Winters in the Midwest can be brutal, with blizzard-like conditions. This can include snow, ice, sleet, slush, and wind. Anything that is outside can take a beating, including your house and garage. When any type of precipitation cannot drain properly, and the temperature drops to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water can freeze and turn to ice. Besides creating a slipping hazard for homeowners or guests if ice accumulates on walkways or stairs, this can also affect a structure’s roof, siding, and flooring. If there is nowhere for the ice to go once it melts, it can cause serious structural problems. That is why it is important to take steps to prevent ice from forming near or in your garage during the winter months in order to protect your property.

Protecting Your Investments

When snow and ice accumulate on a roof, it can eventually cause leaks once the temperature warms and all of that precipitation melts. Trapped water on the roof that freezes can create an ice dam, which may lead to water pooling and working its way under the shingles. In some cases, the ceiling could cave in, or water may seep through the drywall.

Although icicles may seem like minor annoyances, larger ones could mean big trouble. If they fall, they could seriously hurt bystanders by penetrating their skin or inflicting head trauma depending on their size and weight. Icicles can also damage a car or other equipment that might be near the garage, such as a snowblower. Frozen water weighs a lot, and it places pressure on your gutter system, which may cause gutters to crack or even break in half.

To help prevent potential water damage in, on, and around your garage, make sure to address the following:

• Insulation: This essential part of a home or garage is typically blown-in fiberglass, at least 10 inches thick. Insulation should fill in tightly around joists and rafters, so there are no gaps to let the heat escape, creating a warm roof that prevents ice from forming. Heat tape with copper wiring applied to the inside of the gutters and through downspouts channels electricity to prevent the buildup of ice and snow. Sealing any cracks in the concrete foundation and cement or brick walls will make your garage airtight, ensuring that critters and the elements cannot get inside.

• Ventilation: No ventilation means a lack of air circulation, which can cause moisture to condense and form, resulting in mold or mildew. For garages with attic spaces, ventilation in the form of a ridge vent and soffit vents are helpful. Any type of air flow, such as from a fan, will help ice to melt.

• Drainage: Ensure that gutters are clear of debris such as leaves or dirt before snow falls. In addition, make sure drains on the garage floor are not clogged so water that melts off of your car has a place to go. Similar to a rake for clearing leaves, a snow rake can be ideal for getting large amounts of snow off of your garage roof.

Contact a Downers Grove Garage Builder

If you live in Illinois, you know how harsh wintertime can be. To protect your vehicles and other valuables in your garage, it is imperative that you weatherproof your garage. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we have more than 40 years of experience building, updating, and renovating all different kinds of garage spaces. Find out how our skilled DuPage County garage professionals can make your garage everything you want it to be. To learn more about our services and to set up a free estimate, call our office today at 630-852-8485.

With people spending more and more time at home these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have utilized their garage space like never before. From turning your garage into a home office or gym to using it as a rec room, it can provide a practical and inviting area for your friends and family to gather. There is no time like the present to show your love for your favorite Chicago sports team. Whether it is the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Fire, or Sky, you can share your pride in a fun and festive way. If you are more of a college sports fan, don your garage walls with items showing your support of schools like Northwestern, Loyola, DePaul, or the University of Illinois. Not only can this improve the aesthetics of your garage, but it may also increase your home’s overall value.

Converting That Old Garage Into a Winner

With many major sports teams not permitting fans in the stands to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the only option is to watch games on television instead of in person. Since we are all craving a change of scenery, why not create one in your own garage? Now that the winter months are upon us, it is the ideal time to tackle a home project you might have been putting off. The garage can be an extension of your home, especially when the weather outside is frightful.

If your garage is not finished, that might be the first step in making it usable in the cold Illinois winters. This may include insulating the walls and door, waterproofing it by filling in any foundation cracks, or adding a drop ceiling with can lighting. Basketball lovers may even go so far as to install a wooden basketball court in their garage so they can practice layups or free-throws. Adding stadium seats can really give the effect of being at the ballpark, football field, or arena.

