Everything You Need to Know About Custom Garages

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As we go through another extreme winter in the Chicagoland area, it may be time to put your long-awaited plan of having a custom garage built for your home into action. Your garage is a direct reflection of your house, and it is where you can go to harness your hobbies, work on your passion projects, and create memories. Building a custom garage is a considerable undertaking but hiring the right company is the first big step in making your dream become a reality.

What You Need to Know When Building a Custom Garage

Everyone has a vision of what their custom garage will look like once it is built but there are important steps that need to be taken and decisions that need to be made prior to breaking ground on your dream project. Some initial decisions that you need to make are the size and shape of the structure, the type of roof you want, and if you want additional living spaces added to the garage. Before beginning construction on your garage, make sure you know which permits are required in your city, decreasing the likelihood of any unexpected work stoppages or fines.

Why Build a Custom Garage?

A custom garage is your chance to build something super unique that fits the vision you had in mind for your property. That thought alone is reason enough to move forward with your building project, but there is additional incentive to having a custom garage, including:

  • Protecting your cars and other motor vehicles from the elements – You spend a significant amount of money on your cars, RV, trailers, and other vehicles so it only makes sense to protect your investments.
  • Healthier Cars – Whether you own a collectible car, rarely drive one of your vehicles, or drive it every day, the overall health of your car will be improved because of the controlled environment they are stored in.
  • Keeping your possessions secure – One of the best ways of keeping your possessions safe, is storing them inside of a garage.
  • Increasing the value of your home – Adding a custom garage will likely add value and curb appeal to your property.

Contact Our Downers Grove Garage Experts

If you have been contemplating building a custom garage for yourself, now is the time with Spring being a few months away. If you want to know more about building your custom garage, contact ourDuPage County custom garage professionals today at 630-852-8485 to arrange a free estimate.

The Benefits of a Well-Insulated Garage During Winter in Illinois

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As winter conditions in the Chicago area continue to worsen, having an insulated garage provides an array of benefits. The best way to protect yourself from energy prices going up in the winter is to make sure heat is not escaping unnecessarily through poorly insulated walls. Being able to save money every month on bills while protecting your belongings at the same time are reason enough to have your garage insulated. There are additional benefits that come along with protecting your garage from extreme temperatures associated with living in or near Chicago.

Saving on Heating and Energy Costs

Since a garage is the least energy-efficient part of a home, moderating the temperature will reduce the amount of energy required to heat the rest of your house. A garage is often connected to the living room or kitchen of a home, and on occasion, below a bedroom. Any adjacent room in your house will benefit from the garage being properly insulated.

Since garages aren’t technically considered living space, the construction guidelines are more lenient. This can lead to gaps in the structure, which can cause air to leak into your house. If your garage is just above or below freezing temperature, that will likely have a considerable impact on your monthly heating and energy bills during the winter months. A poorly insulated garage will also lead to higher costs in the summer months as the heat from the garage will radiate into the joined rooms in your home.

Additional Benefits of Having an Insulated Garage

In addition to being more comfortable, there are added benefits to having a well-insulated garage. It should not only help extend the life of your vehicles but also help protect the personal items you have stored inside of your garage. Extreme temperatures throughout the year can lead to your belongings being damaged, likely diminishing the life expectancy and value of each of those items. Having an insulated garage can also add substantial market value to your home because of the savings a potential buyer would have from lower energy costs.

Contact Our DuPage County Garage Door Experts

Due to the severe winters in the Chicago area, you may want to consider having your garage insulated. If you have questions about your current insulation or looking to protect your garage, contact ourDowners Grove garage professionals today at 630-852-8485 to arrange a free estimate.

Winter in Illinois and How it Can Affect Garage Doors

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We are only a few days into 2022, and the Chicago area has already experienced freezing temperatures and considerable snowfall. When cold temperatures meet snow and ice, there are a slew of problems that can arise with your garage door. Dealing with a damaged garage door can be frustrating, but some of the solutions may be easier than you think. Whether it is the metal contracting, grease hardening, tracks warping, weather seal freezing, or springs breaking, the timing is never ideal for your garage door to break. Knowing what to do next is imperative in order to get your garage door working again.

