The winter weather in Illinois can potentially cause damage to your garage. To avoid this from happening, take precautionary steps and organize your garage space before the first snowfall. Implement these key garage storage tips for the winter time.

Make a plan for unused open space in your garage.
Before you start storing your possessions away, make sure that you create a strategy that allows you to get the most storage space out of your garage.

Organize items according to the importance.
Once you have your plan in place for your open space, you can then choose which items you want to keep out for the next couple of months and which ones you want to store away until the weather becomes nicer again. For example, you may want to keep the snow blower out and put the lawnmower away.

Keep the garage floor as clear as possible.
Your garage may become wet and slippery when the snow melts. The water that stays on the floor may cause damage to items that are lying around, so it is important to remove anything of value off of the garage ground.

Take advantage of empty wall space.
Use this space to build shelves for heavy items such as sports equipment. This way they are off the floor and put away in a designated area that is organized and secure. You may also want to install deep garage shelving that has metal stiffeners to prevent any damage to your walls and reassures that everything hung up will remain on the shelves throughout the winter.

Create a gear closet for additional storage.
This space can be dedicated to sports gear as well. However, the items stored in this part of the garage are meant to be stored away during the winter months, such as summertime toys, bikes, or other outdoor accessories. This can include shelves and compartments as well.

Hang racks for skis and snowboards.
This can be placed next to the gear closet and be the dedicated area to keep your skis, snowboards, cases, or any item that heavy and snow related so that it can be kept off of the floor and out of the way. This can prevent equipment from tipping over and causing damage to cars or other expensive possessions.

Make a space for sand and salt.
You never know how much snowfall is going to occur over the winter when living in Illinois so it would be wise to keep a basket or hamper inside your garage, giving you easy access to sand or salt to apply to the ground during snow falls.

To prevent any damage to your garage floors or interior remember the garage storage tips for the winter listed above. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our team of garage experts is here to help with any garage related project. Call 630-852-8485 or contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online to chat with us about your next garage needs today.

In order to keep up the appearance of your garage, an important task is maintaining a clean floor. Before picking up a mop or other supplies, you should find out what material your garage floor is made out of, the extent of how dirty the surface is, and the kind of cleaning equipment you want to use. Once you know the floor’s material, you can then purchase the appropriate cleaning accessories and construct a plan to maintain a well-kept garage floor. Consider the following before cleaning your garage floor:

Remove everything that is not anchored down.
This is an important first step because if the items are not moved out of the way, they may suffer from water damage or could simply be in the way when you are trying to clean the floors. Once the majority of the floor is clear, the application of the cleaner can begin.

Choose the necessary cleaning equipment.
There are key cleaning supplies to use when removing dirt and stains from your garage floors such as concrete degreaser, a deck brush, and a garden hose that has a high-pressure nozzle. Tide laundry detergent may be used as a substitute if you do not have access to degreaser.

Soak and scrub the floor.
Once you have the supplies that you need you can then apply the soapy solution onto a section of the garage floor and then use a deck brush to scrub that area. If the floor has an extreme amount of dirt, it may be necessary to allow the cleaning solution to set in for a few minutes after the initial scrubbing so it will work with the dirt and grime. Rise using the garden hose and repeat for the remainder of the garage floor.

Removing stains can be done after the initial cleaning of the garage floor.
Cleaning grease or oil stains can be done by wetting the stain and its surrounding areas. Then you can apply the degreaser directly on the oil spot to take advantage of its full strength. Rust stains can be removed by squeezing lemon juice towards the area with rust or by pouring vinegar and leaving it on for five minutes or more followed by rinsing it with water. Removing old paint and sealer stains can be done with a chemical stripper.

Squeegee all wet areas to clear out the water in low spots.

Contact our specialized team of garage experts, and we can help you determine the steps to take if you are planning to revamp or build your garage. Call 630-852-8485 to speak with us today.

There are various pros and cons to consider when deciding if an attached or detached garage is best for your property. The most important question to ask yourself is: “What will the main use of the garage be?” This can be determined by the number of cars you own, how much storage space you need, and safety exits you wish to provide for your family. There are benefits to both attached and detached garages, however, sometimes the cons can outweigh the pros. You can determine what type of garage is right for your needs after comparing all possible scenarios.

Detached Garage Pros

Detached garages can be customized to your specific needs. Some examples of how you can add your own style to a detached garage include:

• Adding a patio or deck above the garage to host parties or have people over. When living in a city, space can be limited, so this allows you to add more space if you don’t have a back or front yard.
• A detached garage is easier to expand than an attached garage, as long as you have a permit to do so.
• Storage space can be added, which can be used if you have limited space in your home.
• If you like to work with machinery in your garage, then having a detached garage is beneficial because it limits the noise level for those who live in your home.

Detached Garage Cons

• The main con of a detached garage is having to walk through inclement weather. Snow, rain, and other elements can be a hassle.
• It may be further to carry groceries and unload other items from your car with a detached garage.

Attached Garage Pros

• The convenience of being able to access your garage through your home.
• You can save money if you build an attached garage because there are preexisting walls to use to build upon.
• Extra storage space is also an advantage of having a garage in general, regardless of it being attached or detached.

Attached Garage Cons

• Zoning may be an issue because obtaining a permit for an existing structure tends to be more difficult and costly.
• Having a garage attached to your home can cause a high security threat to you and/or your family if someone tries to get in.

