Late in the morning and then the car windows have to be cleared of snow and ice. Now in winter, a garage is worth its weight in gold. Because while others struggle with the ice scraper, garage owners can simply get in and drive off. To ensure that the garage is a safe and dry place in the long term, it should be well looked after and given a close inspection, especially before winter. ZAPF GmbH, an expert in prefabricated concrete garages and garage renovation, advises having minor defects or signs of wear and tear rectified at an early stage to avoid major, cost-intensive damage.
Just before winter, the garage is not only used for the car, but also for storing smaller garden tools and equipment for longer periods of time, which will only be used again next spring. Very important: Garden tools should be cleaned of dirt and leaves before storage, as leaves, dust and dirt, together with moisture, can form an ideal breeding ground for mold and odors.
Cold and damp in particular lead to mold, mildew stains or rust forming on appliances or stored items. This also applies to vehicles that have been parked for a long time – cold, damp conditions are also harmful to both the engine and the bodywork. Therefore, all areas through which moisture could penetrate inside should be checked again before winter and sealed or closed if necessary.
Moisture in the garage can enter the garage primarily through a poorly closing door or a leaking roof. The following components should therefore be checked before winter:
The garage roof is crucial for protecting the car and should be inspected particularly carefully so that leaks can be avoided or repaired immediately. The roof seal is particularly important. If there are any weak points, these should be repaired as quickly as possible.
The garage walls also have to withstand wind and weather on a daily basis. To prevent moisture from penetrating, larger cracks in the plaster and concrete should also be repaired.
Is the floor and the edge of the driveway still intact? This also needs to be checked. Because in addition to the regular load, grit and road salt residue and moisture also get inside in winter. As a result, small cracks and flaking can quickly lead to major damage, which can then result in costly repairs. It is therefore advisable to rectify weak points at an early stage.
The door should open and close smoothly and all hinges and springs should be in good condition and free from corrosion. If this is not the case, a functional check by a specialist is worthwhile. They can provide quick and reliable information as to whether defects can be rectified with a repair or whether a door replacement should even be considered.
Even with the best care, every garage needs a small overhaul after around 15 to 20 years, as the effects of the weather or wear and tear leave their mark over time. The professionals at ZAPF are happy to help here. ZAPF GmbH is not only a manufacturer of prefabricated concrete garages, but also modernizes and renovates existing garages. Incidentally, it does not matter which manufacturer the garage comes from, even brick-built models are refurbished by ZAPF.
The advantage: ZAPF carries out all the necessary work. Whether it’s repairing cracks, painting or replacing the doors, for example. This means that the customer receives all work from a single source.
Free garage check “Before every modernization or renovation, we first offer a free garage check. Based on this assessment, we then show you all the options available for a renovation,” explains Ralph Raggl, Head of Sales at ZAPF.
Company profile ZAPF GmbH, headquartered in Bayreuth in Upper Franconia, is a strong player in the prefabricated concrete garage sector in Germany and Europe. Founded in 1904 as a construction business, the company already has over 50 years of experience in the production of concrete garages and has now specialized entirely in this area. ZAPF produces at four locations in Germany: in Weidenberg and Baar-Ebenhausen in Bavaria, in Neuenburg am Rhein in Baden-Württemberg and in Dülmen in North Rhine-Westphalia. The long-established company’s delivery area covers southern, central and western Germany as well as parts of France and Switzerland. Austria has also been included since January 1, 2019. Find out more about ZAPF at www.zapf-gmbh.de and www.garagen-welt.de.