What To Do When Your Garage Door First Breaks

When your garage door is no longer operating properly, you can try and troubleshoot the issue yourself. First, attempt to manually lift the door and if it is too unable to fully open, check to see where the door is getting caught. You may notice a bent track or a substantial grease buildup. If the door is too heavy to open, you likely have a broken spring. This will require the help of a garage door repair technician. If the door easily raises up and down by hand, the “force setting” on the garage door opener likely needs to be adjusted. If you are still unable to identify the problem, you should consult a licensed professional.

What to Watch For

Cold temperatures cause natural reactions that could affect the performance of your garage door. The colder it gets, the more likely the metal components related to your garage door can cause an issue. The metal tracks or the metal in the springs have the potential to seize up if temperatures become too extreme, so regularly lubricating the tracks and springs will help the functionality of the door when the temperature drops. A buildup of grease can become an issue in the winter because the grease will harden. When doing maintenance and spreading lubricant on the tracks and springs, use a small brush with a silicone-based solvent to help evenly spread the grease and prevent build-up.

How to Maintain a Properly Functioning Garage Door

After a garage door breaks, we wonder what we could have done to prevent it. The good news is that basic standard maintenance will decrease the likelihood of problems arising. This maintenance is more effective when done in warmer temperatures and mainly consists of applying lubricant to the necessary portions of the garage door. Making sure that the tracks, springs, hinges, roller bearing, and screw drive are well lubricated, is a top priority. Evenly spreading the lubricant and wiping away any excess grease will prevent buildup and allow the garage door to function properly.

Contact Our Downers Grove Custom Garage Builders

As winter weather in the Chicago area continues to worsen, you may want to assess the status of your garage doors. If your self-check reveals a problem you can’t solve on your own, contact a professional. If the time has come for you to get a new garage, ourDowners Grove garage builders can help. Contact our team today at 630-852-8485 to arrange a free estimate.

Tips for Clearing Snow From Your Driveway and Protecting Your Garage Door

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Winter is here, and snow and ice are sure to be on the way over the next few months. Most homeowners are familiar with the regular chore of shoveling snow from their driveway, cleaning off any cars that are parked outside, and making sure walkways are free of slipping hazards. However, even those who have been using snow shovels, snowblowers, and other tools for years may be unaware of some methods that can make their lives easier, and they will also want to watch out for any issues that could inadvertently damage their garage door or other parts of their property. The following tips can help homeowners clear snow effectively:

  • Shovel periodically – During a snowstorm, it is often a good idea to start shoveling while snow is still falling. Clearing away a couple inches of snow at a time will be much easier than shoveling a foot of snow that has accumulated overnight and settled into a more solid mass.
  • Treat your shovel – Wet snow that sticks to your shovel can make things much more difficult. You can use cooking spray on your shovel to prevent snow from sticking and make the job of clearing snow easier.
  • Watch for snow and ice buildup around your garage door – If ice has formed along the bottom edge of your garage door, you will want to break this ice and clear it away before opening the door. Failure to do so can put stress on your garage door opener and cause it to be damaged. If your garage door is open while you are shoveling, you will want to watch for the buildup of snow in the opening. By clearing this snow away before closing your garage door, you can prevent blockages and avoid damage to your garage door and garage door opener.
  • Remove ice from your car – If ice has formed on a vehicle that is parked outside, you can use a variety of methods to melt it. Spraying rubbing alcohol on windows will work as a defroster. You can also pour lukewarm water over other parts of the car where ice has formed, such as doors or locks, then clear the water away with a squeegee to keep additional ice from forming.
  • Increase traction on walking surfaces – You can help prevent ice from forming on sidewalks, the walkway to your front door, or other areas where people will be walking by spreading salt. Kitty litter can be another good solution for improving traction and avoiding slippery surfaces. You may also want to invest in heated snow melt mats that will keep walkways free of snow and ice.

Contact Our DuPage County Custom Garage Experts

As you prepare to deal with winter weather, you may want to consider upgrading equipment in your garage, or you may be planning for a complete garage renovation. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we can help you determine whether installing a new garage door or garage door opener will benefit you this winter, and we can work with you to create a custom garage that will meet your needs. Contact our Downers Grove garage renovation professionals today at 630-852-8485 to arrange a free estimate.

