DIY Home Improvement Tips » Garage

How Long Will Your New Garage Door Last?

James Halpert — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:08:55 +0000

When thinking about installing new garage doors it is important to consider their likely lifespan and any maintenance issues. There is more to caring for doors than just looking after the surface finish – in particular the opening mechanism will need to be maintained in good working order.

It’s easy to forget that just because the door panel itself is the biggest and most obvious component it is only one of many. Garage opening mechanisms contain a good many parts (garage door springs, rollers and the like) that must all operate smoothly together otherwise the door will no longer open and close properly.

Ultimately, any garage door is only as robust as its weakest component and even if a minor part fails then the integrity of the whole door can be compromised. So how long can you expect any given part to last?

The lifespan of garage door parts is calibrated in “cycles” where one cycle is one opening and closing of the door. How many cycles occur each day obviously varies greatly – some people rarely use their garage door while others use them a great deal (often as an alternative main entrance).

A reasonable approximate average is 3 cycles per day which equates to about 1,000 cycles each year. Cheaper garage door components are typically rated to last 5,000 cycles which obviously gives an average limit of five years before repairs will be required.

So depending on your own expected usage of your garage doors you can easily work out roughly when you can expect to start getting to know your neighborhood garage door repair specialist rather better than you might prefer. Especially since it is unlikely that just one component will start to fail around about that time.

However there is another way; you could simply insist on installing parts where testing was discontinued at 80,000 cycles because they just wouldn’t fail and then you can expect quite literally a lifetime of pretty much trouble free operation.

So to conclude them, your new garage doors will last anywhere between a few short years and more or less forever and the choice is up to you. Find out more at http://woodengaragedoorsguide.com/.

Solar Garden Lights Are A Wise Investment Opportunity

James Halpert — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:29:33 +0000

Solar garden lights have changed drastically over the years. They were once simple little fixture you push into the ground to illuminate a walkway or driveway during the night. Today, solar garden lighting consists of fixtures of all sizes, styles, materials, and installations. Solar energy is something that most people take for granted. The sun is a natural resource that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon so why not use some of the powerful energy to save you a few bucks on landscape lighting for your home. Solar powered garden lights can be used simply for the purpose of illuminating or to enhance some of the most attractive aspects of your landscape. Most people get discouraged when they first see the price of solar power garden lights but that is because they do not take into consideration that once installed, the lights will cost nothing to operate, night after night.

When shopping for solar garden light fixtures, try not to focus on price because the fixtures are also very helpful to the environment. Lowering your energy consumption even if by only a small fraction can greatly help both your pocket book and your impact on the environment. Solar lights for garden decorating are something many people are doing without because of the cost. Others have embarked on a greener lifestyle which suggests lowering energy consumption to a minimum and to eliminate unnecessary lighting. Regardless of your reason for being interested in solar lights, you will quickly find that the fixtures are quite attractive and stylish. The fixtures are similar to electrical fixtures in their quality materials and durable manufacturing.

Most stores carry a large selection of solar fixtures but if happen to have trouble finding a specific style or size, check the internet. The internet is also a great place to look for tips on installation and proper positioning of fixtures to ensure that you are getting the full benefit of each fixture.

Create your Own Epoxy Garage Floor

James Halpert — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:49:31 +0000

Most garage floors are made of concrete. It looks nice in the beginning. But, it does not take long for the floor to start looking oily. Then, the inevitable cracks and chips start to show. Not only does it look shabby, but it can ultimately be a safety hazard. All you have to do is catch your foot in a crack, and you will be down for the count. So, if you want to keep your entire house looking nice, including your garage, you may want to consider your own epoxy garage floor. Although you can hire someone to do the job for you, you can save a lot of money and do the job yourself. A kit will come with everything you need. If you can read directions and know how to use a paint roller, you will not have any trouble creating a nice floor.

Step by Step

Garage floor finishes do not magically appear. But, if you are willing to follow the directions, step by step, you will have a professional finish on your floor before you know it. First, if the floor has been painted in the past, you will want to scrap away the chunks that are still left. So, get a few paint scrapers, and get the family involved. Once the floor is finished, maybe you could plan a party to celebrate all the hard work and show off the finished result. After you have all of the yucky paint off, it is time to do your best to fill the cracks and chips with a special compound. You can smooth it out, so the surface of the garage is fairly even. The fun part is getting the paint roller to put a coat of your favorite color on the floor. You can also add chips of color, to give it a little pizzazz and texture. Finally, it is time to put on the epoxy garage floor coating. It will seal in all of your hard work; and seal out the weather and inevitable leak of oil.

