Rick Scully, Author at Garage Tailors

Safe Use and Storage of Holiday Décor

November 26, 2015 by Rick Scully

We look forward to beautiful holiday light displays at this time of year. However, holiday decorations cause numerous residential fires each year, most of which could be prevented. So before you plot your head-turning holiday display, let’s review some best practices for installing and storing holiday décor.

Electrical Requirements

Verify that all outdoor electrical outlets are working. It’s best to plug lights directly into outdoor ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. When extension cords are required, it’s safer to use a longer, heavy-duty cord than to string together shorter extension cords. The extension cords used must be rated for outdoor use by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) – ground fault circuit interrupter.

Don’t overload electrical outlets. According to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, no more than three standard-size sets of lights should be used per extension cord. If your garage and outdoor outlets are on the same circuit, you’ll need to take the lighting, garage door opener, outlets and other items plugged inside your garage into the equation as well. Lay out your holiday display with the location of electrical outlets in mind to reduce the temptation to use too many extension cords.

Examine Holiday Lighting for Damage

Examine each string of holiday lights for damage sustained during previous use or storage. Dispose of lighting with cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Test each light string, then replace burned out bulbs. When buying new holiday lights, consider LED lights, which burn cooler and use less energy.

Safely Install Lighting

To reduce fire hazard, secure lights with insulated tape, insulated staples or hooks. Don’t use nails or tacks. Do not attach lighting over, under or along metal eavestroughs.

Securely fasten lights to the walls of the house or garage, trees, or other stable structures to avoid wind damage. Point bulbs toward the ground to keep moisture out of the sockets. Hang lighting and extension cords high enough above the ground so they won’t sit in snow and puddles.

Don’t block exits with holiday decorations. All exits must remain easily accessible, in the event of a fire. For added safety, turn off the lights at night or when you are away from home.

Storing Holiday Decorations

Safely storing holiday décor is the best way to ensure that lighting and other décor remains in good repair. Clear, stackable plastic containers provide excellent storage space for holiday décor. Contents remain visible, making it easier to find items. As you dismantle holiday light displays, note the length of each string of lights and where it was used. Include this info on or in the storage container. Eliminate tangling, which can damage wiring, by using a holiday lights storage reel or wrapping each string around a clean, empty cylindrical can or a piece of cardboard.

Dead space in the garage provides an ideal location for storing seasonal items like holiday lighting and decorations. How can you make the best use of what may seem like unusable space in your garage? Here are three options:

Overhead Storage Racks: Installing overhead shelving can be tricky, so consult a garage renovation specialist if you’re unfamiliar with how to safely install weight-bearing overhead shelving. Garage Tailors Garage offers metal storage shelving to make underutilized ceiling height functional. Metal storage units are made of durable steel and the largest units support up to 700lbs. Store lighting and other holiday decorations in stackable bins on overhead storage racks in the garage. Access the space using a step ladder.
Install a pulley-based storage platform. Accessing seasonal items stored on overhead storage shelves can be difficult for those with physical limitations. A pulley-based platform uses a crank to lower the items to the floor where they can easily be loaded or unloaded. This type of system is ideal for storing artificial trees and large outdoor displays. Consult a garage renovation specialist to determine whether this option is feasible for your garage.

Made-to-measure solutions. Made-to-measure shelving, platforms and mezzanines provide additional storage space for stackable plastic bins and large holiday displays. Made-to-measure garage shelving can be installed high on a back or side wall. Made-to-measure platforms provide additional vertical storage space high on a back wall. Tall garages with lots of wasted overhead space can accommodate made-to-measure mezzanines which provide considerable storage for holiday décor and other seasonal items rarely accessed.

Need additional storage space in your garage for seasonal items? Request a consultation with a garage renovation specialist and discover how Garage Tailors Garage can transform wasted vertical space into functional, attractive storage space.

Four Ways to Reduce Costs by Winterizing Your Garage

November 24, 2015 by Rick Scully

Frigid winter temperatures can wreak havoc in and around your garage. More than a mere inconvenience, freezing temperatures can drain the energy efficiency of your home, putting a sizable dent in your wallet. Preventive maintenance in your garage will save you time and heating energy while preventing expensive repairs. Consider four ways you can reduce costs by winterizing your garage.

