The leaves are falling, the furnace is running and the first frost has probably already hit your lawn. Winter in Massachusetts is not far off. Before the first nor’easter, take a weekend to get your garage ready. A little effort now saves a lot of frustration in January.
Here is our fall garage prep checklist.
1. Clean Out Summer Gear
- Drain and store garden hoses.
- Clean and put away patio furniture, grills and pool equipment.
- Move bikes, kayaks and beach gear up onto walls or ceiling racks.
- Donate or toss anything you did not use this year.
The more floor space you free up, the easier it is to keep the garage clean all winter.
2. Deep Clean the Floor
Sweep out leaves, sand and debris, then wash the floor. On a coated floor, a mop or soft scrub brush with a pH-neutral cleaner is all you need. On bare concrete, this is a good time to take a close look for cracks, pitting or spalling that may get worse over the winter.
3. Inspect the Concrete
Look for:
- Cracks that have grown since last year
- Rough or flaking spots near the door
- White salt residue from last winter
- Areas where water tends to pool
If your floor is showing damage, it is a sign that salt and moisture are already getting in. Our article on how road salt destroys concrete garage floors explains what is happening and why it gets worse every year.
4. Protect the Floor
If your garage floor is not sealed or coated, this is your most important step. A professional coating keeps salt and meltwater on the surface instead of soaking into the slab. Depending on the weather, there may still be time for a fall installation. See our post on installing epoxy in the fall to learn how cold-weather installs work.
5. Check the Garage Door
- Inspect the bottom weather seal and replace it if it is cracked or flattened.
- Lubricate rollers, hinges and springs.
- Test the auto-reverse safety feature.
A good seal keeps out cold air, blowing snow and critters looking for a warm place to spend the winter.
6. Stage Your Winter Gear
- Service the snow blower and make sure it starts.
- Put shovels and ice scrapers near the door.
- Store ice melt in a sealed container, up off the floor.
- Set a spot for winter tires if you swap them.
7. Plan for Slush Control
- Keep a floor squeegee handy to push meltwater out after storms.
- Consider a containment mat under each vehicle for extra convenience.
- Put a boot tray and mat by the house door to keep salt from being tracked inside.
8. Check Lighting and Outlets
Short winter days mean you will be in the garage in the dark more often. Upgrade to bright LED fixtures and make sure outlets for battery tenders, block heaters or EV chargers are working properly. If you have an electric vehicle, our page on epoxy flooring for electric vehicles covers why heavier EVs demand a tougher floor.
9. Protect Stored Items
Keep paint, liquids and anything that can freeze in a heated area or insulated cabinet. Lift cardboard boxes off the floor onto shelves so they do not wick up moisture.
10. Plan Next Spring’s Projects
If it is too late to coat your floor this year, now is the perfect time to get on the schedule for early spring. You will beat the rush and get your garage protected as soon as the weather allows, just like we discussed in Spring Is Floor Sealing Weather.
Want your garage floor protected before the snow arrives, or reserved for the first spring openings? Call Dandy Co. Floor Sealing today at 617-855-8499 or request your free estimate.