In Southern California, we are lucky enough to not have to worry about the snow, but we still have to manage the cold temperatures. Most modern homes being built today include proper insulation which keeps the house protected in both the winter and the summer months. However, a common trend with each new home being built is that the garage is often neglected when it comes to insulation and lacks sufficient protection against the weather changes. Although this can save you money in the short term because it is the cheaper option, you will end up paying much more long term with the loss of heat in the winter.
We have put together a list of the top money-saving tips to keep your garage warm through this this winter season. If you are able to do just one or two things from this list, you will be comfortable and will save money in energy and heating costs.
Install or fix weatherstripping on your garage door
If your garage door currently doesn’t have any weatherstripping, it can leave up to an inch of open space where the chilly air can make it’s way in. You wouldn’t leave the windows in your house open this much, so it’s important to make sure it’s not happening inside your garage either. The way to prevent this is by adding weatherstripping along the edges of the door. If you are particularly handy and already know how to install it yourself, you should be able to purchase the weatherstripping at a local hardware store. If you need a helping hand, Rockstar Garage Door Services has trained technicians who have installed hundreds of garage door weatherstrippings and would be happy to be of service.
Insulate the walls of the garage
Whether you’re spending a lot of time in your garage by using it as a workstation or you are just using it as a place to keep your car, insulation can make a major difference in temperature and sound reduction. There are essentially three types of insulation options: batt insulation (fiberglass), foam board insulation and reflective insulation. We recommend consulting with an expert before beginning an insulation project to make sure you’re selecting the correct type for your garage, but there are definitely ways to install it yourself for a few hundred dollars worth of materials from the store. We have a team of experts who can help, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Seal out the cold air from your garage
The windows and door frames have unsealed areas where the cold seeps through. We recommend caulking to prevent the loss of heat. The best way to do this is to caulk around the frames of the windows and doors which will prevent the unwanted cold air from coming into your garage. If you have an open area larger than just a crack, you will want to look into the expanding foam spray which will cover up the bigger space. These materials are available for purchase at any local hardware store.
These tips are based on our personal experience having worked with many different variations of garages over the years, but we understand that every garage is unique and we would be happy to recommend something specific for your situation. Stay cozy this winter, and please give a call for a free estimate!