Like the Professionals

You have decided that preventing damage to your floor is a lot cheaper than hiring a contractor to build a new floor in the future. But, you are not quite sure what you need. You want it to look like the floors at a convention center car show. You want a garage that looks like something the professionals would be proud to own. If that is the case, you are probably thinking about epoxy garage flooring. When you are done, the finish is so beautiful; it looks like you polish your floor. In fact, you will need to add a little texture in the color coat, or you might as well have your own personal skating rink. It will end up being a great way to show off your awesome automobile or use for extra living space. It could easily become one of the favorite rooms in your house.

Keep Out!

If you have nice garage flooring, the only way to make sure it stays that way is to put a sign up that says: “Keep Out!” Of course, this plan of action is neither practical nor logical. What good is having a nice garage, if you never use it? Instead, it should be such a wonderful garage that it is an extension of your living space. It should be so nice that you can use it for a guest room, when your teenager has a sleepover. Epoxy garage floor coatings are the perfect solution. The finish will probably be glossier than your kitchen floor after a good waxing. With many colors to choose from, you can select just the one to reflect your personality, whether it is a steel gray with black flecks or an awesome red that your neighbors can see from miles away. But, you should remember the flecks. You will need some texture, unless you like the feeling of walking on glass. Your professionally glazed floor will look totally awesome! But, it will also repel the liquids and oils that are notorious for ruining a garage floor. However, the best part is that you will have a floor that looks like a million bucks; but, you did it for yourself!

Garage Floor Mats: the Multipurpose Answer

James Halpert — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:54:52 +0000

Do you have a lovely home, but your garage leaves a lot to be desired? Is the concrete cracked and chipped? Are there oil stains all over the floor that are impossible to clean up? Do you wish you could do something to make your garage much nicer, so you can spend time working on cars, use it for extra family storage, maybe put a home office in the corner, or some other use? Unfortunately, you are strapped for the time and money to make your garage one of the best rooms in your home. You need a quick solution to a really yucky problem that will not put you in the poor house. What you need are garage floor mats. In fact, you will find the mat so easy, you will likely discover additional uses for this quick and easy garage flooring.

Quick and Easy

When the floor in your garage is a mess, but you would like to make it a place to hang out, you may want to consider purchasing a garage floor mat. Installation is a breeze. Chances are you will be totally ready to use your new garage surface in no time at all. The mats simply roll out to cover up all of those cracks and greasy stains on the floor. You may need to cut along the edges to fit a corner or something, but the rest is easy. If you want to cover the entire floor, you can overlap the mats along the edges. Alternatively, you can purchase adhesive strips to secure the mat in place. When you are done, your garage can become the family multipurpose space. It will be easy to clean debris off the floor, and it will save a fall, when water and melting snow would have made a puddle on the floor.

The Pet Protector

You may be thinking about getting a mat for a garage surface protector, but have you ever considered the idea of pet protector? A mat is good for more than just parking your car. If you have a pet that spends time out in a run or an outdoor kennel, you can use a small garage flooring mat to create a nice floor for your dog. It will keep puddles from forming, when those paws are wet. It will also make a more pleasant solution to chaining the dog outside when company comes to visit. You can make it a little home away from home, instead of a place that seems more like a punishment. You can keep your pet safe and comfortable at the same time.

Work Out

Are you an avid exerciser? Do you wish you had a place to work out that did not require a membership to some fitness center or spa? Do you have exercise equipment tucked in the corner of your bedroom or stored somewhere? Why not use rubber garage flooring to convert your cement basement into a workout area? You can roll out a mat to cover the cold floor and create your own private oasis for those great exercise routines. The mat will provide a non-skid surface. In addition, if it is made to support your parked car, it will easily handle being under an exercise bike, tread mill, or any other equipment you may use to stay in shape. Of course, if you can convert an area in your basement for exercise, it will also be cooler to work out in the summer.

Home Improvement Plus

Garage floor coverings are awesome for home improvements. In about the time it takes you to roll out a rug, you can have a garage floor that is not oil stained, cracked, or chipped. When poor weather usually means a slippery surface waiting to cause a fall, the rubbery mat will keep you on your feet. Down in your basement it can be a great addition to a workshop area or exercise room. But, you can find even more uses for garage mats. You can cut them to fit any area where you need a non-skid surface. A trailer or truck beds are two simple ideas. If you have any small pieces left over, you can even use it to line your child’s little red wagon. Garage floor covering and mats are as versatile as your imagination will allow. For example, it would work on your patio or poolside to give your family a safety edge. You can be safe, improve the value of your home, and make life a little more comfortable with floor mats.

