Have you been experiencing some problems with your garage? You probably spend time there every day, whether parking your car, working on projects or even having a party. When something goes wrong with a highly used area of your home, it can be an inconvenience. 

Here’s how to solve the most common garage issues and malfunctions so you can get yours back to working order.

Issue 1: Clutter

Most homeowners would agree that a cluttered garage is common. Garages are a space for extra storage, but when they’re overstuffed, you’re probably not making the most of it. 

When you use a garage to the best of its abilities, you’ll have a lot more room to spare. Here’s how to bust the clutter:

• Add cabinets: Cabinets or other upright storage shelves are great in garages. They can hide your tools and other items while keeping everything neat and tidy.

• Store items on the wall: A few hooks will allow you to store items by hanging them on the wall. Rakes, shovels and other tools can easily lay flat and add more space.

• Install overhead racks: Overhead racks are ideal for items you don’t use as often. They’re out of sight and out of mind until you need them.

Go through all the items in your garage, throw out or recycle what you don’t use, and use label boxes and storage containers. Then use these storage tips to keep the mess at bay.

Issue 2: Poor Insulation

Poor insulation defeats the purpose of having a garage, which is to store things to keep them out of harsh weather conditions. 

Insulate your garage walls first. If there’s an attic above it, insulate that as well. Any insulation will work fine here. An insulated garage will save energy, and you’ll be able to keep items safe from the weather. 

Issue 3: Faulty Garage Door

Garage doors serve as the largest entryway to your home, so you want to be sure it’s operating correctly and safely. Here are a few signs it’s time to inspect your garage door: 

• It suddenly slams shut.

• There are straining sounds coming from the springs.

• It feels heavier when you try to open it.

• You feel a draft coming in from the bottom of the door.

Replacing the torsion springs will fix most of these issues. For the last sign, you should apply new weatherstripping. 

Issue 4: Damaged Floor

Do you notice cracks all along your garage floor? If so, you might consider finishing it. Cars drive over it, and there is heavy foot traffic in some areas. Sometimes, the floors crumble, chip and have an unpleasant look. 

If all you have here is a cement layer, you might want to consider a garage floor finish. You can add a layer of epoxy or even heavy-duty floor mats. If you use your garage for entertainment, you can add carpet or an indoor flooring option. 

Issue 5: Inadequate Lighting

If you work in your garage, poor lighting can be more than just an inconvenience: It can pose a safety hazard. Garages are full of tools and other dangerous equipment, so it’s necessary to see where you’re going. 

The solution is simple — add more light or replace the ones you have. Fluorescent lights and LEDs work great in garages because they provide ample light, save energy and last a long time. If you would rather have natural light, add more windows. 

Issue 6: Nonfunctioning Garage Door Opener

When leaving your garage or coming home to it, you want to be able to open the garage door with the touch of a button. In colder weather or rain, the last thing you want to do is get out of your car to open the garage door manually. 

If your opener isn’t working, the first thing you should do is replace the batteries. If that doesn’t fix it, check your entry for any obstructions. Examine the track alignment or the torsion springs to correct the problem.

Make Your Garage Fully Functional 

These solutions to the most common garage issues should have you back up and running in no time and provide you with a fully functional space.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison