Garage Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Bayside Garage Doors

5 Best Storage Ideas For An Uncluttered Garage

baysidegaradev on January 5, 2023

It’s easy to let the garage become cluttered. Between the seasonal decor, tools, bicycles, and gardening implements, it’s a lot to store and keep looking nice. If you want to store things in the garage but still have space for the car, to store your boat, or to work on a rainy day, all you need are these simple storage solutions.

1. Shelves

Shelves are always an excellent idea. They fit nicely on the sides of the garage and can hold a lot of weight when installed properly. They’re great for storage bins, tool boxes, plastic baskets of sports equipment or bags of fertilizer or soil.

If you own your home, consider wall-mounted shelving as a permanent solution that is also safer. However, even if you are renting, there are great freestanding shelving options you can use. If you do, choose metal over other materials, as it is stronger and will last longer.

2. Bins

When choosing storage for your belongings, consider plastic bins or baskets instead of cardboard boxes. A plastic container will protect your things better. Try choosing transparent ones to have a quick view of what’s stored inside.

3. Pegboards

Pegboards are a fantastic addition to any garage because they are completely customizable. You can use them to hang and organize tools you use often so they are within easy reach. You can even hang smaller containers on pegboards to hold screws, bolts, and nails and keep everything looking neat. Larger pegboards can hold rakes, brooms, leaf blowers and hoses. Some are strong enough to hold bicycles and other sports equipment.

4. Track Systems

Another great option for larger items is a track system. You can use various attachments to hang tons of different tools, including bikes, ladders, bins, weedwhackers and other large or awkwardly shaped items.

5. Overhead Storage

Installing an overhead storage system is suitable for bins of Christmas decorations or things you don’t use as often. Having them overhead means they won’t take up much-needed space down below. Your garage only has so much space, so why not use vertical space? Some overhead racks also have hooks on the bottom to hang bicycles, strollers, or other large items.

Benefits of an Organized Garage

You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much easier things are to find when you have an organized garage. By implementing just one or two of these storage ideas, you will have more space to work or store things, have an easier time finding what you need, and not have to worry about clutter. They can also help you keep your garage space cleaner and avoid visits from unwanted pests like mice or spiders. The more you keep up your garage, the less likely these pests will come and stay.

Get Organized

Think about what storage solutions will work best in your garage and what items you’d like to store there. Then choose where to start. You don’t have to do it all at once, but once you start, it may be hard to stop! Good storage and a properly working garage door will keep you organized this year. If you need your garage door installed, changed or repaired, contact us at (813) 433-7395 for a quote today.

How To Winterize Your Garage

baysidegaradev on December 14, 2022

Early winter is the perfect time to prepare your home, car and possessions for the cold weather ahead. Don’t neglect your garage space. Examine your garage before the first storm of the season to save money on heating, keep tabs on your garage and its contents and avoid costly home emergencies.

Why Do You Need To Winterize Your Garage?

Winterizing your garage prepares it for harsher weather. Here are a few reasons you’ll want to winterize a garage, especially if it hasn’t been worked on in a while:

Cracks in walls and gaps in windows can let cold air and pests inside.
Some possessions stored in your garage may not withstand freezing temperatures.
Freezing temperatures can affect your car’s battery and other engine parts.
Calling a professional for garage door issues is easier before winter sets in and more people experience problems.
If you have pipes running through your garage, poor insulation may cause them to freeze and burst.
Shared walls and ceilings can leech expensive heat in winter.

Keeping your garage safe against winter weather benefits all areas of your home.

How Do You Winterize Your Garage?

Here’s how to winterize a garage in five easy steps.

1. Clean and Organize

Before you can guard against cold, you have to start with a clean canvas. Take stock of everything stored in your garage and put it in well-labeled places. If your garage is overstuffed, you can donate possessions or move them to different areas of the house, such as an attic or basement.

2. Inspect

Now that you can see your entire garage, look carefully for signs of damage. Take note of cracks in the walls or ceiling. Gaps around windows may let in drafts.

Finally, inspect your garage door’s machinery visually. Look for broken or rusted springs or any fraying cables, but don’t touch or manipulate any part of your garage door mechanism. Garage door machinery is dangerous for anyone who isn’t a trained professional, so leave this work to the experts. You can also hire a professional to inspect your garage door machinery with a trained eye.

3. Insulate

The best time to install insulation in your garage is before winter sets in. The Red Cross recommends insulating basements, attics and garages to help prevent frozen pipes and other winter emergencies.