Snap to It with Garage Flooring Tiles

James Halpert — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:31:10 +0000

Have you ever thought of your garage as one of the nicest rooms in your entire house? Why not? Is it because of the cracks and chips in the cement? Is it because of those old and nasty oil stains that will not come up, no matter how hard you scrub? So, what are you going to do about it? Are you just going to throw your hands up in the air, store all of your junk in there, and hope you leave enough room from the car? Come on! Use your imagination! Your garage can easily become an extension of your living space, and be useful to every member of the family, if you can fix it up nice. So, you need to literally snap to it with garage flooring tiles.

A Family Affair

Garage floor tile is so easy to install, the whole family can do it-and have fun at the same time. With all of the bright colors available, you can create your own design. The tiles simply snap together. All you have to do is line up the edges to get them in line, and then step on the tiles to snap them in place. Alone, you can probably complete an entire 2 car garage is 2-3 hours. With help, it will go even faster. Chances are it will be so much fun; you will probably be disappointed when you have finally snapped the last tile in place. Now your floor will look so nice, you might hesitate to park the car in the garage. But, do not worry. The tiles are meant to withstand up to 5,000 pounds per square inch. Even if one does develop a problem, it is easy to snap it out, get a replacement, and you are good to go.

Do not Stop There

The awesome tiles you just finished snapping together may be called garage floor tiles, but do not stop there! Now that you know how easy they are to install, you might want to put some on your deck or your gazebo. If you have a pool in the back yard, they are a colorful solution to that wet concrete. You will not have to worry so much about taking an unexpected dip in the pool. Brighten up your patio with tiles. Maybe you have a weight or exercise room that could use a little sprucing up. Why put up with that cold concrete in your basement, when you can have a pretty floor that will encourage you to be energetic and visit the favorite room in your house. Garage flooring tile is very versatile and has many uses, if you can imagine them.

An Ounce of Prevention

You have a nice house and finally the garage you have always wanted. For years you have parked your car in the driveway, or on the street, and just hope against hope that the elements or a thoughtless driver would not mess it up. But, as good as that garage looks today, you know it will not be long before it looks like a mess, especially if you like working on your own car. It also will not be long before rocks and debris in the tires will start wearing away at the cement. Before you know it, you will have cracks and divots to content with, along with the oily patches. What you need is vinyl garage flooring. Not only will it protect your floors, but it will look great, and give the family added traction, when they get out of the car.

Common Sense

Garage floor protection for your home is only good, common sense. Have you priced concrete lately. You do not want the expense of fixing your floor, when it becomes to oily stained, cracked, or chipped up because of rocks in your tires. If you want your garage to be a place to hang out while you work on the car, to access extra pantry storage, have a private work area for your business or crafts, or a place for family to gather, during an outdoor picnic, you will want to keep the floor in pristine condition with vinyl tiles or other floor protection that will prevent damage to the floor, or cover up the damage that is already there. You can actually make it one of the best rooms in your house.

Garage Floor Covering Made Easy

James Halpert — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:26:25 +0000

Have you ever gone online and checked out some of the cool garages people have enhanced with their own hands? You might be surprised how wonderful an average garage can look, after the cement floor has been protected against cracks, chips and chemical stains that will never come out. In fact, the garage will look so cool; you might see how it can become a favorite room in the house. Some people park their car on one side and turn the other into a mini office, large pantry, and more. You can even turn it into a temporary guestroom, if your teen is having a sleepover. It takes not time at all to clean and make it as nice as any other room in your home. Although it sounds good, you may be thinking that you do not have the talent to have a really fabulous garage. But, you might be pleasantly surprise, because garage floor covering made easy can be accomplished by anyone who can play with Legos or push a paint roller.

Roll Baby Roll

If you can roll out a rug or a hunk of carpet, you can put down something in your garage to make it look nice and maintain the integrity of the cement surface. Plus, you do not have to break your piggy bank, or invest a lot of time in home improvements. You can opt to purchase a garage floor mat. The size depends on your personal needs. You can purchase a mat the size of your car. Alternatively, you can even find a rubber surface on which to park your motorcycle. But, you may want to overlap the mats or use adhesive tape to secure the rubber, and make it a wall-to-wall adventure. Whatever you choose, you can transform your garage in a matter of minutes. So, roll baby roll!

