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3 Tips for Improving Your Garage Security
Your garage is an important part of your home. It provides a spot to store your vehicles, tools and more. However, it can also be a vulnerable entry point for intruders if you do not have proper security measures in place. With that in mind, taking these steps could help to keep burglars from entering your garage.
Upgrade Your Garage Door
The garage door is often the weakest link when it comes to garage security. Intruders can easily access your property through outdated or damaged doors. Here are some options to keep in mind when looking to upgrade your garage door.
Install a Metal or Solid Core Wooden Door
Choose a door made from durable materials such as metal or solid wood that can withstand forced entry attempts. Metal garage doors are a great option because they will be better for impact resistance. If you prefer wooden doors, solid core wood is a good option, since it is more durable than hollow core wood. To reinforce the garage door, an option to consider is to install bracing kits or horizontal bars on the inside. This measure can greatly enhance the strength of the door.
What Garage Hardware Parts Should You Replace Before Winter?
With the summer coming to an end, colder months in the Chicagoland area are coming up quickly. As a homeowner, it is essential to have all of your garage hardware functioning properly, especially if you use your garage daily for something like parking your car. You do not want your garage door remote, opener, or springs to fail in the middle of a snowstorm and be unable to access your car or snowblower. Therefore, the end of the summer is a great time to replace these parts before these problems arise.
Garage Door
Replacing your garage door before winter arrives can greatly benefit your home. Summertime humidity can cause a garage door to warp, which can impact the seal around it. A new garage door will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in. This will reduce your total heating costs and it will keep your belongings from being damaged by freezing temperatures. Replacing your door will ensure that it functions optimally, minimizing the risk of malfunctions during the colder months.
Transform Your Garage into an Outdoor Party Space
Your garage does not have to be solely dedicated to storing your vehicles and tools. With a bit of planning and a few creative ideas, you can transform your garage into a spot for gatherings in no time! Your garage is the perfect place to host friends and family from the comfort of your home.
Clear and Clean Your Space
Before you start planning your garage transformation, clear your space of all unnecessary items by decluttering, organizing, and cleaning the space. If you have items that you are no longer using, you can donate or sell them to clear some additional space. Once it is clean and empty, assess the space and any limitations or opportunities. For example, is the garage large enough to create different areas for people to sit and eat or for friends and family to dance? Is your ceiling high enough to hang decorative elements? Once you have a clear picture of what you are working with, it is time to start decorating.
Decorate with Ambiance in Mind
To create a party atmosphere, think about the overall ambiance you want to establish in your garage. Consider adding lighting elements like dimmable light bulbs, table lamps, string lights, or lanterns to create an ambiance that suits your needs. If you want to create an intimate ambiance, choose warm and soft lighting. Additionally, invest in some comfortable furniture, bar equipment, and serving tables to make the space inviting and functional for your guests.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Garage Door For Your Home
Your garage door is not just a functional component of your home; it is also an important element of your home's overall style. There are many different factors that can drive your decision to get a wooden, fiberglass or steel garage door. With many options and customization features available, it can be challenging to know where to start, so getting started with a garage building expert can help make these decisions easier. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a garage door that fits your needs.
Location
Depending on where you live, your garage door may be exposed to a variety of different weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain and snow, or extreme temperatures. For areas with harsh climates, it is essential to choose a garage door that is durable and can withstand these conditions. Look for doors that are made from fiberglass, which offer superior insulation and protection from the elements due to its ability to inhibit energy release.
Practical DIY Garage Storage Ideas
One of the biggest challenges that homeowners face is finding enough space to store everything, from tools to outdoor equipment, and clutter seems to accumulate quickly. Creating customized garage storage solutions can effectively tackle these issues and provide long-lasting solutions. In this guide, we'll dive into some creative ideas and tips for building your own DIY garage storage system that will maximize the space and bring order to the chaos.
Overhead Storage
For items that you don't use regularly, overhead storage is an excellent option to keep your garage floor free from clutter. Installing a ceiling-mounted storage system is a great way to utilize space and keep things like seasonal decorations or sports equipment out of sight. One of the simplest DIY methods involves building wooden shelves and brackets to attach to the ceiling joists. Alternatively, you can create an overhead rack with PVC pipes or metal conduit connected to the wall and ceiling with screw-in hooks. Whichever option you choose, make sure to measure the spacing of the joists or rafters to ensure a sturdy and safe installation.
5 Options to Keep Your Garage Cool in Summer
We have seen that this summer has brought long days and record high temperatures. Despite that, enjoying quality time outdoors with loved ones remains a priority, and the garage proves to be an excellent venue for such gatherings. However, finding a way to cool down your garage during the scorching summer can be a challenge. Although increasing the air conditioning might appear to be a convenient solution, it may not be the most efficient means of resolving the issue. Let's explore some alternatives to ensure a comfortable garage in the long run.
