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5 Ways to Deal with Snow Melt in the Garage

January 19, 2022

While we love the snow that winter brings, we could not say the same when it comes to the snowmelt. Just imagine that when we get off to sleep at night peacefully, but we will find out the next day that the snow covering at least a meter on the ground already gives us a massive headache. Not only is shoveling off such an arduous task, but the aftermath in the garage is also a matter of utter importance. A garage is a sensitive place, we realized sooner. It is a space where we park our cars, store our stuff and even do workshop activities. And we would not want damages in that very space. When the road salts get in the garage, it causes havoc on the floor and even to the surroundings as rusts begin to form when not dried quickly. Humidity is also another factor that should be ruled out in garage maintenance. Wet floors also pose a concern as accidents are bound to happen like slipping and hurting ourselves.
Major Causes of Garage Floor Damages in the Winter
Ice, salt, and sand are some of the elements that seem unnoticeable but will cause major problems in your garage. Salt and sand are usually used to liquify or de-ice the roads during the winter season. And these will most likely end up in your garage as they tend to stick to your car tires and soles of your shoes. It may seem harmless at first, but salt and sand cause erosion and stains that are hard to manage. How? Salt when mixed with water will form crystals and gradually permeate into the concrete floor, which is responsible for the white stains that appear over time. Also, the concrete floor’s top layer will also expand. Now, if there are existing cracks on the floor, ice can seep through it and worsen the damage. And not to mention the risk of slipping when the ice melts.
Ways to Deal with Snow Melt
Snow runoff is inevitable. It is the downside of an otherwise beautiful season. But fret not as there are effective and simple yet inexpensive ways to combat the issue.
1. Use a Mop or Squeegee
The simplest and fastest remedy to clean the snowmelt is to mop it off or to use a squeegee out of the garage. Just open the garage door and push the liquids from the snow back outside. No sweat.
2. Protect with Garage Mats
It is never too late to install garage mats in your garage, especially if you will be parking your vehicles inside. Pick the mats that are made of PVC, rubber, vinyl, or similar materials. Garage mats are effective in keeping the salt away from the surface of your garage floors as they absorb the chemicals, water, and even engine oil. Plus, non-slip mats help you avoid slipping in the garage when the snow melts. If you are wondering how to clean them, the process is so easy. A quick sweep or vacuum once in a while will remove the salt or any debris buildup. And if you are wary of removing the garage mats after the winter season, all you have to do is clean and store them. Use a solution of vinegar, hot water, and dish soap. In this way, any junk or debris left off under the mats will be removed instantly. But first off, here is what you need to do before installing garage mats: thoroughly clean the garage, especially the floor. A clean surface is like a clean canvas. Any chemicals or debris that already sits on the floor will only cause damages, which you are preventing first and foremost. It is also best to keep off your stuff, especially the liquids off the garage floor. We recommend installing the Fleximounts GR48-H Classic 4′ X 8′ Overhead Garage Storage Rack (With Hooks). The rack is made of heavy-gauge cold-rolled steel construction, which is responsible for the safe loading of up to 600 lbs. Its integrated wire grid design and frame are welded together, making the unit more sturdy and stable. Moreover, the wire grid underwent strict tests with triple load breaking strength. It is specially designed for easier assembly. The height can be adjusted from 22 inches to 40 inches, providing a convenient and safe place to store your stuff. The height-adjustable ceiling drop-down lets you customize to your preferred height. The ceiling brackets are designed to be attached to two joists for more flexibility and security. The rack is suitable for securing to either ceiling studs or solid concrete ceilings. The screws provided are thicker than comparable products available in the market and have gone through strict tests to prove the top-quality make of the hardware.
3. Clear Garage Drain
Unblock drains installed near the garage. There may be twigs, leaves, snow, or frozen water obstructing the entryway, which will cause the snowmelt to enter under the garage door. To remove these obstructions frozen by water, use a solution of baking soda or vinegar and boiling water.
4. Place a Watertight Barrier
Snowmelt will find a way to seep through your garage in one way or another. So, another effective solution is to install a garage door threshold seal underneath the door–an adhesive sealant. Not only will it keep the snowmelt from entering the garage, but it also prevents uninvited guests such as rodents, insects, and reptiles from entering the garage.
5. Make Use of a Dehumidifier or Space Heaters
Moisture build-up will surely occur in the garage once snowmelt comes into the space. Then, molds will surely form after that. A dehumidifier will help in minimizing this problem and even leave the garage smelling fresh. Another effective solution, while deemed as a more expensive one, is to use a space heater or mid-height overhead lamps. They help in evaporating the snow faster. Snow tends to stick in your cars even after brushing them off prior to parking them inside the garage. Always think of investing in these heaters as more of a money-saving step because if the car or any possessions stored in the garage get damaged, you will need to shell out more money than the cost of the heating device.