How to Have an Eco-Friendly Garage

It seems that no matter where one looks these days, that there is a push to protect the environment. We can use eco-friendly fuels, cleaners, lawn care equipment, and even construction materials. So, when you decide to have a garage added to your residence, or perhaps want to upgrade your current garage's appearance, why not opt for a garage door that is not only attractive but also environmentally friendly? In addition, you might want to take it a step further and ensure that the items within your garage are also eco-friendly.

Of course, the first step is to select a garage door that is eco-friendly. There are several choices to select from. For instance:

• A wood door is an environmentally friendly choice as long as the door has a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) endorsement. There are also door that are made totally from recycled material making them the perfect eco-friendly option.
• Steel doors usually contain at least 40% recycled materials, and often this number is even higher.
• Fiberglass doors are also good for the environment as it is made from readily available silica sand.
• Durable and energy efficient doors not only protect the environment, but are long-lasting and energy efficient. However, vinyl and plastic doors are very unfriendly for the environment and should only be used to accessorize; in addition, the vinyl doors are not as durable and will often warp.

Once you have chosen the garage door that best suits your needs and the design of your home, you can take additional steps to ensure that the items kept in your garage are also eco-friendly. For instance, what good is it to have an environmentally friendly garage door then store used automotive fluids, pesticides and chemical inside? To help you make sure that your garage is eco-friendly both inside and out, here are a few basics to keep in mind:

• Begin by cleaning out the garage. As you do so, you will get a better idea of what is stored there. And help you decide what to keep, what can be donated to Goodwill and what needs to be hauled away. Of course, if you just adding a garage to your home, you can typically skip this step-unless you are moving from a storage shed to the garage in which case you will want to sort out the unused/unwanted items rather than storing them again!
• If you have an assortment of fluids to dispose of, be sure to talk to your local agricultural extension or waste management office to learn the best way to deal with these products.
• If your water heater is in the garage, be sure that it is properly installed; also do not store boxes, tools or other items near the unit.
• Consider swapping out gas power tools for those that are electric or battery powered.
• Use high-efficiency fluorescent bulbs or install a skylight rather than incandescent lighting.

Learn more about garage doors and garage door openers by visiting Premium Garage Door Service of Twin Cities, MN. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

7 Questions Regarding Garage Doors and Garage Door Openers

For many people, there is no way a home without a garage would even be considered. After all, where else would they store their vehicles, tools and miscellaneous outdoor equipment? However, when it comes to buying a home, sometimes, there are features you may have to give up in order to have something else. Sometimes, this can be a garage. So, if you are now living in a home without a garage and have decided that you would like to have one added, then it's likely that you have a number of questions regarding garages. To help you decide what you want in a garage, here are some of the more common questions and concerns regarding these great features to your home.

1. What type of door will work best for my home? Depending on your home's outward appearance and whether or not you want your garage doors to blend in with your exterior or give it life, you have a variety of options to choose from. Typically, garage doors that have flushed panels will be unobtrusive and look great with virtually any architectural style while doors with long raised panels draw attention and add a design element to the home.
2. What types of garage doors are available? The most common are steel doors which requires little upkeep, costs less and has multiple style and color options; wood doors which cost more and require more upkeep yet are easier to customize; and composites which are made of recycled wood and better insulated. You will also want to consider the type of use your garage will get. For instance, if there will be sports played near your garage door, then you may wish to choose wooden doors rather than metal as the wooden ones will not dent.
3. What aspects are important in garage door maintenance? Most doors require minimal maintenance in regards to one needing to know how to repair them.
4. Are there any "simple" reasons why a garage door might not open/close properly? Yes. Oftentimes, you just need to be sure that the opener is plugged into the outlet. Also, if you have anything that is blocking the photo-cell beams from connecting with the receiver, then those items need to be moved to. If the opener is plugged in and the beams are not blocked, but you are still not getting a response, you should call your garage installation company and ask for a technician to visit.

The following concerns are best handled by a trained garage door technician!

1. What should be done if the door is not balanced? This is noticed when the door drops or opens on its own. It is a result of the springs needing to be adjusted.
2. What about loud noises or snapping sounds? This indicates that a spring has broken and needs to be replaced.
3. What about a frayed cable? This needs to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent the garage door from falling at an importune time!

Learn more about garage doors and garage door openers by visiting Premium Garage Door Service of MN. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.