Posts Tagged ‘garage door’

Home Garage Maintenance: Choosing The Right Garage Flooring and Accessories

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

If you are one of the thousands of Americans who have come to appreciate the value of a useful and organized garage, you probably want to make it as attractive as possible. Whether it’s for all the workshop activities you do, the parties you hold, or the car restoration you plan on doing one day, having a comfortable and attractive garage is important.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your garage’s appearance is choosing the right flooring. With so many products out there, it’s easy to get confused. Here are some questions you will need to ask yourself before deciding on a garage floor purchase:

What will I be using the garage for the most? If you are mainly using your garage for basic use, like parking your car and storing sports equipment, mowers and trash cans, then you don’t want to spend too much money. Probably a basic specialized paint and coating will do.

How do you want your garage to look? Many home owners are wanting to upgrade their garage space to be not only usable, but more attractive. If you really want to take your garage to the next level, consider the range of floor tiles specifically designed for garage use. There are checker board patterns available, along with tiling options to create matching borders in a wide array of colors. There are also rolled garage flooring products out there to give you even more options.

Do you have existing issues with your garage? Many garages, especially those in older homes, have settled with cracks or slopes. This may present problems when any moisture, like rain run-off from your car, comes into play. For this type of problem, you might consider ribbed garage flooring products, which can help channel water to avoid puddles and wall damage.

Do you have special requests? If you like to keep your floor completely free of debris, consider flooring products made from a high impact polypropylene for lightweight durability and ease of installation. These types of flooring allow the water and debris to pass through the tiles directly to the concrete below, where it has enough available air flow to dry itself. This option allows for easy clean up.

Do you need a clutter-free environment? If you use your garage on a daily basis, either for car restoration or hobbies, you might consider an additional option in the form of garage door screens. By installing a simple, custom-made screen, you can protect your new-found garage space from additional outdoor debris and bugs while allowing fresh air flow at the same time. Garage door screens, such as the ones available at www.freshairscreens.com, are often the finishing touch for home owners who are looking to create the ultimate garage atmosphere.

Garage Door Types: Basic Garage Door and Garage Door Screen Descriptions For First-Time Buyers

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Picking out a garage door is not an easy job. It’s one of those things that you really don’t think about until it’s time to buy one. And then you find yourself obsessing about your neighbors garage doors, looking at designs, colors and materials.

Before you start your garage door shopping, you’ll need to know the basics. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind as you shop:

  • Garage doors are the largest moving parts of your home, and also one of the most visible elements.
  • Take the time to research designs, because it will be an important choice to make.
  • The two main types of garage doors are sectional roll-ups, which are the most popular, and swing-ups, or what some call “tilt-ups.”
  • Swing-up doors consist of a single-panel that pivots out and up.
  • Sectional roll-ups are made of horizontal sections that are hinged together. They are mounted with rollers on a track inside the garage. This allows the sections to roll straight up and back.
  • Sectionals cost more, but are safer, easier to operate, and allow more headroom in the garage.
  • Sectionals tend to be more weather resistant and secure.
  • Garage doors are generally made from wood, steel or fiberglass.
  • Most garage door designs feature raised panels, recessed panels, or are flushed.
  • When choosing your door design, define your preferences when it comes to windows, panel designs and electric operation.
  • Besides traditional garage doors, one other area to consider is a garage door screen. Increasing in popularity, a garage door screen is much like a front door screen, designed to keep insects and debris out of your garage in order to keep it clean. Users also like the garage door screens because it allows them to use garage space as an extra living area, for parties, extra seating, or for hobbies. See www.freshairscreens.com for details.

Garage door shopping can be overwhelming. The key is to do your research and take notice of other homes that feature garage doors you like. With a little preparation upfront, you’ll be able to narrow down your search and be an informed consumer.

Obama, McCain Banners Fill Need In Community, Offer Unique Garage Door Screen Option

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

It seems that no matter what your political affiliation happens to be, the buzz and excitement that goes along with this year’s presidential election can’t be stopped. Just ask Marvin Miller, owner of Kitty Mac Fresh Air Screens.  He’s seen the need for Americans to feel involved and show support for their favorite candidates, and produced a product that he feels is a hit.

“The excitement shared by millions of Americans for the elections this November is unreal,” he said. “No matter what side of the fence you’re on, people are really wanting to show support and display their preferences,” he said.

So Miller decided to take one of his existing products and tweak it to meet that need. A producer of garage door screens with detachable “inserts,” or banners, he developed a new design for both Barrack Obama and John McCain. These inserts can stand alone, or can be attached to one of his unique garage door screen systems.

Although his company has been around for years, the excitement of the garage door screen concept has recently been catching on.

“Think about how many parties people have that extend to outdoors and in their garages. Or what about those guys who love to watch TV while working on a project in their garage space. My garage door screens create a room that’s free from bugs or debris, and can help you maintain a clean, comfortable area,” Miller said.

The screens feature a sturdy Velcro section that can hold a banner, or insert, that is customized. Thus, the political banners came into play.

“These inserts are made of a finely woven, sturdy mesh fabric that allows for fresh air flow,” said Miller. While your neighbor’s banners are getting caught up by the wind and carried into another part of town, these banners can endure strong winds and stay attractive in your yard, hung off the side of your house, or as part of your garage door screen system.

Although Miller first developed the design for Barack Obama, a John McCain version is at press right now. He says that he would be proud for his products to be a part of this year’s campaign.

“It’s definitely an exciting event,” he said. “If everyone shows their support, it’s going to be an exciting race to watch.”

For more details about the presidential banners, or about customer banners and garage door screens, visit www.freshairscreenscom.