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Recent Blog Posts
Choosing The Right Lighting For Your Garage
The style, size, and door type are some of the biggest considerations when getting a new garage. Often, lighting is an afterthought. However, lighting is very important for your garage. Proper lighting can increase the safety, usability, and aesthetic appeal of a garage. In an article, Garage Lighting Tips, Wanda Thibodeaux shared three important considerations for choosing the right lighting for your garage: placement, safety, and bulb type.
Placement
The first step in a lighting installation plan is determining the placement of lights. Ideally, you want to install the lights in areas that require visual accessibility. Examples would be lights placed over a workbench or the area of the garage that corresponds to above the vehicle engine. This will make it easier for you to see what you are doing during minor repairs or when working on a project. You may want to consider installing light fixtures that have built-in electrical outlets so you can plug in electrical tools that might be needed during the repairs or other work.
Garage Door Opener Basics
When it comes to garage door openers, there are a lot more options nowadays. In the past standard garage door openers such as chain-driven models, belt-driven models, and screw-driven openers were the only options available to those interested in automating their garage doors. Now, residential jackshaft and direct-drive models have been introduced.
An article from Bob Vila, Garage Door Openers 101, shared details about the different types of garage door openers, including some advantages and disadvantages. We will share more details below.
Standard Garage Door Openers
Standard garage door openers include chain-driven models, belt-drive openers, and screw-driven openers.
Chain-Driven Models
A chain (similar to a bicycle chain) pushes or pulls a trolley that connects to a metal bar, called a J-arm, that is affixed to the garage door.
- Advantage: Newer chain-driven units with DC motors and soft start-and-stop technology are significantly quieter than older units.
Types of Garages: Gambrel Garages
In our three-part garage type series we have been focusing on the different types of garages that are available, details on each type, and real pictures of garages we have built. Our final post will focus on Gambrel Garages.
Garages with a gambrel roof, also known as "barn style", have a straight ridge in the center like gable garages. However, they differ in that there are two roof sections on each side of a gambrel garage, as opposed to one. The lower roof section has a steep pitch while the higher roof section has a much shallower pitch. This greatly maximizes interior space and headroom. Below we will share some advantages of gambrel garages and pictures of gambrel garages we have built in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Advantages of Gambrel Garages
Some advantages of gambrel garages include:
- Because of the shape of the roof, gambrel garages offer the most space
- Handles wind loads well
- Again, steep sides allow rain and snow to run off easily
Types of Garages: Hip Garages
In our three-part garage type series we will be focusing on the different types of garages that are available, details on each type, and real pictures of garages we have built. This post will focus on Hip Garages.
Overall, hip garages are the most common type of garage for a variety of reasons.
Hip garages are four sided, as opposed to the two-sided gable roof discussed in our last blog post. Below we will share some advantages of hip garages and pictures of hip garages we have built in the Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Advantages of Hip Garages
A hip garage may seem like the most basic and simple option, but with the right touches, it can be an extremely attractive addition to your home and property while still being affordable and functional. Advantages of hip garages include:
- Strong and cost-effective
- Similar to a gable garage, 4 steep slopes allow rain and snow to run off
- Easy to incorporate into an existing structure
Like gabled garages, hip garages are common in areas that receive a lot of snow. Steep slopes are advantageous in areas that have a lot of snow in the winter. However, hip garages are less vulnerable than gable garages to high wind.
Types of Garages: Gable Garages
In our three-part garage type series we will be focusing on the different types of garages that are available, details on each type, and real pictures of garages we have built. This post will focus on Gable Garages.
Gable garages are one of the most common types of garage. This simple, yet practical style of garage offers numerous possibilities.
What is a gable garage? With two sloping sides that come together at a ridge, gable garages are built to match the gables on the house. The triangular gable faces the front. Below we will share some advantages of gable garages, pictures of gable garages we have built in the Chicago area, and some information on reverse gable garages.
