There are over 82 million homes with a garage in the United States! Garages have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the 1920s. New innovations and technologies have shaped the modern-day garage, an integral part of all homes. Below is an interesting infographic from IFA Insurance Company detailing the history of the garage!
The History of the Garage
Published: May 22, 2013Garage Door Customer Testimonials
Published: May 15, 2013
Blue Sky Builders has helped hundreds of homeowners in the Chicagoland area build their brand new dream garage and/or renovate their current garage. Some of our customers have been so kind as to give us their testimonials on their garages that we have built and/or remodeled for them. We will share some of these below.
Choosing The Right Lighting For Your Garage
Published: May 3, 2013
The style, size, and door type are some of the biggest considerations when getting a new garage. Often, lighting is an afterthought. However, lighting is very important for your garage. Proper lighting can increase the safety, usability, and aesthetic appeal of a garage. In an article, Garage Lighting Tips, Wanda Thibodeaux shared three important considerations for choosing the right lighting for your garage: placement, safety, and bulb type.
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Garage Door Opener Basics
Published: May 1, 2013
When it comes to garage door openers, there are a lot more options nowadays. In the past standard garage door openers such as chain-driven models, belt-driven models, and screw-driven openers were the only options available to those interested in automating their garage doors. Now, residential jackshaft and direct-drive models have been introduced.
An article from Bob Vila, Garage Door Openers 101, shared details about the different types of garage door openers, including some advantages and disadvantages. We will share more details below.
Garage Door Spring Replacement – 4 Risks
Published: April 24, 2013
Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door to make it easy to open and close. They serve the same purpose of counter weights used to balance doors in centuries past and in many doors today. For example, if a garage door weighs 100 pounds, a spring force of 100 pounds needs to pull against the weight of the door. This can be accomplished with springs that either stretch or torque special parts to assist in balancing the door (DDM).
Garage door springs will eventually need to be replaced in order to keep your door operating properly. The flexibility of your springs will eventually lose their power, which causes problems for your door’s operation. So how do you replace your garage door springs? Garage door spring replacement can actually be a dangerous task, and therefore, you should consider hiring a professional. An article from remodelpros shared 4 risks associated with spring replacement including: choosing the right springs, installing, repairing, and getting the job done incorrectly.
Types of Garages: Gambrel Garages
Published: April 17, 2013
In our three-part garage type series we have been focusing on the different types of garages that are available, details on each type, and real pictures of garages we have built. Our final post will focus on Gambrel Garages.
Garages with a gambrel roof, also known as "barn style", have a straight ridge in the center like gable garages. However, they differ in that there are two roof sections on each side of a gambrel garage, as opposed to one. The lower roof section has a steep pitch while the higher roof section has a much shallower pitch. This greatly maximizes interior space and headroom. Below we will share some advantages of gambrel garages and pictures of gambrel garages we have built in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Types of Garages: Hip Garages
Published: April 10, 2013
In our three-part garage type series we will be focusing on the different types of garages that are available, details on each type, and real pictures of garages we have built. This post will focus on Hip Garages.
Overall, hip garages are the most common type of garage for a variety of reasons.
Hip garages are four sided, as opposed to the two-sided gable roof discussed in our last blog post. Below we will share some advantages of hip garages and pictures of hip garages we have built in the Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Types of Garages: Gable Garages
Published: April 2, 2013
In our three-part garage type series we will be focusing on the different types of garages that are available, details on each type, and real pictures of garages we have built. This post will focus on Gable Garages.
Gable garages are one of the most common types of garage. This simple, yet practical style of garage offers numerous possibilities.
What is a gable garage? With two sloping sides that come together at a ridge, gable garages are built to match the gables on the house. The triangular gable faces the front. Below we will share some advantages of gable garages, pictures of gable garages we have built in the Chicago area, and some information on reverse gable garages.
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How to Choose The Right Size Garage
Published: March 27, 2013
If you are going to get a new garage, there are many things to take into consideration. Important considerations include style (custom, hip, gable) and material, and size. The size of your garage is critical in meeting your garage needs. When choosing a size you should consider your vehicles, storage needs, walking space, and your available land space. Below are some guidelines for choosing the right size garage from eHow.
Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Garage
Published: March 20, 2013
Today marks the official start of the spring season, and with that comes spring cleaning! When it comes to spring cleaning, many overlook their garage. Don’t neglect your garage this year. Follow these 6 simple steps from Men’sHealth to get your garage clean: