Winter Prep Checklist: Why a Garage Floor Coating Is Your First Line of Defense

Winter in northwest Ohio is no small challenge—icy driveways, road salt, and freezing temperatures can all put your home’s durability to the test. Most homeowners focus on sealing windows and insulating pipes, but one key area often goes overlooked: the garage floor. A professional garage floor coating is your best defense against moisture, grime, and seasonal wear.

Here’s your complete checklist to get your Toledo home ready for winter, inside and out.

Seal Out Drafts and Keep Warmth In

Before temperatures dip too low, inspect windows and doors for cracks or worn caulk. Fresh weatherstripping and sealant around frames can make a big difference in energy efficiency. Don’t forget to check the door between your garage and home—it’s often the biggest source of heat loss.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Garage and basement pipes are at high risk during hard freezes. Wrap exposed plumbing in foam insulation and close any foundation vents that could let cold air in. It’s a small step that prevents one of winter’s biggest headaches: burst pipes.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Ice dams form easily when gutters are full of leaves and debris. Clearing them early ensures melting snow and rainwater drain properly—away from your roofline and foundation.

Protect Your Concrete with a Garage Floor Coating

Once your home is sealed and insulated, turn your attention to the garage. Bare concrete absorbs salt, moisture, and chemicals from road runoff, leading to cracks and surface deterioration. A garage floor coating seals the surface completely, preventing damage while adding style and value.

At Garage Floor Coating – The Great Lakes, our 2-day systems start with a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer that protects from vapor below. We then apply a full broadcast of decorative flakes for texture and finish with two coats of UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat—creating a floor that stands up to road salt, snowmelt, and heavy use all winter long.

Inspect and Reinforce Before Snow Arrives

Installing a garage floor coating is also a perfect time to repair small cracks or gaps in your concrete before they worsen with freeze-thaw cycles. Once coated, your garage will stay cleaner, safer, and more resilient through the harshest Ohio weather.