How To Protect Your Garage From Extreme Temperatures

If your garage serves as more than only a storage space for your car ~ for example, doubling as a shop, office, game room, or den, then it’s important to have an insulated garage door. When you insulate your garage properly, you’ll achieve maximized thermal efficiency with optimal reduction of air infiltration. That way, no matter what the temperature, a well-insulated garage will give you a functional space all year round, so you’ll stay fully comfortable. You’ll keep as much heat out as possible during summer and as much cold out as possible during winter.

Protection in Cold Weather

Even if the temperature drops below freezing in winter, if your garage is winterized, you’ll save money and time.

Insulate the walls of your garage. Proper installation of insulation in your garage requires that you closely study the installation guide. Be sure you choose the correct insulation thickness for the garage walls. Normal mistakes folks often make are: cutting it too short or too long for the location; not fastening the batt insulation securely; or not correctly supporting it. Keep in mind that the insulation must fit snugly, but don’t jam it in too tightly.

Repair or replace your weatherstripping. Weatherstripping will create an effective seal between your garage door and your garage door opening. If you experience a cold draft leaking into the garage between the garage door frame and the garage door, then remove the existing weatherstripping if you notice that it’s cracked or brittle. Scrape off any remaining sealant, with a flat scraper or pry bar, and putty knife. Make sure the surface is as clean and even as you can. After you remove the old weatherstripping completely, then measure correctly so that you can apply the new weatherstripping. To align it, shut the garage door and be sure the rubber flap flattens against it slightly. You’ll have a perfect seal, and the garage door will now operate smoothly.

Insulate your garage door. A large variety of products is available to insulate the garage door, including a kit specifically designed for doing so. Effective insulation choices include foam board, reflective barriers, and Fiberglass batt insulation.

Whatever choice you make, first you have to cut the insulation to fill the garage door panels. Next, secure them using adhesive, placing each piece firmly. If your garage door doesn’t have recessed panels, the job will be easier.

For most folks, the prospect of insulating the garage yourself is too much. If it’s indeed overwhelming for you, then it’s time to hire a dependable expert to install a modern-designed insulated garage door for you.

Insulate the entire garage. If your garage ever becomes too cold, it can damage not only your vehicle, but also anything else you keep stored in the garage. Are your washing machine and dryer in the garage? If your washer has any water left in the pump or lines, it can freeze and crack. The same risk exists with your automobile’s fuel gels, which can freeze in the combustion engine. Remember, too, that paint can separate and become ruined during a prolonged span of freezing temperatures.

Place a unit heater in your garage. Weatherstripping and insulation protect your garage from extremely cold temperatures in winter, but if you want extra warmth, add a unit heater. On the other hand, if winters are mild where you live, then an electric unit heater is likely enough, since you’ll need heat only occasionally. You can heat your garage with minimal construction costs and space requirements. Gas-fired units are typically less expensive to operate, but they’re more difficult to install since they require a gas supply and exhaust venting. There’s an electric model, too, which takes less effort to install but it’s more costly to manage. A particularly efficient electric option is the mini-split heat pump, which gives efficient heating and cooling for the garage with just a 3" hole through an outside wall.

Protection in Hot Weather

In the summer, your main objective is to increase the airflow throughout your garage. Taking even only one of the following measures is worth considering.

Wall insulation keeps out summer heat with exceptional efficiency. Apply wallboard or other paneling so as to encapsulate the material. You’ll prevent toddlers, pets, and teenagers from tearing things out.

Insulate the garage overhead door. If you have a metal garage door, add a layer of rigid insulation 2" thick, attached to the inside of each garage door panel with contact cement. Or, an insulated sectional overhead door is a superior alternative.

Insulate the ceiling of the garage. If you use paper-backed batt insulation, ceiling wallboard won’t be necessary. Install the insulation using staples, paper side down; or, you can keep the insulation in place using netting. You can also use staples to attach the netting. Professional garage door service technicians recommend that you do both.

Install a stationary vent on your roof. This is an economical way to create an exit point for the hot air that becomes trapped in the attic of your garage. If you can fit it into your budget, install a mechanical exhaust system. Fans will draw cooler air from the garage into the attic. You’ll cool the attic down as well as the area below.

Leave your garage door open slightly, about 12" away from the floor. You can also add a fan.

Fasten an adjustable rollaway awning onto the garage’s sunny side. In the heat of summer, the shade will help to cool things off.

Plant a tree. A hardwood or deciduous tree is an aesthetic and inexpensive way to cool your garage down during summer. And, it will even keep your garage warm during the winter. Plant your tree between the garage and the position of the sun during the hottest part of the day so the leaves will provide shade. And, winter’s bare branches will allow sunlight to shine through, providing warmth.