendous amounts of air through your garage.

Ductless Heating and cooling

Ductless heating and cooling dehumidify and filters the otherwise dirtier air in the garage. This system usually consists of an indoor unit combined with an outside compressor. Ductless heating is quite energy efficient, as many units that use ducts lose heating through the ductwork.

Wood Stove

Fire is simple, but it is arguably the greatest discovery in the history of mankind. While you (hopefully) do not use it to fight off predators like our caveman ancestors, it is still a great way to heat your garage in the winter. Once it’s installed correctly, a wood stove is economically friendly and is incredibly warm. Make sure to check with your homeowners’ insurance before installation to ensure a wood stove will not void the policy.

Propane heaters

Strong but mighty, propane heaters can warm up a room in minutes. Even better, propane heaters will not eat up your electric bill, but you will have to pay for propane costs. Fortunately, propane heaters are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $50 to $150 based on their size.

Propane heaters are best used in smaller garages and sheds as well as for heating specific areas. This can be very beneficial if guests only congregate to a specific area of the garage. Keep in mind that guests will still have to bundle up when spot heating, as the overall room temperature of the garage will remain cold, just not unbearable.

Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters use electromagnetic radiation to warm your garage. They run on electricity, so expect to have an increased electric bill, but the heating is safe and cost-efficient. In addition, infrared heating has little air movement, little noise, better heat distribution and quicker heat recovery after a door is opened.

Bundle Up

Sometimes the best option is to just bundle up. All you need is a space heater, wood stove and warm clothes. Plus, you will not even think about the cold when laughing with good company or focused in on your latest project.ly remove any furniture and other outdoor accessories, sweep off loose debris, and power wash the open pavement. If you do not own a power washer, laundry detergent or bleach is a cost-effective trick to remove most of that built up grime. Afterward, simply wash it off with the garden hose.

Boost Curb Appeal

Now that the essentials are taken care of, you can focus on boosting your curb appeal by adding new elements or improving what you already have. Spring is a great time to improve the lawn, as well as the features within it. The weather is fair, the soil is soft from the melted snow, and spring showers will help the new plants thrive.

Spring is fun for everyone. The frigid and gloomy winter months are over, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and the kids are on the final stretch of their current school year. Everything feels happier in the spring, make sure you can enjoy these months in a fresh and well-groomed yard.