Addressing Cold Temperatures in Your Garage During the Winter

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As we near the end of 2021, winter has officially begun, although here in Illinois, temperatures had already been dropping for weeks. DuPage County residents are usually prepared for the cold and weather conditions such as snow and ice. However, many people may not realize the effects that this weather will have on their garage. By understanding the appropriate temperature levels and how to maintain the proper conditions in your garage, you can prevent the possibility of damage and make sure all the equipment you use will function properly.

What Is the Right Temperature for My Garage?

If you are like most people, you probably use your garage less often than other parts of your house. Because of this, there is no need for your home’s heating system to keep your garage warm. However, you should be aware of the risks that may come if your garage is too cold. Ideally, you will want to keep the temperature in your garage above the dew point. This is the temperature at which condensation will begin to form based on the overall humidity level in your area. During the winter months in Illinois, the dew point usually ranges from 15 to 30 degrees.

If your garage gets too cold, water droplets may accumulate on surfaces. This could lead to a variety of issues, including swelling of wood and rusting of tools or other metal objects. If temperatures drop further, ice may form, leading to further damage. Cold temperatures may also cause damage in other ways, such as when the metal rails for a garage door contract, affecting the door’s ability to open properly.

Maintaining the Right Temperature in Your Garage

While fully heating your garage usually will not be feasible, you can take steps to make sure the temperature does not drop to unsafe levels. The best way of doing so is by installing the proper insulation. Fiberglass insulation in the walls and ceiling will reduce heat transfer. It is also a good idea to make sure your garage door is properly insulated. You may also want to look for any gaps around windows or doors, and sealing these gaps will help prevent the cold from getting in.

If you plan to use your garage during the winter to work on your car, do crafts, or complete other activities, you will most likely want to add heat sources to ensure that you will be comfortable. While electric space heaters can provide some warmth, larger and more effective systems may be a better solution if you will be spending significant time in the garage. Propane heaters, radiant floor heating systems, or even a wood burning stove may be good solutions that will keep your garage warm and allow you to make the best use of your space.

Contact Our Downers Grove Garage Insulation and Heating Experts

If you need to make sure your garage can maintain the right temperature, or if you are looking to complete a garage renovation that will allow you to use the space during the winter, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help. We will work with you to determine the best solutions, and we will help you create a custom garage that will meet your needs. Contact our Chicago Area custom garage professionals today by calling 630-852-8485.

5 Steps You Can Take to Improve Your Garage’s Security

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Everyone wants to make sure their home is safe from thieves or others who may try to break in. Unfortunately, the garage is a common entry point for those who are looking to enter a home illegally. To address this issue, prevent break-ins, and make sure your home and family are as safe as possible, you can do the following:

  • Install the proper lighting – Bright lighting around a garage is one of the best ways to deter potential thieves. Installing floodlights that illuminate the area around your garage door, side doors, windows, or other potential entry points will help keep these areas secure. You may also want to use motion sensors that will shine lights on anyone who approaches your home or garage.
  • Keep your garage door opener remote safe – It can be convenient to keep the remote you use to open your garage door in your car. However, when these devices are easily visible in a car that is parked in a driveway or on the street, such as when a remote is clipped to a visor, this may provide thieves with an easy way to gain entry to your home. To prevent this issue, you may want to use a key fob remote that attaches to your car keys or make sure a remote stored in a vehicle is not visible from the outside.
  • Restrict visibility in garage windows – When people can see into your garage from outside, this may create the temptation to steal items stored within. To avoid this issue, you may use frosted glass on windows or plastic coating that limits visibility.
  • Make sure you have the proper locks – Your garage entry doors may be accessible to potential thieves, but you can make sure they are secure by using strong locks and deadbolts. It is also a good idea to make sure the door between your garage and your home is locked, which will ensure that even if a person gains access to your garage, they will be prevented from entering the rest of the home.
  • Consider in-garage delivery options – Package theft can be a serious issue, and items that are left on your porch or doorstep may be irresistible to thieves. However, some delivery companies, such as Amazon, may offer services in which items may be delivered inside your garage. By using a smart garage door opener, you may be able to open your garage door remotely so that packages can be delivered safely, preventing potential theft.

