FEATURE: AUTUMN & WINTER PREP
EXPERT TIPS TO PROTECT GARAGES FROM THE WINTER WEATHER
Garages are often used as an extension of the home, storing everything from cars to Christmas decorations, home bars, gyms and miscellaneous boxes that don’t fit in the house. But as the colder, adverse weather approaches, outdoor building specialist, Lidget Compton, share some top tips for protecting garages from winter damage.
properly. “The winter season can be harsh on garages, so it’s important to properly look after and maintain your garage all year long but especially in winter. With plenty of rain and wind likely to fall over the coming months, it’s important to protect your outdoor buildings,” says Richard Berry, outdoor building specialist at Lidget Compton.
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Top tips for preparing a garage for winter Clean and organise - Instead of having to deal with damp boxes once we move into the springtime, get one step ahead by cleaning and organising your garage before the harsh winter arrives. Declutter and dispose of unnecessary items and make sure valuables are packed away safely.
“Use weatherproof storage boxes
ith garages being used to store such a variety of items, it’s important to look after and insulate them
such as brick or concrete garages. Check on windows and doors - Damp can cause rotting and mould, so make sure your garage is watertight. “Check all windows and doors are properly intact and seal any holes and cracks,” Berry advises.
and try keep items which could be damaged by damp off the floor,” advises Berry. Weatherproof the roof - The roof
protects the garage and to be sure your valuables will be properly protected, it’s important to check its condition regularly. Remove any debris and look for signs of any damage or water pooling. If there is significant damage to
your roof, consider replacing it with either steel roofing or fibre cement roofing sheets. Berry advises “speaking to professionals for work which needs carrying out at height, to ensure safety and quality work which will last.” This is especially important in permanent structures
It’s also important to check the moving parts of your windows and doors every six months to identify any damage that could easily be repaired, as replacement can be costly if issues are left to escalate over time.
Insulate your garage - Consider adding rubber seal to the garage door to keep cold damp air from flowing in and causing condensation.
For garages that have windows it can be common for these to be just single glazing, which can lead to poor insulation. As a sufficient short-term fix install an insulating film. This clear glazing will act as a secondary barrier against gaps letting cool air in.
Install non-slip mats - For many, GARDEN EXPERT REVEALS 10 MUST-PRUNE PLANTS THIS AUTUMN
Peter Murray, a home and garden expert from Murray Steel Buildings (
www.murraysteelbuildings.com), brings over a decade of experience in transforming outdoor spaces through careful planning and maintenance. His expertise lies in understanding the crucial role that proper plant care plays in fostering healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Here, he shares expert insights on how homeowners can prepare their plants for the seasons ahead.
1. Roses - Pruning Time: Early autumn. Cut back dead or diseased stems, and shape the plant by trimming lightly. Tip: Make angled cuts just above an outward-facing bud to promote new growth.
2. Hydrangeas - Pruning Time: Late summer to early autumn. Remove spent flowers and dead
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stems carefully. Avoid heavy pruning for old wood varieties. Tip: Use clean, sharp shears to prevent damage.
3. Lavender - Pruning Time: Late summer. Cut back spent flower stalks and trim the plant lightly, avoiding cutting into the old wood. Tip: Prune to maintain a rounded shape and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
4. Wisteria - Pruning Time: Late summer. Cut back long, whippy summer growth to about five or six leaves from the main stem. Tip: This encourages flowering for next year and keeps the plant under control.
5. Clematis (Late-Flowering Varieties) - Pruning Time: Early autumn. Trim back flowered stems by about a third to encourage new growth. Tip: Avoid pruning early-
flowering varieties in autumn, as it may affect next year’s blooms.
6. Shrub Roses - Pruning Time: Late summer to early autumn. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and lightly shape the plant. Tip: Always prune with clean, sharp tools to prevent infections.
7. Fruit Trees (Apple & Pear) - Pruning Time: Late summer. Remove dead or damaged branches, and thin out crowded areas to allow sunlight through the canopy. Tip: Aim for an open structure to encourage better fruiting next year.
8. Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) - Pruning Time: Early autumn. Remove spent flower spikes and trim back growth to maintain shape. Tip: Prune hard in late winter to
early spring to encourage vigorous blooming next year.
9. Fuchsias - Pruning Time: Early autumn. Remove spent flowers and trim back to maintain a neat shape. Tip: In late winter, cut back harder to encourage a bushier plant in spring.
10. Perennials (E.g., Delphiniums, Lupins) - Pruning Time: Late summer to early autumn. Cut back faded flowers and dead stems to ground level to promote strong growth next year. Tip: Mulch around the base of the plant after pruning to protect the roots over winter.
SEPTEMBER 2024 DIY WEEK 11
garages are often used as extra fridge freezer storage space, and you may be in and out using this during the festive season. To ensure safety when making quick trips to the freezer, consider installing some non-slip mats in areas you may need.
Check your insurance policy - As long as your garage is within your property boundaries, most home insurance policies will cover it in case of a problem. With harsh weather bound to arrive, it is smart to check what your home insurance exactly covers, whether that may be accidental damage, theft or weather-related damages. Keep winter essentials nearby
- As the adverse weather kicks in, you may need to dig out the winter essentials, or check you have everything you need. Organising the garage and putting your winter kit front and centre will make tasks like defrosting your car that little bit easier. Keep de-icing spray and any de-icing tools nearby along with shovels in preparation for snow.
About Lidget Compton
The name Lidget has been synonymous with concrete garages since the company’s formation in 1990. Since then the vision has been simple, to manufacture the best concrete garage, an ethos that has enabled Lidget Compton to become a company which is the largest in the UK and is genuinely market leading. Visit
www.lidget.co.uk to learn more.
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