Uncategorized Archives - Page 28 of 49

Top 5 Repairs That May Make Your Garage Last Longer

April 12, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

By keeping up with your garage maintenance duties, you may be able to make your garage last longer. There are a number of ways to make sure that your garage space is up to date and functional for years to come. However, a few proactive tasks are more important than others.

Protect your garage door finish
This is done in hopes of preventing any scratches to the panel surface of your garage door for both visually pleasing and practical reasons. One way to protect your garage door is to apply a coat of protective sealer so that weather damage does not occur.

Conduct annual maintenance on movable parts
One option is to use a track lubrication product to ensure that the moving parts of your garage door do not rust or tighten in a short period of time. That brings up another benefit of annual maintenance checkups: Tighten any loose hinges that you find and make sure that they are bending evenly and that the track is not warped.

Roof repair
Check for cracks or holes in the roof of your garage to prevent any leaks or flooding that may cause damage to the inside.

Prevent peeling wall paint
A good trick to keep in mind is to chip away any paint that is falling off the wall, and sand that surface to prepare it for a repainting that will adhere well. Remember, it is important to use a quality paint because it will last longer.

Work closely with your garage experts
While all of these steps are important to take, this one may be most useful. It is key to establish an understanding with the garage experts in your city. This will give you relief, knowing that if an issue does arise, they can help come up with a solution.

If you are in need of help with completing repairs that make your garage last longer, contact our garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. today. Call us today at 630-852-8485 for more information. Our garage specialists are here to provide assistance to our clients with their garage maintenance needs.

Your City May Dictate the Size of Your Garage

April 5, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

It is important to understand how your location has the ability to dictate the size of your garage before you begin to come up with a plan that includes additions to property.

Understanding regulations
It may be beneficial to look into the common mistakes that can occur while building a garage before you begin the process. In order to avoid making a mistake, come up with a plan that coincides with your city’s sizing regulations.

Creating a design based on restrictions
Consider building a garage that is big enough to fit your vehicles. It would be unfortunate to get halfway through your garage creation, only to discover that your design was too small to fit your cars and your storage items. For a single-car garage, an average size to go by is at least 14 by 20 feet. For a two-car garage, the measurements are typically around 20 by 24 feet.

Measuring the space you have to work with
A good first step is to decide whether it’s physically feasible to fit a garage in the area in which you would like to build one. You may wish to ask your neighbors if there are any special restrictions that apply to garages in your area, as some communities require certain sizes. Local Chicago builders are usually informed with these up-to-date garage size requirements as well.

Obtaining a garage building permit
You will need to have a building permit in order to build a garage that includes additions or modifications to your living space. Make sure that this is done properly with the help of a team member at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. We are able to take care of this part of the garage-building process for you.

Zoning
It is important to understand the zoning restrictions in your city because they help establish the legally permitted use of a property. The rules for zoning vary depending on how you wish to re-design your garage.

If you are considering building a new garage or redesigning an existing garage, and need help with figuring out how your city may dictate the size, contact our garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. today. Call us today at 630-852-8485 for more information. Our Chicagoland area garage specialists can provide assistance to our clients with their garage maintenance needs.

Build a Garage that Showcases Your Car

March 29, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

Weather conditions can play a role in the material that you decide to build your garage with. For example, if you live in a tropical climate, such as Florida, the weather is typically on warm. However, it is damp because of the amount of rain and humidity that is produced annually. Knowing that you live in these conditions, it is beneficial to take precautionary steps by protecting your garage with a steel door in case of intense storms. There are a variety of options in which you can decide to build your garage with depending on your city’s temperature and climate.

Heat and sun of the west coast:
You may want to install fiberglass or a plastic garage door in warmer climates. Fiberglass can be useful if you live in a sunny region near the ocean because the material is light. This material is also low-maintenance. However, it may fade over time as it ages and from the sunlight.

Midwest snowy and cold temperatures:
Protecting your garage from the freezing temperatures during a Chicago winter can take a good amount of preparation. One way to prevent any damage is to install a wooden door to your garage. This will be useful when winter rolls around, the temperature is below zero, the winds are 30 mph, and the snow is blowing against the side of your home. Placing installation on the walls and roof of your garage can also help keep the temperature warm.