Contact Our Chicago Area Custom Garage Experts

At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we can help you take the proper measures to improve security in your garage, including installing new equipment such as lights or garage door openers or making sure your doors and windows are properly secured. To discuss your needs and options, contact our DuPage County garage renovation professionals today at 630-852-8485.

How to Protect Your Garage’s Roof During the Winter

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In DuPage County and the Chicago area, everyone expects the winters to be cold, but people may not always be fully prepared when the temperature begins to drop. Along with getting snow gear out of storage, making sure shovels and snow blowers are easy to access, and stocking up on salt, homeowners will also want to make sure they are taking the right steps to avoid any damage to their garage and their home during winter storms and cold weather. One key issue to be aware of is how to protect a garage roof from damage due to snow and ice.

Addressing Snow Buildup

Snow can be very heavy, placing a great deal of pressure on the roof of a garage. Light snow may weigh around five to 20 pounds per square foot, but heavy, packed snow can weigh up to 40 pounds per square foot. To prevent damage to the structure of a garage, it is a good idea to clear large amounts of snow from the roof. This can often be done with a ladder and a rake, and it will provide a homeowner with peace of mind that they will be able to avoid a roof collapse or other forms of damage.

It is also a good idea to check for leaks, since snow buildup will provide a constant source of water that may enter a garage and cause damage to the roof supports, the ceiling and walls, and items that are stored inside. Identifying and repairing leaks before snow begins to fall can help prevent this type of damage.

Preventing Ice Dams

Ice can be another problem that affects a garage roof, and in some cases, it may build up in a blocked gutter or other sections of the roof. This can block the flow of water, leading to leaks and other types of damage. In many cases, ice dams can be prevented by cleaning gutters and ensuring that water can drain correctly. Installing heat tape on gutters or other parts of the roof is another good way to keep ice from forming.

Proper insulation and ventilation are also important factors in preventing ice dams. Insulation around a garage’s roof can maintain the proper temperature. Ventilation in a garage’s attic can also prevent the buildup of moisture and damage to the garage’s interior.

Contact Our DuPage County Garage Roofing Professionals

To make sure your garage is fully prepared for winter, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can advise you on the best steps to take to address snow and ice. If you need to repair leaks or correct any issues that may lead to ice dams or other problems, we can make sure this work will be completed quickly and effectively. To speak to our Downers Grove garage roof repair experts, contact us today at 630-852-8485.

Reasons to Consider an Electric Garage Door Opener for Your Garage

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Modern technology has allowed homes and garages to continuously advance in convenience, comfort, style, and security. A small example of this is electric garage door openers, which can now also be found in the wireless variety. Keyless entry systems provide substantial advantages, making a home easier to access for members of the household, and more difficult to enter for those who are not welcome. To understand some of the most prevalent advantages of an electric garage door opener, read on.

Benefits of Installing an Electric Garage Door Opener

One of the greatest benefits of installing a garage door opener is that you will no longer have to worry about keys. Keys are extremely easy to lose for both the children and adults of the house. Keys can also be fairly inconvenient. With the addition of an opener, it will not be necessary to bring a set of keys with you when you leave the house. This is incredibly beneficial especially if you are just leaving the house for a short walk with your dog or quick errands.

This also applies to garage remotes. While garage remotes can be extremely useful, they can also be hard to keep track of. Additionally, garage remotes have a tendency to stop working at the most inconvenient times. With the help of an electric opener, you will not have to worry about getting locked out when the garage remote stops working or your keys are missing.

While keys and remotes can be stolen or lost, openers are assigned a specific code. Electric garage door openers can also greatly help to enhance the security of your home. The code for the opener can be changed at any time and even modified for one-time or one-day use for neighbors or family members who need to access the home on a temporary basis. Often, you can coordinate the opener with your home security system. Many electric openers feature the capability of security programs that can alert the police or other first responders.

A garage door opener can make accessing your home safer and much more convenient. The wireless capabilities of an opener allow for easy installation and do not require any complicated wiring.

Contact Our Downers Grove Custom Garage Builders Today

Electric garage openers are easy to use, enhance your home’s safety, and add an additional level of convenience for entering. If you are sick of carrying around keys or getting locked out when the batteries in your garage door remote die, it may be time to install an electric garage opener.

