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How to Keep Your Garage Cool in Summer

by Dakota Storage Buildings, on May 24, 2016

Keeping Your Garage Cool in Summer

The weather is warming up. Before you realize it, the heat of summer will be in full force. But don't let that keep you from enjoying time in your garage!

Here are some practical ways to keep your garage or work shed comfortable this summer.

Increase Airflow

It may seem obvious, but the first step in keeping your workspace cool is to make sure it's well ventilated. Before spending significant time in your garage or shed, get air circulating by opening all doors and windows. If it's raining, only slightly open each. Then turn on a fan (or two). If you don't already have a fan, we suggest a dependable fan that will do the job well, like this 24" Industrial Drum Fan or this 30" 3-Speed Industrial Pedestal Fan.

Seal Visible Gaps and Apply Weatherstripping

Caulking and weatherstripping are the simplest, yet most cost-effective ways to keep your garage or shed comfortable and your energy bills low. They help to keep cool air in and hot air out.

Seal gaps around doors and windows then inspect walls to located less-obvious cracks that may also need sealing.

NOTE: If you choose to use silicone caulk, be sure not to get any caulk along the garage door track which will prevent it from opening properly.

Watch this brief instructional video for some helpful "how-to" tips.

 

Install Insulation

Polyurethane foam is an excellent way to insulate a building. Its expansive nature works to fill every crack and crevice.

When we insulate our buildings, we spray 2-3" of foam so that a watertight membrane is created to adequately protect against the heat and cold. Learn more about our storage building features.

If you want to handle this project yourself, here are instructions for DIY insulation.

Consider Door and Wall Colors

Because light colors reflect heat and dark colors absorb heat, it's wise to choose doors that are light colored. White, off-white, cream, and beige are great examples of colors that will help to keep heat out. If you have a shed or garage with dark colored doors, take a trip to the local hardware store to buy a light-colored paint and necessary equipment.

If you want to go the extra mile, painting exterior walls with a light color will also aid in keeping your building cool.

Click here to learn more

Buy an Air Conditioner

Most air conditioners do not fit standard garage or shed windows. However, if you have an extra air conditioner that does fit, or if you can afford to buy a new, compact one, it may be worth installing it for ultimate comfort on those 95+ degree days.

A more costly but convenient option to consider is a portable unit made for specifically for garages like this Soleus Air LX-140 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner and Heater which cools, heats, and dehumidifies spaces up to 500 square feet.

If You Don't Have a Garage . . . 

If you don't have a garage—or shed—and are looking to buy one, consider getting one this year. There's no time like the present.

Are you looking for a high-quality backyard gardening shed or a premium hobby workshop garage? For whatever reason you need a storage building, you can choose one of our ten expertly designed packages that are geared toward specific needs. All you have to do is browse our collections and choose the package that fits your need — then customize it to your taste!

Explore Shed Collection

Explore Garage Collection

For those who are more adventurous, try out our online storage building configurator tool to customize your own building from top to bottom.

Customize Your Garage or Shed

It’s our mission to make dependable buildings that exceed your expectations. Learn more by visiting us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. Or you can do it the old-fashioned way by exploring our sheds in person at a display location near you!

Topics:How To Guides

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