Garage Storage and Ventilation In Winter Months
The garage is often the spot where we store gasoline for the lawn mower and chemicals for refinishing projects. Add to that the fact that we start and run our cars in our garages, and the risk of unhealthy air becomes more serious.
Add a flammables cabinet
We often use our garages to store paint, both latex and oil based. While you can use metal shelving for latex paint, it's a good idea to add a metal cabinet for flammable products. Your flammables cabinet should be near the overhead garage door or under a gable vent.
If you've been planning to update your siding, reach out to Lifetime Windows and Siding. They can help you choose the best spot to put in a vent for your garage. They can also help you add a small exhaust fan that will lessen the risk of unsafe fumes building up in your garage.
Have your concrete floor patched or replaced
A bad seal on a garage door can actually put you at risk for dangerous leaks. While such a seal will leave room for air to move, it will also allow moisture into the space. Tools will rust, as will the metal cans that hold fuel, oil paint and woodworking chemicals.
A simple way to see if your concrete lets in moisture is to check the rubber seal on the bottom of your garage door. Is it whole or shredded? A door that allows in moisture will also eventually create an ice dam, which will further tear up your garage door seal. Once that seal no longer sits complete along the bottom of the door, your garage can be invaded by damp, dirt and pests.
The professionals at One Clear Choice can help you find the right seal for your driveway layout and moisture risk. They may also be able to help you install vents in your garage doors to keep the air healthier.
Add sensors
Adding a carbon monoxide detector to your garage or just above the door that leads from the garage to your home is a crucial first start. On a quarterly basis, go through the cans and containers in your flammables cabinet to make sure that nothing is corroded or leaking. If the shelves inside your cabinet are showing rust, the cans may be, too. Add vented shelf liners and desiccant to the cabinet.
If you have a window in your garage that you can crack open to allow in fresh air, do so. Make sure it can't be opened any further for the sake of security. When heat builds up in summer, this small amount of ventilation can reduce the risk of toxic air buildup.
Keeping your family safe from flammables and toxic airborne chemicals can be done with just a few simple changes. Store caustic or flammable products in a locked metal cabinet. Vent your garage with a dormer vent or vents in the door. Do your best to keep the humidity in your garage low. Check out more ideas from The Home Mag on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
