Winterizing Your Michigan Home: 5 Common Mistakes (and How a Garage Floor Coating Fits In)

Michigan winters are no joke. With freezing temperatures, lake-effect snow, and repeated thaw-freeze cycles, even the sturdiest homes can take damage. Before you pull out the shovels, steer clear of these five common errors — and see how a professional garage floor coating can act as your shield against the season’s worst.

Mistake #1: Skipping Window and Door Caulking

When icy air seeps in around gaps and cracks, your heating system works overtime. Many homeowners forget to re-seal weatherstrip or apply fresh caulk before winter sets in. Properly sealing these areas keeps drafts out — and reduces the chill that can creep through walls.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Pipe Insulation

Uninsulated pipes, especially in garages or basement walls, are at risk of freezing and bursting in Michigan’s cold months. Wrap or insulate any exposed plumbing before the temperature drops.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Gutter Cleaning

Ice dams and roof leaks are common when gutters clog up with leaves and debris. Clearing gutters ensures snowmelt drains cleanly, rather than backing up and damaging your roof or walls.

Mistake #4: Overlooking the Garage Floor Coating

This is where most homeowners slip up — literally. Bare concrete readily absorbs brine, road salt, moisture, and grime. Over time, that leads to cracks, spalling, and deterioration. A professional garage floor coating provides a seamless, impermeable barrier, protecting your slab from moisture intrusion and chemical damage.

At Garage Floor Coating of Michigan, installation begins with a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer to repel vapor. Then we broadcast decorative flakes for toughness and traction, capped off with dual coats of UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat engineered to resist abrasion and freeze-thaw stresses.

Mistake #5: Waiting Until It’s Too Late

By the time cracks are visible, damage is already underway. The lead up to winter is the perfect window to make repairs when the concrete is dry and accessible. A garage floor coating install gives you the opportunity to drill out hairline cracks, fill voids, and seal the surface — all before heavy snow or salt arrives.