A few of the creative ways you can enhance your garage by turning it into a sports room include:

• Installing drywall and flooring
• Adding electrical features (light fixtures, outlets)
• Painting the walls with your team’s colors
• Building a wet bar/kitchen area
• Buying furniture (tables, chairs, couches) and accessories (pillows, blankets) with your team’s logo
• Installing flat-screen TVs
• Putting in surround sound
• Hanging sports banners or flags inside or outside
• Decorating with pictures of your team’s players or mascot

Contact a Downers Grove Garage Professional

The Chicago area is known for its legendary sports teams and even more for its loyal fans. The reputable team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has more than 40 years of experience renovating and upgrading garage structures of all different sizes and layouts. Our skilled DuPage County garage builders can help you create a fun and unique space to commemorate your favorite Chicago sports team. To request a free estimate, call us today at 630-852-8485.

Now that December is here, Illinois residents are bracing for a cold and snowy winter. Preparation is key to survive the often harsh winter conditions, and this may include “winterizing” your home and vehicles. In some cases, people put plastic on their home’s windows to keep them insulated and free of drafts. Keeping cars running in the winter may mean putting snow tires on and antifreeze in the engine. Similarly, there are steps homeowners can take to protect their garages during the cold months to preserve and maintain their value. Not only do garages house your automobiles, tools, decorations, and more, they may also be used as home offices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important now more than ever to keep your garage properly maintained, especially if it is serving multiple purposes.

Inclement Winter Weather Tips

In the Chicagoland area, the period between December and April can see significant precipitation and blizzard-like conditions. This means your home and garage can take a beating during the winter, with snow, ice, sleet, and slush all hitting these structures. Typically, brick, stone, and siding are meant to withstand the outdoor elements, but over time, they can wear down or break.

A garage that becomes too cold can lead to damage not only to your vehicles but also any equipment stored there. For example, a power washer that still has water in the lines can freeze and crack. Likewise, fuel gels can freeze inside combustion engines, and paint may separate when it freezes.

Many older garage doors are built from wood, which eventually can rot if a weatherproof stain or coating is not applied every year. Many of today’s more modern garage doors are made from materials that are sturdier and provide more insulation. In addition, there are products that create a seal between the garage door and garage door opening to prevent cold air from getting inside or heat from escaping.

Ultimately, homeowners can save themselves time and money when preparing for winter by considering the following garage improvements or enhancements with the help of professional garage builders or remodelers:

• Fix or replace weatherstripping along windows and doors
• Insulate garage walls and doors with fiberglass or foam insulation
• Install a gas or electric heating unit or heated coils in the garage floor
• Upgrade to a new, modern garage door
• Clean leaves and debris out of gutters or replace broken gutters
• Replace garage roof shingles or siding if they are worn or damaged
• Fill in any cracks in the garage foundation
• Add a coat of weatherproof paint or stain to wooden garages

Contact a Chicago Area Garage Professional

It is common knowledge that winters in the Midwest can be brutal. The harsh conditions can wreak havoc on the exterior of your house and garage, which can often lead to problems on the inside of these structures. The skilled team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. have more than 40 years of experience updating, improving, and remodeling garages of all different sizes and layouts. Our highly qualified DuPage County garage builders know what improvements can protect your garage from the elements and make it more energy-efficient. To schedule your free estimate and learn more about the services we provide, call us today at 630-852-8485.

Maintaining your property and possessions involves replacing parts and equipment when they are damaged or when they wear out. This may include installing anything from new gutters and shingles on a roof to energy-efficient windows to springs and hinges on a garage door. There are many reasons why items may need to be updated, such as exposure to the outside elements or frequent use. For example, your garage door may open and close numerous times every day as you and your family members come and go. Routine maintenance is critical for a garage door to operate efficiently and safely. For professional assistance in fixing or installing new hardware for your garage, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help.

