Garages are easily susceptible to water damage. They provide many easy points of entry for water from a rain storm or flooding, and are often not as waterproofed as the rest of the house. On top of that, many households do not monitor their garages often, so extensive water damage can occur before the problem is even spotted. Do not let water invade your garage this year. Taking a few simple steps can help you prevent damage to your foundation, garage, and the items within it.

Water Damage Risk

Most garage owners have faced intrusive water at some point. Water can sneak into your garage in many different ways; through leaks in your garage floor or walls, under doors, or through holes in your roof. The biggest danger of water damage in garages is that it often goes unnoticed. Most household garages are used for storage. Stored items like boxes or unused furniture provide perfect hiding places for water to pool behind, underneath, or be absorbed. Many people do not spot the early signs of water damage, and end up noticing only after the water has pooled severely, leading to potential damage to the structure of your garage.

On top of garage water damage being hard to spot, your garage is easily the most vulnerable room in your home to water. This is largely due to your garage door. Garage doors are opened and closed frequently, making them vulnerable to the elements. They can become damaged, leaving room for water to enter through cracks in the door or on the ground if not sealed properly when closed. Many garages also don’t feature rain gutters, allowing water to easily pool up on the ground right outside. Water pooled up anywhere outside a home can allow water to seep in through cracks or holes. If water is allowed to build up in your garage, it can cause serious damage to the foundation of your home, or lead to health problems thanks to mold and mildew.

Garage Doors

By the time most people notice water in their garage, the damage is extensive and costly to repair. Rather than catch the problem after the fact, a few preventative measures can really make a difference. Start with your garage door. Many doors are not sealed properly with the floor of the garage when closed, allowing easy access for water. Installing or replacing the weather stripping on the bottom of your garage door can help. This may need to be done a few times a year, but it can make a big difference, especially in areas where flooding is common. It is also important to repair any cracks or holes in the door. To ensure that your garage door is sealed, simply turn on the light in your garage, and stand outside, preferably at night. If you can see any light poking through your garage door, it is not completely sealed.

Rain Gutters and Roofing

Water can also enter your garage from above. Leaks in your roof can allow water to seep into the ceiling of your garage, leading to large water damage stains. Water leaking through the roof of your home can also damage sheet rock, drywall, and any electrical work within the walls or ceiling. Be sure to check for any entry points on your roof, and make any necessary repairs.

Rain gutters can also help divert rainwater from pooling up right outside of your garage. The gutters need to be cleaned often so that water can easily be channeled away from your garage. All too often gutters are left clogged, causing leaks or overflows. Clogged up gutters can also also lead to seepage into your roof.

Other Options

If you live in an area where flooding is common, more preventative measures may be necessary. No one likes to admit defeat, but if water damage is inevitable, be sure to store any items well off the ground. Then, if any water does get in, at least your items are safe. Always store the most valuable items the highest off the ground, just to be sure they will be okay. Another smart move is sealing your garage floor. That way, water cannot seep into the floor and cause foundational damage.

If you take these few small steps each year, your garage will be well protected from water. Your garage is an expensive and important part of your home, so damage preventing measures are necessary. For other garage tips and ideas, be sure to watch this blog. To learn more about the services we offer in the Chicagoland area, contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online or call 630-852-8485.

For many Americans, the arrival of fall means one important thing. Football season is back. If your home does not feature a giant plasma screen television, or a man cave for your football viewing pleasure, you may be wondering where you’ll be watching the action this season. Rather than fight for a seat at the bar, and be forced to sit next to obnoxious fans of the other team, take a look at the space within your own home. Many homeowners do not get much use out of their garages during the winter. Do not let that prime space go to waste. This fall is the perfect time for you to transform that cold, unused space into the football watching den of your dreams. Here’s how:

Prepare Your Space

Initially, your garage may seem like too rough of a space to be converted into a comfortable lounging area. Many garages feature dirty concrete floors, unorganized tools and junk, and paper thin walls and doors. You do not want to invite your friends into a dirty, drafty space to watch the game. Instead, start early with garage organization. If you are like most people, your garage may have become the junk collecting space of your home. Start by sorting everything within the garage. Toss anything that does not have a purpose. Find simple storage options for your tools, kids sporting equipment, bikes, and anything else in your garage. Look for options that are easy to use and easy on the eyes. Nobody wants to relax and watch football in a cluttered space.

Once you have tidied and organized your garage, the next step is properly winterizing it. While the weather may be more forgiving during early September and October games, you will be in the midst of full blown winter come Super Bowl time. You will want to properly insulate your garage and transform it into a warm, cozy space. Ensure that your walls are properly insulated, and consider either insulating your garage door or purchasing a pre-insulated door. Also be sure that the ceiling of your garage is accounted for as well, as lots of heat escapes upwards.

