Winterize Your Garage

Fall brings great things like a new football season, Thanksgiving and of course cold weather. As we prepare for yet another winter here is what you can do to prepare your garage for this winter.

Caulking Your Garage Door

Caulking the perimeter of your garage door is an easy DIY task that isn’t too difficult. If you have a large gap in your garage door then you can include some foam batting sold at the hardware store. Outdoor caulk like DAP Dynaflex 230 is a great product but most products will perform to the same specification. Creating a border with painters tape makes for a no-mess fix with professional lines.

Turn Off Taps & Outdoor Water

As the weather goes below zero water can expand and crack pipes and valves. Always make sure to turn off your water valve from the inside of your house. Once switched off its a good idea to empty any leftover water in the tap by leaving it in the open position. If newer your house might have PVC piping in which case they do not need to be winterized with the exception of removing any hoses or connectors.

Weatherstripping Doors & Windows

Air leaks from entryways and windows significantly increase energy costs in your home. If your garage is like the many we work on in Ottawa than you probably need new weatherstripping to seal any gaps. Choose a product that can withstand temperature extremes and the friction of an opening and closing door. Those factors are going to limit you to a foam product (not felt) but the increased cost of foam over felt is amortized quickly. Cut the weatherstripping tape to fit each side of the door and top. Clean the area you intend on sealing with soapy water. Installing it is as easy as peeling the tape from the back and pressing it in place to the edges of the molding. Check for a snug fit and visible gaps using a flashlight. Don’t forget to check the door sweep located on the bottom of the door.

Prepare Gas Powered Tools

Lawnmowers, weed whackers and leaf blowers should be winterized for a more peaceful spring season. Anything with a combustion engine should be tended to. Remove the fuel and let the machine run until the carburetor runs dry. Remove the spark plug and drain any gas that remains. It is best to fill your fuel tanks and store them for the winter but adding a stabilizer is required. Changing the oil and air filters is recommended. Lubricate external moving parts and clean your machines and tighten any screws, nuts or bolts that may have become lose this summer. Taking care of your 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines mean easier starts come spring season!

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