Winterizing Your Home: 5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid (And How a Garage Floor Coating Is Your First Line of Defense)

As temperatures drop across much of the U.S., homeowners start to think about winter prep—insulating pipes, sealing windows, and checking heating systems. But even the most thorough winterization checklists often overlook one critical area that takes the brunt of the season’s wear: the garage floor. Skipping this step can lead to cracking, staining, and deterioration that only become more expensive to repair later. Avoid these five common mistakes to keep your home—and your concrete—protected from the elements this winter.

Mistake #1: Forgetting to Seal Air Leaks

Drafty windows and unsealed door frames are among the most common sources of energy loss. Over time, gaps allow cold air in and warm air out, forcing your heating system to work harder. Caulking around windows and replacing worn weatherstripping on exterior doors are simple, inexpensive fixes that make an immediate difference.

But don’t stop there—check the door between your garage and home as well. Because garages tend to be cooler, that threshold can be a hidden source of heat loss.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Exposed Plumbing

Frozen pipes can cause extensive water damage, and the risk is highest in garages, crawlspaces, and basements. Wrap exposed plumbing in foam sleeves and insulate any pipes near exterior walls. Draining outdoor faucets and shutting off hose bibs before the first hard freeze can also save you from a major midwinter repair bill.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Gutter Maintenance

Blocked gutters are a recipe for ice dams, roof leaks, and foundation issues once temperatures fluctuate. Clear out leaves and debris, and make sure downspouts direct runoff away from your home. Proper drainage keeps meltwater from seeping into foundations—and into your garage.

Mistake #4: Neglecting the Garage Floor

Your garage floor is one of the most overlooked surfaces during winter prep, yet it takes the most abuse. Moisture, de-icing salts, and dirt from your car’s tires all seep into bare concrete, leading to pitting and cracks. A professional garage floor coating transforms that vulnerable surface into a durable, sealed barrier that’s easy to clean and built to last decades.

At GarageFloorCoating.com, our systems begin with a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer that protects the slab from vapor below. Then we apply a full broadcast of decorative flakes for color and slip resistance, finished with two coats of our UV-stable, 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoat. The result: a seamless, chemical-resistant surface that holds up to winter grime and looks beautiful year-round.

Mistake #5: Waiting Until It’s Too Late

Many homeowners wait until spring to address garage floor damage—but by then, the harm from salt and moisture is already done. Winter is actually an ideal time to inspect your garage for cracks, surface damage, or signs of delamination. Installing a garage floor coating now prevents further deterioration and gives you a cleaner, brighter space all season long.