For many garage owners, the installation of new siding is not a renovation that is at the top of their list of priorities. However, inclement weather conditions and longevity can leave a garage’s siding in desperate need of replacement. Considering the amount of damage that cracks, holes, and warped siding can cause to the structure of a garage, property owners should routinely conduct inspections. There are several indicators that can help determine whether new siding is needed:

Holes and Water Damage

As previously mentioned, if it is discovered that your garage siding is not in good condition, it is possible that additional damage may occur. Tiny holes in your siding are typically caused by animals or insects. In addition, breaks in your siding can also provide an entryway for water, snow, and mud. Bubbles may start to appear just under the surface of your siding if moisture is trapped. Water damage can lead to mold, fungus, or mildew, and it is an immediate sign that siding needs to be replaced.

Loose or Missing Siding

If you notice that pieces of your siding are not properly attached to your garage or have completely fallen off, it is imperative that they be replaced as soon as possible. When the structural wood of a garage is exposed to the elements, this can cause severe damage. If a few pieces of siding become detached after a storm, it is possible that they can simply be put back into place. However, if multiple pieces have become disconnected or are missing, you may need to contact a professional to replace your garage’s siding.

Warped Siding or Rotting Wood

In order to determine the strength and condition of your siding and the structural wood behind it, both a visual inspection and a physical examination should be completed. If you recognize siding that looks misshapen or any sort of rotting wood, poking the material with a sharp object could help you decide if the material is in good shape. Soft or rotting wood beneath a garage’s siding is a strong indicator that a replacement is needed.

Call Our DuPage County Custom Garage Experts

Understanding the strength and condition of your garage’s siding and structural wood is essential for maintaining its durability and addressing any minor issues before they become major problems. If you suspect that your siding is in need of replacement, the experienced Downers Grove garage renovation professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help. By determining the current state of your siding, our team can evaluate your needs and work with you to resolve the issue. To receive a free estimate, call our office today at 630-852-8485.

A garage is a structure utilized by homeowners to park vehicles, store miscellaneous items, or for a variety of other purposes. Whether your garage is a standalone unit or attached to your house, this extra room can significantly increase the value of your property. Garages are functional year-round and provide homeowners with many advantages throughout each season. In addition, many improvements or upgrades can be made to make sure your garage fits your specific needs. If you are looking to build, customize, or renovate your garage, you should speak to our garage experts today.

Room for Your Car

Most commonly, garages are used for storing parked cars. Since a vehicle is a significant investment, it makes sense that you will want to protect your property. Using a garage as a place to park your automobile provides many advantages, such as:

• Adding an extra level of security against theft or vandalism.
• Protecting your vehicle from inclement weather conditions.
• Increasing your comfort and convenience.
• Decreasing clutter in your driveway.

A new or expanded garage can allow you to park multiple vehicles, and it may include room for appliances, tools, or other items. If additional storage is required, adding a loft to your garage may allow you to utilize ceiling space without getting in the way of a parked car.

Increased Storage Space

Depending on how you use your property during different times of the year, your garage can accumulate a variety of seasonal tools and appliances. During the spring and summer, you may keep items such as gardening tools, lawn equipment, sporting items, and pool appliances in your garage. On the other hand, the winter season requires room for shovels, salt, or snow blowers. Instead of finding a place to store these items outside or somewhere in your house, a garage renovation project may give allow you to use your garage as a perfect storage location. Furthermore, you may be able to make space in your garage for items such as washers, dryers, and other appliances.

Creating a Perfect Getaway

Whether you want a home office, personal gym, or a party room, a garage can be remodeled to fit your specific needs. Utilizing your garage as a multi-purpose location can help you increase your overall living space. In addition, a renovation project could significantly boost your garage’s curb appeal.

Call Our DuPage County Custom Garage Experts

Your garage is often a key part of your home. Whether you park there every day or use it for other purposes, your garage can provide many benefits, and a renovation project can help you get the best use out of your space. If you are looking to build a new garage or get more functionality out of your current one, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help. Our dedicated Downers Grove garage renovation professionals can advise you on what needs to be done. To schedule an initial consultation with a free estimate, call our office at 630-852-8485.

Elements such as wind, ice, snow, sleet, and hail can make wintertime in the Midwest a frightful thing to experience. Although garages are exposed to the weather year-round, these structures often do not receive the same amount of maintenance and care that a house would get. Due to the frigid temperatures that occur during the winter months, garages may often be covered in snow or ice. In an effort to avoid any injuries or property damage, agarage renovation project may be needed. Discussing your thoughts and concerns with a knowledgeable garage improvement expert can save you a great deal of time, effort, and money in this type of project.

Addressing Snow and Ice Accumulation

During the winter, it is common for snow and ice to build up on garage roofs. Massive amounts of snow can sit atop a garage, leading to leakage, holes, or even cave-ins. Although it may seem that a little snow on a garage roof can provide an extra layer of insulation, allowing snow to pile up is not recommended due to the possible harm that can result. If the snow begins to melt, extensive water damage may result. Furthermore, snow that turns into ice can lead to icicles and additional safety hazards.

