Put a stop to your musty and dusty garage this winter with our simple weather-ready tips

Put a stop to your musty and dusty garage this winter with our simple weather-ready tips

After a rainy summer and La Niña persisting well into the winter months, the forecast is showing further cold, wet and stormy weather is heading our way.

The cold and rain have driven most DIY projects into the garage. Now is the time to organise and protect your garage from the damage that wet weather and mould can cause to your property and your wellbeing.

Safeguarding your home and garage from all the elements that winter can throw at us can be a challenge. Follow our simple steps to ensure your belongings are safe from weather damage.

Keep your belongings dry with clever storage

If you don’t have shelves installed already, it may be time to invest in some sturdy storage options to keep your tools, sports equipment and other possessions off the floor of your garage.

While the garage may seem like a great space to store old rugs, rags, photographs, books, gas bottles and pet food it’s best to store these elsewhere.

Rags, rugs and pet food can attract animals and bacteria growth. Store these items in containers with a tight lid or inside your home
Photographs, old books and other paper documents are prone to mould. Keep these items inside your home to prevent damage
Gas bottles should be stored safety outside, if a gas leak happens any small spark including starting your car can cause a fire

Ensure your garage well ventilated

While our homes tend to have good ventilation, often the garage is a different story. Dark and humid environments offer the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria.

If this sounds like your garage, then it’s time to take action!

Increasing airflow through your garage is vital. Start by installing ceiling vents and extractor fans to improve cross ventilation and reduce stagnant air that can encourage mould spores to grow. If dampness is a significant issue, you may want to consider utilising moisture absorbers or even a dehumidifier.

If you’re home on a sunny day and working in your garage on a DIY project, don’t be afraid to leave the door open for a few hours. Getting good circulation and sunshine throughout your garage will allow for the space to air and dry out.

Be prepared for winter storms

You never know what winter can throw your way, and with the possibility of storms and power outages, it’s important to know how to operate the manual release cord on your garage door for easy access.

To make it simple, all our garage door openers are fitted with manual release cords.

Engaging your Chamberlain release cord is quick and easy to operate:

Pull the red cord down firmly once to manually release the door’s locking mechanism
The opener will make a clicking noise, you will be able to manually push the door up.
When power returns or it is safe to do so, re-engage the opener by pulling the red release cord down firmly.

Preparing your garage and belongings for unpredictable weather doesn’t have to be stressful! So why not take the leap today and get your garage protected against all the elements this winter, with Chamberlain’s winter garage tips.

For more information about Chamberlain’s range of garage door openers and accessories, visit our website or call 1800 665 438.