Organize Your Garage

Avoid the frustration of rummaging through the garage to locate the window washer fluid or a shovel when it’s icy outside. Organize your garage for the most efficient use during winter (and throughout the year). A complete garage renovation during a bitter cold Toronto winter isn’t feasible. However, the following steps will help you organize your garage for winter:

Group items into task-related zones. Create zones for winter sports, automotive care, winter yard care, tools, household items and the garbage and recycling. You can quickly locate the item you need when it’s stored in the same place every time.
Store chemicals, household products and other items in garage storage cabinets. Tall, locked, vertical cabinets keep dangerous chemicals beyond the reach of pets and small children. Horizontal cabinets create hidden, accessible storage. Countertops double as project workspace. Relocate paint and fuel gels, which can freeze, inside during winter.
Reclaim floor space with a garage slatwall organization system. Lockable hooks, shelves and baskets provide flexible storage for ice skates, sleds and hockey sticks. Shelves, hooks and baskets can be quickly and easily moved. High hooks and shelves keep items out of little hands. Low baskets enable small children to store and retrieve their own winter toys and gear.
Store out-of-season items or those infrequently used on overhead garage storage Overhead storage racks are ideal for storing outdoor furniture cushions, holiday decorations and bulky items that take up too much space.

Garage organization doesn’t have to be daunting. Keep it simple until you’re prepared for a more ambitious garage renovation.

Weatherproof Your Garage

The harsh Canadian winter is tough on garages. Heat loss during cold weather wastes energy and significantly increases heating costs. Take an hour or so to care for the tasks below. You’ll reduce energy costs and prevent costly repairs.

Seal garage door and trim. Reduce drafts in your garage by applying weatherstripping around the sides and bottom of the garage door. Caulk the leading edge of the newly-installed weatherstripping. Fill gaps in garage door trim using foam or caulk backer rod (for larger gaps). Finish up with a quality indoor/outdoor caulk.
Insulate the garage door. Heat loss via your garage door can lower the temperature inside your garage (and the vehicles stored there) considerably. A single or double layer of foam board installed between the garage door frames reduces heat loss.
Fix or replace weather stripping around doors and windows. A tight seal is the key to keeping warm air inside and cold air out. Weatherstripping around windows and doors compresses over time and deteriorates due to age, exposure to the elements and other damage. Do a visual inspection of weatherstripping around windows and doors. Look for obvious damage. Close the door and check for gaps. Repair or replace weatherstripping as needed.
Insulate older, less efficient water heaters. Newer water heaters are insulated for cost-effective operation during brutally cold winters. Older tanks with an R-value rating of less than 24 must work harder to heat water and keep it warm, especially when located in an unheated space. Reduce heat loss by up to 45% and cut your heating costs by as much as 9% by draping the water heater with a water heater insulation blanket.
Insulate outside wall light switches and electrical outlets. As much as 5% of outside air that seeps inside your home each year enters via exterior wall light switches and electrical outlets. Reduce drafts and heat loss with inexpensive foam insulation designed for electrical covers.

Prevent Pipes from Freezing

Frozen water pipes and spigots can cause costly damage to your home. To prevent damage:

Drain, remove and store garden hoses. If left connected, ice can form and create pressure in interior water lines. This could lead to an expensive water line break. Instead, remove the hose, drain it and store it.
Turn off outside water sources during the frigid winter months. If there is an interior shut-off valve, cut off the water to exterior water spigots. Allow water to drain from faucet to prevent freezing.
Insulate pipes. An insulated faucet jacket will protect your exterior water spigot and connected interior pipes from frigid temperatures.

In addition to preventing damage and costly repairs, you’ll prevent accidents that could occur when dripping water freezes, creating a slippery surface.

Seal Garage Floors

A polyaspartic flooring system is a tough, durable floor coating with the look of granite. It seals floors, keeps moisture out, reduces dust, provides non-slip grip and is easy to clean. This professionally-installed flooring system includes a ten-year warranty and is available in a wide range of colours.

This winter, your garage will take a beating from cold temperatures, ice and snow. Lessen the impact of harsh winter weather by organizing your space with a garage wall storage system and garage cabinets; weatherproofing your water heater, windows, doors and electrical outlets; turning off exterior water sources; and sealing garage floors.

Ready to improve the look and function of your garage? Garage Tailors Garage specializes in custom garage renovations designed to maximize storage and make your garage the envy of the neighborhood. Request a consultation and reserve your space today on our spring garage renovation schedule.

Stock Your Garage with Emergency Supplies

October 29, 2015 by Rick Scully

Whether this winter is mild or as snowy and cold as our past two winters, we’re bound to get walloped by a few snow storms. Ontarians are no strangers to cold, blustery winters. While these conditions are routine, they aren’t innocuous. Winter storms have the potential to be deadly. Last time we discussed how to prepare your vehicle and garage for the winter. Now let’s review the supplies every garage should have stocked in case of a severe weather event.

Stocking your garage with emergency supplies may seem overly cautious. However, Canadians fall victim to weather events, directly or indirectly, every year. Advanced preparation will increase your odds of staying safe during treacherous winter weather events.