Next, you can focus on your cold, concrete garage floor. If your garage is warm enough after insulating the walls and ceiling, you may be able to get away with a simple paint job. Consider painting the floor with the colors of your favorite team. Check in at your local hardware store and ask about paint specifically made for concrete. If the concrete is too cold and unwelcoming, explore flooring options. If you are hoping to convert your space cheaply, some nice rugs can do the trick. Installing flooring in your garage is also an option, but can be more costly.

Fill the Space

Finally, the fun part. Now that you have cleaned, organized, and winterized your space, it is time to fill the room. No football game is complete without comfy furniture, so be sure to shop for couches, lounge chairs, coffee tables, etc. If you are working within a budget, consider using leftover furniture that is not being utilized in your home. Also check out thrift stores and garage sales. The only thing that really needs to be “nice” in this space is your TV, so do not hesitate to purchase cheaper furnishing.

Speaking of televisions, you cannot forget one of those. Flat screen televisions are not terribly expensive anymore, and this is the piece it is recommended you go all out on. Find a television that meets your needs and fits in your space. Typically, the bigger and newer the model, the higher the price. If you are sticking to a budget, check Craigslist or the sale section at electronics stores. Remember to contact your television provider to ensure that you have the proper channels to access the games you want to watch. Nothing is worse than creating a beautiful football den, only to find out your game is only available on a channel you do not have.

Decorations and Extras

No football den would be complete without massive amounts of football paraphernalia. You want your guests to know exactly which teams you are rooting for this season. Look for posters, magazine covers, jerseys, or anything to show your loyalty and dedication. There are many different options depending on your budget. Consider ordering swag from your favorite teams websites, or simply frame sporting magazine covers featuring your favorite athletes.

For some, comfortable couches and a large television are the only necessary ingredients for a perfect “man cave.” If your room is still feeling incomplete, or you are left wanting more, consider some extra additions to your space. If you have still got room in your budget, you may be interested in purchasing a mini fridge for drinks, or a microwave for your cheesy chips and dip. Explore online and in appliance stores for amazing extras that will turn your garage into the neighborhood football hangout.

Finally, you will have your own perfect space to cheer on your favorite team. No more ordering pay per view or dashing down to the local bar. Now the best place to watch the game is only a few steps from the kitchen.

For more useful tips or to inquire about the services we offer in the Chicagoland area, contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online or call 630-852-8485. We have successfully served customers throughout the area for nearly four decades.

Many new parents take extra precautions to ensure that their home is safe for their little one. Parents cover up electrical sockets, block off risky flights of stairs, and store dangerous substances out of a child’s reach. Not many parents, however, take the extra step of child proofing their garage.

It is no surprise that a garage is not a friendly place for a young child. Full of potentially flammable substances, dangerous tools, toxic chemicals, and even garbage, childproofing your garage is not just a precaution, but a step that’s absolutely necessary in ensuring the safety of your child. Below are a few steps that you can take to prevent dangerous garage situations involving your child.

Keep Them Out

The easiest precaution when it comes to garages is installing proper doors and locks to prevent your child from accessing your garage. Children are often drawn to areas they are told are dangerous, or areas they find mysterious, so put proper obstacles in place to prevent your son or daughter from accessing what is most likely your home’s most dangerous location. Consider a self-locking door to provide peace of mind. You do not want your child wandering into your garage without you knowing about it.

Proper Storage

Your garage is the safest place in your home to store dangerous substances such as gasoline, oils and paints. Any properly maintained garage should already be implementing safe storage habits to prevent fires, but double check that all of your dangerous materials are safely stored out of your child’s reach. A locked cabinet or box on a high up shelf should do the trick. Check on your tools as well.

The tools stored in your garage should be in locked container as well, or stored in a locked workbench. As your child gets older, be sure to remind them frequently that your garage work space is dangerous and off limits at all times. Never leave any power tools plugged in or near plugs. Store any items like ladders lying flat, so a child cannot climb up them and risk falling.

Clean and Organize

Garages often become the trash and junk collector of a household. Practice good garage organizational habits to ensure your child and family’s safety. A messy garage is a fire danger and a threat to your child. Be sure to clean up after yourself once you are done working in your garage. Chemicals spilled anywhere should be cleaned up immediately. Many chemicals have sweet scents, leading children and pets to lick them. Ingesting chemicals you store in your garage such as antifreeze for your vehicle can be fatal for humans and pets.

Also ensure that your household garbage is stored in sealed bins and is picked up by garbage collectors or taken to a dump at least once a week. Remember not to leave any flammable materials near appliances like water heaters or furnaces, which are commonly located in garages. These situations start millions of fires each year. And do your best to block of access to water heaters, furnaces, or other warm appliances, as an infant or child’s skin is much more sensitive than adults.

