10 Ways to Make Your Garage More Energy Efficient

If you have an attached garage, it's important to make sure it's energy-efficient. Most people think of their garage as an outdoor structure, even when it's attached to the house. However, unless it's an energy-efficient space, it could be draining out a lot of warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer from your home. Take a look at 10 ways you can make your garage more energy-efficient and cut down your yearly energy costs.

1. Insulate the Garage Walls

In most homes, both old and new construction, the garage walls are not insulated. Typically, there's only exterior wood or siding, radiant sheathing, and a layer of particle board between the elements and the garage. By adding a layer of proper R-value insulation between the joists, or using blown-in insulation through the drywall, you can create a more energy-efficient garage.

2. Caulk Between the Garage Wall and Floor

Over time, the joint between the garage walls and concrete floor usually swells or shrinks as your house settles, creating air flow from outside. By applying a simple bead of latex, silicone or foam sealant between the garage walls and concrete floor, you can prevent loss of warm and cool air.

3. Seal Floor Cracks

Most garage floors are poured concrete which doesn't provide much insulation. However, if the concrete floor has developed cracks from settling or the weight of your cars, outside air can pass through these cracks. Sealing the cracks with a good concrete sealant will prevent air flow.

4. Insulate Your Garage Door

If your garage door isn't properly insulated, it's easy for cold or hot outside air to enter your garage., especially if the door is made of thin aluminum. There are two ways to fix this: buy an insulation kit for your existing door, or buy a new energy-efficient garage door to protect your garage.

5. Seal the Door from the Garage to the House

If you have a door that leads into your house from your garage, air leaks can develop around the door and threshold. To prevent this, install weather-stripping around the door frame, and a new threshold or a draft stopper. Caulk the trim around the inside and outside of the door to create a proper seal.

6. Change Your Garage Lighting

If you're using conventional incandescent light bulbs in your garage, change them to either CFL or LED lights for better energy-efficiency. A LED light bulb uses 12 watts of electricity and a CFL bulb uses 15 watts to create the same amount of light output (lumens) as a conventional 60 watt bulb.

7. Insulate Light Switches and Electrical Outlets

Insulate light switches and outlets with foam gaskets. Even the smallest cracks can allow cold and hot air into your house. They can also allow dangerous carbon monoxide fumes that build up from your car's exhaust system to enter your home.

8. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

If you have old windows in your garage, switch them out for new energy-efficient windows that will prevent air leaks and save money on yearly energy costs. Older-style windows can cost you hundreds of dollars more each year in your heating and cooling bills.

9. Install Solar Heating

If you spend time or have a workshop in your garage, installing solar panels for heating and cooling will make your garage and workspace more comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.

10. Organize Your Garage

A cluttered garage can prevent proper air flow and creating uneven temperatures. By simply organizing your garage space, you can generate more energy-efficiency. If you need more storage space, consider an outdoor shed.

How to Align the Lasers on Your Garage

Aligning the photo eye sensors on your garage door is absolutely essential to reaping the most benefit from your investment. Let's get into how your garage door sensors work, how they can go wrong and what can be done about it. 

How Photo Eye Sensors Work 

The two photo eye sensors of your garage door actually ping-pong a continuous signal back and forth to determine whether there's an obstruction blocking the door from opening and closing. To the frustration of many homeowners, a broken signal obviously disables your door from remotely opening and closing properly. 

The signal from one garage photo eye sensor to another is said to be aligned with the signal goes through unimpeded ("correct") and "broken" when the signal is either obstructed by an object or your sensors aren't aligned with one another.

Although all of this can be irritating to deal with and troubleshoot, the purpose of your garage's photo eye sensors is really to ensure your family's safety and convenience. Luckily, though, you can take steps to ensure that your garage's laser sensors remain aligned and functioning properly. 

Diagnostic Signs to Look For 

We'll get into the strict how-to troubleshooting of fixing the problem in a moment, but here's what you need to know when it comes to initial diagnostics. 

Remember that the photo eye sensors can be either "correct" or "broken." Bearing this in mind, when your garage's sensors are "correct" this means that the LEDs wiring and alignment are in tune with each other. A green LED light on the receiving sensor indicates that your garage door sensor is working as it should. 

If you're reading this article then there's a good chance that you're not seeing all green, so to speak. Granted there's no physical impediment (bike, etc.) blocking the sensors from communicating with each other, a sporadic or dim green LED signal from your garage door sensors indicates that alignment is probably needed. 

Also note that some homeowners, understandably, misinterpret the amber LED light on one of their garage sensors for a problem or misalignment indicator.

Although you could have a misalignment, the amber LED on your sending garage door indicator simply indicates that the sensor is functioning; in other words, this amber LED shines no matter whether the sensors are chatting, broken or there's some obstruction blocking the communication. 

Getting in Tune: Aligning Your Garage's Sensors 

On most systems the sending LED shines a constant green when it's working properly and flickers when you wave your hand in front of it or an object is obstructing communication. 

