With September already here and an autumn chill now noticeable in the air, colder months are fast approaching and if you use your garage as more than just a storage space, you’ll want to keep it warm. Garages, however, are rarely designed to retain heat. So what can you do? Take a look at this handy guide we’ve put together with everything you need to know about how to keep a garage warm in the winter:
If your garage isn’t insulated, then its temperature in winter will likely be very close to the temperature outside. Of course, this will vary a little bit from space to space depending on the garage’s structure and design (e.g. whether it’s attached to your house). Generally, with average winter temperatures in the UK between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius, this is also how cold your garage will probably be.
No need to worry, though: take a look below at some easy to follow tips to keep your garage warmer and more comfortable during winter months.
To keep your garage warm in winter, caulk over any cracks, make sure the walls, roof and door are well insulated and install a heating source. Here’s a more detailed guide:
Installing a heater in the garage, even a small one, can actually help raise the temperature by up to 11-17°C. The question is whether to use an electric or gas heater, each of those having their pros and cons.
Ultimately, the best heater for your garage will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Electric heaters are safer and easier to install, plus they’re typically more convenient than gas heaters, especially if you only use the garage occasionally. Gas heaters, on the other hand, are a good option if you frequently use the space and need more powerful heating. Keep in mind however that you’ll need access to a natural gas/propane supply. Gas heaters also need regular checks for leaks, ventilation issues, etc.
Gaps and cracks are rarely obvious but allow cold air to seep in and can significantly change the temperature in your garage, so caulking can be a good idea. Caulking means sealing any openings around doors and windows with sealant and an application gun.
Before caulking, make sure to clean and dry the area well, otherwise moisture can get sealed in. A useful rule of thumb is to caulk where two different materials meet, e.g. bricks and wood.
Radiant floor heating in a garage means having electric cables installed under the garage slab that warm the floor which then radiates the heat upward. These systems use a combination of infrared waves and convection and are great for creating balanced warmth (no cold spots typical for other forms of heating). As a plus, they’re usually reasonably priced and also help keep humidity under control.
Your garage walls and roof make up a huge portion of the space’s surface area and they aren’t usually designed to retain energy which contributes to the temperature inside plummeting. Properly insulating the garage walls and roof, especially if you’re also using a heater, can make a huge difference when you’re trying to keep your garage as warm as possible.
There are different ways to do this. Getting a professional on board is always a good idea, however you could turn it into a DIY project if you so wish, using fiberglass, rigid foam boards or spray foam.
The one spot that leads to the most energy loss in your garage is the door. Not only its surface (if uninsulated), but any gaps underneath can let the warm air out and allow the cold to seep through. Insulating a garage door can make a noticeable difference and help retain a significant amount of warmth.
Using foam boards of fiberglass batt insulation can help prevent your garage door from letting cold air in, but the quickest and simplest way of insulating a garage door is installing a quality garage door seal. This is something you can easily do yourself, especially if using a garage door seal kit as those typically contain everything you need to to apply the seal.
Keeping a garage warm in winter is easier with Stormstop. We offer a wide range of quality garage door seals to help you close any gaps under the garage door and maintain a more comfortable temperature during the colder months:
- Brush strip garage door seals
For more tips on protecting your garage from winter-related challenges, feel free to take a look at our blog on preparing your garage for winter.
Alternatively, if you’d like more information on our garage door seals or aren’t sure which one is the best for you, feel free to get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to offer advice and answer any questions you may have.
