Prepare Your Garage for the Winter

September 26, 2022

Fall is officially here, and cold temperatures are just around the corner.  While we love falling leaves and PSLs, the cooler weather also brings high energy bills, cold rooms, and chilly car starts.

Preparing in your garage with insulation and air sealing will keep your car warm overnight, reduce your energy bills, and keep rooms near the garage from getting cold. If you’re tired of warming up your car in the mornings, consider how you can prepare your garage for the dropping temperatures.

How to Prepare Your Garage for Cold Weather

Insulation

Insulation is the #1 way to improve efficiency and comfort in your home AND your garage.  In St. Louis, most garages are left un-insulated simply because builders are not required to add it.  While code does not require garage insulation because no one is sleeping there, adding insulation there can dramatically improve the living situation in your home and the temperatures in your garage.  Different situations may call for batt insulatin in the walls, blown-in insulation in the garage's attic, spray foam insulation on the walls or ceiling, or even insulated radiant barrier.  

Air Leaks and Sealing

The goal here is to keep the cold outside air... outside!  Most homes have poor air sealing because of infrequent maintenance and deterioration.  In the case of a garage, code requirements are much more relaxed, so air sealing may be lacking simply because it is not required.  Air sealing any gaps in the walls, ceilings, around windows, doors, outlets, lights, etc. will keep outside temperatures where they belong. An added benefit is that air sealing will also keep pollutants and allergens out as well.  In the winter, air sealing is important because it keeps cold air out and warm air in.

Garage Door

Keep an eye on your garage door to identify problems early.  Over time a garage door and its parts may crack, weather, break, or leave gaps around or under the door.  Ensuring a properly functioning and sealing garage door is key to an efficient and comfortable garage. Additionally, insulating the garage door (or upgrading to an insulated door) can increase the efficiency in the whole garage.

Exposed Pipes

Unless your garage is well insulated or has HVAC, it’s likely there are high and low temperatures in your garage throughout the year.  Leaving exposed pipes to dramatic temperature changes can lead to big problems like busted pipes and water damage.  Frozen, cracke, or damaged pipes can costs thousands in damage and repairs. Save yourself the headache and insulate your garage as well as any exposed pipes with pipe insulation.  If you’re unsure of what type of pipe you have (water, gas, etc.), it’s safest to consult with an insulation professional prior to making any changes. 

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