If you know you have a problem, then simply pop the solid green (receiving) LED from the bracket. You can do this by unscrewing the wing nut. 

From there, shine the sending sensor's LED in a different direction from the receiving one so that the LED light on the sending sensor turns totally off. Wait thirty seconds or more. Finally, turn the sensor until you see the light returning and replace the sending LED sensor in the bracket and tighten the wing nut. 

You can now test your photo eye sensors' alignment and the garage door's functionality by pushing the control button located along the wall.

If you're still having problems, check to make sure that your photo eye bracket hasn't been warped or bent in any way.  For more sophisticated troubleshooting tips, contact your garage door manufacturer directly. 

Fun Ways to Spruce Up Your Garage

Many of us use our garage as storage space. It is where we keep our gardening and lawn care tools and where we stick the odds and ends that we have no place else to store. As the place where random items are stashed, it can easily become cluttered over time. Whether you want to clean out your garage for spring, because you plan on showing it to potential buyers or just because you are tired of the clutter, here are some fun ways to freshen up the space and to make it a more enjoyable part of your home:

• Organize Its Contents

Not only will this make your garage look better, it will make items easier to find as well. Consider grouping the items by type, so that there is one area for your sports equipment and another for your gardening tools and so on. Also, consider installing shelves and cabinets for better organization.

• Set Up Separate Workspaces

Do you share the garage with your spouse or another family member? Separate workspaces may be the way to go to keep the garage uncluttered and to preserve your relationship. Consider demarcating separate areas so that there is no conflict over what is yours and what is theirs. There are even shelves and cabinets that can be used to create walls for this purpose.

• Get A New Garage Door

Your garage door is one of the most visible components of your home's façade. If you are planning to sell your home, getting one that is secure and aesthetically pleasing is a must. Its visibility means that it greatly affects curb appeal and will influence the potential buyer's first impression. The right garage door will not only make your home look better, it will make it more secure as well. Your options include garage doors that are insulated for greater energy savings and ones that are safer to operate.

• Invest In Garage Technology

Modern technology offers you a lot of options for sprucing up your garage. The technology includes smartphone apps that can control your garage door opener. These apps allow you to close and open your garage door from anywhere that you can find a usable cell or Wi-Fi signal. This means that you can operate your garage door opener from around the world. Motion detector lights are another useful form of garage technology. Having these installed keeps you from having to remember to hit the light switch on the way out.

Garages are magnets for clutter, but it doesn't have to be this way. It is possible to resolve the chaos by following these few simple steps.

Comparing Rolling Steel and Sectional Garage Doors

If you are considering replacing your garage door, you have some options to consider. You can choose between a rolling steel door or a sectional door. Both work well in residential or commercial applications.

A rolling door is made from slatted metal that coils up into a roll right above the doorway. Sectional garage doors are constructed from larger sections that float up into the ceiling and hang overhead when open.

Rolling doors have significant advantages:

• They are constructed from heavy-duty material and have a long life

• They have very few moving parts. These parts are protected from the environment because they are encased in a shaft in the wall. This means that rolling doors require very little maintenance.

• Rolling doors are installed directly into the wall and roll up compactly above the door when open. They do not interfere with other building systems. HVAC units, ceiling fans and lights can be installed in the space directly above the entrance.

• If the garage door is impacted by a vehicle, it is quick and easy to repair. The affected slats are easy to remove and replace with spare material.

Disadvantages of rolling doors include:

• The materials used to make the door are very heavy

• These doors have a high initial cost

Sectional garage doors have a few advantages. These include:

• They are priced much lower than rolling doors

• Sectional doors are much lighter than rolling doors

There are, however, significant disadvantages associated with sectional doors:

• The light-weight materials that are used in the fabrication of sectional doors are not very durable. These doors do not have a long life.

• There are 30 to 40 moving parts on these doors. Because the guide-rails are exposed to the environment, these parts are likely to corrode and fail. Sectional doors do require more maintenance than rolling doors.

• There are some safety risks associated with these doors. If a cable snaps, the door can slam shut suddenly. Since the door hangs overhead suspended from the ceiling, it could fall if the supports fail. Further, when moving, the sections of the door create a pinching action. It is possible to hurt a finger if it gets pinched in the door.

• Because the door must be suspended from the ceiling, it interferes with other building systems. You cannot install HVAC units, ceiling fans or lights in the space directly above the entrance.

• The sections are often custom-made and need to be ordered from the factory. If a section is damaged by a vehicle, it may take a long time to replace it.

On the whole, rolling garage doors are a great option for a wide variety of reasons. They have a long life, require little maintenance, are easy to repair and allow you to effectively use your interior space. The high initial cost of the door is offset by the low cost of maintaining the door over its long life. So if you have a commercial application where the door is going to see a lot of use, it is definitely worth it to consider rolling steel doors.

