Smart Tips for Keeping Your Garage Cool During Summer
A garage is an important extension of any home, whether it’s used primarily as a place to keep cars or as an active work area. But in the summer months, garages are notorious for becoming unbearably hot, making them less desirable to be in for any period of time.
Below are some helpful tips for keeping your garage cool when the heat rises, which will be especially important for your comfort if you use your garage frequently for hobbies or work.
Circulate the Air
If your garage has a window, you may want to consider putting in a window unit for cooling. Keep in mind, however, that a window unit will work best for garages that are on the smaller side.
If a window unit isn’t feasible, there are several types of fans that will work, such as a ventilation fan or an oscillating fan. Although fans don’t actually cool the air, they do a great job at keeping the air circulating.
If you’re looking for a simple and effective solution to reducing the heat levels in your garage and don’t mind having the overall temperature in your garage a bit on the higher end, fans are a good option.
Go with Light Colors
We all know that if we’re going to be out in the sun for a while, it’s best to dress in light colors since they reflect heat, whereas dark colors absorb heat. The color your garage is painted will work in the same manner, with lighter colors reflecting heat and helping to keep your garage cooler.
Painting your garage door and exterior walls a light color, such as white or cream, will help keep the heat out. If you have a detached garage, it will be especially helpful to have a light colored roof. Even better, cool roofs are made of materials that reflect the sun’s energy, therefore significantly reducing roof temperatures.
Caulk Gaps
Caulk any visible gaps between garage doors and window frames with a silicone caulk to help keep cool air in and warm air out. Just be careful to avoid getting caulk on any part of the garage door track, as it can prevent it from opening properly.
Add Insulation
Insulating the ceiling and walls of your garage can help prevent heat exchange with outside air and will help keep the temperature in your garage more consistent. Insulating the garage overhead door is another great way to keep your garage cool in the summer (as well as keeping it warmer during the winter).
Plant a Deciduous Tree
Deciduous trees are a creative and inexpensive way to keep your garage cool in warm weather, as their leaves will provide shade protection. An ideal spot to plant the tree is directly between the garage and the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Pick one or more of these tips to implement and you’ll be happily and comfortably working in your garage throughout the summer!
