Tag: garage door tips

  • When’s The Last Time You Cleaned Your Garage?

    Spring cleaning should be a constant state of mind! Cleaning the garage can be a huge pain and many people continually put it off until the seasons change. Once spring rolls around, folks will dust off the laziness and take a stab at cleaning their garage. And while it’s always great to see tidy garages, they should be a constant, not a once-a-year event. 

    So, when’s the last time you cleaned your garage? There’s a chance that it has gotten quite dirty in the months since.

    What’s your car bringing in?

    Throughout your time on the road, your car will drive over plenty of different surfaces covered in various dirt, debris, and trash. And can you imagine the mud that rolls in and potentially sprays your garage door? Everything that your tire picks up and clings to will be brought into your garage, which in turn will be brought into your home. Yuck! As a result, it would be smart for you to move the car out of your garage on a monthly basis in order to clean underneath it and the surrounding areas. Doing this will help not only help maintain a cleaner floor but also help your shoes bring in less gunk into your home. 

    What can you throw out? 

    When’s the last time you threw something out of your garage? Most garages are filled to the brim with tools, cleaners, shelves, and belongings that seemed necessary at one time but don’t have much use now. Consistently cleaning your garage prevents clutter and makes the room just generally more appealing. Everyone has a hoarding problem and it might be time to let some stuff go. While you’re cleaning the garage, make note of what you should be purchasing to maintain the area in the future. We recommend buying lubrication for your garage door, it’s one type of cleaner that’ll genuinely come in handy every few months!

    What about your garage door?

    How often do you clean your garage door? Your garage door is one of the most prominent features of your home but it’s also a key part most homeowners take for granted. If you want to boost your curb appeal and save some serious money, you should be cleaning and continually maintaining your garage door every few months. Simple repairs like cleaning out tracks for dirt, grime, and little obstructions like pebble can potentially save your door from jumping off track! It’s very easy to neglect the overhead door and avoid it when there are noises or dents to the tracks. Not only will your garage door look brand new if you spend some time sprucing it up, but your wallet will thank you! Just note that if your DIY repairs get a bit too much for you to handle, consult an overhead door expert to get things sorted out quickly! 

    Your garage is probably the first part of the home you see once you’re done work. And your garage door is the largest entryway to your home – wouldn’t it be nice if they both shined? Cleaning out your garage and throwing out stuff that’s no longer useful can help you use the space for other activities. 

  • California Spanish Style Home

    From San Diego to Sacramento, there are various Spanish style homes which were built in the 1600s and 1800s. Most Spanish Homes are found in L.A. County from a beach side cottage in Malibu to a hillside mansion in Beverly Hills. Those who own a Spanish home love the personality which lies in the architecture. There’s definitely an earthy vibe from it’s vibrant yet neutral colors. Need us to help point out such style? Look for the low pitched brown roof tops, arched doorways, and a white painted exterior. On the inside? Wooden beams at the ceiling, gorgeous painted tiles on the floors, in the kitchen or in the bathroom, more arches, dark wood and terracotta tiles on the floor.

    Hacienda or Spanish Revival House

    A hacienda refers to a mansion style home. These types of properties are found in many areas of Northern California. Being that some of the older cottages were built over 100 years ago, the new revival wave of Spanish homes are built brand new and with plenty of space in mind. A Hacienda usually contains a large estate with courtyards and plenty of space indoors. Some of these types of homes are also commonly found in our own California neighborhood of Wine Country. The main reason being that there’s plenty of space for vineyards and wine making.

    Spanish Style Garage Space

    Many of the old style homes do not have an attached garage space. Some actually do not have a garage at all. This reflects on what was needed at the time. A garage was definitely not something many opted for in the 1800s. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the first attached garage began to appear and they were often located in the back of the house. Thus, if you’re in the market for purchasing a spanish style home, you might consider building a garage. Unless you’re purchasing a Hacienda or brand new Spanish revival home. The new properties have delicate details which match those of the home. Simply beautiful!

    Attached Garage or Stand Alone?

    Depending on your property, you can decide on whether you’d like an attached garage or stand alone. Detached garages are easier to add and you can add an overhead door. An attached garage also adds comfort as you can easily step into your house without facing rain or heat outside. What about when you need repairs? A detached garage is easier to deal with when it requires maintenance or repairs as it does not connect to your home directly. It really is up to you on what your needs and preferences are.

  • The Often Overlooked Danger of Leaving Your Garage Door Open at Night

    You know you locked the front door, but did you remember to close your garage door? For most people, it’s not a big concern. But you’ve got a deadbolt, right? What’s the big deal? Actually, an open garage door is a bigger risk than you think. Here are 4 reasons why you should never leave your garage door open when you aren’t using it.

    It’s an Invitation to Thieves

    Think about the contents of your garage — lawn mowers, bikes and other exercise equipment, tools. Add it all up and you’ve got thousands of dollars of valuable possessions just sitting out in the open. An open garage door might as well be a garage sale for thieves. They look to open doors as opportunities.

    Raccoons, Squirrels, Rats, Etc. Might Move In

    Thieves aren’t the only ones who see an open garage door as an chance to improve their luck. Pests and critters will invite themselves in as well. Animals may be looking for food or shelter. And once they’re in, they might curl in and nest. It might be time to call an exterminator.

    Storm, Wind & Other Weather

    Sure, the weather’s beautiful when you tuck in for the night – but California weather can turn on a dime. Calm skies at bedtime can become a hurricane overnight. And when that weather blows in, your garage – not to mention tools, sports equipment, and vehicles are left in the open. Don’t turn your back on the weather. Always closes your garage door.

    It Runs Up Your Heating Bill

    Leaving your garage door open at night on cool nights in El Dorado Hills can increase your heating bill. If your garage is connected to the house, it can actually affect the temperature of the rest of the home. This can cause the furnace to work harder because you pay more to heat the house when an open garage door cools it off. Because a garage’s temperature plays such a big role in house temperature, we always recommend installing insulated garage doors, even in California. Keeping your garage door closed makes it easier to control the inside temperature of the house.