5 Common Winterizing Mistakes Homeowners Make (and How a Garage Floor Coating Can Help)

From freezing rain to coastal chill, New Jersey winters can be tough on homes. Prepping early helps you avoid costly repairs later—and while sealing windows or insulating pipes are obvious steps, one of the biggest vulnerabilities in your home might be your garage floor coating (or lack thereof). Here are five common mistakes homeowners make when winter rolls in.

Mistake #1: Neglecting to Reseal Windows and Doors

Even minor air leaks can lead to drafts and higher heating bills. Inspect and recaulk window frames, check weatherstripping on doors, and make sure thresholds are tight to keep the cold air and moisture out and the warmth in.

Mistake #2: Skipping Pipe Insulation

When temperatures dip below freezing, uninsulated pipes—especially in garages and basements—can freeze and burst. Wrap exposed plumbing with foam sleeves or insulation tape to prevent a mid-winter plumbing disaster.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Gutters

Leaves and debris trapped in gutters can cause ice dams and leaks during freeze-thaw cycles. Cleaning them before winter ensures snowmelt drains properly and protects your roof and siding.

Mistake #4: Overlooking the Power of a Garage Floor Coating

Salt, moisture, and road grime are winter’s triple threat to bare concrete. Without protection, these elements penetrate the surface, causing pitting, cracking, and delamination. Installing a garage floor coating from Garage Floor Coating of New Jersey provides a durable, moisture-mitigating barrier that keeps your floor safe all season.

Our professional 2-day system starts with a 100%-solids epoxy primer that blocks vapor from below, followed by a full broadcast of decorative flakes for slip resistance. Two layers of UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat create a tough, glossy finish that resists salt, chemicals, and abrasion—even during the harshest Northeast winters.

Mistake #5: Putting Off Repairs Until Spring

Waiting to fix cracks or damage can make things worse once moisture freezes and expands inside the concrete. Installing a garage floor coating now allows your floor to be repaired, sealed, and protected before snow and salt set in.