Since there seems to be so many smart folks on here, I've got a question that I can't seem to find an answer for! My dogs hate being inside the house and love being in the garage (which is fine). I want to put some sort of ventilation in there so its not always so stuffy and sometimes stinky. Any suggestions??? Preferably something we can do ourselves since the SO is very handy. I just have no clue what I'm looking for in order to do this task. Thanks!!!
Wow, I guess I just assumed all garages have windows because mine always did. Maybe you should just put in a window or two? And I don't have animals, but I've always noticed people with them seem to leave a couple inch gap at the bottom when closing it.
Hmmm..that might be an idea... Do you have to go through the homeowners association to install a window in your garage? (it would be on the side of the house, not in view of the house from the front). Thanks for the suggestion!
I have no idea, guess you'd have to check out your covenants. I guess it depends on the neighborhood, and how much you'll be changing the look of the house, if any.
If you have an attic above the garage you could installl and attic fan. Dont get a cheezy one, get a good one.
They do have ventilation fans designed for garages (google: garage ventilation). They're similar to bathroom exhaust fans and can be side mounted so you don't have to vent it through the roof. If you go with windows, you'll probably need HOA approval. One option would be casement windows that fit in between your studs and would only need blocking to hold them. If you go with full size windows, you'll need to check if it's on a weight bearing wall before you cut out for them. Your homebuilder should be able to tell you if the wall is weight bearing. Another option is if you've drywalled your entire garage. If not, put up some insulation. It'll help keep some of the heat out.
I was going to say a ceiling fan, that's what my folks did, back in the day, in our garage....left the door open about 3-4 inches so the dogs couldn't get out,but the fresh air would could come in, and with the fan....nice.
I was going to suggest a high quality attic ventilation fan as well. They're very easy to install. you just need to get power run to the location. Of course, if there's a room over the garage it's not an option.
If you do decide to open the door a little....You can get a bicycle lock (one of the ones that looks like a big horseshoe) and run it through the track that the door slides up and down so that it hits the wheel and doesnt allow anyone to open it farther. If your door is like mine, you could just remove a few of the little glass panels in the top of the door. The glass is sandwiched between 2 pieces of decorative plastic. They pop right out and you can pop the decorative plastic back in. None of the neighbors could even tell the glass was missing by looking @ it. If you wanna get really creative, replace the glass with some window screen to keep the bugs out.
A thru-wall ventilator is your cheapest way out. Get the one with operable louvers to prevent drafts and water infiltration. Using a thermostat control will allow you to adjust it for auto-operation. Plus, remember, everytime your put a hole in your roof it's a potential leak.
Wow, thanks everyone for the responses!!! Got some great ideas here! I dont have any windows at all, not even the small ones on the garage door itself and I dont have a second side door either (working on that though). Also, there is a room above the garage.
