By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Garage Workout Facility • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

3 Things You Should Consider When Using Your Garage as a Gym

Blue Sky Builders creating a garage gymRegular exercise can be beneficial for everybody. However, many people fail to get the necessary exercise simply because they do not have easy access to workout facilities or equipment. If you are looking to get in shape and promote your family’s health and well-being, you may want to create a space where you can exercise regularly and store workout equipment. Your garage may be the perfect place to create your own gym. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your space and make sure you and your family will be ready to improve your health: Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Custom Garage • Garage Remodeling • Garages • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How to Turn Your Garage into a Gaming Hideaway This Winter

Blue Sky Builders garage renovation video gamingGarages do not need to be just for cars and tools. So many people have learned to enjoy spending more time at home with family and neighbor friends this past year. If you are limited on space in your home, you may want to consider utilizing your garage space for regular activities. After a bit of reorganizing and renovation, why not turn your garage into a game room? It can also double as a quiet homework or reading spot when the games are unplugged. Whether your kids enjoy playing video games, you consider yourself a pool shark, or you like throwing darts, your garage can be an ideal place to house all of your favorite games so you can take a break from it all.  Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Garage Maintenance • Garage Safety • Garages • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Tips for Preventing Ice Damage In, On, and Around Your Garage

Blue Sky Builders garage snow ice damage preventionWinters in the Midwest can be brutal, with blizzard-like conditions. This can include snow, ice, sleet, slush, and wind. Anything that is outside can take a beating, including your house and garage. When any type of precipitation cannot drain properly, and the temperature drops to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water can freeze and turn to ice. Besides creating a slipping hazard for homeowners or guests if ice accumulates on walkways or stairs, this can also affect a structure’s roof, siding, and flooring. If there is nowhere for the ice to go once it melts, it can cause serious structural problems. That is why it is important to take steps to prevent ice from forming near or in your garage during the winter months in order to protect your property.     Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Garages • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

The Best Ways to Protect Your Garage During an Illinois Winter

Blue Sky Builders preparing your garage for winterNow that December is here, Illinois residents are bracing for a cold and snowy winter. Preparation is key to survive the often harsh winter conditions, and this may include “winterizing” your home and vehicles. In some cases, people put plastic on their home’s windows to keep them insulated and free of drafts. Keeping cars running in the winter may mean putting snow tires on and antifreeze in the engine. Similarly, there are steps homeowners can take to protect their garages during the cold months to preserve and maintain their value. Not only do garages house your automobiles, tools, decorations, and more, they may also be used as home offices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important now more than ever to keep your garage properly maintained, especially if it is serving multiple purposes.  Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Building Tips • Garages • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

What Is the Best Type of Insulation to Use in My Garage?

Blue Sky Builders garage insulation installationWinter is coming, and the season can be especially brutal in northern Illinois. While your house is insulated when it is built to keep it warm, not all garages have insulation put in them when they are constructed. It is likely that you and your family have been using your garage more since the COVID-19 pandemic began, so you may want to consider ways to keep it warmer so you can continue utilizing this space even in the cold months.      Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Garage • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

What Are the Different Ways to Heat My Garage During the Winter?

Blue Sky Builders garage heating solutionsThese days, many people are spending more time at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. With fall upon us and winter right on its heels, cooler temperatures are coming to Illinois. Family time is great, but there comes a point when you might want to escape for a little “me” time. Turning your garage into a retreat might be easier than you think. By adding a heating element to this space, you can use it during the colder months, not just in the summertime. Read on to learn how you can enhance your garage by making it warm and inviting.   Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How Can I Prepare My Garage for an Illinois Winter?

Blue Sky Builders garage winter preparationElements such as wind, ice, snow, sleet, and hail can make wintertime in the Midwest a frightful thing to experience. Although garages are exposed to the weather year-round, these structures often do not receive the same amount of maintenance and care that a house would get. Due to the frigid temperatures that occur during the winter months, garages may often be covered in snow or ice. In an effort to avoid any injuries or property damage, a garage renovation project may be needed. Discussing your thoughts and concerns with a knowledgeable garage improvement expert can save you a great deal of time, effort, and money in this type of project.

Addressing Snow and Ice Accumulation

During the winter, it is common for snow and ice to build up on garage roofs. Massive amounts of snow can sit atop a garage, leading to leakage, holes, or even cave-ins. Although it may seem that a little snow on a garage roof can provide an extra layer of insulation, allowing snow to pile up is not recommended due to the possible harm that can result. If the snow begins to melt, extensive water damage may result. Furthermore, snow that turns into ice can lead to icicles and additional safety hazards.
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By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

What Flooring Concerns Should be Addressed Before Remodeling a Garage?

Blue Sky Builders garage flooring optionsOne of the most interesting aspects of a garage is the multi-purpose functionality that it can provide. Nowadays, almost anything can be added to a garage; living units, home offices, man caves, and home gyms are replacing what used to be considered an uninhabited area. Garage customization projects can sometimes require significant changes to garage space, but before moving forward with a major renovation, one area that must be addressed is the floor. Depending on the purpose you would like your garage to serve, you will want to be sure the style of flooring meets your needs. Consulting a garage building professional could provide insight on what options should be considered.       

Plan for Repairs and Restoration

Whether you are planning to add a new surface to your garage floor or wish to keep your current floor in place, it is important to address any pre-existing damages. Years of wear and tear in a garage can result in cement flooring being damaged.  Areas of concern such as cracks, holes, uneven surfaces, or grease and oil stains should be addressed before any renovations begin. Although some aspects of the restoration process can be addressed quite easily, others may require the assistance of a professional. 
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By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Tips for Soundproofing Your Garage

Blue Sky Builders garage soundproofing and insulationA garage is an ideal place for homeowners to participate in activities that may be considered too loud inside a house. Holding band practice, cheering on your favorite team, or having a party can be noisy pursuits that may be enjoyed in a garage. However, while your garage is part of your private property, large amounts of noise could be distracting to your neighbors. To address this issue, soundproofing garage renovations may be the answer.

Soundproofing a Garage Door

A garage door is a large entry and exit way that provides a channel for sound to escape very easily. The addition of insulation to a garage door will decrease the amount of sound that can get out. A well-insulated garage is an investment that would not only keep sound inside the home, but it can also help prevent cold temperatures from creeping in. Whatever the occasion may be, an insulated garage door can help make your garage an ideal location during any time of the year. 
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By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How to Get Your Garage Ready for Winter

Blue Sky Builders garage winterizationThe summer of 2019 is coming to a close. The kids are going back to school, most people have finished their summer vacations, and the days are slowly but surely getting shorter. Winter is just around the corner. During the summer, the garage door is the most used entrance to your home, but with the coming of fall, its use may significantly decline. Likewise, the shift in seasons brings new challenges for the maintenance of your garage, and you will want to be sure that you are prepared as the temperatures continue to drop. While it is still lovely outside, you should get started by following these simple steps to prepare your garage and garage door for winter:

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