How to Get Your Garage Ready for a Chicago Winter

Chicago winters are no joke. Between the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, it is essential to get your garage ready for the harsh weather. Whether you use your garage to park your car or as a storage space, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping it functional and safe throughout the cold months. From our outstanding Chicago garage-building and repair experts, here’s a great guide to get your garage winter-ready.

Declutter and Organize

First things first: Take a look around your garage and clear out anything that does not belong there. Do you have summer gear, lawn tools, or bicycles hanging around? Now is the perfect time to store those away for winter. Organize your garage so the things you will need in the winter — like snow shovels, ice melt, and space heaters — are easy to access.

You can also add shelving or hooks to create more space and get items off the floor, where they could be exposed to cold and moisture. The goal is to have a clean, organized space so you are not tripping over clutter when it is freezing outside.

Inspect and Insulate

One of the most important steps in prepping your garage for winter is keeping the cold air out. Start by checking your garage door’s weatherstripping. If the seals are worn out or cracked, replace them to prevent drafts, which can make your garage colder and less energy-efficient. You should also look at any windows and doors for leaks or cracks and seal them up with weatherproof caulk.

If your garage is attached to your home, insulating the walls, ceiling, and garage door is a great idea. Proper insulation will help maintain a more stable temperature and save on heating costs.

Protect Your Pipes

If your garage has water pipes running through it, make sure they are insulated to prevent freezing. Frozen pipes can lead to bursting, which is not only a huge inconvenience but also an expensive repair. You can use pipe sleeves or foam insulation to protect exposed pipes.

Also, if you have a water heater in the garage, consider insulating it as well to keep it from working overtime in the cold.

Winterize Your Garage Door

Your garage door works hard, especially during the winter when it’s exposed to the elements. Take a few minutes to give it some TLC by lubricating the moving parts like the hinges, rollers, and tracks. This will keep it functioning smoothly, even in freezing temperatures.

If your garage door opener uses batteries, check them to make sure they are fresh. You do not want to get stuck in the cold with a malfunctioning door.

Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Finally, make sure your garage is stocked with the winter supplies you will need when the snow starts falling. Here’s a checklist of must-have items:

• Snow shovel or snow blower
• Ice melt or rock salt
• Car windshield scraper and brush
• Emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit

Having these items easily accessible in your garage will save you time and stress when bad weather hits.

Contact Our DuPage County, IL Garage-Building Experts

If winterizing your garage raises any questions or issues, do not hesitate to reach out. Contact the Chicago, IL Garage-Building and Repair Experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. today at 630-852-8485 for guidance on how to protect your garage this winter.