Often, a family garage is more used for storage than it is for parking. While convenient, winter preparation for your garage is necessary, especially since the lack of climate control means that it isn’t always the ideal storage spot.
With that in mind, it’s important that you don’t leave the following items in an unheated garage during the winter months:
1. Various Chemicals and Solvents
It is likely your garage is home to a wide range of cans, jars, containers, and aerosol sprays containing all kinds of chemicals and solvents, and though there are many that won’t suffer any negative effects in freezing temperatures, some certainly will. As such, it’s best to stay on the safe side for anything you aren’t sure about.
Antifreeze and various petroleum-based products are typically safe from freezing, but both water- and oil-based paints can suffer in such temperatures. Aerosol sprays can also be affected in unanticipated ways due to the internal pressure involved.
2. Summer Tires On Garage During Winter
Your garage may often be a convenient place to store your tires between seasons. But an unheated garage isn’t suitable to store summer tires. The specific rubber blend used reacts poorly to freezing temperatures, which is a big part of why you have to switch your tires each season in the first place.
3. Canned or Bottled Drinks
Many households can find certain foods and drinks moving into the garage for storage, especially if purchased in bulk. However, cans and bottles of soda, juice, or even alcoholic beverages can freeze and burst before you know it. In addition, keep in mind that you may need garage door repair to keep pests out if you store food in your garage.
4. Household Electronics
You might not realize just how temperature-sensitive some electronics can be. Various components can be damaged in your garage by freezing temperatures. So you shouldn’t leave any electronics made specifically for indoor use in your garage. Not only can electrical components become damaged, but plastic casings are highly susceptible to cold-temperature damage as well.
You won’t have to worry about electronics that are designed for outdoor use. Thankfully, they have more robust structures that let them stand up to colder temperatures. It’s why a fixture, such as your garage door opener, can stand up to the test of harsh winter conditions each year.
Make Sure Your Garage Is Ready for Winter
DBar Garage Doors can provide the repairs and replacements you need to ensure that your garage door works reliably. Even in harsh conditions of the winter weather that’s on its way. Contact our team today to get started.
