Choosing the Right Material for Your New Garage Door

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In the Chicago and DuPage County area, we experience cold winters, warm summers, and everything in between. Any homeowner will want to make sure their garage will survive these extremes, as well as the abrupt changes in temperature which can often occur. One key area of consideration is the material used for your garage door. Whether you are planning to replace your garage door or completely renovate or rebuild your garage, it is important to understand the pros and cons of the different types of garage doors that are available.

Steel Garage Doors

The most popular type of garage door is made out of steel, which is affordable and durable. Steel garage doors typically last for a long time and are weather resistant, making this type of garage door the best choice for any climate. Another benefit of a steel garage door is that it is possible to customize the door with different colors of paint, paneling styles, or window designs. Steel garage doors will not warp or crack, and they do not require much maintenance, since this type of material is very strong. Steel garage doors, however, do not provide much insulation.

Aluminum Garage Doors

Aluminum garage doors are lighter than doors made of other materials, but they tend to be more expensive than steel garage doors. Even though aluminum garage doors are easier to dent, they will not rust, and they will last for a long time. Unlike steel garage doors, aluminum garage doors tend to provide better insulation.

Fiberglass Garage Doors

Fiberglass garage doors are light, and they are considered to be very stylish. However, this type of material does not provide very good insulation, and it does not respond well to colder temperatures. Even though fiberglass garage doors are relatively inexpensive and low-maintenance, direct sunlight may cause the fiberglass material to fade over time.

Wood Garage Doors

Wood is one of the more expensive choices of garage door materials. This type of garage door can be beautiful and stylish, but it will often not last long due to potential rotting of the material, and it can also involve high maintenance costs. However, wood garage doors are strong and durable, and if they are maintained well, they can last longer than most other garage door materials.

Call Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

If you have any further questions about your garage door options, the garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can give you the answers you need. With our 39 years of experience creating custom garage solutions, we can work with you to build an attractive, functional garage that meets your unique needs and adds value to your home. To get started with your garage project, please contact us at 630-852-8485. Please visit our gallery to view some of our previous work.

Storing and Maintaining Snow Removal Equipment in Your Garage

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During the winter in the Chicago area and DuPage County, we often experience unexpected changes in the weather. Sudden snowfall can be difficult to deal with, so it is always a good idea to make sure that your snow removal equipment is easily accessible and ready to use. Here are some tips for organizing and maintaining your snow removal equipment in your garage:

Storing and Organizing Shovels

Snow shovels come and many shapes and forms, and you will likely have more than one shovel which you keep in your garage, along with other shovels, rakes, and yard equipment. Installing a rack to store snow shovels and other equipment is a great way to ensure that these items will be easily accessible. During the winter, snow shovels can be stored in the front of the rack, and other items can be kept in the back until they are needed. If you have children, you may want to install hooks to keep the equipment secure.

Keeping a Snowblower Maintained

During every winter season, it is a good idea to change the oil in your snowblower and replace the spark plug, ensuring that the engine will be able to start and run properly. Stocking up on spare snowblower parts is also a good idea, allowing you to keep the machine working if any parts fail. Since fasteners tend to loosen when a snowblower is used regularly during the winter, take the initiative to tighten the fasteners after using the snowblower. Finally, be sure to check the snowblower’s tires regularly to ensure that they do not become worn out and lose traction.

Storing Salt and Ice Melt

It is important to properly store salt or other ice melt compounds in your garage, ensuring that they do not degrade or harden. If packages of ice melt have not been opened, they can be kept in the garage throughout the winter and other seasons. However, ice melt packages that have been opened should be kept in airtight containers in humidity controlled environments, avoiding degradation from moisture and air.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

If you are considering making changes to your garage or building a new garage in 2018, you can count on Blue Sky Builders, Inc. to help you create a solution that will fit your needs and provide value to your home. Our garage professionals have more than 38 years of experience working on garage projects of every shape and size. If you want to know more about how we can help you create the ideal garage for your home, please contact us at 630-852-8485.

Planning for a New Garage in 2018

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The beginning of a new year is a great time to plan to make changes to your house, your overall property, and your garage. As spring approaches and the weather warms up, this is a great time to consider renovating your garage or building a completely new garage.

When planning for a new or renovated garage, there are many factors to consider, such as style, size, space, materials, and door types. Choosing a garage is not a one-size-fits-all type of situation. Each homeowner should consider their options and determine how to create a garage that will fit their specific needs.