If you live in an area that gets more than a foot or snow or rain per year, consider waterproofing your garage floor. Acrylic coatings help seal garages against water.

4. Repair Cracks and Drafts

Patch up any holes or cracks you found in your garage with epoxy. Pay special attention to areas surrounding windows and doors and re-seal them with caulk if necessary. Cracks can spread over time if left unattended, so be thorough and make sure your garage is sealed against winter weather.

5. Leave the Garage Door to Professionals

The torsion springs in a garage door are under extreme amounts of pressure. Never touch or attempt to repair these springs yourself. Not only do you risk damaging your garage door and increasing your repair bill, but also these springs can cause injury or death.

Always call professionals to service your garage door. Winter temperatures can cause metal pieces to contract, increasing the risk of garage door failure. Beat the rush by having your garage door inspected and serviced before the cold sets in.

Where Can You Find Trusted Garage Door Professionals in the Tampa Area?

Hiring a professional to maintain your garage door is essential, so make the process seamless by choosing Bayside Garage Doors. At Bayside Garage doors, we offer 24/7 service, affordable special rates and same-day appointments. Maintaining your garage door is an essential step in preparing your garage and home for winter. Contact us at (813) 433-7395 to schedule a garage door service appointment.

Designing a Garage To Store Your Boat

baysidegaradev on November 8, 2022

About 12 percent of American households own a recreational boat. As there are about 124 million households in America, this means that there are almost 15 million boats that need to find adequate storage. It’s important to keep your boat, which often is a large investment, safe from the elements. Though there are many ways to do this, including storing it at a separate facility, many people today are exploring the option of employing their garage to house their boat.

Things To Consider When Planning Boat Storage

When you’re thinking about creating an indoor space for your boat, you need to think of everything, from the amount of clearance space needed, to room for other supplies, to the size and style of the garage door that is best suited to the task. One thing that surprisingly often doesn’t get taken into account is the length of the trailer. Remember that it’s not just the dimensions of the boat that need to be involved in the schematics, but also the added room required by the trailer upon which it sits. You need to think about its wheelbase and tongue, so you’ll need extra room on the sides and in the front.

Whether you’re building a new garage from the ground up or retrofitting your old garage, you should keep in mind the three A’s. The three A’s in boat garage design include adequate space to move the boat without performing highly technical and difficult maneuvers. In ideal circumstances, you want to be able to push and pull the trailer into and out of the garage in a straight line. This means that you need to think about the property in front of the garage, as well as what’s inside of it.

Another of the A’s is additional space for storage and organization. You don’t want to cramp the space in the garage that you use for your other vehicles, so you must design the space adjacent to the trailer and the boat. Cabinets and a flat desk or bench-type surface are often constructed to help with storage.

Lastly, you’ll need to consider ample space for activities. Garages are used for lots of purposes, so make sure that you’ve considered these, as well as your new needs, when planning your design.

Space Is at a Premium

Generally, this process of upgrading to store your boat is one of considering space. The rule of thumb is to record the dimensions of the boat and trailer and then work out from there, asking questions along the way. Do you want room to perform projects on the boat while it is in the garage? If so, have you considered how high the ceiling should be? Do you want to have room for the equipment that is used with the boat, from fishing gear to water skis to cumbersome floats? You just need to think about the big picture.

You Can Obtain the Perfect Design

Even though there are variables such as the footprint of the garage that must be taken into account, which could increase the expenditure of the investment, designing the perfect garage to house your boat is achievable.

If you have questions or concerns about changing or retrofitting your garage door for boat storage, contact Bayside Garage Doors today! We’ll happily get back to you within 24 hours.

Are Aluminum or Steel Garage Doors Better?

baysidegaradev on October 17, 2022

A garage door is not anything a homeowner should overlook or skimp on. You want your car, tools, and anything you store there to be safe and dry. Durability in all kinds of weather is essential. It’s also good to have doors that last a long time and add to the decor of the exterior of your home. There are several materials that garage doors can be made from. Wood is a popular choice and the classic option. However, wood doesn’t stand up to the elements as well as metal. A metallic garage door may be your best bet. But which of the two common metals is best? Do you go with aluminum or steel?

Aluminum Vs. Steel

Aluminum and steel are two common metals that are used in the manufacture of many things, among them garage doors. In this situation, one is not better than the other. Each has its advantages and the decision on which type of garage door to choose is a personal one based on several factors including your budget, the design of your home, and its specific needs. The climate where you live can also influence your decision.