High winds on the east coast:
Steel is a durable and strong material option for your garage door if you live in a windy climate because it is less likely to warp or fall apart. Another plus is that steel does not require a lot of maintenance and can be added to keep your house at a comfortable temperature all year round. Another option is to build your garage with an aluminum door. Although this is an expensive choice, it will be beneficial down the road.

It is important to consider your type of climate when trying to decide what kind of material you should build or redesign your garage with. Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to install a particular type of door or installation to your garage. Please contact one of our Chicagoland area garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. for more information on different types of garage materials or other maintenance needs. Call 630-852-8485 today.

Climate Can Affect Your Type of Garage

March 22, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

Weather conditions can play a role in the material that you decide to build your garage with. For example, if you live in a tropical climate, such as Florida, the weather is typically on warm. However, it is damp because of the amount of rain and humidity that is produced annually. Knowing that you live in these conditions, it is beneficial to take precautionary steps by protecting your garage with a steel door in case of intense storms. There are a variety of options in which you can decide to build your garage with depending on your city’s temperature and climate.

Heat and sun of the west coast:
You may want to install fiberglass or a plastic garage door in warmer climates. Fiberglass can be useful if you live in a sunny region near the ocean because the material is light. This material is also low-maintenance. However, it may fade over time as it ages and from the sunlight.

Midwest snowy and cold temperatures:
Protecting your garage from the freezing temperatures during a Chicago winter can take a good amount of preparation. One way to prevent any damage is to install a wooden door to your garage. This will be useful when winter rolls around, the temperature is below zero, the winds are 30 mph, and the snow is blowing against the side of your home. Placing installation on the walls and roof of your garage can also help keep the temperature warm.

High winds on the east coast:
Steel is a durable and strong material option for your garage door if you live in a windy climate because it is less likely to warp or fall apart. Another plus is that steel does not require a lot of maintenance and can be added to keep your house at a comfortable temperature all year round. Another option is to build your garage with an aluminum door. Although this is an expensive choice, it will be beneficial down the road.

It is important to consider your type of climate when trying to decide what kind of material you should build or redesign your garage with. Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to install a particular type of door or installation to your garage. Please contact one of our Chicagoland area garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. for more information on different types of garage materials or other maintenance needs. Call 630-852-8485 today.

Top 5 Reasons to Build a New Garage

March 17, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

Whether you are designing a garage from the ground up or replacing your old garage, there are a number of reasons as to why you might need to build a new garage. Before you begin the process, a few thoughts you may want to keep in mind are to communicate with your building permit office and neighbors so that they are aware are you building a garage, take the time to understand the city rules regarding garages, make sure that the measurements of your lot are accurate, draw up a plan on your computer, and double check that your new garage plan gets approved.

Increase your home’s value:
Adding a new feature to your home, such as a garage, will most likely result in your house being worth more money. When you are ready to sell, potential homebuyers will be aware that your garage was built new and that has added value to the overall cost of your home.

An added space for your gatherings:
Your old garage may not have been big enough to host events. After creating a new garage, you can design it to have multipurpose functions for you and your family to enjoy.

Your current garage is a safety hazard:
On a more serious note, you may not have a choice when it comes to building a new garage. In some instances, you might be forced to tear down your old garage and start from scratch due to danger hazard and safety regulations.

It is made exactly how you want it:
If you decide to build a new garage, put your own style on it. This is advantageous because instead of moving into a home with a garage already built, you have the option the make it your own.

You can work with an experienced garage builder:
When it comes time to start a project as big as building a new garage, you want to make sure that you have the help and guidance of a professional. The experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can assist you.

If you are considering building a new garage and need help with the process, please contact the building professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. today. For more information, visit us online or call 630-852-8485. Our Chicagoland area garage specialists are here to provide assistance with your garage maintenance needs.

5 Advantages of a Detached Garage

March 8, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

If you do not have enough space in your home to enjoy all the activities that you desire, consider investing in a detached garage. There are a number of benefits that can come with a detached garage. Whether you need more storage room or an area for your office, this extra space has potential benefits and can be customized to your specific needs. Once you have made your decision to invest in a detached garage and building permits have been approved, you can begin to brainstorm different interior ideas.

Spare bedroom: Having an overnight guest can sometimes be less stressful if they have their own space to enjoy. With the addition of a detached garage, your guests will be able to feel comfortable knowing they can close enjoy alone time at the end of the night.

Extra office space: All of the rooms in your house may be occupied by beds and dressers. A detached garage can serve as the extra room you always wanted to make into an office. Just add a desk and a chair, and you are off to a great start.

