Tips for Preventing Ice Damage In, On, and Around Your Garage

Winters in the Midwest can be brutal, with blizzard-like conditions. This can include snow, ice, sleet, slush, and wind. Anything that is outside can take a beating, including your house and garage. When any type of precipitation cannot drain properly, and the temperature drops to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water can freeze and turn to ice. Besides creating a slipping hazard for homeowners or guests if ice accumulates on walkways or stairs, this can also affect a structure’s roof, siding, and flooring. If there is nowhere for the ice to go once it melts, it can cause serious structural problems. That is why it is important to take steps to prevent ice from forming near or in your garage during the winter months in order to protect your property.    

Protecting Your Investments

When snow and ice accumulate on a roof, it can eventually cause leaks once the temperature warms and all of that precipitation melts. Trapped water on the roof that freezes can create an ice dam, which may lead to water pooling and working its way under the shingles. In some cases, the ceiling could cave in, or water may seep through the drywall.

Although icicles may seem like minor annoyances, larger ones could mean big trouble. If they fall, they could seriously hurt bystanders by penetrating their skin or inflicting head trauma depending on their size and weight. Icicles can also damage a car or other equipment that might be near the garage, such as a snowblower. Frozen water weighs a lot, and it places pressure on your gutter system, which may cause gutters to crack or even break in half.

To help prevent potential water damage in, on, and around your garage, make sure to address the following:

• Insulation: This essential part of a home or garage is typically blown-in fiberglass, at least 10 inches thick. Insulation should fill in tightly around joists and rafters, so there are no gaps to let the heat escape, creating a warm roof that prevents ice from forming. Heat tape with copper wiring applied to the inside of the gutters and through downspouts channels electricity to prevent the buildup of ice and snow. Sealing any cracks in the concrete foundation and cement or brick walls will make your garage airtight, ensuring that critters and the elements cannot get inside.

• Ventilation: No ventilation means a lack of air circulation, which can cause moisture to condense and form, resulting in mold or mildew. For garages with attic spaces, ventilation in the form of a ridge vent and soffit vents are helpful. Any type of air flow, such as from a fan, will help ice to melt.

• Drainage: Ensure that gutters are clear of debris such as leaves or dirt before snow falls. In addition, make sure drains on the garage floor are not clogged so water that melts off of your car has a place to go. Similar to a rake for clearing leaves, a snow rake can be ideal for getting large amounts of snow off of your garage roof.

Contact a Downers Grove Garage Builder

If you live in Illinois, you know how harsh wintertime can be. To protect your vehicles and other valuables in your garage, it is imperative that you weatherproof your garage. At Blue Sky Builders, we have more than 40 years of experience building, updating, and renovating all different kinds of garage spaces. Find out how our skilled DuPage County garage professionals can make your garage everything you want it to be. To learn more about our services and to set up a free estimate, call our office today at 630-852-8485.