As the temperature drops, it’s easy to forget about your garage. But you shouldn’t! When deciding on your design, your garage plans should consider seasonal weather temperatures and functionality. Since your garage can be more than a place to park your vehicles or stow away storage bins of winter decorations and snow shovels, making sure your garage is comfortable and usable is necessary during the cold season.
Here are five ways you can make sure your garage is comfortable and usable during winter:
Add a heating system to your garage planning
You can install a heating system that is safe and efficient to keep your garage warm during the winter. If you have an attached garage, choosing one that does not vent into the house would be best. This will keep any moisture from causing damage or mold growth in your home.
If you want to keep the temperature at a specific level, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat; these are easy-to-use digital devices that allow you to set different temperatures at different times of the day. Utilizing a thermostat for your garage removes the worry of freezing pipes or possible damage from colder temperatures in your space.
Another option is installing radiant floor heating; this kind of heating involves tubing filled with hot water connected below each tile or slab for heat waves coming off each surface to act as small radiators. In-floor heating is exceptional at warming your garage space Spotify Plays while keeping the area clutter-free of large heaters that can take up wall space or floor space. Maximizing the usable space in your garage plans makes it easier to use and enjoy.
You can also use infrared heaters—these work by emitting ultraviolet light waves, which cause objects to absorb thermal energy. Infrared heaters are also a great option if you have younger children or pets who may accidentally bump into them, because these heaters are much cooler to the touch than traditional heaters.
Insulate the walls, ceilings and doors for added warmth
Insulating the walls will help keep warmth in during winter and save you money on heating bills, because less of that heat will escape through your walls. Many people use a spray foam insulation material for this task, as it’s easy to apply and can fill small cracks between wall studs. You can also insulate the walls with fiberglass batts if you’d prefer not to use spray foam; however, be sure that you’re using the correct type of batt insulation (e.g., low-density) so that it won’t trap moisture inside your walls.
Insulating your garage door is another essential step in keeping cold air out of your home during the winter months—and it’ll also help keep warm air inside!
Some types of doors are easier than others when it comes time to insulate them. If yours isn’t one of those types, consider adding an extra sealant or replacing it altogether with one constructed from more durable materials like neoprene rubber or silicone caulking.
Replace weather stripping and sealing any cracks or holes
You can easily make your garage more comfortable by replacing weather stripping and sealing cracks or holes. Weather stripping around doors and windows is crucial to keep cold air from seeping in during winter. If you have gaps between your garage door and the floor, consider adding some weather stripping to close them up.
Caulk can seal any minor cracks in the foundation, ceiling, wall, or floor that let in unwanted cold air drafts.
Insulated windows
You can make your garage more cozy, dry, and safe by installing insulated windows. By keeping out the elements, you’ll be able to work in your garage longer into the colder months of winter. Insulated windows are also energy-efficient, so they don’t lose heat as quickly as other types of windows. This is especially important if you live in an area where winters are cold and snowy.
Finally, insulated window kits come in various styles, from traditional wooden shutters to modern metal shades. You may also consider double-paned glass for added insulation value or solar reflective glass for reduced heat gain.
Insulate garage flooring
The next step is to insulate the garage floor.
- Use radiant heat. This heat warms you from the ground up. In-floor heating is excellent if you plan to turn your garage into a lounge or entertainment area.
- Install a vapor barrier to the floors and rigid foam insulation to combat moisture that can develop over time. Finishing with tiles creates enough insulation to keep your feet from feeling frosty.
Final thoughts
Keeping your garage warm can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Behm Design does not offer modifications to the stock plans we offer. However builders, sub-contractors and specialty vendors often offer support to the home owner for remodeling or repurposing garage space. Local drafting services can further develop the basic Floor Plans to include the added features and systems.