Katy Door Systems

Residential & Commercial Doors

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Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garage in Order

A messy garage is never fun.

Are you among the many homeowners who use their garage as a multifunctional storage space instead of parking your vehicles inside? A garage can make for a great laundry room, work area, and storage facility for all of your once- a- year use items. Though the use of a garage can be very beneficial, it can quickly get out of hand without proper storage and organization strategies in place. If you open your garage and cringe at the site of clutter and chaos, then continue reading for some great tips to maximize your space and to keep it in stellar condition.

Make the Time and Pile On!

You know you want to organize your garage, so why not schedule the time to make it happen? It is motivating to add your garage clean out and organization onto your calendar, so you can visually see your goal. It is best to schedule such a large project when you have at least two days in a row available. When the big day comes, instead of trying to randomly organize the first items you see, it is best to form piles before putting items away. Some pile examples can include camping gear, holiday decorations, sports equipment, sentimental items, and so on.

Label Up!

Label boxes so you know exactly what is inside.

Once all of your piles are in place, it is time to start storing. You might have several containers on hand already. If not, take note of the items that need a home so you can purchase the properly sized storage containers. When the items are in their respective containers, make sure to clearly label them so you can easily identify and locate the items when you need them.

Utilize Wall Space

Instead of using your floor space to store your belongings, why not take to the walls? Installing utility shelves and cabinets is a great option for storing your items and saving an incredible amount of space. If you keep items in the garage that are used regularly, like sporting or craft equipment, utility carts make a great, easily accessible option for grab-and-go belongings.

Put Things Away After Use

Now that your garage is organized to perfection, it is very important that you make a habit of keeping it this way. How, you might ask? By putting things away right after you are done with them. Clutter accumulates when you just leave one thing out; for example, you toss one pair of jeans on the closet floor and then all of a sudden all of your clothes wind up on the floor! It is important to be instilled with good organization habits, to keep your space clean and your mind at peace.

Quarterly Maintenance Is Key

Throughout the year you are bound to bring in new items into your garage. To ensure your space continues to stay functional, it is recommended to clean out bins and cabinets quarterly so you can toss items you no longer need to prevent an accumulation of clutter.

We can install your new garage door.

Conclusion

A garage can provide you the space you need for storing, working, or playing. Keeping it organized can be simple and manageable if you take the time to cultivate proper organization habits. If you want to beautify your space with a new garage door or need your current one repaired, you can count on the experts at Katy Door Systems. Reach out to us today!

Fiberglass Doors 101

Glass often makes you think of surfaces that are hard and yet shatter easily, and therefore not very friendly. However, not all glass is like so. This blogpost explores the amazing material that is fiberglass. To learn more about how the world of fiberglass and the world of doors overlap, simply read on!

Composition

Unlike wood doors, fiberglass doors can withstand moisture and termites. Fiberglass doors are also better at insulation, which means cooling and heating costs don’t have to skyrocket. Its ability to be stained and colored allows fiberglass to mimic many different textures, which makes it an instant favorite for many. Unlike steel doors, fiberglass doors can imitate realistic wood, and can be infused with that forest sensibility that so many find inviting. Whereas steel doors can often rust from dents, fiberglass doors can withstand hits better.

A blue fiberglass door with glass.

Applications

When reinforced plastic and resin matrix meet, fiberglass is born. Glass fibers are slivers, and serve powerfully as insulation material. Initially used in the 1930s for furnace filters and insulation, fiberglass is prevalent in today’s pipes, appliances, plastics, and vehicles. Fiberglass doors come with a triple threat that includes the frame, the core, and the skin. The frame can consist of wood or other high strength material, and incorporate window panes. The core of the door consists of polyurethane insulating foam perfect for soundproofing and energy-efficiency. On the outside, the door is clothed with fiberglass.

A fiberglass door in an outdoor setting.

Customizability

As mentioned above, fiberglass doors can be painted to look like wood. Staining them can bring out the beauty of their grainy details, and help make the coat look more consistent with the rest of your house. As with many other materials, cutting into fiberglass requires proper safety goggles and protective attire. Make sure to avoid formaldehyde-treated fiberglass, since formaldehyde emissions can cause deadly diseases like cancer and asthma.

A dust mask.

Conclusion

There are many more fascinating facts about fiberglass if one is willing to look into them. And consider a one-of-a-kind sturdy piece of fiberglass for your very own home. If you have questions about fiberglass doors, simply give Katy Door Systems a call today.

5 Tips Before You Buy a New Garage Door

Is your garage door starting to look like a disgrace, ruining the curb appeal of your home? It may be time to start shopping for a new one. The following are 5 tips to follow when you finally take the plunge to find a new garage door. 

Avoid DIY

Sure, you could save a few hundred dollars by installing the door yourself, but it’s one DIY project that doesn’t have a big payoff. First of all, there’s a ton of parts and it’ll take you at least a full day to put them together. Plus, winding the spring requires special tools and lots of arm strength and is fairly dangerous. If you hire a pro to install the door, the new door will be delivered and the old one hauled away, and the job will be done in about four hours. And you’ll have someone to a call if there’s a problem.

Be Skeptical of Wood

Real wood doors look fantastic when they’re new. But unless you’re willing to devote time and money to maintenance, they won’t look good for long. Natural finishes last a few years before they need recoating. And if you wait too long, you’ll have to sand off all the finish and start over to get your door looking new again. You can save a few thousand dollars by going with a faux wood-grain or vinyl door instead.

Stronger Springs are Worth It

 Springs are what help your garage door go up easily and come down slowly. Most garage doors use torsion springs. You can usually see these coiled torsion springs above the door. Standard torsion springs last for about 10,000 cycles. That may sound like a lot, but if you open and close your door six times a day, which is pretty average, you’ll reach 10,000 cycles in less than five years. Spending an extra $50 when you shop garage doors will buy you a spring good for 20,000 cycles.

Insulate Your Door

Most garages aren’t heated, but your garage door still impacts your home’s energy efficiency. Construction materials and insulation technologies for garage doors have improved significantly over the last five to 10 years. Today’s doors provide a tighter seal to keep out the elements. If your garage is attached to the house, you should purchase an insulated door. It will help reduce both noise and utility bills.

Know Your Surroundings

If you live in a high wind or hurricane-prone area, make sure your garage door can withstand the elements. Because of their size, garage doors are more susceptible to wind damage. Garage doors must have additional bracing, heavier gauge tracking and other hardware to help keep them intact under extreme winds. If you’re buying a new door, look for models that are “storm ready” with a built-in reinforcement system, which requires no advance set-up before a dangerous storm. 

Conclusion

Buying a new garage door does not need to be a stressful endeavor. Following the above tips will have you enjoying an attractive and sturdy new door in no time. For the best in garage door installation, call or visit Katy Door Systems today.

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