How to Avoid Garage Corrosion in Chicago & Northwest Indiana

At Better Built Garages & Doors, we offer tips to help you learn how to avoid rust and corrosion in your garage in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. In this region, garages experience humid summers, freezing winters, and heavy use of road salt, creating the perfect environment for rust and corrosion. Over time, this can damage everything from your tools and vehicles to the structural integrity of your garage itself. Fortunately, by implementing practical strategies, you can safeguard your valuable assets, maintain your property’s value, and ensure your garage remains a functional and secure space. Below, we’ll explore nine effective methods, from simple maintenance habits to more robust protective measures, to combat the climate challenges of the Chicago area.

1. Control Humidity Levels

High humidity turns your garage into a breeding ground for corrosion, especially during Chicago’s muggy summers. When the air is saturated with water vapor, it accelerates the oxidation process on any exposed metal surface. The goal is to keep the relative humidity in your garage below 50%. Here’s how to reduce garage humidity:

Invest in a Dehumidifier – A dehumidifier will actively pull moisture from the air, maintaining a consistent, rust-inhibiting environment. For a standard two-car garage, look for a unit with a capacity of at least 23 liters. Many models come with a built-in humidistat that automatically turns the unit on and off to maintain your desired humidity level.
Monitor Humidity Levels – You can’t manage what you don’t measure. A simple, inexpensive hygrometer will allow you to monitor the humidity in your garage. Place it away from doors and windows to get an accurate reading of the ambient conditions. This will help you know when to run your dehumidifier or take other measures.
Ensure Proper Drainage – Keep rainwater and melting snow draining away from your garage, not towards it. Check that gutters and downspouts are clear and direct water away from the foundation. If you have grading issues, you might need to consider landscaping solutions to prevent water from pooling near your garage.

2. Seal Cracks & Gaps

A well-sealed garage is a dry garage, which is crucial for garage rust prevention. Any cracks or gaps are an open invitation for moisture, cold air, and road salt residue to enter. Here’s how to effectively seal your garage:

Inspect & Seal the Foundation – Walk around the interior and exterior of your garage and look for any visible cracks in the concrete walls or floor. Use a high-quality concrete caulk or epoxy sealant to fill these gaps. This not only keeps moisture out but also prevents pests from entering.
Weatherstrip Doors & Windows – Over time, weatherstripping can become brittle, cracked, or compressed. Replace worn-out seals to create a tight barrier. For the main garage door, consider a threshold seal that adheres to the floor, creating a barrier against wind-driven rain and snowmelt.
Caulk Around Fixtures – Check the areas where pipes, vents, or electrical conduits enter the garage. These are common points for air and moisture infiltration. Use a durable, exterior-grade caulk to seal any gaps around these fixtures.

3. Use Rust-Resistant Coatings

One of the most proactive steps you can take in rust prevention for garage equipment is to apply a protective barrier directly onto vulnerable surfaces. Modern coatings are designed to withstand moisture, chemicals, and abrasion, providing long-lasting protection for your garage floor and metal fixtures. Types of protective coatings include:

Epoxy Floor Coatings – An epoxy-coated garage floor creates a seamless, non-porous surface that’s impervious to water, oil, road salt, and other corrosive chemicals. Beyond protection, it’s also durable, easy to clean, and enhances the appearance of your garage. Professional installation is recommended for the most long-lasting results.
Rust-Inhibiting Paint – For metal shelves, cabinets, and tool chests, use a direct-to-metal (DTM) paint that contains rust inhibitors. These paints bond to the metal surface, creating a durable film that blocks moisture and prevents rust from forming. Ensure the surface is properly prepared by cleaning and removing any existing rust before painting.
Galvanized Hardware – When installing new shelving or hardware, opt for galvanized steel. The zinc coating on galvanized materials acts as a sacrificial barrier, corroding before the steel underneath does. This is a straightforward way to incorporate corrosion-resistant garage materials into your setup from the outset.