Made to Last

When protecting the surface of your floor is the main goal, you may want to select vinyl garage flooring. It may come in the form of mats or tiles, but it is a proven material for being durable and a great deterrent against absorption of oil and other chemicals. It is easy to clean. If the flooring gets messy with debris or stain causing materials, all you will need is a wet/dry vacuum or a good old garden hose. Have at it.
Although it does not seem like it initially, vinyl garage floor is meant to take quite a beating and still look great. It is designed to take up to 5000 pounds, which should be well above the weight of your car. It is made to last and to adequately protect your floor for years to come.

Price Check Please

In today’s economy, it only makes sense to check the price of everything, before you make a purchase. For example, even if you have been blessed enough to buy a house, you are not made of money. You might have bought a fixer-upper, because you are handy around the house. However, you are going to have to be frugal and careful with your home improvement selections. For example, if you are interested in improving your floor and preventing any further damage from the elements and use, you might want to check out garage floor coatings. Of course, you can pay someone else to do the job. But, if you can push a paint roller, you can purchase a kit and do the job yourself. You will receive instructions on how to obtain a professional finish in a step by step process. You might even be lucky enough to receive a video example of do-it-yourself garage floor coating. It will save you a lot of money and look great when you are done.

Colorful and Fun

If you dread finding something to protect your garage flooring, maybe you are not looking in the right places. Are you worried about having to pay a contractor to get the job done? Why should you have to spend even more money to have a protected floor, when you can get the materials and do it for yourself? When you are done, you can have great flooring that is both colorful and fun. What you need is garage floor tiles. It is a great way to improve your garage. The process is easy enough; you can get the entire family involved. If you can snap Legos together, you can line these vinyl tiles together and snap them in place. In a few hours, you can have an awesome garage that will look worthy of displaying and protecting the most valuable car on the planet. So, pick your pattern, get the family together, and snap to it!

Protect your Property with Garage Floor Coating Products

James Halpert — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:11:06 +0000

You have a nice house with a great garage attached. But, you know it will not be long before the flooring in that garage begins to show signs of wear. The inevitable oil stains, the cracks and the chips will make it look old and gross over time. With the rocks that get wedged in the tires and the temperature changes, it is to be expected. Even if you are meticulous about keeping the garage clean, you cannot stop the certain blemishes that will start showing up. You need something that will help prevent the natural wear and tear on the cement. You need something that will repel oil and other chemicals that will mess up the floor. You need garage floor coating.

A Bit of History

When you are considering how to protect your floor, the last thing you are probably thinking about is history. But, if you are looking for a name brand of garage floor sealant, then you might be interested in the history of Rustoleum garage floor coating. Captain Fergusson was fishing in an old rusty boat. He tried to stop a barrel of fish oil from spilling. Unfortunately, some of the oil hit his deck. To his amazement, the fish oil stopped the spread of rust on his boat. The next thing you know, he is trying to find a formula of sealant that will protect boats and stop corrosion. Fortunately, he finally came up with a mixture that did not reek of fish after it dried. Today, Rustoleum garage coatings seal out the oils and chemicals that will really make a mess of your floor, while making it crack and chip resistant.

Explanation Please!

So, what is Epoxyshield garage floor coating? What makes it so great? Of course, you are going to want the answer to these questions, before you invest in a sealant for your garage. Epoxyshield protects against the auto fluids that will ruin your floor. The sealant will repel gasoline, anti-freeze, oil, salt from the roads, and hot tire damage. If you know how to use a paint roller, you can apply this protective coating all by yourself. In the kit, you will receive a professional cleaner to get your floor ready. Then, you roll out the floor coating and add the chips to give it a little pizzazz and texture at the same time. It saves you money, because you do not have to hire a contractor to replace your floor, when it gets too nasty. You can easily do something to prevent the breakdown of the cement before it happens.

A Sure Thing

If you want to protect your floor from UV rays, salt from the wintery roads, chemical fluid leaks, rocks that can chip, or temperature changes that will cause it to crack, you need a sure thing. You need epoxy garage floor coating. You can pick one of many brands. But, epoxy has the reputation for sealing out the elements and wear and tear of everyday use. You need something that already has the reputation for being dependable, and yet it is easy to apply. You do not want to have to go to the expense of hiring someone else to do the job, if you can save money and do it yourself. Plus, you want the option to choose the color and texture you want to make your floor look superb. Not only will you have a great garage in which to park your car, you will have an extra room to use for storage, shelter for an outdoor family gathering and more. Once you find the right epoxy for your garage, and discover how easy it is to apply, you may want to do the same for your basement, deck, patio, and more.