Protecting Your Investment

A garage door not only helps seal your home from the outside elements, but it provides security for your vehicles and other valuables. Modern garage doors feature several components that all work together as a system. Some of the main parts include:

• Torsion tube
• Torsion spring
• End bearing
• Cable
• Center bracket
• Drum
• Roller

One of the most common reasons a garage door might need to be replaced or repaired is because a homeowner accidentally hits it when pulling a vehicle in or out of the garage. The force of the impact can damage multiple parts of the door, including its siding, frame, rollers, springs, and hinges. When garage doors are left open, wind, rain, and snow can cause rust due to the moisture. Rust causes friction on the spring’s coils and weakens them, which may cause them to snap or break apart. In addition, the flexibility of a garage door’s springs eventually lose their power, which can disrupt the door’s opening mechanism.

Rollers are used to attach a garage door to its tracks, and they ensure that the door can open and close smoothly. There are several different types of designs for rollers. Building-grade rollers should usually be replaced after around two years, since they do not have ball bearings, and they can wear out quickly, which can lead to loud squeaking when opening or closing the garage door. Improved rollers are typically made of nylon with internal ball bearings.

In some cases, normal wear and tear on a garage can be fixed by simple cosmetic enhancements, such as repainting entry doors or the siding around the structure. Door handles may be made out of steel or wood, so you may want to enhance the look of your garage by updating those as well. Garage door openers also need to be replaced if they start operating erratically. If you believe your garage door opener is not working properly, it is important to seek professional help. If a garage door malfunctions, it can come crashing down, potentially injuring someone walking underneath it.

Contact a DuPage County Garage Professional

Routine maintenance on anything you own is essential for preserving its quality. Garages can go through a lot of wear and tear, especially in Illinois weather. That is why it is important to monitor your garage door’s functionality and replace parts when necessary. The knowledgeable staff at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. have more than 40 years of experience building and remodeling custom garages of all shapes and sizes. Our skilled Downers Grove garage building specialists will help you analyze what renovations your garage needs. To schedule a free estimate, call us today at 630-852-8485.

If you have been spending more time at home lately, you may be thinking about how you would like to improve the value of your house. One way of doing so is renovating your garage, which may include building onto it to increase its square footage or simply replacing the windows or door. There are many different styles of garage doors from which homeowners can choose. For example, some may have windows, while others do not. If you are considering carriage-style garage doors, you may want to go with the traditional “swing out” doors or a faux design that looks like carriage doors but opens up and down like today’s more modern garage doors.

Boosting Your Curb Appeal

Garage doors play a pivotal role in your home’s “curb appeal,” which is what people first notice when driving by or pulling up to your house. Carriage garage doors can be aesthetically pleasing compared to a classic style door, and they may also offer some other benefits, depending on how much space you have in your garage and the way you want your door to open. If you prefer the swing style, you must ensure to have sufficient clearance in front of your garage so there is adequate space for the door to swing out without hitting anything.

Often called “barn-style garage doors,” carriage doors date back to the era when space was needed to house horse-drawn carriages. These doors were originally crafted from wood, so natural wood finishes are common for this type of garage door. A carriage door can offer the best of both worlds, with the rustic charm of the olden days paired with the modern convenience of a door that opens and closes remotely. Some may even be made of steel but have the appearance of wood. Window choices range from plain glass to artistic etched glass with beveled inserts.

Some of the main features of today’s carriage doors include:

• Handcrafted with insulated construction
• Window or arched top sections for multiple door designs
• Paint or stained wood (hemlock, cedar, or redwood)
• Swing-out appearance with overhead operation

Carriage garage door prices depend on the materials used, the level of insulation, and more. Materials such as composite are typically more affordable than natural wood. Remember that the majority of homeowners only need to replace their garage door once in their lifetime, so it is important to install the door you want, since it is an investment that you and your family can enjoy for many years, and it can also increase the overall value of your home.

Contact a DuPage County Custom Garage Professional

Changing your garage door can enhance the appearance of your entire garage while also being environmentally friendly when some types of materials are used. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our skilled team of professionals has over 40 years of experience building and renovating custom garages of all sizes and types. Our dedicated Downers Grove garage specialists keep up to date on the latest technology that makes garages more cost-effective and energy efficient. To learn more, call us today at 630-852-8485 to arrange a free estimate.