Advantages of Gable Garages
The gable roof is one of the most common, not only for aesthetic purposes, but also for the large amount of interior space that it can provide. Other advantages of gable garages include:
- Sturdy design
- Allows for vaulted ceilings, increasing storage space
How to Choose The Right Size Garage
If you are going to get a new garage, there are many things to take into consideration. Important considerations include style (custom, hip, gable) and material, and size. The size of your garage is critical in meeting your garage needs. When choosing a size you should consider your vehicles, storage needs, walking space, and your available land space. Below are some guidelines for choosing the right size garage from eHow.
The minimum size for most single-car garages is 12 feet wide by 20 feet long. For a two-car garage the minimum dimensions are 18 feet wide by 20 feet long. Understand these are minimum dimensions if you plan on limiting your storage primarily to automobiles, with minimum room for walking.
Consider Your Vehicle When Choosing Garage Size
Measure the length of the vehicle or vehicles you want to store in the garage. Measure both the length and width, with doors open. Consider if you will move to a larger vehicle in the future. Measure the length of the trailer and boat if you wish to store them in the garage.
Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Garage
Today marks the official start of the spring season, and with that comes spring cleaning! When it comes to spring cleaning, many overlook their garage. Don't neglect your garage this year. Follow these 6 simple steps from Men'sHealth to get your garage clean:
1. Assess the Mess
Pick a sunny morning to pull everything out of the garage and take inventory; you'll immediately see what you no longer need.
Divide into categories keep, garbage, recycling, and sell/give away. Make a yard sale pile for duplicates or items you haven't used in at least 3 years.
2. Throw Things Out
Dispose of items that are broken and can't be fixed, or are too old to be of use to anyone. Make a separate pile for toxic or recyclable stuff-car batteries, old mower gas-and dispose of them responsibly. (Visit earth911.com for recycling advice and resources.)
Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them
The three most common problems you may run into with your garage door is a screeching sound, not going down all the way, or the remote-operated garage door won't open. The A-Authentic Arizona Garage Door Repair blog shared DIY garage door repair tips to solve these three common issues, which are shared below.
Problem #1: Garage Door Makes a Screeching Sound
Typically, a screeching garage door is caused by old, rusty garage door springs and rollers. Due to a build up of dirt and rust, garage doors are prone to this problem and this problem is quite normal.
Solution: Purchase a can of garage door lubricant to do the job for you and apply it on your garage door springs, garage door wheels, and main hinges. Open your garage door manually 2-3 times to see if the lubricant has made an effect. Apply even portions especially on the garage door wheels and also apply the lubricant on your garage door's screws to loosen up the tension. Don't forget to disconnect your garage door from the automatic opener (if you have any) before doing this DIY garage door repair fix. Note: try not to use WD-40's because they tend to attract a lot of dirt and dust over time.
Garage Door Maintenance Check List
Garage doors are an investment that requires light maintenance to ensure their longevity and safety. Maintenance can ensure your garage stays in good working order for its lifetime. In fact, you can even perform some of these maintenance tasks yourself. If you are not comfortable performing the tasks, have them performed by a trained service technician. Following is a garage door maintenance door checklist from Garage Door Care (perform in the corresponding order).
Monthly Visual Inspection
Stand inside the garage with the garage door closed. Look over the garage door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and mounting hardware, such as hinges, for signs of wear or damage. Look for cable wear or fraying. Is the mounting hardware becoming loose? If something doesn't look quite right – or doesn't sound quite right – it could be the symptom of a more serious issue. Have the garage door system inspected by a trained service technician.
4 Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door
How long have you had your current garage door system? Have you been considering repairing or replacing your garage? In some cases garage door repair can be the solution. However, there are some reasons that you may want to consider replacing your garage door and system completely. A+ Garage doors shared 4 reasons to replace your garage door and system.
1. Reduce Power Bills
Have you been experiencing high electric bills? Your old garage door system may be increasing your costs. On an attached garage, replacing your old garage door system with a new, insulated model can help to decrease your electric bill. The outside temperature won't have as much influence on the temperature inside your house because your garage can now serve as a buffer. An added benefit of insulation? Storing items inside an insulated garage protects them better from the elements.
2. Increase Your Home Value
A better looking home is easier to sell. A new garage can increase your home value, which is especially important if you are considering selling your house.
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