Unfortunately, theft is one of the biggest fears of homeowners and garages are typically an easy target as they are usually less secure. Due to the nature of garages they will most likely be holding items of value so it is in your best interest to ensure that your garage is secure and one way to do this is having a quality garage door.

Side-hinged doors are a firm favourite as far as security, aesthetics and durability. You can secure them with extra locks due to the way they open and you do not have to have the whole door open when is use, potentially revealing the contents to passers-by.

Sectional garage doors are quite reliable and sturdy, offering high security and even can be electronically operated. They can be quite convenient as they roll up and out of the way along the ceiling, which keeps them out of the way when open and offer few weak points for potential burglars.

Whatever the choice, ensuring the door is make of good quality materials, has serviceable locking mechanisms and is maintained well, will reduce the chances of it being a weakness to theft. Motion sensing lights or a security system are extra security and a helpful theft deterrent.

A common issue many home owners face is dampness in the garage. Finding and fixing these issues should be a high priority, so as to protect any items stored in your garage and preventing mould growth. There are a few different reasons this may be happening:

If you are experiencing a rising dampness, typically you will be able to see moisture on the lower parts of the walls and floor, this is due to moisture rising from the ground. Normally, newer homes have a water proof barrier and membrane under the flooring, to prevent this, so it is possible that may be damaged. Older homes, may not have sufficient waterproofing on the floor so you may need a professional to assess the situation.

If it is a penetrating dampness, which usually happens in a certain part of the garage, it most likely means there is waterproofing damage in that specific area. Some reasons this may be happening are damaged guttering, missing tiles or bricks losing their waterproof coating. Other common problem areas are corners and joints.

If you are noticing the presence of condensation, this is typically prevalent in environments that are not properly ventilated. By getting an extractor fan installed or ensuring you regularly air out your garage, this could reduce the amount of dampness you experience.

Additional ways of keeping out any dampness, are ensuring that any windows are double glazed and make sure to dry any wet items before storing them in your garage, including vehicles.

Garages tend to be used for more than just storing vehicles, instead, they are a fantastic source of extra storage space attached to your home. Over time your garage may start to look cluttered and messy if it isn’t organised properly. We have put together a list of the top easy ways you can organise your garage.

1. Store items using vertical space. If you have garden tools or equipment you can easily hang it on walls using hooks or storage shelves.

2. Use shelving racks – shelving racks can create lots of additional space in your garage. Store smaller items such as screws or nails in smaller tubs to ensure everything stays in one place.

3. Have a clear out – if you have items in your garage that are just collecting dust then it may be time for a clear-out. This will give you more space so you can organise all of the items you do need.

The vertical space in your garage offers overhead space for storage and is a great way to minimise clutter and organise your tools or equipment. We have put together a short list of tips that will help you get the most out of your vertical garage space.

1. You will need to choose the right storage system. You will need to determine what you will be using the storage for and choose a system that will satisfy your storage needs. You will need to remember that overhead storage systems tend to be far bulkier and are designed to hold more weight.

2. Store the most suitable items – things such as tires are a great option for overhead storage as they are big and bulky. Another tip is to consider seasonal rotation of your tools and equipment. Things such as lawnmowers or garden tools generally are only used half the year.

3. Labelling your stored items is another great tip, if you will be using storage boxes it will make things far easier to find if you group similar items together and label.

Over time your loft space may become very cluttered and messy meaning finding the motivation to give it a good clear out may be difficult but it sometimes gets to the stage that it has to be done. When your loft space becomes inaccessible due to clutter then it can be a safety issue and you really need to give it a good tidy up.

Start by preparing for it, book a day in your calendar and keep the whole day free, you want to ensure you do a proper job and don’t get distracted. Another great option is to ask for help, you will find it far easier if you have an extra pair of hands.

Start by having a good clear out – throw, sell, or donate any unwanted or unused items. You should then consider your storage options – tidy everything away into suitable storage. Once complete consider everything a good clean, hoover, or sweep up any debris and wipe down any windows or skylights.

If you have a garage door that isn’t working as it should be, you may be considering whether you should repair it or replace it. There are a few factors to consider which will help you make the right decision.

If you have an automatic garage door that stops working you may think it needs completely replacing, but it is often more cost effective to get your garage door fixed. If your garage door feels heavy, the springs may be knackered but work door springs are a simple fix.

If you are experiencing the same problems with your garage door time and time again, even with the problems being repaired then it is time to think about a complete replacement. When small problems arise if they are not fixed as soon as possible it can leave permanent damage.

The average garage door has a life expectancy of 15-30 years, whilst automatic doors having a shorter life of 10-15 years. If your garage door has exceeded these limits then it is time to get it replaced.

You must measure up accurately before getting a new garage door to ensure you buy the correct size. Ill fitting garage doors can let out heat and can pose security issues, so measuring is essential.

The main thing you need to know is the opening size, not the panel size, as the tolerance that’s allowed will depend on the manufacturer. Once you know the size of the opening, you can work out what size door you need.

Measure the width and height, measuring between the frame and from the floor to the top of the frame. If you’re having an electric door, you’ll also need to measure the space where the motor will go. If you are choosing a sectional garage door or a round the corner garage door, this will run on tracks either up into the ceiling or around the walls of the garage. You’ll need to measure these areas too, dependent on door type.

A garage is one of those desirable features that people look for when buying a home, but when it comes to actually using it, most people just don’t get the most out of their garage at all. It’s a nice idea to have one but in practice, it can be so much better utilised. If you have a garage you are not using to its full potential, here are some ideas to help you.

• Make your garage better insulated. This will allow you to use it for a number of different things, such as a home gym or a workshop. You can use a garage in many different ways to add to your lifestyle.
• Install windows. More natural light will help make your garage a better environment.
• Choose a new garage door. This will make it easier to access your garage, meaning you can instantly begin to get more use out of it.