Power and communication lines are susceptible to outage during ice storms or heavy snowfall. In most instances, power is restored within a few hours. In more serious cases, you may be forced to go without power or communication for days. If the temperature dips dangerously low, how will you stay warm for several days? Would you have enough food and clean water on hand until services are restored? By taking action now, you’ll be ready to weather the storm.

Three things to do right now that may save your life later

The key to surviving severe weather events is preparation. So be ready to act when dangerous weather is headed your way.

Sign up to have weather alerts sent to your mobile phone. Be among the first to learn of impending bad weather so you can take action quickly.
Create an emergency preparedness action plan. When an emergency strikes, it’s natural to panic. Develop an emergency action plan while you are calm and clearheaded. Review the plan with your entire family. Everyone should know what to do if a weather-related disaster strikes.
Build an emergency survival kit. Gather the items you’ll need if a disaster strikes. Store them in your garage or somewhere accessible to everyone in your home.

Items to include in your emergency kit

What should you include in your emergency kit? Here are several items that merit a spot:

Enough non-perishable food to last your family three days
A manual can opener
At least 12 litres of water per family member
First aid kit
Flashlights and extra batteries
Candles and matches
Battery-powered or crank radio
Hand sanitizer
Moist towelettes
Whistle to attract help
Ziploc plastic bags
Garbage bags

The items above can be packed in a backpack, duffle bag or portable container, in case you need to evacuate your home. The emergency kit can be stored on a garage shelf or platform or in a garage cabinet. When organizing or renovating your garage, include a space to store disaster supplies.

These following items won’t fit in your kit, but should also be stashed away safely in your garage in case of emergency:

Seasoned wood (where applicable), ethanol gel or heating fuel
Shovel or snow removal equipment
Rock salt (or an environmentally-friendly option) and sand
Pliers or a wrench to turn off utilities

Be sure to also grab these items if a weather event hits:

Warm clothing and blankets
Medications for people and pets
Contacts/eye glasses / hearing aids
Personal hygiene items
Baby supplies
Pet supplies
Important documents (passport, insurance policies, birth certificates, etc.)
Cell phones and chargers
Cash
Contact list

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use your emergency supplies. To ensure all of the items are good when an emergency does occur, check the kit periodically. Rotate food, water and batteries, as needed, so they are fresh and ready to go when you need them.

Always heed warnings broadcast on television and radio by the Alert Ready Emergency Alert System. Such warnings are issued by emergency management officials and Environment Canada to help you take immediate action to protect your family when severe weather strikes.

In the event that ice or snow knocks out heating, it may be tempting to burn fuel inside of your home or garage. Don’t! It’s extremely dangerous and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and death. It’s fine to store your grill or propane tank in the garage, but move them outdoors when you’re ready to cook.

Regardless of what this winter has in store, be prepared if you encounter severe weather. Sign up for text message weather alerts. Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it with every member of the family. Prepare an emergency survival kit and store it in your garage or someplace accessible to everyone. For more resources on building your survival kit, see the Ontario Ministry of Safety and Correctional Services.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

October 28, 2015 by Rick Scully

The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a cold and snowy winter here in Toronto. Yet, meteorologists are expecting a mild winter in Southern Canada courtesy of the worst El Niño we’ve seen in half a century. Either way, the first snow of the season has already hit. Perhaps this first blast of wintry weather caught you off guard. If so, now’s the time to prepare your vehicle and your garage for the winter ahead.

Make Room in the Garage

During warmer months it’s common to park in the driveway to make room for bicycles and other sports equipment that tends to take over the garage. However, to maximize the life of your car and minimize your morning prep time, park your vehicle inside the garage whenever possible. Faced with a sea of bicycles, skateboards and soccer balls, it may seem impossible to safely squeeze your vehicle into the garage. However, it can be a lot easier than you think.

First, sort through your things and edit anything you don’t need. Be brutal. That means ditching old tires, broken furniture and toys the kids have outgrown. If the item is still usable, donate it to a deserving charity or gift it to a friend. Rotate seasonal items.
Group similar items. Find anything you need in a flash by storing related items into specific zones. Create an area near the garage door to store winter weather items, like salt and snow shovels. Set up a zone for automotive fluids and supplies. Store fluids on shelves or in a garage cabinet, away from kids and pets. Place winter sports gear in a dedicated zone children can easily access. Eliminate any unnecessary duplicates discovered while sorting.
Arrange items along the garage perimeter. A wall organization system with movable shelves, baskets and hooks will maximize the items you can store along your garage perimeter.

Once you’ve created space, park your vehicles inside the garage to protect them from the harsh winter weather. Now it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the heavy snow and bitter cold that lies ahead.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather Hazards

The contradictory predictions about what to expect this winter require cautious drivers to prepare for whatever lies ahead. Take a few simple steps now to prepare your vehicle for frigid temperatures and snowy conditions.