If the initial cost is the dominating concern, sectional doors will get the job done. You can expect to replace them more frequently, and they will require more service calls. So if you are thinking of installing a garage door for your residence where it will not see a lot of high impact use, this may be a good option.

Tips for Choosing the Right Style Garage Door for Your Home

Not only is a garage door often the largest part of a home, it is also usually a very prominent feature. As such, it can have a significant effect on the value of your home. According to a 2014 Remodeling Magazine study, homeowners who replaced their garage door recovered over 83 percent of the cost when they sold their home. The right garage door can greatly improve your home's curb appeal. 

Choosing the right style of garage door involves considering certain factors such as:

• Your Home's Style. 
Your home’s architectural style will be best complemented by a garage door with a similar style. For example, if your home is built in the Victorian style, you may want to look for a door with a more detailed design. A classic carriage-house door may provide the right kind of elegance and charm to complement your home's exterior. Homes with a more contemporary style may require a garage door with cleaner lines. Look for ones with a minimalist design and straight lines. For a Craftsman bungalow, you may want a swing-out garage door as these were common on the earlier homes built in this style. A garage door style that matches your home's design will improve curb appeal and thus provide greater returns on your investment.


• The Ideal Material for Your Climate
. This is a factor that is often overlooked when choosing garage doors. Many homeowners may think of their garage door as simply a way to provide protection for their vehicles; however, it is also a part of the home. For example, if you live in an area with salt in the air, you will have to choose a corrosion-resistant material. If your location sees extremes in temperature, you may want to consider fiberglass as it provides exceptional insulation. Better insulation means that it can lower your heating and cooling bills.


• The Safety of Your Garage Door
. Choose the style of garage door that is safest for your home. Your garage door is a point of entry into your home and therefore it could be a means of access for an intruder. You will need to ask a garage door professional about the different styles of opening mechanisms; they can also help you to decide whether a roller door or a canopy or sectional style garage door is best for your needs. Note also that the garage door will be the largest moving object in your home and can present dangers as a result. Your garage door should be pinch-resistant so that there is little danger of it closing on someone's fingers or other body parts.

The craftsmanship and design of garage doors has evolved significantly in recent years. These days, homeowners have multiple options from which they may choose. There are garage doors that can stand up to almost any environment without you having to compromise on appearance. By choosing the right garage door, you can make an addition to your home that will function properly and look good for many years to come.

Making Your Loading Dock Safe

Any loading dock is a hub of constant activity and the possible location for tragic accidents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports work-related deaths of more than 1,000 forklift operators since 1980. Many of these fatal accidents occurred when lift operators overturned or tipped off unsecured loading docks. Each year, hundreds more workers are injured while loading and unloading semi-trucks. A great many of these accidents are avoidable and your business suffers when they happen. Business owners suffer lost productivity and reduced profits when workers are injured or killed on the job. Insurance costs and employee morale and productivity can plummet.

Common loading dock hazards:

• Wet or oily floor surfaces

• Unsecured dock plates

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Damaged loading dock concrete

• Lack of vehicle restraints and barriers systems

• Poor communication between dock workers and drivers

The solution

The solution to loading dock safety is a combination of training, procedural changes and better technology. Creating a culture of safety begins with the implementation of vigorous safety training program so that your employees are better prepared to avoid accidental injuries.

Safety training combined with changes to your companies loading/unloading process reduces the risk of incident by better controlling access in and out of the loading dock area. Restrict loading dock area access to authorized personnel only. These workers understand the series of steps involved with safely loading and unloading cargo trailers. Keeping other workers out of the area reduces the risk of incidents from falling, improper lifting or forklift related accidents.

Technology

Some facilities may have loading dock areas that need repairs and better technology to keep workers safe. Cracked concrete flooring, damaged loading dock doors and loading ramps should be replaced or repaired. Replace damaged dock plates promptly and take steps to ensure dock plates are always seated properly. Have maintenance personnel regularly inspect, repair any damage to loading dock surfaces, gates and equipment.

Many older loading dock areas lack adequate barrier systems and vehicle restraints. Installing better barrier technology greatly reduces the risk of forklift accidents. Installing better automatic barriers, doors, and dock levelers are beneficial in several ways. The improved technology keeps employees safer and working more productively.

Effective vehicle restraint mechanisms use a system of colored lights to show vehicle restraint status. The control box display lights must be clearly visible to both drivers and forklift operators. Make sure that the system is working properly and not obscured by stacked pallets or in a location where it is difficult to see clearly. You can save lives and profits by replacing an older vehicle restraint system with one equipped with a fully integrated communication system.

A culture of loading dock safety

Create a culture of safety at your company. Instituting comprehensive safety awareness training programs dramatically reduce the risk of accident and make your employees feel safer as they carry out their duties. Employees who are aware of potential dangers and the correct way to carry out loading/unloading procedures are much less likely to be injured on the job. The result is safer workers, lower insurance and lost time related costs. The work is more efficient and profitable for your company.