Benefits of Aluminum

Aluminum garage doors are a popular choice for those on a budget as they tend to be lower cost than other doors made from other materials. They are especially good if you live in an area with a mild climate. Some of the benefits of aluminum include:

Resistant to rust – Aluminum does not rust which gives it durability and the ability to stand up to rain and other precipitation.
Easy to maintain – Aluminum is a low-maintenance material. Cleaning your doors is as easy as spraying them with a hose.
Low density – Aluminum’s low density makes the doors lightweight and easy to open and close. Less weight also means less stress on the springs and other parts of the opening mechanism.
Recyclable – Aluminum garage doors are often made from recycled material and can also be recycled when they are replaced. Environmentally-friendly materials are preferable to many.

Aluminum is a good choice for a garage door.

Benefits of Steel

Steel garage doors are strong and durable and not excessively costly. You can also add magnetic signs or pictures to them to dress up your garage. Other benefits include:

Low-maintenance – Painted steel doors can be easily cleaned by spraying them with a hose.
Long-lasting – Steel doors can stand up to rain, snow, wind, heat, or anything else the environment throws at them.
Versatile – Steel can be painted in any color and comes in many finishes to give you almost unlimited design options.
Secure – The strength of steel helps prevent break-ins by intruders and animals.
Recyclable – Steel doors can also be made from recyclable material and then recycled when replaced. This makes them green and attractive to those who care about the environment.

Aluminum and steel garage doors are both excellent options. Consider the benefits of each and how they apply to your home, climate, and budget. Contact Bayside Garage Doors at (813) 433-7395 for expert assistance in choosing the right material and doors, purchasing your new doors, and having them properly installed.

Six Reasons Why Your Garage Door Remote Isn’t Working

baysidegaradev on September 19, 2022

If your garage door won’t open, you may be assuming that the whole opener system is out of commission. Don’t worry! The issue is probably not as big as it seems and there are troubleshooting steps that you can take to get the garage door working again. Let’s take a look at six simple things that may be the source of your garage door troubles.

1. The Remote Battery Is Dead

The first thing you should check is your remote battery. More often than not, this is the reason garage doors won’t open. Simply swap out the battery for a fresh one and test the remote. If it works, discard the old battery so it doesn’t get mistaken for a new one in the future.

2. Your Control Panel Is Locked

Check the control panel on your garage wall to see if it has been locked. The lock button should be easy to identify, as it is usually labeled with a lock icon. Because of its placement, the lock can be easily activated by accident.

3. The GFI Has Been Engaged

A ground fault interpreter outlet, or GFI, is intended to prevent a faulty flow of electricity in your home. If the GFI has been engaged, your garage door opener may not work. To reset the GFI, simply press the reset button on the outlet and test out your remote. If it works, you can celebrate your accomplishment and move on with your day.

4. The Remote Needs to Be Reprogrammed

Garage door remotes sometimes need a reset to work optimally. To reset your remote, press the learn button on the garage door opener itself until the small light on the opener flashes, then press the desired button on your remote. You typically must press the remote button within 30 seconds to successfully pair the remote with the opener.

5. Something Is Blocking the Signal

Check your signal receiver to make sure nothing is blocking it and that it’s not dusty or damaged. Additionally, some motion detectors or alarm systems can send out signals that interfere with garage door remote signals. If the antenna is damaged or you suspect signal interference, you may want a professional to take a look at the situation.

6. The Whole System Needs to Be Reset

If the above troubleshooting steps did not remedy your garage door remote issue, try resetting your whole opener system. To do this, unplug the opener for a minute and then plug it back in. Once power is restored to the system, test out your remote. If it still does not work, a garage door technician may need to do a more thorough investigation to fix the issue.

At Bayside Garage Doors, we know that a working garage door is an integral part of any home. We hope you don’t need our services, but we are ready 24/7 to help if garage door problems arise.

If you live in Tampa or the surrounding areas and need help troubleshooting your garage door remote issues or would like to schedule a service appointment with one of our talented technicians, reach out to us today at (813) 433-7395!

A Guide To Opening a Garage Door Manually

baysidegaradev on August 31, 2022

The average garage door opens and closes between three and five times every day. That’s about 110 times per month and almost 1,500 times per year. Most times, you’ll press a button or voice activate your garage door, raising it or lowering it as required.