Garage Door Materials

The choice of garage door can come down to what fits the style of your home, but it is important to make sure that your door will provide safety and security while continuing to function correctly throughout its lifetime. Metal and fiberglass garage doors tend to last longer because of their durability. While wooden garage doors are more expensive, they may add property value to your home because of their attractive appearance.

In the Chicago area, where we often experience extreme temperature changes, it may be in your best interests to consider a fiberglass garage door. Not only is fiberglass durable, it can also help insulate your garage, resulting in savings on heating costs.

Garage Size

Most single car garage doors are between eight and nine feet wide. Many homeowners prefer a wider door, since this reduces the chance of scratching their car by scraping it on the sides of the door. For a two-car garage, doors are usually 15 to 16 feet wide.

It is a good idea to make sure that your garage provides at least three feet of space on each side of a car, which will allow enough room to open doors and move around throughout the garage. If you need additional room in your garage for storage or to fit equipment such as a hot water heater or large mechanical tools, then you may want to add some extra depth or width to the garage.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

If you have plans to renovate your garage or build a brand new garage in 2018, you can count on Blue Sky Builders, Inc. to help you create a garage that will fit your needs and provide value to your home. Our garage professionals have more than 38 years of experience providing homeowners with custom garage solutions, and we are ready to help you build the ideal garage for your home. If you have any questions about rebuilding or renovating your garage, please contact us at 630-852-8485.

Tips for Removing Snow from Your Driveway

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We are well into the winter season in the Chicago and DuPage County areas, and we have already experienced several weeks of bitter cold and snowy, icy weather. Garages can be greatly affected by winter weather, and keeping your driveway and walkways clear of snow is a major concern. Here are some tips for the best ways to remove snow using either a snow shovel or a snowblower:

Using a Snow Shovel

Shoveling snow can be hard work, but by following these tips, you will be able to clear your driveway effectively:

  • Shovel as snow falls, clearing your driveway and walkways after every few inches of snowfall. Alternatively, you can wait until snow stops falling and shovel it in layers.
  • Only shovel as much snow as you are able to lift comfortably. Trying to lift too much can result in back injuries.
  • Avoid walking on snow before shoveling it, since this can cause the snow to pack and become more difficult to shovel.
  • Push snow from the center of the driveway to its outer edges, then use a scoop shovel to lift the bulk of the snow out of the driveway.

Using a Snow Blower

If you have health problems that prevent you from doing the difficult labor of shoveling snow, or if you simply do not want to shovel snow out of a long driveway, a snow blower may be the best option for you. Here are some key factors to consider when using a snow blower:

  • Do not wait until snow stops falling, since with less snow, a snow blower will not need to work as hard, and it will be able to throw snow farther.
  • Throw the snow as far as possible, rather than throwing it partially off the driveway, requiring it to be cleared a second time.
  • Watch out for obstructions, such as newspapers that may be buried in the snow.
  • Clear snow slowly to avoid clogs that may wear out the parts of the machine.
  • Start the snow blower with fresh gasoline and add stabilizer to the fuel.
  • If you run out of gas before you are finished, allow the snow blower to cool off before refueling.
  • Use synthetic oil, since traditional oil thickens in the cold, making a snow blower more difficult to start.

Call Blue Sky Builders, Inc. Today

Snow can definitely wreak havoc on our everyday lives, and it is important to tend to issues with our garages and driveways as a result of snow and ice. If you have questions regarding how winter weather may negatively affect your garage and driveway, you can count on Blue Sky Builders, Inc. to further assist you. Our experienced garage professionals have over 38 years of experience creating custom garage solutions, and we are incredibly proud of the work that we do. If you have any questions about renovating or repairing your garage in the New Year, please contact us today at 630-852-8485. To view some of our work, please visit our gallery.

Looking Back at Garage Tips for 2017

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2017 was a great year for garage owners in the Chicago and DuPage County area, and at Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we shared a wide variety of tips on how to maintain and clean your garage, keep pests away, make changes or renovations, and much more. As we begin the new year, this is a good chance to look back at some of our best blogs from the past year and use their insights as you prepare your garage for the upcoming seasons.

How to Clean Your Garage After it Floods: Inspired by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, this blog looks at the steps you should take to clean out your garage and the items stored within it if it has been damaged in a flood.

Preventing a Turkey Fryer Fire in Your Garage This Thanksgiving: The use of deep fryers to cook Thanksgiving turkeys has become more popular in recent years, but they can present a serious fire hazard. We shared some tips for making sure you stay safe and avoid damaging your garage and your home when cooking your Thanksgiving dinner.

