 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Show Your Garage Some Love By: Carol Dunn  |
| |
 It’s time to talk about the neglected member of your homestead family. No I’m not talking about the kids or the family dog or the cat that hides in the basement. I’m talking about that big structure in your yard which gets little to no attention; it’s time to talk about the garage, and what you should be doing for it as winter approaches.
The garage is the one part of your home that is likely to be neglected. The reason why is simple; the garage isn’t usually considered part of the home and it is normally relegated to a storage area. But regardless of how it is used, the garage needs attention, especially before we head into winter.
Before the snow starts flying consider the following:
• Is there water in your garage? If so you have a problem you want to deal with right now. Track down where the water is coming from. The most common source of water in the garage will be a gutter that hasn’t been directed correctly. Another possible source of water could come from higher ground that is redirecting water to your garage rather than away from your garage. If that is a case, get out the shovel and level out the ground so that the water is routed away from the garage.
• Who lives in your garage? At first I’m sure you’ll say nobody lives in the garage, but if you look closely it’s a good bet that bees, wasps, or birds could have made a home for themselves inside your garage. Take a look around and remove any bees or wasp nests you find. If you have birds living in your garage, track down how they get into the garage and block those entries.
• Oil the door hinges. Let’s face it, the doors to your garage take a beating all year round. Now is a great time to get out the oil gun and oil the doors in the garage. If you have a powered overhead door, check your manual to see what type of maintenance you should be doing this time of year.
• Clean and organize the stuff. No it’s not fun but keeping your garage as clean as possible will not only help you find the things you store in the garage, but it will also make a less inviting home to the birds and the bees that are always looking for a new home.
All garages are different, but regardless of what your garage is like, or what you use it for, now is the time to look it over and to do any maintenance that it may require. Don’t neglect it this year. Get out there and show your garage some love.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|