However, if we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that natural disasters can cause widespread damage including power outages. Power outages will prevent your voice activation or your remote control from working and they will leave your garage door stuck in whatever position it was in when the power failed. This can lead to problems, especially if your vehicle is inside the garage and effectively out-of-service.

You are not wholly dependent on the power grid when it comes to your garage door, though, because it comes with a failsafe system for just such an emergency. If you find yourself with a frozen door, there’s a simple process to unfreeze it.

1. Be Safe

If the garage door is suspended at any height above the ground, it is very risky to switch from the electric to a manual opening system. Immediately, the mechanism that had been supporting the weight will be disengaged, leaving nothing holding the weight. This will cause it to slam to the ground, likely causing damage. Worse, if somebody were trying to handle the door while it was being disengaged, the weight of the door could come down upon them with force, causing injury. We recommend you call a professional if it’s stuck off of the ground, for safety’s sake.

2. Pull the Emergency Release Cord

The key to getting your door unstuck is to separate the trolley from the carriage so that you can move the door manually. Until you do this, the motor is still the only way that it will budge. The garage door trolley is connected to the door and moves it as it opens and closes. You’ll see it moving above your head. When the garage door is open, the trolley will be toward the center of the garage; when it is closed, it will be located closer to the door.

Attached to the trolley is a red handle hanging from a length of rope or chain. This is the emergency release cord and when you pull it, it disconnects the trolley from the carriage, transforming the system from electric to manual. Only now will you be able to lift the garage door fairly easily depending on the weight of the door, and without resistance.

3. Check for Locks

Garage doors often come with manual locks. These could look like three or four-inch pieces of metal on either side of the door that, when pushed in, prevent the door from moving. They blend into the tracks because they are both the same color and they’re easier to see when pulled out and thus disengaged. If the door still isn’t moving, check to see if the manual locks are engaged.

As far as opening the garage door manually, it’s truly not as hard as you think. If you’ve disconnected the parts and checked for locks, it should open right up for you. If not, give us a call at Bayside Garage Doors at (813) 433-7395 and we’ll offer you garage repairs and service to get that door open and you on your way.

The Frequently Asked Questions Customers Ask Garage Door Technicians

baysidegaradev on July 25, 2022

Only when something goes wrong do you realize your garage door is something you can’t live without. You wonder if you can fix the problem on your own or whether it’s time to get a new door. In other words, you have questions. Possibly some of the same frequently asked questions you’ll find below.

Why is Your Garage Door So Loud?

Age is the likely culprit. As garage doors grow older parts begin to break down and the door starts making noise. Age isn’t the only reason, though.

Rusty moving parts. Keep your garage door system well lubricated to reduce noise and maintain longevity.
Misaligned tracks. Wheels will rattle around and screech if they meet resistance from a bent track.
Cracking weather strip. The strip of rubber at your garage door’s base cushions the door when it closes. You are more likely to hear the door’s thud with a damaged strip.

Can You Fix That?

Always consult a specialist before you attempt to fix a garage door. While they may seem harmless, garage doors are extremely heavy. If they collapse, they could cause serious injury.

That said, there are many maintenance activities you can do on your own. They include:

Tightening nuts and bolts. Hardware can come loose over time which can affect performance.
Inspecting roller tracks. Use brake cleaner to keep your door moving smoothly.
Checking cable for frays. Avoid accidents by calling a technician if any cables are showing signs of wear.
Performing a safety test. Check the door’s electronic eye, its balance, and its auto-reverse feature to ensure all are working properly.

Should You Invest in an Insulated Garage Door?

Even budget-conscious buyers should consider investing in an insulated garage door. Managing your garage temperature can be beneficial to your vehicle and your wallet.

Protects vehicles. By stabilizing ambient temperatures, an insulated door minimizes wear and tear due to heat and cold.
Lowers energy costs. Insulated doors make life easier for your HVAC system, which can run more efficiently.
Helps operation. Insulated doors muffle the sound of the garage door opening and closing.

How Long is Your Garage Door’s Lifespan?

This question often encompasses the full garage door system, including the garage door spring, rollers, track, opener and more. Some components, like the spring, you will likely replace more than once before you need a new door.

Garage door: 30 years
Garage door spring: 10,000 cycles or 4 to 14 years, depending on use
Garage door opener: 10 to 15 years

They seem simple, but some garage door systems are complex. Whether you want to replace or repair your garage door, reach out to a certified technician like Bayside Garage Doors online, or call (813) 433-7395 to weigh your options and select the service that’s best for you.

