How to Overhead Garage Storage Systems

Using your garage for storage is a smart idea, but it’s hard to find enough space to store everything you want to, especially if the items are bulky or oddly shaped. Overhead space is perfect for these types of items but is often underutilized. Lucky for you, we have put together a list of our favorite overhead garage storage systems and some suggestions on how to use them.

Before you install any ceiling mounted garage storage system, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and pay attention to the weight limits for each unit.

Flat Overhead Storage Racks

We’ll start our list with one of the most well known overhead storage solutions, the overhead storage rack. Overhead racks are great for all types of items, like totes, sports equipment, patio furniture, and bulk household items (think multi-pack paper towels). There are loads of options to choose from, just be sure to choose racks with weight limits that match what you will be storing. If you are handy with a drill and looking for a good weekend project, try these instructions for DIY garage ceiling storageshelves.

Overhead Storage Hooks and Straps

These handy tools can be used in so many ways, but most commonly for hanging ladders, seasonal gear, and bicycles. Secure a pair of plastic coated hooks into the ceiling to hang a ladder, or use straps to suspend your kayak or stand up paddleboard overhead. You can also use hooks to hang extension cords, beach chairs, or strollers!

Tire Storage Racks

Keep your off-season tires out of the way with a wall- or ceiling-mounted tire rack. Many of us change our seasonal tires ourselves and finding a place to store them can be a struggle. Mounting a tire storage rack high up on your garage wall will keep the tires well out of the way in the off-season.

Overhead Bicycle Storage

One of the biggest struggles in a small garage is finding an accessible place to store your bike. You don’t want it so tucked away that getting it out for a ride takes longer than the ride itself, yet you need to keep it out of the way of your vehicle. Some overhead bicycle storage systems are simple, just two heavy duty plastic-coated hooks mounted wheel width apart. Others involve a pulley system that makes raising and lowering your bicycle a breeze. One of our favorite solutions is the claw bike hook. It opens and closes with the push of a button and securely holds your bike by one tire.

As you can see, there are a lot of options for overhead garage storage. Having a clutter-free garage is something many of us only dream about, but these handy products will make having a tidy and highly-functional space a reality!

Garage Door Trends for 2019

If you are looking to boost your home’s curb appeal, a new garage door is a great place to start. Updating your garage door will not only boost your home’s value, but depending on what kind of door you install, it can also lower your energy bill.

Here are some of the hottest trends for garage doors in 2019.

Bright or Bold Colors

An easy way to show off your personality is by choosing a bold or bright color for your overhead door. Choose one that makes you happy and complements your home’s exterior. Black doors are expected to be one of the top colors for garage doors this year.

Insulated Doors

Because garages today are often multi-purpose spaces, many homeowners are choosing insulated garage doors. An insulated garage will help regulate the temperature of your home and help reduce your overall carbon footprint, too.

Larger Windows

Garage doors with windows are on the uptick this year. More garage door styles are incorporating larger windows in their designs, letting more light in and providing improved curb appeal from the outside. The increase in insulated garages has fueled this change because garages now serve as a gym, laundry room, home office, and more.

Modern Designs

Contemporary garage doors with clean lines and oversized windows are one of the hottest trends of 2019. Homeowners with indoor-outdoor spaces are using these types of doors to replace the more commonly used French doors seen in years past. A patio or pool house can double its space with the doors open, and also be used during cooler weather with them closed.

No matter which type of garage door you want to install, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Choosing the Best Garage Door Material

When selecting a new garage door, one of the choices you need to consider is which material best suits your style, budget and environment. Here’s a quick overview of common garage door materials to help steer you in the right direction.

Steel

The trusty go-to for many homeowners, steel is the most popular material for garage doors. It’s affordable, low-maintenance and extremely customizable. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that steel itself is not the most effective insulator, so it’s wise to choose steel doors that have already been insulated.

