How much do you know about garage fires? How common are they? Learn more about garage fires and how to keep your place safe.
What do you think of this look? This is an Eastman E-21, 9' x 8', Moka Brown doors with Ice White overlays, 8 lite Panoramic windows.
Naturally, you want to make sure your garage is safe from a fire. Given the fact that there are countless garage fires annually, this is a serious problem. It can cause property damage, injuries, and even death in some cases.
You need to learn how to make sure your garage is as safe as possible from fires. Below, we’ll be learning more about the causes, prevention, and what to do if there is a fire.
What Causes Garage Fires?
Why do fires start in the garage? It’s important to know this so you can have a better idea of how to prevent fires. There are more causes than you might imagine.
Garage fires have the potential to be deadly, not to mention destroy your valuables, your vehicle, precious keepsakes, and more. If the garage is attached or near your home, there is a chance that the fire will spread.
Although most house fires don’t start in the garage, the ones that are in the garage often get out of control quicker. It’s often because people aren’t in the garage as much, as well as the types of items that are stored there.
Fire can spread quickly in the garage. Image: Pixabay
How Are Garage Fires Often Started?
Below, you’ll find four of the most common reasons for garage fires. Knowing and understanding these main causes can help you find ways to reduce your risk.
● Flammable Liquids
What are you keeping in the garage? Do you have kerosene, oil, gas, or flammable cleaning products? Most people keep those types of products in the garage without thinking twice. However, they have the potential to be dangerous. Even the vapor from some of these items can catch fire if there is a flame.
Always make sure flammable liquids are in airtight containers and labeled. You may want to find another location to store them.
● Propane
Do you have propane tanks in your garage? Many people put propane tanks in the garage after grilling while there is still propane in the tank. This could be a major mistake if the tank is not properly sealed or if there is a leak. A flame from a candle, cigarette, or another flame source could cause the tank to explode.
Store them in a different location or return them to the store where you fill them up when they aren’t in use. You don’t want or need to have extra propane tanks lying around.
● Junk and Clutter
Let’s be honest. Most of us use the garage for storage space for things that don’t have a place inside of the home. Crowded and cluttered garages often provide fuel for a fire. The more junk there is, the faster the fire can spread.
Cleaning the garage can help to eliminate this problem. Recycle, throw out, sell, or donate items you no longer need.
● Electrical Problems
A problem with the electrical wiring is another major reason for fires in the garage. The electrical circuits could be old and faulty, or there could be an overload in the electrical circuits.
It’s a good idea to have an electrical inspection if you have an old garage with old wiring. It’s better to be safe rather than sorry.
Avoiding Fires in the Garage
To keep your garage and the rest of your home safe, you have to take preventative measures. You should also have an idea of what to do in the event of a fire. Here are a few of the things you can do:
● Use a smoke alarm in the garage.
● Add a heat alarm to the garage if there isn’t one with your garage door opener.
● Have a fire extinguisher in the garage and one near the garage. Make sure they are easy to access and use.
Many people often want to know if they can have a contained fire in their garage to help keep it warm. Typically, this is something you will want to avoid because flames, even when you think you can control them, could lead to an out-of-control fire. It’s best to avoid using a fire pit in the garage and other enclosed spaces.
Always be safe when it comes to fire. If you see a fire in your garage that can’t be controlled with an extinguisher, get in touch with emergency services right away.
What do you think of this garage door? It is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat CC, 9' x 7', Black, Clear windows.
Steps for Dealing with Fire Damage
What happens if you do have a fire in your garage? It’s not something anyone wants to experience, but it’s good to know what to do if it does happen. After the fire is out and everyone is safe, take a breath and then follow these steps.
Step 1. Dealing with Insurance
The first thing you need to do is get in touch with your insurance company to let them know what happened. You should also make it a point to know what your insurance policy does and does not cover. Most policies will cover the property value before the fire. If it’s a complete loss, the insurance company may pay for the house and what was inside.
Keep in mind that all policies are unique. You want to know what’s included in yours even before you have to use it. Double-check it now.
Call emergency services if there is a problem. Image: Pixabay.
Step 2. You Need an Inspection
Although the insurance company will often bring in an adjuster to look at the property after the fire, this isn’t often enough. Keep in mind that they are working for the insurance company. You should consider hiring your own inspector, who can give you an honest idea about the cost of the repairs. A professional inspector will check the structure, the walls, roof, framing, etc.
Step 3. Will You Rebuild or Repair the Garage?
Once you have an inspection, you can make an informed decision on whether it’s in your best interest to repair the garage or if you should rebuild it entirely. Keep in mind that what you get from insurance could determine what you can afford.
It’s also important to think about the cost of cleanup for things like water damage, smoke damage, and cleaning after the fire.
Step 4. Get Your Garage Back in Shape
Once you decide what you want to do with the garage, it’s time to find a contractor. Research the options in your area to find someone with experience and who can provide you with quality work.
Getting a New Garage Door
There are nice garage doors. This garage door is a Standard+ Classic MIX, 9' x 7', Desert Sand.
If you have to rebuild your garage, you will have to get a new garage door. The type of door you get will be a big decision. Make sure you are considering your budget, the size of the door you need, and whether an attached or a detached garage would be best.
If you aren’t sure, you can spend some time learning about the options you have for your garage and your garage door opener. Some of the options today have advanced features like two-way audio and cameras.
When choosing a door, you will want to make sure that it’s the right temperature inside of your garage. This will make it a more pleasant place to be. Does the garage door reflect light? This can help to keep it cooler during the warm months. Is the door able to stop the wind? This will ensure it doesn’t get too breezy.
Talk with a professional about your garage door to figure out what’s right for your needs, style, and budget.
Get Ready for the New Garage Door
This is a great look. This garage door is a Regal Shaker-Flat Long, 9' x 7', Black Ice, window layout: Left-side Harmony.
Contact a garage door specialist near you. The team can help you get the perfect garage door for your needs.
Doormasters makes it nice and easy and can offer an email quotation.
If you still don’t know what you need, check out the 3 styles to make sure you’re getting the perfect garage door.
Contact us over the phone at 403-347-8670, so we can help.
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Be sure to try our Design Centre. You can get an idea of what the various garage door styles will look like with your garage.
Get Inspired
Lots of gorgeous residential garage doors are waiting for you here. Check out the gallery to see some fantastic garage doors that might be perfect for you.
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