The temperature of your garage roof can lead to additional issues. When snow comes into contact with a warm roof, it can melt and refreeze. Because water expands when it freezes, this can lead to additional damage. You can help avoid this by ensuring that you have proper insulation in your garage’s attic, which will keep the inside of your garage warm while also keeping the outside cold. Furthermore, you should ensure that your gutters are up to code. When snow melts into water, having proper working gutters can prevent further destruction.

Prepare for External Damage

Depending on the structure, build, and external doors that a garage may have, different types of weather conditions may cause external damage. For instance, a garage’s siding may be torn off due to strong winds, or dents and holes can result from hail. Before storms start to approach, you may want to have your garage doors and siding inspected. You can also seal any gaps around doors and windows, which can help keep the structure sound.

Contact Our DuPage County Garage Construction Experts

Before wintertime weather becomes overbearing in Illinois, garage owners should prepare for the worst. With 40 years of experience, the trustedDowners Grove garage professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can work with you to ensure your garage renovation project is handled with care. To receive a free estimate, call our office at 630-852-8485.

If you are looking to improve or redevelop your garage, it is important to consider what time of year the project should begin. Although winter may seem like a less than ideal time to start a garage makeover, completing renovations during the colder season will ensure that the finished product will be ready when the warmer months roll around. If you want to enjoy your garage when the weather is nice, a winter remodel may be ideal for you. Before jumping into a garage renovation, it is important to discuss your wants and needs with an experienced garage building expert.

Why Are Colder Months Good for Renovation?

Depending on what type of remodel you are looking to do, the colder temperature of wintertime can make construction easier. If the ground is frozen, and the air is dry, it will be more ideal to dig a foundation. In addition, it is practical to avoid a muddy ground if you are pouring concrete. One final thought to consider if you start a project in the winter months is that you can avoid the unpredictable weather of the spring and summer months.

Benefits of a Wintertime Renovation

Garages are often used more frequently in the spring and summer than during the months of November through February. When the weather gets frightful, many people like to stay inside their home rather than utilize tools or other equipment that may be stored in a garage. If your renovation project is completed out of season, your garage can be the ideal summertime location for:

• Cookouts and parties
• A work area for cars and other projects
• A location to store lawn tools, pool equipment, and sporting items

Make Room for Your Car and Winter Items

Before you begin a garage renovation in the winter, it is important to consider how your everyday life may be affected. If possible, you should try to maintain enough room for your car in the garage throughout the renovation. By clearing out space, utilizing efficient storage methods, and understanding your construction needs, you can ensure that you will be able to park your car inside the garage during winter weather. Furthermore, you will want to ensure that you will have access to snow shovels, salt, or other items needed to clear snow or ice, since construction may be tricky if safety concerns are not addressed.

Contact Our Downers Grove Garage Construction Experts

If you are thinking about customizing your garage, the winter months may be the best season to start your project. Since a garage is typically under-utilized when it is cold out, you can prepare for a time when you will be able to enjoy your garage more fully. If you have any questions or concerns about your garage, or if you need help determining how to implement your garage renovation ideas, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can provide insight into your specific needs. To receive a free estimate from one of our experienced DuPage County custom garage professionals, contact our office today at 630-852-8485.

The safety and well-being of children are likely to be the primary concerns of any parent or guardian. Whether you already have a child or may be a parent soon, taking the time to childproof your home can be important. However, one area that many parents may overlook is the garage. Items that are often stored in a garage, such as tools, machinery, cars, chemicals, and appliances can be very dangerous. If you are considering a garage renovation project, you should talk to an experienced garage professional to ensure that any safety concerns are addressed.

Assessing Your Garage

What may seem safe to an adult can pose an inherent risk to a young child. It is important to look through your garage and take note of any safety issues that may be prevalent or issues that might be outside the norm. When trying to determine what could be dangerous, these questions may help narrow things down:

• Can my child reach this?
• Can this be opened by a child?
• Can my child get inside the garage without me?
• Are my garage entry points in good condition?
• Is it okay to keep trash in my garage?

Taking Steps to Childproof Your Garage

Many potential dangers that exist within a garage can be corrected by some rather simple renovations. For example, to keep chemicals and tools out of the reach of children, installing high shelves or cabinets with locks could significantly decrease a child’s ability to access them. Furthermore, the addition of a separate room with a locking door could prohibit a child from accessing items such as rakes, shovels, lawnmowers, and weed whackers.

Structural Concerns

Trash may seem like an unimportant topic of concern in regard to a child’s safety; however, pests and wildlife could be attracted to garbage in your garage. If the garage has a broken window, a loose entry door, or any other exterior damage that can provide an entryway, animals can burrow into a garage, and they may bite or attack someone if they are cornered.

The possibility of a fire must also be considered when addressing any safety issues. Electrical surges, flammable liquids, and other incendiary items can lead to a fire starting and spreading rather quickly. It can be beneficial to install smoke detectors, purchase a fire extinguisher, and regularly check the functionality of your garage door and other hardware. A malfunctioning device can create sparks and friction, and resulting fires could spread to flammable objects such as a car.

Contact Our DuPage County Garage Renovation Experts

Maintaining a structurally sound garage is one of the most important ways to keep your property safe for children. Furthermore, the addition of strategically placed cabinets and inaccessible storage rooms could limit children from getting their hands on unsafe items. To speak to one of our experienced Downers Grove custom garage professionals about your options, please call our office at 630-852-8485 for a free estimate.