Storage unit: If you do not have a basement, it may be beneficial to consider allowing your garage to serve as a storage unit for items that you do not need all year round.

Entertainment space: If you often have friends and family over for different events, a detached garage is an alternative area to host parties for your loved ones. Add in a space heater or install electricity for heating and air conditioning purposes to accommodate any type of weather condition.

Customizable: One of the advantages of a detached garage is that you can make it your own. With all of the open space, it gives you the ability to get creative when it comes time to designing the layout.

Did you know we offer financing? Visit our FAQ page for more information or contact our garage experts at 630-852-8485. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is here for all of your garage planning needs.

5 Ways to Quick Fix Your Garage During the Winter

February 23, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

Although the weather has gotten warmer in Chicago, that does not mean you should wait to get a head start on preparing your garage for more cold temperatures. One way to be proactive is to implement necessary quick fixes to your garage. There are a few different ways you can provide your garage with the care it needs.

Fix or replace weatherstripping:
The purpose of applying weatherstripping to your garage door is to seal any gaps between the door and the garage opening. If it is left on for too long it can crack and allow air to seep in and bring in cold drafts. First, you want to remove the old weatherstripping with a tool such as a pry bar or a scraper. Once the surface is smooth, you can then install the new weatherstripping. It is best to apply when the garage door is closed so the stripping is aligned properly.

Insulate garage walls:
A great form of insulation is fiberglass. To install it correctly you must choose the proper thickness for your walls. After you have completed those measurements, make sure that you securely fasten and cut the insulation to the exact length needed.

Repair the garage door:
Check your garage door to see if it requires any repairs such as insulation. If this is not a realistic option for you, another choice is to replace the door entirely with a new insulated design.

Replace old garage mats:
As water and salt are brought into your garage over the winter months, your garage floor mats may begin to break down. There are a number of different types of floor mats you can choose from in order to have the best coverage for your specific garage.

Keep up with your routine maintenance:
In order to maintain a clean and safe garage, keep up with repairs and replacements. From your garage door to the floor, make sure that everything is working efficiently.

It is beneficial to keep up with winter maintenance routine for your garage even if the weather gets warm. Regular maintenance can increase the chances of a well-structured garage all year round. Also, a clean garage provides a safe place for your family and friends to gather.For more information on how to quickly fix your garage during the winter, please contact our garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. today. Call us at 630-852-8485. We are here to help serve our Chicagoland clients with their garage maintenance needs.

4 Ways to Evaluate Your Garage Performance this Winter

February 20, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

Illinois winters can be rough on your garage. With this season comes freezing temperatures, snowy and wet conditions, and sometimes even high winds. However, there are a number of ways to evaluate the performance of your garage during the winter.

Provide a winter maintenance check to the exterior of your garage:
Harsh winter conditions can cause the exterior of your garage to rust or become damaged. In order to evaluate the performance of the outside of your garage, you will need a few useful cleaning supplies to see just how sturdy your garage is. These supplies can include a rag or mop in the case of any water buildup and salt to put on the ground to prevent ice from forming. Make sure that your external keypad to open and close your garage has not been affected by the cold weather as well. Usually, keypads contain a 9-volt battery, so ensure that there is an ample amount of battery life for the cold winter months. Taking these steps are just a few ways to assess your garage performance.

Make sure that your remote is working:
Sometimes it is easy to forget to keep up with technology because there are always new devices coming out. This is important to keep in mind when it comes to your garage remote working throughout the winter. It’s not fun to get locked out of your home in the cold. So, evaluating the status of your garage remote batteries is beneficial to your safety. To guarantee that this does not happen to you, test your remote and regularly check the batteries.

Check for damage around your garage door windows:
Evaluate the performance of your windows in your garage this winter by checking for cracks or other issues that may have occurred over the past couple of months. Replace any damage that may have happened immediately. While you are inspecting your garage windows, remember to take a look at the sealing around the windows as well and replace it if need be.

Apply weather stripping:
Another helpful winter garage safety tip is to utilize weather stripping. Once applied, evaluate if the stripping has hardened due to heat exposure or other weather conditions. It is made from PVC so when repairing any broken areas you should use a silicone-based lubricant.

