🚗 Garage Inspections in Cold Climates: From Carbon Monoxide to Cracked Floors

As fall turns to winter in Chicago, garages become more than just a place to park your car. An attached garage can pose hidden risks—from carbon monoxide leaks to structural wear caused by ice, salt, and snow. That’s why fall is the perfect time to have your garage inspected before the cold months arrive.

🔎 Why Garages in Cold Climates Need Extra Attention

Unlike detached garages, attached garages connect directly to your living space. This makes them a potential safety hazard if problems go unnoticed. Common issues we uncover during inspections include:

• Carbon Monoxide Risks: Poorly sealed doors and ventilation issues allow toxic fumes to enter the home.

• Gas Leaks: Furnaces, water heaters, or other fuel-burning appliances in garages need proper venting and clearance.

• Moisture & Mold: Snow and ice tracked in from vehicles melt and seep into cracks, encouraging mold growth.

• Road Salt Damage: Salt accelerates concrete deterioration, leading to spalling and trip hazards.

🏗️ What Inspectors Look For

At City Home Inspectors, we evaluate your garage with both safety and structure in mind. Our fall garage inspections include:

• Checking garage doors, seals, and ventilation.

• Testing for gas leaks and assessing carbon monoxide safety measures.

• Inspecting floors and foundations for cracks, heaving, or salt-related damage.

• Examining walls and ceilings for moisture intrusion.

These steps help identify problems early—before they compromise your home’s safety or cost thousands in repairs.

🛠️ How to Protect Your Garage This Winter

• Install or Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Especially important in attached garages.

• Seal Cracks Now: Prevents water and salt from worsening damage during freeze-thaw cycles.

• Improve Drainage: Keep water moving away from the garage floor.

• Regular Cleaning: Remove road salt buildup before it eats into concrete.

✅ The Bottom Line

Your garage may not be top of mind when preparing for winter—but it should be. From carbon monoxide hazards to cracked, uneven floors, garages in cold climates need seasonal attention. An inspection this fall ensures your garage is safe, sturdy, and ready for whatever a Chicago winter throws at it.

👉 Book your fall garage inspection with City Home Inspectors at www.cityhomeinspectors.com today and protect your home before winter sets in.