How to Clean Up Melted Snow in Your Garage: Snowy and icy winter weather can lead to water damage in your garage. We provided some helpful tips for cleaning up the mess that melted snow can cause and preventing future damage.

5 Ways to Prep your Garage for the Summer: With the dramatic shifts in weather that we experience in the Chicago area, it is always good to make sure your garage is ready for the changing seasons. This blog provides some excellent tips that will help you make sure you are prepared for the warm summer months.

Security Tips That Can Keep Your Garage Safe: Home security is important, and when taking steps to secure your home, you should be sure not to neglect your garage. We share some ways you can keep your garage safe from both thieves and animals.

How to Prepare Your Garage for An Electric Car: Convenient, economical electric vehicles are becoming more popular and affordable. If you are considering purchasing this type of car, you should make sure you have the equipment that will allow you to park and charge your car in your garage.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

This is only a small selection of the topics we have covered on our blog over the past year, and we will be continuing to share helpful garage tips, so please stay tuned! At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we have over 38 years of experience creating custom garage solutions, and we are incredibly proud of the work that we do. If you have any questions about renovating or repairing your garage in the new year, please contact us today at 630-852-8485. To view some of our work, please visit our gallery.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Garage

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We are less than a week away from the new year, but while the cold weather currently has us curled up in our homes to stay warm, now is a good time to begin thinking of ideas to for how to renovate your garage in the spring. Here are a few new year’s resolutions for your garage:

Get Organized

Now is a good time to look at your garage space and the objects you store in it and think of good ways to organize your belongings. There are a wide variety of storage options, including metal or plastic shelving, plastic storage bins, or cubbies for toys and equipment. You might also want to consider some innovative ideas such as rails on the ceiling or walls where bins can be stored, rollout shelves or sliding bypass units that maximize the use of space, or special holders for sports equipment and yard tools. Taking the time now to plan how to make the best use of your space can help you create a well-organized garage when the weather warms up.

Update Your Lighting

If you would like a brighter garage in the new year, you can replace standard light bulbs with long fluorescent light strips that will brighten the entire space. Task lighting may also be beneficial if you have a work space in your garage. Make sure lights and light switches are installed at garage entrances, and you may want to consider upgrading your light switches as well.

Protect Against Pests

Keeping mice, rodents, and other pests away from your garage is beneficial for both your property value and your family’s health. Here are some steps you can take in the new year to keep pests from entering your garage:

  • Keep the floors clean and use a fan to dry moist areas.
  • Inspect walls and windows for open cracks that may allow pests and other animals to make their way into your garage. Seal these cracks with caulk.
  • Apply pesticides or catch and release pests outside with a broom and dust pan.
  • If larger animals are suspected to have entered the garage through cracks, call a pest control company.
  • Remove possible food attractions by regularly cleaning cooking grills and using covered trash containers.
  • Inspect the weather stripping on all sides of the garage door. If there are any gaps or cracks, have the weather stripping replaced.

Repair or Replace Your Garage Door

If you are having issues with your garage door, the new year is a great time to get it fixed or replaced. If your garage door will not open or close, there may be a bad connection between the door and control panel, or the door itself may not be functioning properly. If the door opens and closes more slowly than normal, you may need to repair or replace your garage door opener. Sagging garage door sections may indicate problems with your tension springs. If the door makes a lot of noise when opening or closing, or if it comes off its tracks, certain parts may need to be replaced. If you see an increase in your energy bills, replacing your garage door with a more energy efficient model can provide you with long-term savings.

Call Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

If you have any questions about how to renovate your garage for the new year, you can count on Blue Sky Builders, Inc. to help. We have over 38 years of experience in the garage sector, so you will be guaranteed professional and efficient customer service. Please contact us at 630-852-8485 today. To check out our work, please visit our gallery.

Keeping a Detached Garage Warm in the Winter

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As the temperature continues to drop in the Chicago area, we are anticipating very cold weather throughout the winter season. If you own a home with a detached garage, you are probably wondering what you can do to keep your garage warm while avoiding high costs. By taking the proper preparations, you can heat your garage in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Insulation and Sealing

It is always a good idea to insulate the walls of a detached garage with fiberglass batt insulation. This insulation should be installed with the backing facing inward toward the garage. This will reduce the chance of fiberglass particles escaping and landing on people’s clothes or skin. When installing fiberglass batt, it is a good idea to wear protective gear such as gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask to keep the particles from entering your eyes or mouth or touching your skin.

