Overhead Door of Permian Basin Blog!

The garage is a part of the home that can often be neglected during winter. Whether or not you actually use your garage to store your car, you are likely using it as a home for other things, such as bicycles, that are only pulled out in summer. The garage is also often forgotten when spring cleaning rolls around. Here are some things to consider:

1. Ideally, you want to move everything out onto the driveway. Choose a day when no rain is forecast and just pull everything out of the garage.

2. Clean, clean, clean. Run the hose into the garage, get a scrubbing brush, and tackle the inevitable oily and grimy spots. Sweep the dust out of the corners.

3. Check the garage door. If you haven't used your garage all winter, it may be stiff or sticky. Make sure it opens and closes smoothly - if it doesn't, then you may want to get it serviced. Contact us today to get that scheduled! 

4. Sort through the clutter. You should have several categories of stuff:

• Stuff that doesn't belong in the garage. Especially if you use the garage entrance as a back door, clothes and shoes can wander into the garage and need to be chased back into the house.
• Trash. This includes any items that are broken beyond repair, expired items, etc.
• Hazardous waste. Make a separate box for anything considered hazardous waste, such as some auto maintenance products, so it can be disposed of properly.
• Recycling. Papers, etc.
• Things you haven't used in several years - these can be given away. If you think something is repairable but don't want to repair it you may be able to find a home for it.
• Tools and equipment.
• Stuff you know you want to store in the garage.

4. Take that last category and store it properly. Use bins or shelves to keep everything organized. If you don't have enough shelves then consider getting more - or whether you are keeping stuff you don't need.

5. Repair or replace your garage doors to give the ultimate curb appeal for the summer! Overhead Door of the Permian Basin™ is able to do both. 

The idea is to end up with a clean, organized garage in which you have more than enough room to get in and out of your car.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

-Overhead Door of the Permian Basin™

Sources:

https://www.marthastewart.com/274285/spring-cleaning-the-garage-and-outdoors

https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/spring-cleaning-the-garage/

http://www.oprah.com/home/how-to-clean-out-your-garage-spring-cleaning-tips-peter-walsh

Chances are, you've been in your garden this season…wondering how to make it a bit easier? Check out these must-have gardening tools!

1. Android Gardener’s Handbook App- This app let's you know what is going on in your garden 24/7. This app is chaulk full of ideas, tips, and information a gardener needs to know!

2. Plant Flower Power Monitor- This awesome monitor tells you everything your plan needs. From temperature to moisture level, this wireless technology sends the information to your phone so you always know how your plant is feeling.

3. The Green Cam- This gadget is used to watch your plants grow sky high. Taking a photo every day so you can see how far your plants have come.

4. Bosh Isao- This tool allows you to trim your hedges for hours. This lightweight and versatile tools lets you get into all the nooks and crannies. With a strong battery power, there are no worries about stopping work early!

5. GARDEN plan Po- This app allows you to plan out everything and where it is going to go before you lift a finger. See where the shade will be located within your yard as well as sunlight. Get ahead with this app!

Hoping these tools make your gardening just a bit easier! Happy spring!

Outdoor Spring Cleaning: Step 1

Start by pruning away dead or damaged branches back to their live stems. For stems larger than 1/2 inch in diameter, use a hand saw. Use electric shears to shape hedges, rather than hand pruners that prevent growth by prohibiting sunlight and air into the center of the hedge.

Outdoor Spring Cleaning: Step 2

Outdoor Spring Cleaning: Step 3

Outdoor Spring Cleaning: Step 4

Outdoor Spring Cleaning: Step 5

Spring is less than a month away! Pretty soon, birds will be chirping, flowers will be blooming and the sunshine will be shining! Is your home ready for the season change? Take a look at our 5 tips to prepare your home for spring! 

1. Fill The Low Spots
Find the low spots in your yard and fill them with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding which can lead to foundation damage. Also, when water collects in these low areas, it creates a breeding ground for insects (and no one wants those mosquitos swarming around!)

2. Move Firewood
If you stored firewood near your home during winter, you need to remove it. Firewood should always be stored at least 2 feet away and 18 inches off the ground.

3. Inspect Concrete
Inspect exterior concrete slabs for cracks. All exterior slabs (with the exception of pool decks) should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk, power wash, and seal.

4. Check Faucets
Check the exterior hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the faucet on and place your thumb under the spout. If you can stop the flow of water with your thumb, that means that the pipe inside is damaged.

5. Check The Roof
From the ground, examine your roof for missing/damaged shingles. Snow and ice can really do a number to your roof. If you do notice significant damage, you may want to contact your insurance company and consider replacement before the start of spring/summer.

There you have it, 5 easy ways to prepare your home for spring! Happy (almost) spring!