Vinyl

If durability is a top priority, vinyl is one of the best garage door material options available. Vinyl is dent-free, low-maintenance and remarkably resistant to rust and corrosion.

Wood

Many people are drawn to the elegant, authentic look of a wood garage door—but this material can be costlier than others. It’s important to select the right kind of wood and to make sure that there’s a protective finish on top. Wood garage doors do require more upkeep than some other garage door materials, including regular refinishing to keep the wood protected from the elements.

Aluminum

Aluminum doors are like steel in many ways, but are often available for a lower price. Unfortunately, this means that they’re lightweight and they don’t hold up as easily. If you’re going with aluminum, be sure to choose one of the newer, heavier-duty models.

Fiberglass

The great thing about fiberglass is that it can be designed to resemble many different materials. This gives homeowners tons of options for the look of their garage door. Fiberglass garage doors don’t hold up well in cold environments, but they are quite salt water-resistant, making this material an ideal choice for warm, coastal areas.

Do you have additional questions about garage door material? Our team here at Champion Overhead Dooris here to help! Give us a call and we’ll help you pick the perfect garage door for you home.

How to Repair a Garage Door (and When to Call in the Experts)

Garage doors typically require maintenance and repairs every so often, but before you call in the experts, there are simple problems you can identify and resolve on your own. Ask yourself these questions to determine if your garage door problems have easy solutions:

Does the hardware need to be tightened?

A garage door opens and closes every day—sometimes multiple times a day—so it’s not unusual for the hardware to loosen over time. Examine the mounting brackets, checking for loose screws and bolts. If you identify any, use a socket wrench to tighten them back up.

Are the tracks clear?

Buildup of debris, grease or rust in the garage tracks can hinder the door’s ability to move smoothly. Use a household cleaner to remove as much of it as you can.

Is there something blocking the safety sensors?

You may think that you’re having garage door problems when really there’s just something blocking the safety sensors. If your door won’t fully close or constantly opens back up, make sure there’s nothing in the path of the safety sensors.

Is the electricity working?

One common complaint among homeowners is that their garage door opener sometimes trips the circuit breaker. Without electricity, the door won’t open or close at all, so be sure to check for this problem.

If you’ve attempted these simple fixes and your garage door still isn’t functioning properly, it’s a good idea to call in the professionals. Trying to fix more serious problems on your own can be dangerous and even lead to more expensive repairs.

At Champion Overhead Door, we’re here to assist with all your garage door maintenance and repair needs. Let us know how we can help!

Setting Up a Home Recycling Center in Your Garage

It’s never too late to start recycling! If you’re looking for ways to shrink your carbon footprint, it’s time to get serious about reducing waste. Setting up a home recycling center is easy—and a garage is a great place to do it.

Here are four simple steps to setting up a home recycling center in your garage.

Learn the local recycling rules and regulations.

Before you get started, we recommend visiting your town website to learn more about the specific rules and regulations regarding recycling. From lists of what you can and can’t recycle to the weekly collection schedule, you’ll find everything you need to know.

Establish the main home recycling center.

A garage is the perfect hub for your home recycling, especially if it’s right off the kitchen. This way you won’t have to deal with any accumulating odors or messes indoors, but you’ll still have easy access to your bins. That said, you may find that it’s helpful to establish mini recycling areas in various locations throughout your home that you can empty each day into the main hub.

Stay organized.

There are plenty of simple DIY tricks out there for conserving space and staying organized with your home recycling, such as these recycle bin hangers. As you get going, you’ll have a better idea of what size bins you need and how to best store them. And don’t forget to label your bins to avoid any confusion!

Create a schedule.

The best way to get into the habit of doing something new is to establish a routine and stick to it. Use the calendar on your smartphone to set weekly reminders for yourself to take the recycling to the curb. Every night after dinner, empty the mini recycling bins into the main home recycling center in your garage. Keeping a schedule will help you stay organized and avoid clutter.

What have you learned from recycling at home? Share your tips with us in the comments below!