Heating Your Garage in the Cold Winter Months

With temperatures dropping across the United States, many people are wondering how they can keep their garages at least semi-warm. Americans tend to use their garages for much more than parking a car inside. Some garages are now offices for those who work at home, some are fitness centers, some are family rooms, and some have been transformed into a mother-in-law space. All of these uses of garage space require that the garage be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Since many garages have little insulation and no source of heat, this can be a problem.

There are a variety of ways to make your garage space cozy and warm during the coldest months. A licensed Chicago area garage-building and repair expert from Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help you determine the best way to insulate and heat your garage. We have been in the garage door business for more than 45 years; our company was founded in 1979, and we have consistently provided service to more than 50 communities in the western, northern, and southern suburbs, as well as in the Chicago area. We can help you replace your old garage windows, add a steel entry door, update the siding and roofing on your garage, or replace your garage door.

Insulating Your Garage

Your first consideration will be insulation. Before you insulate, go around the interior of your garage with low-expansion spray foam, sealing every gap and crack. Weatherstrip the bottom of the garage door, the windows in the garage, and the door frames to completely seal off drafts. There are five different types of insulation that can be used in garages, each with its own pros and cons. These include:

• Fiberglass insulation is the most commonly used type because it is easy to handle and relatively inexpensive, but it is vulnerable to moisture.
• Cellulose insulation is generally used for holes and cavities, is fire resistant and environmentally friendly, but requires drywall and can be expensive.
• Rigid foam insulation is fairly affordable, reduces noise, and can be good for thin walls and garage doors, but it must be precisely cut to fit.
• Spray foam is airtight, mold and insect-resistant, and energy-efficient, but it is more expensive and must usually be installed by professionals.
• Garage door insulation usually comes in a kit for standard door sizes, adding stability, noise reduction, and durability to your garage door. The added weight of the insulation can wear out older springs, so it is a good idea to speak with a knowledgeable garage door expert.

Choosing a Heater for Your Garage

While electric space heaters are often used in garages because they produce no harmful emissions and are generally considered safe, they can be expensive if you spend a lot of time in your garage. Larger garages could benefit from a forced-air garage heater, which is easy to install and use and has thermostats to adjust the heat level and the direction of the heat.

For those who use their garage space as a fitness area, home office, or crafting area, an infrared garage heater might be the best option because infrared heaters do not kick up dust or keep dust airborne, like other heaters do. If your garage shares a wall with your home, you may be able to extend your central air and heat into the garage, although this definitely requires the services of a professional heating and air company.

When choosing a garage heater, make sure it is sized correctly for your garage area. If you live in a humid area, running a heater could increase condensation levels in your garage, so you may have to use a dehumidifier to avoid mold and rust. If your garage windows are older and let in cold air, you should consider replacing them or installing thermal curtains to further insulate your space and reduce heat loss.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Garage-Repair and Replacement Company

If you are considering adding heat and insulation to your garage, our Downer’s Grove, IL, garage-building and repair experts can help. When you choose Blue Sky Builders, Inc., you are choosing a company with a solid reputation that provides free on-site estimates. Call 630-852-8485 for all your garage door needs.