Common Repairs Needed for a Detached Garage

Having a detached garage in New Jersey during winter is extremely beneficial, as it protects your vehicles from snow and ice. Garages from Jed’s Sheds are made with high-quality materials to ensure they are durable for winter, but your structure will incur some natural damage over time. Repairing your garage regularly is important to ensure the structure is in optimal condition for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Below are some common repairs needed for a detached garage, so you can be up to date with maintaining your structure. 

Garage Door Repairs: 

To increase the practicality and safety of the garage, ensure the garage door is in good condition to protect your vehicles and belongings. Make sure the door opens properly and quietly and is insulated to keep New Jersey’s cold air out.  Common issues to look out for are uneven closing, slow movements, and strange noises, as these are all indicators that the springs, cables, opener, or tracks need to be repaired. Broken springs are the most common issue, but these must be repaired by a professional immediately. 

Fixing the Garage Door

Entry Door and Windows

Check to see that the side door and windows open and close properly and don’t let in any drafts. If there are any cracks or gaps in the doors or windows, seal them with caulk. In our experience, door frames are easy to repair yourself. You can easily add weatherstripping to the window and door frames to further seal them from drafts and moisture. Any broken windows should be replaced. 

Structural Repairs: 

Roof

Maintaining the roof is the most important repair for your detached garage, as it will sustain the most damage over time, especially from New Jersey’s winters. Inspect the roof for any leaks, broken shingles, and sagging into the garage, as these issues need immediate attention. Remove and replace the broken shingles, and patch up any leaks. If there’s a lot of sagging in the roof, we’ve found it best to replace the roof entirely. Ensure the gutters and downspouts are also working properly, and clean them out if they’re clogged to prevent water damage. 

Foundation

Siding 

Look out for moisture stains and loose or broken panels in the siding of your garage. If you see any minor cracks in the siding, seal them with exterior-grade caulk. When the panels are broken beyond repair, you may need to replace them. To protect the siding from water buildup and moisture damage, keep shrubs, vines, and trees away from the perimeter of the garage. 

Interior Repairs: 

Electrical 

Ensuring your garage’s electricity is in good condition is a crucial safety measure. Inspect all electrical work in the garage to ensure it is working properly and up to code. If your garage is older, it is more prone to having electrical hazards. Safety hazards can include overloading outlets, outdated circuits, and improper electrical setups. We recommend having all electrical repairs done by a licensed electrician, as these tasks need to be completed with professional skills. 

Pest Control 

Regularly inspect the garage for any pests, as they will make homes out of it, especially in the winter. Look out for any nests, droppings, chewed-through items, etc., to determine if a critter is living in the garage. Prevent damage to your belongings and the structure by doing everything you can to keep pests out. We find it best to use plastic bins for storage instead of cardboard boxes, as pests will chew through the cardboard and ruin your belongings inside. If you see larger critters in the garage, like squirrels and raccoons, find the location where they entered and make sure it is sealed. If you notice a pest infestation, call a pest control specialist to take care of it. 

Walls and Floor