Is Your Garage Ready for the Cold Winter?

October 05, 2011, By Eric Brennan 0 comments

Before winter's cold wind blows, you need to put away the stuff you and your family played with all summer. Putting the boat in storage, folding up your Bermuda shorts and breaking out the heavy jackets are winter chores you know must be done, but what about winter preparation for the stuff that needs to go into your garage?

What to Store

As you prepare for winter, you don't want to keep items in the garage that are intolerant to cold, especially if things freeze in your region for long periods. These include any water-based items such as fertilizers and pool chemicals. Most chemicals will be safe, but go through your shelves just in case. After all, a spray can that explodes from the cold could cause some serious damage. You also might want to think about investing in a locking storage cabinet for any hazardous materials you don't want the kids getting into.

Garage refrigerators can still be used, but be careful about storing soda or other carbonated beverages. One good freeze and you've got an awfully messy refrigerator.

It's a good idea to move any electronic items such as radios, testing equipment or televisions to a warm location during the winter months. Battery-powered equipment also should be brought indoors as winter's cold saps battery power. Bring out the trickle charger for the big batteries.

What to Keep

There are some things you want to keep in the garage during the winter months. The trickle charger really comes in handy when batteries get drained during extreme temperature fluctuations. Get a battery charger with a starting switch. Now you can jump-start your vehicle if the battery dies.

Installing a few melting mats where you park your vehicle is also a good idea. When the snow, ice and salt melt from your vehicle in the garage, it won't spill all over the floor, potentially leaking into your important stuff. They also help prevent slipping accidents.

Garage door insulation is another option to think about. Adding garage door insulation could mean the difference between having frozen stuff in your garage and keeping it at a mild temperature. Garage door insulation kits cost about $80 or less and can be easily installed.

Of course, there's always something that needs to get thrown away for winter. Expired chemicals are a good place to start. Unused lawnmower gas should be used or discarded. Use up the summer windshield washing fluid and buy winter fluid for your car.

The last thing you need, I know, is more stuff to put on your to-do list. But it's best to take a few hours and get it done, then settle into your chair and relax until spring arrives again.