If you are trying to decide between a detached or attached garage and need guidance when doing so, contact the specialized team of garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. for assistance. Call 630-852-8485 or visit Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online today to discover more about the variety of services we offer.

Flying things and garages can be a troublesome combination. At best, their presence can mean costly repairs, and it can serve as a loud and annoying nuisance to the homeowner. In the worst of scenarios, winged things in the garage can be dangerous. Learn how you can safely and effectively evict the flying intruders in your garage, and how you can protect your garage from future attacks.

Birds (Swallows, Woodpeckers, and Other Problematic Birds)

While some birds still prefer living in undeveloped areas, away from humans, many others have adapted quite well to the hustle and bustle of our lives. In fact, some actually thrive on the food and shelter we unwittingly provide. House sparrows are a prime example. They make their homes in the eaves and crevices of our homes and eat our discarded food.

In some cases, they are nothing more than a minor annoyance, like when they wake us up in the early morning with their singing. However, they can also pack nesting material into fan and dryer vents, posing a fire or inhalation problem in garages. If swallows are your problem, move their nests as quickly as possible (but only when the nest is free of eggs and young) and then deter them from re-nesting with mesh netting or other appropriate material.

Woodpeckers are also a common annoyance for garage owners, especially when the garage is built with wood materials, such as cedar. Bugs enjoy nesting in the crevices that develop over time, and the woodpeckers love harvesting them from your siding. The holes they leave can create even more homes for bugs, and it can become costly to repair. On top of that, there is the ear-splitting noise of their pecking. You can remedy this issue by filling in holes and crevices to prevent bug nests, but the problem is still likely to resurface. If woodpeckers are a problem in your area, your best option is to re-side with a non-permeable siding.

Wasps, Bees, and Hornets

Wasps, bees, and hornets often take up residence in garages, which can be dangerous to homeowners. In fact, even removal can be a frightening experience, which is why many homeowners turn to professionals. In the case of bees, this is often the preferred method since the bee population has been on the decline, due partly to disease and partly due to habitat destruction. Still, there may be instances where you want (or need) to brave the task yourself.

If you must remove the nest yourself, please be certain to use the utmost care. Wait until night, when the insects are typically less active, and always wear protective gear and clothing. Also, be prepared for the possibility of being stung. Even at night, wasps, bees, and hornets may wake up and become aggressive if their home is in danger. If in doubt, leave it be and call a professional. (Note: Those with allergies should never handle a nest. Contact a professional instead.)

Prevent future attacks by watching the flight patterns of your unwelcome guests. Typically, they have a point of entry – a small hole, a crack, or a vent. Seal their entry way with the appropriate materials. If the entry is a gap in the garage door, or because of wear and tear, our garage rebuilding team can help.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.
At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we do more than just build custom garages. Our skilled and experienced builders can remodel your current garage, updating it with high-quality materials and a sound design to help prevent future attacks on your garage space. We can even update the siding on your house to match! Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online, or call 630-852-8485 and start your garage remodel project today.

If you have experienced flooding in your garage, you are likely wondering how to proceed. Flooding in your home or garage is problematic for a number of reasons. Excess water can damage the structure and floor of your garage, and any items you have stored there are at risk of being damaged. If you have flood water in your garage, it is best to take action immediately, before any further damage can be done. Additionally, it is a great idea for any garage owner to take extra preventative measures to ensure their garage is flood proof, or at least resistant to water, to keep flood water from doing any future damage. Below, we break down how flood water can damage your garage, the steps you can take to prevent flood damage, and what you should do if you have current flooding in your garage.

Why Is Flooding a Problem?

Floodwater is problematic for a number of reasons. First, floodwater in your garage could damage your belongings. Your vehicles, lawn equipment, and other items stored in your garage are at risk of damage if water reaches them. Additionally, water in your garage can cause major damage to your garage’s structure. Walls and floors can be ruined. Wood can warp easily if exposed to excess water. In addition to damage caused, floodwater left untended can lead to mold and all sorts of microbial organisms that can grow in your garage.

How Can You Protect Your Property?

Flooding can happen at any time, so it is important that all garage owners take extra precautionary steps to ensure their garage is waterproof and ready for a flood. Start by ensuring your garage is fully waterproof. First, paint the walls of your garage with a waterproof paint. Be sure you hit the ceiling as well, as it could be susceptible to damage in heavy rain scenarios. Next, add a waterproof paint coat or epoxy to the floor of your garage to ensure water cannot seep in. It is also a smart idea to put belongings stored in the garage on elevated shelves or store them out of reach of any potential flooding.

In addition to protecting your garage in the event of a flood, it is also smart to make a plan to keep you and your family safe if flooding does occur. Plan out an evacuation route to get yourselves to safety, and consider putting together an easy to grab emergency kit that includes clean drinking water, first aid items, clothes, and other essentials.

After the Flood

If your garage has already been flooded, start by making a call to your insurance company. Do this as soon as you can, and take pictures of any damage the flooding has done. Once you have notified your insurance provider, the clean up of your garage can begin. In most flooding cases a specialized team will need to come in, especially if there is a chance that the water is contaminated. It is essential that homeowners report the flooding as soon as possible to lessen the extent of damage and to prevent organisms from growing in the moisture.

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. Is Here to Help

If your garage has been a victim of flooding, you may need to make some repairs. Do not hesitate to call the specialized team of garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. for assistance. Call 630-852-8485 or visit Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online today to learn more about the variety of services we offer.