Although homes with garages command a premium over those without one, the garage can be a neglected part of the property. Typically used to store the car and a few garden tools – or more probably as a repository for household junk with the car parked outside – we don’t give the garage itself much thought.
Whatever you use your garage for, it’s important to keep it in good condition – not least because in some parts of the country, it can add up to 20 percent to the value of your property. There are some simple things you can do to look after your garage and ensure it serves you well.
Making an Entrance
The part of your garage that needs most attention is usually the door. In the UK, the up and over type is most common, and if neglected, these can become stiff and difficult to open. You can keep your door running smoothly by lubricating the moving parts three or four times a year, which also helps to prolong its life.
If your door has rubber seals around the edge, these need to be checked to see that they’re not cracked or perished, and replaced if necessary. Should your door no longer lift on its own when unlatched, it may need the spring re-tensioning, which is usually a job for a professional.
Keep it tidy
It’s a fact of life that junk tends to collect in garages, which can mean that it’s difficult to find what you need when you need it. It’s a good idea to have a clear out occasionally and get rid of all those things you were keeping ‘just in case’. For the things you do need to keep, you can get medium duty shelving from a supplier like https://www.garage-shelving.co.uk/34-medium-duty-shelving, to organise things neatly and make access easier.
It’s a good idea to keep the floor clean too, to avoid slip and trip hazards and help you to spot any cracks and other damage. Check your walls too for any cracks or signs of moisture creeping through.
Dampness may be due to blocked gutters allowing rainwater to run down walls. Gutters should be cleaned out once a year, especially if there are trees nearby, and checked for damage and leaking joints. This simple job can protect the structure of your garage.
