How to Keep a Garage Warm During Winter in Lee’s Summit

As all Missourians know, winters often bring bitter winds, icy mornings, and unpredictable snowstorms. And if your garage isn't prepared, it becomes more than just a chilly space. It can damage your stored items, freeze pipes, and spike your energy bills. Fortunately, you can take control. The key to a warm garage is a smart mix of insulation, weatherproofing, and garage heater installation. As Lee’s Summit’s trusted garage professionals, Door Systems, Inc. is here to help you transform your garage into a warm, functional part of your home.

Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping

A warm garage starts with keeping the cold out, and your weatherstripping is the first line of defense, as it is one of the quickest least expensive ways to help your garage stay warm.

Side and Top Weather Seals

Beyond the bottom, the sides and top of your garage door can leak cold air. Weatherstripping Garage Doors at these points ensures wind and moisture stay outside where they belong. If your perimeter seals are worn or missing, it’s time for a quick upgrade.

Upgrade to an Insulated Garage Door

If your garage door is a single layer of metal or wood, you’re fighting a losing battle. We often find uninsulated garage doors in both new builds or older homes. Upgrading to a modern, insulated model can dramatically increase your comfort and energy efficiency.

Why R-Value Matters

The R-value of your garage door measures how well it retains heat. The higher the R-value, the better your garage can maintain a steady temperature. In Lee’s Summit, where winters can drop well below freezing, a high R-value makes a noticeable difference.

Benefits of Multi-Layer Doors

Insulated garage doors often have two or three layers of steel with an insulation core. They offer:

• Better temperature control
• Noise reduction
• Increased door durability
  
  

At Door Systems Inc., We install multi-layer garage doors designed for Missouri’s climate - keeping your garage functional year-round. 

Seal Gaps and Air Leaks

Even with a great door, heat & Air Lock can escape through small openings in your garage’s entry door, windows, and outlets.

Use Caulk and Spray Foam

Check for cracks or openings around windows, electrical outlets, or the entry door connecting the garage to the home. Sealing these with caulk or spray foam keeps warm air in and cold drafts out.

Insulate the Garage Walls and Ceiling

Don’t overlook the walls and ceiling. If only the garage door is insulated, heat still escapes through uninsulated surfaces. Installing batt insulation or foam board on walls and ceilings adds another layer of protection. This is especially important if your garage is attached to the house.

Choose the Right Heating Source

Once you’ve sealed and insulated your garage, it’s time to consider adding a heat source. Here are a few common options:

Portable Electric Heaters

For quick fixes or occasional projects, plug-in electric heaters can provide localized warmth. They are one of the most accessible and safe options for garages - especially when used intermittently. They heat quickly, don’t produce fumes, and are ideal for homeowners who only need warmth while working in the garage. They’re inexpensive but less efficient for full-space heating.

Best for:

• Attached garages
• Short-term use (projects, workouts, hobbies)
• Garages with good insulation and a well-sealed door

Gas or Propane Garage Heaters (Vented Units)

These systems connect to your home’s gas line and can heat the entire garage space quickly. These are good for homeowners who spend a lot of time in their garage, as they provide consistent, powerful heat. They’re ideal for larger garages used regularly.

Best for:

• Detached garages
• Workshops or high-use garages
• Maintaining a consistent temperature all winter



Safety Warning:

• The garage must be properly vented
• Carbon monoxide detectors are essential
• Professional installation is strongly recommended

Infrared/Radiant Heaters

These heaters warm surfaces and people rather than air, making them great for workbenches or garages where you’ll be standing still for long periods. They work best when the garage door has tight seals and minimal gaps, helping to retain the warmth on surfaces longer.

Best for:



• Garages with frequent door openings
• Spot heating work areas
• Poorly insulated garages (temporary solution)

Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Mini-split heat pumps provide efficient, year-round comfort by both heating and cooling your garage. Unlike traditional heaters, they maintain a consistent temperature and don’t rely on combustion, making them a clean and quiet option for attached or high-use garages. Mini-splits perform best when the garage is properly insulated, especially the garage door, to prevent heat loss during Missouri’s cold winter months.

Best for:



• Garages used as workshops, gyms, or living space extensions
• Homeowners wanting consistent, whole-garage heating
• Insulated garages that need both heating and cooling

Don’t Forget the Flooring

Concrete floors hold cold and can radiate it up into the space. Consider:



• Garage floor mats for insulation and traction
  
• Epoxy coatings to provide a sealed, thermal barrier
  
  

Both of these options will help reduce heat loss through the floor while making cleanup easier.

Why Choose Door Systems Inc. for Your Lee's Summit Home?

When it comes to keeping your garage warm during winter, local experience matters. Door Systems Inc. offers:

• High-quality insulated garage doors tailored to Missouri’s winters
  
• Expert installation to ensure tight seals and efficient operation
  
• Trusted service across Lee’s Summit, Kansas City and surrounding areas
  
• Weatherstripping replacement and garage heater installation support
  
  

Our team is here to ensure your garage isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a warm, usable extension of your home.

Garage Comfort Starts Now

Don’t wait for the next freeze to act. A warm garage adds comfort, protects your belongings, and lowers home energy bills. With the right steps—weatherstripping, insulation, and efficient heating—you can make winter easier on your garage and your wallet.

Ready to upgrade? Contact Door Systems Inc. today for expert help with garage door weather stripping and insulated door installation in Lee’s Summit.