Montana is one of the coldest states in America. The area has some of the coldest and freezing winters. Generally, the whole country has four seasons throughout the year. However, most Americans tend to joke that the winter in the state lasts for ten months because of its severity, since it has some extensive cold bouts. The snow in most of the towns is between 30 inches and 50 inches. Therefore, if you live in Montana, the garage is one of the places that you should weatherproof against this harsh winter weather.
You will save a lot when you winterize your garage. A cold one will cause damage to any equipment that is stored there and your car. The garage can essentially be used as a perfect workspace throughout the year if it has been winterproofed well. Therefore, the earlier you winterize it, the better. Here are some of the tips that you can use to weatherproof it.
1. Installing a garage heater:
During winter, you should make sure that condensation doesn’t form in the garage. If this happens, it means that the internal temperature is not beyond the standard dew point. It is often approximately 65 degrees F for the coastal areas and 40 degrees F for inland states like Montana. To ensure that you maintain these temperatures, then you should install a garage heater.
Select an electric or gas heater because they are easy to maintain. Although gas heaters are affordable, they are harder to install. It is because they need an exhaust venting and supply of gas. In retrospect, electric heaters are expensive to manage and simple to set up. Therefore, it is better to install them when you don’t need the heating often. One of the best electric heaters is the mini-split heat pump. It will ensure that you can provide a cooling and heating system in your garage throughout the year. Additionally, it requires only a small space for installation on the exterior wall.
2. Restore the Weatherstripping:
Weatherstripping can become old and worn out over time. Simply put, it is the seal that exists between the garage door opening and the garage door. When it eventually cracks or becomes brittle, then you have to replace it to prevent cold drafts from entering the garage. Therefore, create a habit of replacing it as the need arises.
On the other hand, when you feel like the air is perforating through the doors, and then it’s time to remove the weatherstripping and the sealant that has remained. Scrap off the remaining seal entirely to make the process of renovating it easier. Ensure you align it well so that the door closes completely. If that doesn’t work, then the torsion spring might be damaged, and you may need to replace the garage door broken spring.
3. Renovate the Door:
The garage door should be insulated well and fixed proficiently. Ideally, a modern door that has adequate insulation is the best option for weatherproofing your garage for the winter. If it is not insulated, then you can opt to do it for yourself through the use of purposely designed kits. In addition to this, you can use fiberglass batt, foam board, and reflective barriers insulation for this function. You can find expert advice and assistance for all your garage door needs right here on Lewis River Doors.
Check that the insulation fits the door panels and any other outlets, and perform garage door repair if necessary. Use sturdy and secure adhesive to install it well. The task is often easy if the door and the other outlets do not have lower-level panels.
4. Install Insulation on the Walls:
As much as your garage door and floor have insulation, you also have to ensure that the walls have the same material. This tip also applies to the floor. Purchase the right kind of material for this purpose, or else it will not be successful. Ideally, fiberglass batt insulation is preferred. If you are doing it for yourself, make sure that the thickness you buy for your walls is suitable.
Additionally, while installing it, make sure that you are familiar with the guide and follow it carefully. If you mount it questionably, then its purpose is lost, and you will end up losing money. Some common mistakes are associated with the wrong insulation of the walls.
Some of them include cutting the fiberglass fittings inaccurately, failing to support the insulation, and not installing it securely. These blunders might lead to the insulation that is too long or too short. Additionally, it might lead to the material being too tightly fit or loosely fit. Thus, it will not serve the purpose because it needs to be in a snug position.
5. Call a Professional:
If you don’t have the time nor the expertise to weatherproof your garage, then you can contact an expert who will perform the entire exercise for you. Reach out to these professionals by searching them online. Ensure that they have a good reputation and ask for a portfolio of the work they have done previously.