Saving Cents

The main purpose for garage floor coatings is to save you some cents, in the long run. Over time, every garage will be subject to chemical fluid leaks, the weather, and normal every day wear and tear. You should do what you can to prevent those problems, in order to keep your garage looking nice. It can actually become a nice extension of your living space. In fact, you can use the same type of sealant to protect any other cement surfaces on your property. Imagine having a basement floor that is glossier than the one in your kitchen. You can turn that cold, dark room into a nice place to hang out. It will not have to be just for storage or the laundry. So, start with garage floor covering. See how easy and affordable it is, before you move forward in protecting the rest of your property as well.

Garage Cabinets and Storage – Reduce Clutter and Add Function

James Halpert — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:28:59 +0000

Many garages never have the pleasure of storing a vehicle. Most are treated as a catch all place for things that no longer fit in the interior of your home or are no longer being used by your and your family. If your garage is no longer being used for the purpose of storing vehicles and as a place where you can complete projects like changing the oil in your car, or building a bookshelf, then it may be time for you to clear out the clutter and create an area where you can store what you do need. Garage cabinets and storage systems come in all kinds of materials, sizes, shapes, and utilities. Some garage cabinets have a specific purpose while others are versatile with adjustable shelving designed to fit just about anything you can find in a garage.

Garage storage cabinets that are intended for multiple purposes are easy to find because there are so many variations to choose from. Most are made of metal or wood because they need to be sturdy enough to withstand many years of use and the weight of heavy tools and equipment. A metal garage cabinet can be used to store things like cleaning supplies, paint buckets, garden tools, and even seasonal items. A wooden garage storage cabinet can be used to store crafting supplies, woodworking tools, or specialized tools like saws, drills, and sanders. The great thing about organizing a garage is that you will probably find things you didn’t even know you had stored in heavy duty plastic storage boxes. It is highly likely that you will also find two or three of the same thing because you thought you didn’t have it so you when out and got a new one. Reduce clutter by keeping the newer item and get rid of the old.

Purchasing a storage system for your garage is well worth the investment but if you are unable to purchase factory built cabinets because of budget reasons, you can always opt to build your own with the help of the internet. If you have the lumber left over from another project and are experienced with woodworking, then you are a definite candidate for building your own cabinets with the various available garage cabinet plans on the internet. Some plans are so specific that they tell you exactly what to go buy in order to complete the project so if you already have some of the supplies you should save quite a bit of money on the project. The possibilities are endless when it comes to garage storage. The internet is full of helpful tools to get you on a path to better organization of all areas of your home.

Garage Storage Cabinets – Creating a Place for Everything

James Halpert — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:06:24 +0000

The garage tends to be a forgotten space in many homes because it typically only serves as a place to store vehicles, lawn equipment, old furniture, and seasonal decorations. The installation of garage storage cabinets can change how you see and use what is typically the largest room in a home. There are many types of cabinets to choose. Most storage cabinets are made of either wood or metal. Most storage cabinet systems intended for the garage are designed specifically stronger than other types of cabinets. You should have no problem storing large tools, yard equipment, and most importantly all those hazardous chemicals typically found in a garage. Items like gasoline cans, oil, cleaning solutions, and plant fertilizers should all be safely stored away and possibly even locked for the safety of children and pets.

Installing a garage storage cabinet system is fairly easy even if you decide to go with upper and lower cabinets. If you prefer a more open storage area you can choose to install shelving or particle board over lower cabinets. The shelving can be used for items you use more frequently. Particle board can be used to install pegs that can hold tools and supplies you use frequently when working on car, yard, craft, and home improvement projects. A wood storage cabinet system fits many different design styles and depending on the stain or color you choose, it can also be a way to add personal style and character into the space. Metal storage cabinets tend to be more utilitarian in appearance which works well in a modern design or theme.

Before you shop for any cabinet style, type, size, or material for your garage, it is important to measure the wall space you have available in the area where you want the cabinetry to be located. Keep in mind that the cabinets should not affect your ability to drive you car into the garage or block walking access within the space. Pay close attention to how the cabinet doors, garage door, and access doors will affect the placement of your storage system. It is recommended that you choose cabinets of various sizes to fit all kinds of things including items with long handles like brooms, rakes and shovels. Bulky equipment such as hedgers, saws, and even large drills take up an awkward amount of space and are quite heavy so they will need to be stored in a safe and secure area.

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