Caulking is a good way to close up all cracks in the garage that let air inside. The wood around door frames may have warped over several years and will need to be resealed. If you can see any light through cracks when the garage’s interior lights are turned off, these cracks should be sealed with silicone caulk.

Portable Space Heaters

Portable heaters are a very efficient way to heat a detached garage during the winter. Central heating is often too expensive to install in a detached garage, and a small space heater can be used to provide heat while the garage is being used. Space heaters can use convection to circulate warm air throughout the garage, or by radiant heating, in which infrared radiation is emitted to directly warm people and objects within the heater’s line of sight. Radiant heating can be more efficient when using a garage for a short period of time, since this type of heater will only heat its immediate surroundings rather than the entire garage.

Space heaters can operate using either combustion (burning fuel such as propane or kerosene) or electricity. Combustion heaters must be properly vented to keep carbon monoxide from building up inside the garage. Electric heaters provide greater safety by eliminating the need for venting, but they are typically more expensive to operate.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

With proper planning, you will be able to keep your detached garage warm in the winter without spending too much money. If you have any questions about how to insulate and heat your garage, you can count on Blue Sky Builders, Inc. to help. We have over 38 years of experience in the garage sector, so you will be guaranteed professional and efficient customer service. Please contact us at 630-852-8485 today. To check out our work, please visit our gallery.

Avoiding Garage Damage from Snow and Ice in the Winter

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The temperature is dropping outside, and the winter is beginning in earnest, which means that we are likely to experience plenty of snow and ice in the coming months. If you own a home, you will want to watch out for ways that winter weather can wreak havoc on your garage, and you should take steps to protect your garage from damage as efficiently as possible.

How Can Snow, Ice, and Cold Temperatures Affect Your Garage?

Winter conditions can have an adverse effect on your garage, and it is best to address these issues as quickly as possible. During the winter season, any of the following can happen:

  • Contraction of metal or wood frames
  • Hardening of vinyl or rubber
  • Cracking or shattering of plastic
  • Moisture absorption by wood doors
  • Broken garage door springs or cables
  • Bent or misaligned garage door tracking
  • Imbalanced or shifted door weight
  • Excessive strain on garage door opener motors

Protecting Your Garage Door from Freezing

One of the most common issues that homeowners encounter in the winter is when water accumulates at the bottom of the garage door, causing the door to become frozen shut. Here are a few ways to make sure your garage door is working to the best of its ability during these cold months:

  • Replace any cracked weather sealing to keep water from entering the garage and freezing.
  • Install a heater to warm your garage and prevent freezing.
  • Clear away the snow and ice that accumulates around your garage door.
  • Sprinkle table salt on the ground along the area where your garage door closes.
  • Use an effective lubricant on your garage door’s tracks, rollers, and hinges.

Avoiding Damage to Your Garage Roof During the Winter

The accumulation of snow and ice on your garage’s roof can lead to damage from leaks. Water can become trapped on the roof and freeze, creating an ice dam which causes more water to pool, work its way under the shingles, and cause interior damage. To avoid these ice dams, make sure your garage is properly insulated and ventilated. Clean out your gutters to keep them from being clogged with ice, or, if necessary, remove the gutter system from your garage altogether during the winter.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

Watching out for the signs of damage to your garage from snow and ice can help you address issues quickly and prevent further damage. If you have any questions about how to protect your garage during the winter, you can count on Blue Sky Builders, Inc. to help. We have over 38 years of experience in the garage sector, so you will be guaranteed a professional and efficient customer experience. Please contact us at 630-852-8485 today. To check out our work, please visit our gallery.

Preparing Your Garage for Snowfall

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As we enter the winter season, we are likely to experience some snowfall in the upcoming weeks. In the Chicago area and the DuPage County suburbs, the weather can change unexpectedly, so it is best to be ready to clear away snow and ice. As you prepare your garage for the winter months, you should be sure you have everything you need for snow removal, including snow shovels, salt, and snow blowers.

How to Find the Best Snow Shovel for the Winter

A cheap snow shovel will not get you very far. For a good quality snow shovel, you will need to spend at least $35. To determine the ideal snow shovel for your purposes, you will need to consider the shovel’s handle, grip, and scoop.