How Can Your Garage Save Energy?

baysidegaradev on June 27, 2022

Your garage can present a big challenge for energy efficiency, from air leaks to inefficient fixtures and equipment. Improvements that can make your garage more energy efficient are straightforward and fall into a few categories.

Get Insulated

Insulation is the MVP for preventing heat or cooling loss all over your home, so it’s no surprise that it plays a starring role in making your garage more efficient. Insulating your garage’s basic structure (ceiling and walls) is a natural first step to prevent costly leaks, not to mention making your garage a more comfortable workspace no matter the season. You can also look into DIY insulation kits that allow you to add fiberglass or foam insulation to your pre-existing garage door. While you may not get the same results as you would by hiring a professional or replacing the door, these kits are an affordable way to get a boost in your door’s efficiency.

Small Repairs

Catching up on small repairs can save energy if worn or damaged garage elements are allowing air to leak out or in. Look for cracks, openings or gaps that can be filled with caulk or expanding foam sealant. Any place where a hole has been made in the wall, from windows to electrical outlets, is a possible source of leaks and thus energy loss. If you have an uninsulated garage door, and replacing or insulating it is not on the agenda, you should at least do what you can to address obvious air leaks. Repair broken or bent door corners and edges, and make sure you have quality weather stripping along the bottom to block drafts.

Smart Replacements

Replacing energy-wasting garage elements will make the biggest impact in energy savings. Replacing an uninsulated garage door with an insulated one and installing double-pane garage windows will help seal your garage’s heat envelope. Replacing inefficient fixtures & small appliances is an even easier way to capture some energy savings. If your garage is also your workshop, you may use fans or heaters to keep yourself more comfortable while you work. If these are older, energy-sucking appliances, you can swap them out for newer models that are higher-efficiency. Don’t forget the fixtures on the outside of your garage. Good quality solar-powered security lights have been available for years.

With some thought and a few wise investments, you can prevent your garage from being a huge source of wasted energy. Reach out to the experts at Bayside Garage Door online or by phone at (813) 433-7395 for more practical advice on repairs and improvements that can give you more of a garage that works for you and the planet.

5 Strategies for Preparing Your Garage for a Garage Sale

baysidegaradev on May 26, 2022

Garage sales are part of the American fabric. Who hasn’t seen those homemade signs stapled up to telephone poles, advertising garage sales for the upcoming weekend? If you’re like us, you get pretty psyched because these events become little treasure hunts right in the neighborhood. However, garage sales can be tedious affairs for the sellers. If you’re planning a garage sale, there are things you can do to make the experience more fun than laborious.

1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Often, the best-laid plans fall by the wayside because of poor time management. Planning a garage sale means figuring out what you want to part with, how to stage and price it and how to make your garage an inviting space. Though it takes just a few words to describe, it can take hours to get it done. Keep this into consideration, and give yourself plenty of preparation time.

2. Create and Collate an Inventory

Having a precise understanding of your merchandise can help you out when a customer asks for something while they’re browsing. You could take pictures of each item you plan to sell or create a spreadsheet. You certainly want to examine items to ensure quality control. Those old hockey sticks in the corner might be able to fetch a few dollars unless they are broken.

3. Make Your Space Inviting

Cleaning and organizing your garage is tantamount to letting people know that you’re ready for business. Clutter should be removed and the floors should be swept. Though your garage isn’t the Sistine Chapel, it shouldn’t be messy or dirty. You might also consider setting up the means to play some soft music or hanging a sign with an inspirational or otherwise memorable quote.

4. Employ Signage

Taking the time to create signs that indicate where particular things are will help your customers to get their bearings and keep traffic flowing. Even though bartering is a time-honored tradition in the garage sale scenario, you don’t want people wondering about pricing when you can simply post it.

5. Visualize the Store Scenario

When setting up tables and such, it’s a good idea to consider how you want the traffic to flow. You want to avoid having people bumping into each other. Arranging the layout ahead of time can help you visualize things like, how the customers access the scene and where to place the payment table.

Making sure your garage door works properly on the day of your garage sale is paramount. Contact Bayside Garage Doors online or call (813) 433-7395 for any tune ups, repairs, and new installations today! We offer the best garage door service in the business with 100% customer satisfaction.