Summer has officially moved on. Schools in session, Halloween decor is everywhere and a few trees are starting to show their fall colors. Although we hate to say goodbye to the warm weather, many of us look forward to cooler temps, football games and cozy sweaters. What we don't look forward to is putting away all that summer gear that has crept up all over the yard and house.....and the eventual sleet and snow that will make its way to our area. If you follow these tips to get your garage space ready for winter, you'll be back to sipping that pumpkin spice latte in no time!

Start with a Clean Slate

Start by giving your garage floor a good sweeping. Look for any oil or gas spills that may have happened. If you find one, treat them right away by covering the area with cat litter, cornstarch or baking powder. Let this sit on the stain for a few hours and then collect it with a brush and pan. Scrub the area with a small amount of dish soap and water, then rinse and let dry.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down around window and door frames. Now is a perfect time to examine any weather stripping and replace it. Examine caulked areas too. If you notice cracking, scrap away the affected area and apply a new strip of caulk. Clean seals will ensure a tight closure so moisture and cold air don't creep in over winter.

Replace any light bulbs that may have burned out over the summer so your area is well lit when we turn those clocks back.

Store Items the Right Way

As you gather your summer gear together for storage, check items for breakage and general wear and tear. Clear up space by donating items you no longer use or throw them it away. As you put items away, make sure they are secure, especially if they are hanging or being stored on a shelf. Make sure they do not interfere with the opening and closing of your garage door. Use a peg board or employ various holders to hang smaller items.

Don't bury your shovels and winter items under your patio furniture! You may not be thinking of snow just yet, but you'll be thankful the shovel is not buried under a mountain of pool noodles come that first dusting. Put all your snow gear, shovels and ice melting products in an accessible area. Make a note if you need to buy any products or finally replace that shovel with the broken handle.

Make sure your cars are equipped with ice scrapers and brushes for snow removal. Store an extra pair of gloves with these items too.

Garage Door Check-Up

Examine all areas of your garage door opener and track. Make sure the tracks are clear of objects and debris. Open and close the door and look for any hesitation or unevenness when it is in motion. If the springs or any other part of the track seem to be faltering, call a professional to look things over and make any repairs. Many homeowners suffer unnecessary injuries because they try and tackle these repairs on their own.

We hope that you are ready for cooler temps and the beauty that fall brings. Please call us with any garage door concerns or repairs.