Remember to annually evaluate your garage performance during the winter. It is beneficial to replace any old parts and to clean up any danger hazards. For more information on how to clean up your garage this winter, contact one of our Chicagoland area garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc.. Call us today at 630-852-8485 or visit us online. We are here to serve our clients with all garage maintenance needs.

How to Clean Up Melted Snow in Your Garage

February 15, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

As the sun begins to stay in the sky for just a little longer each day, the winter weather slowly starts to fade away in the Chicagoland area. As the snow melts, your garage may become damaged due to the excess water. However, there are a number of tactics you can tackle in order to clean up any messes made in your garage and prevent any damages from happening in the future.

Discover where the water is coming from:
Snow can be brought into your garage by a number of ways. One major one is by you pulling your car in and out of your garage every day in the winter. Snow can get stuck under your car or on your tires and melt overnight, causing water to seep through the surface and cause long term damage to your garage floor or walls. You may discover that melting snow is coming in through openings around your garage door too. Knowing the root of the problem will make it easier to keep it from happening again.

Clean up time:
Now that you know how water entered your garage, it is now time for the most important step: cleaning up the mess. In order to soak up any water, squeegee the garage floor. This will also help to remove any ice that could have of fallen off of your car. Another quick fix is to install a heater or blower fan to dry the inside of your garage.

Ways to prevent future garage damage:
After your garage is clean and all the water has been removed, it is beneficial to keep preventive ideas in mind:

Garage floor mats – Putting down mats in your garage is a quick and easy way to protect your garage floor. They are able to collect any snow or ice that lands on the floor so that the water does not cause damage or danger hazards. As a temporary alternative, you can even lay down cardboard boxes to absorb the wetness. They are an inexpensive solution for any water damage occurring in your garage.
Stay on top of garage clean up – One simple way to make sure your garage does not have to undergo any damage is to keep up with the cleanup process. If you are aware of the condition of your garage, you should have limited issues when it comes to water damage.
Seal open areas around your garage door – Another way to prevent garage damage is to use a sealing solution on the door. Made out of silicone, garage sealers can be applied by any homeowner. They will help prevent any water from getting into your garage and causing issues.

It is important to keep up with garage maintenance during the transition from winter to springtime in Illinois. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is dedicated to serving our clients with their garage maintenance needs. If you are interested in more information regarding garage spring time clean up, please contact one of our Chicago area garage experts. Call us at 630-852-8485 or visit us online.

Discover the Type of Garage Floor Mat You Should Use

February 8, 2017/in Uncategorized/by Blue Sky Builders

There are many different garage maintenance tasks you can implement in order to protect your floor from the wear and tear of harsh weather. One way to take preventative measures is to lay down a garage floor mat. These protective mats come in a variety of styles and sizes so that you may add a mat to your garage as well.

Installing a mat is done for a variety of reasons toprotecting your garage from wear and tear. A few conditions a mat can guard your garage floor against are heavy duty snow, oil leaks from a car, and spills. While there are a number mat materials you can choose from, it is beneficial to understand the pros of each one before you make a purchase.

Drymate fabric garage floor mat: For those of you who live in Illinois, you know that winter time usually comes with a good amount of snow. To prevent flooding caused by melted snow in your garage, apply a Drymate fabric garage mat. It has the ability to absorb liquids while providing an anti-slip surface.

Ribbed garage floor mat: One major pro to this mat material is that ribs in these mats hold liquid in them if your floor is leveled. You can also mop them dry if liquid build up starts to rise. Another benefit is that the ribbed edges create a non-slip surface.

Auto floor guard containment mat: This is one of the newer mats on the market. It is made of a durable PVC that is coated with Polyester Scrim fabric. This material is also used for tarps that are in the commercial trucking industry and make for a tough mat. One thing to keep in mind is that you can drive over the edges of the mat without damaging the sides and any retained water will stay in place.

Polyvinyl mats: These types of garage floor mats are one of the most well known and recommended kinds of mats. You can set them into place without having to apply adhesives. Also, when you decide that you want to deep clean your garage floor, you can easily move the mats around to get underneath.

These are just a few types of garage mats. However, it is important to keep all options in mind when you are trying to decide what type of protective mat you should purchase for your garage. Mats are typically designed to add an extra layer of cushion and insulation to the concrete surface of your floor. Placing a mat down may be beneficial for the safety of you and your loved ones and may also lessen the garage maintenance you have to do.

Please contact our Chicagoland area garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. for more information on your garage maintenance needs. Call 630-852-8485.