If you need an electric garage door opener installed, or are ready for an entirely new garage that is suited entirely to your home’s needs, contact our skillful Chicago area custom garage builders today by calling 630-852-8485.

Four Advantages of a Custom Garage

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Homebuyers may not always prioritize the quality and features of a home garage. Even those who decide to build their own homes may not necessarily have the foresight to build a garage that will fit all of their current and future needs. For a home to reach its full potential, the garage space should be customized to fit the occupants’ needs and preferences. Customizing a garage can allow for the flexibility, versatility, and functionality that a home needs.

Benefits To Enjoy After Customizing a Garage

1.) Additional Space

For those who feel like they never quite have enough space, supplementing your home with a larger garage can provide substantial benefits. A customized garage that is larger in size may allow you to add a workbench, staircase, additional windows, custom-fit cabinets, and more.

Not only will additional space help with storage needs for the household and seasonal belongings, but it will also allow you to park multiple vehicles.

2.) Enhanced Safety Measures

Customizing your garage allows you the opportunity to enhance the safety measures already in place. You are able to take advantage of precautions that the original builders of your home may not have, including termite proofing and fireproofing the space. Sturdier doors and durable, modern lock security systems can also greatly increase the safety of the garage. Providing a garage with better lighting capabilities also improves the safety of the space.

3.) Visually Pleasing

Some homeowners may feel that their garage is an eyesore. Alternatively, others may feel like their garage is ready for a modern, upgraded design. A customized garage can meet both of these needs while also increasing overall functionality. There are endless design options available. When a garage looks nice, you are more likely to spend time in the space and be comfortable doing it.

4.) Added Property Value

Garages that are larger in size, equipped with enhanced safety features, and are visually appealing, are going to add substantial value to any property. The other advantages that a customized garage can potentially provide include durability, weather resistance, and improved accessibility. A unique garage that provides advantages outside of the typical benefits, will help a home stand out against others and make the house a better investment overall.

Contact our Downers Grove Garage Builders Today

If you do not like spending time in your garage or feel it no longer meets your needs, a customized space may be the most advantageous solution. An experienced Chicago area garage building company like Blue Sky Builders, Inc. presents its customers with a vast range of sizes and design styles to choose from. To learn more about our customization options, services, and processes, contact our office today by calling 630-852-8485.

Factors to Consider When Replacing a Garage Entry Door

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It is not uncommon for homeowners to overlook the importance of their garage entry door. However, a high-quality entry door can provide a great first impression of your home for visitors going through that entry. Beyond the surface-level advantages of an exceptional entry door, it should also provide your home with security and energy efficiency. If your garage entry door is starting to show signs of physical deterioration such as cracks and rotting or is not providing your home with the features you require, consider pursuing one of the following options.

Which Entry Door Option is Best For Your Garage?

There are three types of entry doors that may work best for your garage. Depending on your preferences and needs, you may opt for a wooden, fiberglass, or steel garage door. While wooden doors may be the most visually appealing option, they are the least practical compared to the benefits provided by the fiberglass and steel options.

Fiberglass doors are available in a wide variety. Some of the most common fiberglass entry door options include:

  • Smooth fiberglass
  • Wood-grained fiberglass
  • Rustic fiberglass
  • Craftsman-style fiberglass

If wooden doors really appeal you to, consider opting for a wood-grain fiberglass entry door instead. Fiberglass doors are also incredibly durable. This entry door will withstand extreme temperatures and will not scratch or rust. Because fiberglass doors are so durable, they also provide an added level of insulation. This allows your home to remain energy efficient and comfortable.

Steel is another practical option for your garage entry door. Steel is one of the strongest options and is also incredibly durable. Steel doors can withstand wind, rain, and snow and are unlikely to exhibit any rot, cracks, or warping. This durability makes this option cost-effective as the door will require much less maintenance than other options. A steel entry door is also very energy efficient.

Contact Our DuPage County Garage Builders Today

A new garage entry door could play a key role in enhancing your home’s curbside appeal, overall safety, and insulation capabilities. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we offer a range of entry garage door variations to fit your specific garage needs. If it is time for a new garage door or a garage remodel, our Downers Grove custom garage builders have the skill and experience to help your garage and home reach their full potential. To speak with someone from our team today call 630-852-8485.

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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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