Check Your Garage Door

Garage doors are extremely heavy and dangerous. Both manual and automatic garage doors are capable of crushing fingers, toes, or potentially a small child. Test your garage door’s automatic opener often to ensure it will stop closing if an object is in the way. Consider placing a small piece of wood under the door, and checking to see if the garage door reverses back upwards once it touches the wood. Optical sensors can be installed to ensure the garage door won’t close if an object or child is in the way. The safest option for a manual garage door is one that has a counter balance system.

Be Car Smart

Remember to always lock your car doors when your vehicle is in your garage. Car doors are easily capable of smashing little fingers and toes. On top of that, if your child is able to get into your car unattended, they may get trapped or hurt themselves. Remember to check for children every time you back out of your garage. Do not allow your child to leave any bikes, trikes, or other fun toys directly in front of your garage door. Many modern cars come equipped with rear view cameras to help increase visibility while backing up. Use your rear view camera every time you reverse from your driveway to ensure nothing, toy or child, is behind you.

Taking small precautions can go along way in ensuring your child’s safety around your garage. Becoming a parent is a life-changing, amazing, and sometimes hectic transition. Do not forget to plan ahead for your child’s safety, both in your home and in your garage. A little pre-planning and caution can go along way for the safety of your child. For more useful tips or to inquire about the services we offer in the Chicagoland area, contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online or call 630-852-8485. We have successfully served customers throughout the area for nearly four decades.

If you are the type of person who does a lot of handiwork in your garage, you will want to be sure your workstation is well lit. With poor lighting, it is difficult to make precise measurements and accurate cuts. If you do a lot of painting, you will want to be sure your colors look good in proper lighting. There is no reason to strain your eyes when there are better, inexpensive lighting options out there. Florescent lights provide brighter, more consistent lighting with a color rendering index of at least 85. While many garages and garage door openers come with built in bare bulb lights, the fact of the matter is they often are not powerful enough to get the job done.

To take on this simple project, all you will need is a cordless drill, wire cutters, metal bushing, screws, nuts, and the florescent fixtures and lights. First, remove your current lighting with the drill, wire cutters and any other tools you may need. For safety purposes, make sure your power is turned off. Now put in your florescent fixtures that will hold your new bulbs. You will want to make sure to buy 8 ft. fixtures that can hold 4 ft. bulbs. Using sets of 4 ft. bulbs is typically easier to maintain than the longer 8 ft. ones.

The fixtures should contain electronic ballasts if your garage will be exposed to conditions under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This information should be printed on the ballast. Also, be sure to use electrical bushing between the fixture and wall so that metal edges will not cut your wiring. Finally, install the 4 ft. bulbs into your fixtures, using as many you believe you will need for optimal lighting.

For any work-space, lighting is extremely important. A well lit garage could be the difference between a successfully hammered nail or a trip to the ER with a broken thumb. It will be well worth your while to upgrade your garage to efficient, brighter florescent bulbs.

For more useful tips or to inquire about the services we offer in the Chicagoland area, contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online or call 630-852-8485. We have successfully served customers throughout the area for nearly four decades.

Termites and carpenters ants are threats that we do not often think about until it is too late. Homeowners often neglect to check for these devastating pests during the summer months when they are most active and swarming. One of the main places that these pests nest in is a house’s garage. Garages attract carpenter ants and termites because they have wood frames and areas of the wall that are not sealed properly and can provide easy entry. Garages also have higher levels of moisture than other parts of the house which attracts the insects.

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They nest in it. Carpenter ants get their name because they dig through wood for their colonies and turn wood planks into piles of sawdust called frass. If you find strange, small piles of sawdust in your garage, that typically means you have a carpenter ant infestation. The longer these are left untreated, the more damage is done to your home. Carpenter ant colonies grow quickly, as they use the garage’s wooden frame to build new nests and tunnels.

Termites, which cause $5 billion in property damage each year, can create even bigger problems. Termites can live either above ground or subterranean, but both types take years to show infestation. While carpenter ants are typically spotted scurrying around your garage, termites stay hidden. However, there are warning signs to look out for (especially from May through August) that will reveal if you have a termite problem.

The first sign is knocking on your wood. If it produces any hollow sounds, that may mean parts of your garage frame have been eaten away by termites or carpenter ants. If your wood framing looks a bit distorted in any way, that may also be a sign on an infestation. Additionally, go around the outside of your garage looking for mud tubes. These are created by subterranean termites to provide moisture while they look for food. The last thing to look out for is piles of frass, or sawdust, near the wood in your garage.

If you have determined that you may have an infestation, call an exterminator immediately. You will definitely want a professional to handle the removal of these pests and track the damage they have caused. Additionally, you will want to take preventative measures to prevent further infestations. Pests often find their way into the garage if the bottom of a garage door is not properly sealed. Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online or at 630-852-8485 if you think your garage door needs an update.