Four Ways to Build a Better Garage
Your home (and your garage) is probably your single greatest investment. You want to know that it has been made well, and that you aren’t going to have any problems with it later on down the line. If you are building your garage, you will be lucky enough to be able to have a voice in how it’s done.
Having a bit of control over the process will ensure that no corners are cut when they shouldn’t be and that everything is being done like it’s supposed to be. If you are building a garage, here are four ways to make it stronger, more resilient, and better looking:
- Reinforce it – Make sure that there are plenty of studs throughout the walls. Your garage won’t have the benefit of interior walls and rooms to add to the strength of it, so it will be relying entirely on its frame. Make sure that there are plenty of beams, and that everything is connected securely.Adding crossbars as reinforcement will add to the rigidity of the garage, causing it to flex less over time. It will also help keep things square.
- Use a metal garage door – While there is nothing wrong with wooden garage doors, metal garage doors are a bit more heavy duty and secure. They can also be ordered insulated, helping lower heat requirements (and costs) during the cooler periods of the year (this makes a big deal if you live in areas that experience cold winters).As well, metal garage doors require almost no long term maintenance and tend to retain their finish better and longer than wooden doors.
- Make sure that it’s braced properly – If you are buying a pre-built garage, this is especially important. A building will flex substantially if it isn’t connected to the ground in a way that is safe and secure. A few high tensile wires won’t cut it here- you want either posts, or another form of bracing that is just as strong. If it is not braced properly it will flex and shift over time, changing alignments and possibly making doors difficult to open or close.Posts that are dug into the ground are the best way to do this, so it is recommended that you simply do it that way and avoid any problems in the future.
- Get a proper floor – While you may be able to get away with a dirt or gravel floor for a little while, eventually you will want to get a proper concrete one. Having one put in at the same time as the garage will save on hassles when it is being put in, though it certainly isn’t a requirement.Have your floor epoxy coated- this will make it resilient to spills and stains, easier to clean, and likely to repel water (which is important in keeping your vehicles rust free). However, if you don’t want to go with epoxy, a concrete floor with a smooth finish will provide many of the same attributes.