  • Handles: The length of your shovel’s handle should depend on how you plan to use it. A short handle allows you to easily throw snow to the side, while a long handle allows you to efficiently push snow. If you plan to do both, a medium length handle may be the best option. You will also want to consider the material of the handle, as a wooden handle is heavy, a metal handle is cold, and a plastic handle often provides a happy medium.
  • Grips: You will want to make sure the shovel will fit your hand. A shovel with a padded grip or an extra grip lower on the handle can provide an additional advantage.
  • Scoops: Make sure the shovel has a sturdy scoop. Metal is heavier than plastic, and steel on the leading edge can help when shoveling packed snow. However, the edge can potentially scratch surfaces, including decks and other wooden structures.

Types of Salt to Use on Your Driveway

Snow and ice can cause big issues with sidewalks and driveways, and using salt or other snow melt materials is a good way to clear walkways. Here are some types of salt that can be used on your driveway and sidewalk:

  • Sodium chloride – This is the most common type of ice melt and is effective down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is typically used as a bulky base and is very inexpensive and easily available.
  • Calcium chloride – This is a very effective type of ice melt, as it can melt ice and snow down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. The ice melt comes in pellets, flakes, powder, and liquid, and is typically more expensive.
  • Potassium chloride and urea – Potassium chloride can melt ice down to 12 degrees Fahrenheit, and urea can melt ice down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. These types of ice melt are often used around vegetation.

Storing a Snow Blower in Your Garage

A snow blower is a very effective tool for snow removal, and before the winter season begins, you should make sure your snow blower is in working order. Here are some tips to follow when preparing, using, and storing your snow blower:

  • Make sure the gas in your snow blower is stabilized. Gas left in a snow blower for a long period of time can lead to gum deposits in the tank, filter, fuel lines, and carburetor.
  • Make sure the moving parts of the snow blower are well-lubricated.
  • Check the cables and cable connections, and tighten all fasteners, including the nuts and bolts on the auger and chute area.
  • After using the snow blower, make sure to clean off any salt, dirt, and other debris from the blades, tires, and frame to prevent corrosion.
  • If there are any rusted or damaged spots on the painted surfaces, the damaged area should be sanded before a paint touch-up.

Call Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

With these tips on how to prepare your garage for snowfall, you will be ready to face the upcoming winter weather. If you have any further questions on how to prepare your garage for the winter, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help. We have over 38 years of experience in the garage sector, and our garage experts can provide you with the service you need. Contact us at 630-852-8485 today. To check out our work, please check out our gallery.

Preventing a Turkey Fryer Fire in Your Garage This Thanksgiving

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Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and most families will be enjoying a traditional turkey dinner that they have spent several weeks planning. In recent years, deep frying turkeys has become more common, and some people feel that it is much easier than baking their meal in the oven for at least three hours. While a turkey prepared in a fryer will have crispy skin and sealed juices, and the cooking process only takes about 45 minutes, people should be aware of the risk of fire that comes with frying their turkey. If you are planning to fry a turkey in your garage this Thanksgiving, here are some safety tips that you should follow:

Preventing a Garage Fire on Thanksgiving

To make the Thanksgiving feast as ideal as possible, it is best to avoid using fryers on decks, in garages, or near trees and detached structures. Before cooking, the turkey should be thawed and dry, since cold water mixing into hot oil can cause a fire. If the weather is rainy or snowy, do not use a fryer outside. The fryer should also be placed on a level surface and should be untouched once it is in use.

Here are some additional tips for using a fryer as safely as possible:

  • If the fryer is propane-powered, the burner and the tank should be kept at least two feet apart.
  • It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you do not overfill the fryer. If oil comes into contact with the burner, a fire could start.
  • Choosing a smaller turkey is a good idea, and it is best to avoid adding stuffing or water-based marinades.
  • Fryers should never be left unattended, and children should be kept away from fryers when they are in use.
  • An oil-less fryer which uses infrared heat to cook a turkey can provide a safer way to prepare a delicious meal.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

By following these tips, you can prevent a possible fire in your garage on Thanksgiving and make sure that your family will be able to enjoy the holiday safely. If you have any questions about how to get the most out of your garage during the holidays, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is ready to assist you. Based in Downers Grove, we have over 38 years of experience in the garage sector, and our garage experts can provide you with the assistance you need. Please contact us today at 630-852-8485. To check out our work, please visit our gallery.

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Located in Downers Grove, the skilled garage building professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. work with clients throughout the Chicago suburbs, including the counties of DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane, and Lake County. View our garages in Aurora, Batavia, Berwyn, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lockport, Lombard, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Forest, Riverside, Schiller Park, Villa Park, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, and Woodridge.

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