Insulation: Insulation is an effective way to keep your garage cool in summer by reducing heat transfer. The main culprit of this is due to lack of garage door insulation. By insulating your garage doors, you reduce the amount of heat that enters your garage. Fiberglass batt insulation is one option to improve your garage insulation. You can also consider spray foam insulation for your garage.
Sealing your garage: Sealing your garage is another effective way to reduce heat transfer. You can do this by sealing any gaps around your garage door with weatherstripping. Garage thresholds are often a source of hot air entry; therefore, ensuring that you seal them with a proper sealant can work wonders in cooling your garage. The added bonus of sealing your garage means that you can reduce winter heat loss and keep cold air out of the garage.
Gable vs Hip Roofs: Which is Best for Your Home?
When you are building a new home or repairing an old one, one of the most important decisions you will make is the type of roof you choose. The two most common options for roofing are gabel and hip roofs. Both have unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand the differences between them before making a final decision.
What is a Gable Roof?
A gable roof is the most traditional roof style, with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge or peak. The gable roof is simple and easy to construct, making it a popular choice for builders and homeowners alike. This type of roof provides ample storage space in the attic and promotes natural ventilation, which can help to lower energy costs. However, gable roofs can be a challenge in high-wind areas because they are more prone to damage than hip roofs. Additionally, gable roofs typically require more maintenance throughout their lifespan than hip roofs.
What is a Hip Roof?
A hip roof has four sloping sides that meet at a ridge or peak. Each side slopes downward from the center of the roof, and the corners are typically styled with decorative trim. Hip roofs are generally considered to be more durable and stable than gable roofs, making them a good choice for areas prone to extreme weather conditions. They also offer greater resistance to wind and can lower energy costs by providing better insulation. However, hip roofs are often more costly to construct than gable roofs, and they don't offer as much storage space or natural ventilation. Hip roofs are also more susceptible to leaking due to the increased amount of seams.
How to Protect Your Garage From Pests
Your garage is an essential part of your home, whether it is used to house your vehicle, store equipment, or serve as a personal workspace. However, it can also become a haven for unwanted visitors - pests. From mice and rats to insects and spiders, these critters can bring germs into your home and create an unpleasant environment. By learning how to protect your garage from pests, you can proactively take steps to safeguard this important space and maintain a clean, functional, and healthy living environment for you and your loved ones.
Signs You Might Have Pests In Your Garage
- Unexplained noise, such as scurrying or scratching.
- Strange odors.
- Droppings from rodents or insects.
- Items that have been chewed.
If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that you are already dealing with a pest problem.
Keep Your Garage Clean and Organized
Maintaining cleanliness and organization in your garage is crucial for preventing infestations. Pests are attracted to messy spaces where they can hide, build nests, and find food. Therefore, it is important to keep your garage tidy and dispose of any trash or clutter that may serve as a food source for pests. Additionally, store food items in airtight containers to prevent pests from accessing them.
Troubleshooting Tips for a Garage Door that Suddenly Stopped Working During the Summer
As the summer heat intensifies, your garage door may encounter various issues that require your attention. Whether it is the metal warping, springs breaking or your sensors are not working properly, the timing is never ideal for your garage door to break. While dealing with a damaged garage door can be frustrating, there are some solutions that may be easier than you think. Taking the right steps can help to fix your garage door in no time.
Check the Door Springs:
One of the most important components are the garage door springs. The high temperatures in the summer can cause these components to expand, which then decreases their functionality. As your springs are used repeatedly, this can compound and potentially lead to breakage or a decrease in their functionality. If your door is refusing to open, it's wise to start by inspecting the door springs. This simple yet effective troubleshooting step can help identify and address the issue at hand. If the springs are causing your garage door to malfunction, contact an expert technician to replace them immediately.
Converting Your Garage into a Home Gym: What You Need to Know
Converting your garage into a dedicated home gym is a fantastic way to create a convenient workout space tailored to your fitness needs. Discover the benefits of transforming your garage and how to approach this exciting renovation project.
Essential Equipment and Layout
Carefully select the equipment that aligns with your fitness goals and interests. Popular options include cardio machines like treadmills or ellipticals, weightlifting equipment, and versatile exercise accessories. Efficiently organize the layout of your home gym to maximize space utilization and ensure a smooth flow between different exercise stations.
Flooring and Insulation
Invest in suitable flooring for your garage gym to support an active and comfortable workout. Options like rubber mats, interlocking tiles, or specialized gym flooring provide traction, shock absorption, and protection for your equipment. Additionally, consider insulation to regulate temperature and minimize noise transmission, creating a more enjoyable workout experience.
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