4. Keep Ventilated

While sealing your garage is important for keeping moisture out, proper ventilation is key to letting trapped moisture escape. A stagnant, humid environment is a rust accelerator; therefore, good air circulation helps dry out the space after parking a wet car or during periods of high humidity.

There are several ways to improve your garage ventilation. Installing an exhaust fan, similar to those found in bathrooms, is effective at pulling moist air out before it can condense on metal surfaces. You can run it for an hour after parking a car covered in rain or snow. For a low-cost option, an oscillating fan can help evaporate moisture more quickly by keeping the air moving. On dry, low-humidity days, simply opening the garage door for an hour can also help homeowners air out the space and reduce moisture levels.

5. Store Items Off the Floor

The concrete floor of your garage is a major source of moisture. Being porous, concrete can wick moisture up from the ground, a process known as “sweating.” This makes anything stored directly on the floor vulnerable to rust and water damage.

To protect your belongings, consider some smart storage solutions. Start by using sturdy metal or heavy-duty plastic shelving units to get items off the ground, or opt for wall-mounted cabinets to keep the floor completely clear for easy cleaning. For larger items such as snowblowers or lawnmowers, place them on wooden or plastic pallets to create an air gap that reduces the risk of corrosion. Additionally, make use of wall space with pegboards, track systems, or wall-mounted hooks to store tools, garden equipment, and bikes in an organized manner.

6. Clean & Dry Tools Regularly

Regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping garage tools rust-free. Here are some tool care best practices:

Wipe Down After Use – After every use, take a moment to wipe your tools down with a clean, dry rag. This removes any moisture, dirt, or oils that could lead to rust.
Apply a Protective Coating – For hand tools, a light coat of paste wax or a tool protectant spray can create a barrier against humidity. For larger equipment, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication and rust prevention.
Organized Storage – Store tools in a dedicated toolbox or cabinet. This not only keeps them organized but also protects them from ambient humidity.

7. Avoid Storing Wet Items

Bringing wet items into your garage introduces a significant amount of moisture. This is especially true during Chicago winters, when cars are covered in snow, ice, and corrosive road salt. Here’s how to keep your garage dry:

Knock Off Snow & Ice – Before pulling your car into the garage, take a minute to brush off as much snow and ice as possible. This reduces the amount of water that’ll melt and pool on your floor.
Dry Off Wet Equipment – If you bring in wet items like lawn equipment, bikes, or kayaks, wipe them down with a towel before storing them.
Use Absorbent Mats – Place large, absorbent mats on the floor where you park your car. These mats can soak up a surprising amount of water from melting snow and can be hung up to dry.

8. Wax Your Car

Your car is constantly exposed to rust-inducing elements. A good wax coat does more than just make it shine; it creates a hydrophobic barrier on your car’s paint. This protective layer causes water to bead up and roll off rather than sitting on the surface and causing damage. Wax is especially important in the winter, as it helps shield the paint and clear coat from the highly corrosive effects of road salt. To give your vehicle a crucial layer of protection throughout the winter months, make it a habit to apply a fresh coat of high-quality wax in the late fall before the first snowfall.

9. Inspect & Maintain Regularly

Knowing how to protect garage metal from rust is an ongoing process, so setting aside time for regular inspections can help you catch potential problems before they become significant issues. At least twice a year, in the spring and fall, do a thorough walkthrough of your garage. Look for new cracks, peeling paint, or signs of water intrusion. Use this time to also test the weatherstripping on your doors and windows to ensure they’re still providing a tight seal. A tidy garage is easier to maintain and allows you to spot issues more easily, so take the opportunity to clean and organize as well.

Shield Your Garage Against Rust and Corrosion

Protecting your garage from rust and corrosion in the Chicago climate requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach. By controlling humidity, sealing your space from the elements, using protective coatings, and practicing good maintenance habits, you can create a durable and long-lasting environment for your vehicles, tools, and stored belongings. Contact us today for more tips on how to prevent rust in your garage.