Stock up on automotive supplies like antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and wiper blades.
Store additional supplies in your trunk, including all three items listed above. Keep kitty litter or gravel on hand to create traction if you get stuck and a shovel to dig yourself out.
Get all-weather tires. Unlike all-season tires, all-weather tires carry the severe service emblem. An aggressive tread enables all-weather tires to bite snow and divert water and slush, so they handle better during perilous winter conditions. Another option is to get snow tires. Store the alternate set of tires on a tire rack to retain limited garage floor space.
Keep vehicles running in top shape. Don’t skimp on oil changes and other maintenance. Thinner oil performs best during colder temperatures, but check your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer suggests. Top off fluids, including windshield washer fluid and antifreeze.
Keep the gas tank full. Don’t wait until your needle hits E. Fill your tank at the halfway mark so you’ll be ready if forced to sit in traffic for hours during a storm.
Use an engine block heater when parking outside in brutally cold temperatures. By keeping the engine warm, the block heater prevents damage to engine components that can occur when heating the engine in extremely cold weather. Your car will also heat up faster.

Whether we have a cold and snowy winter or a particularly mild one, there are sure to be plenty of days when winter weather will impact your commute. Prep your garage by reducing clutter, organizing the space and arranging items along the perimeter so you can park your vehicles inside. Ready your car for winter by stocking up on winter weather supplies. Store essentials in the trunk of your car. Invest in Ontario winter-worthy tires. Properly maintain vehicles, top off fluids and use a block heater to avoid starting an ice cold engine. Then you’ll be prepared for the winter ahead, regardless of what the weather may bring.

Create Garage Storage Solutions in Time for Winter

September 28, 2015 by Rick Scully

The end of summer is upon us, and soon we will be bolstering for winter. For months, your garage has become a receptacle for sports equipment, camping gear, bikes, and more, leaving your car in the driveway. Before a snowy winter arrives, it is time to organize.

The best way to proceed is to determine your family’s organizational personality, and design storage solutions that will work for everyone. Determining your storage style is easy. Look inside your home, especially the kitchen and the bathrooms. Is everything hidden away in a cabinet or drawer? Or do you prefer to have everything in sight and within easy reach of where you will need it? Remember to consider other members of the household, too.

Young children may have one set of needs, while teens have another. Maybe your four-year-old won’t remember to brush his or her teeth, unless it is all laid out before them. Teens may feel the need for more privacy to store the items they use routinely.

As you set out to reorganize your garage storage system, there are three basic styles to consider. Here is a brief explanation of these styles. Pick the one that works for your family situation.

Open Storage

If you are a highly visual family, you may prefer to have everything on display. Imagine your belongings hanging neatly on a wall or visible on a shelf. You can simply walk in, spot what you are looking for, and then when you are finished, you know exactly where to return the item.

Nowadays, there are some amazing garage storage materials. Did you know you could hang your lawnmower on the wall? New technology has provided systems that accommodate tremendous weights using a simple Camlok^TM hook. Shelves or platforms offer a level storage area, ideal for books, bins or boxes. Make sure bins & boxes are well marked, however.

Garage interior design has become a myriad of choices and options. If you have 14′ ceilings, or more, you can even include a mezzanine to hold seasonal items that aren’t too heavy, like lawn furniture in winter, and holiday decorations in summer.

Open storage can be an efficient and easily maintained solution for your garage. You can get everything off the floor, and leave plenty of room to keep your car safe over winter.

Closed Storage

If the idea of open storage doesn’t appeal to you, closed storage keeps everything out-of-sight and sometimes, out-of-mind. If your idea of a garage renovation includes sleek lines, and a polished aesthetic appeal, cabinets may be the way to go. Your garage storage can go from chaotic to controlled using the proper choice of cabinets, in a layout tht suits your needs.

Closed storage is also extremely flexible, so if your hobby is woodworking, you could have small drawers to hold screws, nails, hinges, all within arm’s reach of your workbench. If you are an auto enthusiast, the drawers may be better placed next to the spot you will be working. The key is to organize your possessions in a way that actually works for you. Cabinets can come with drawers, shelves or countertops, all based on what you need.

Women may want a corner for craft items or sewing projects. Again, these areas can be organized easily with the correct choice of cabinets.

One more benefit of closed storage is that it can be lockable. Some of us store valuables in the garage, or we keep cleaning supplies and oils or windshield washer fluid for our vehicles there. Locked storage keeps children safe and protects your assets.

A word of caution, however, closed storage works great for organized people. If your family can keep a system going, terrific, but some families tend to start out with good intentions, but life has a way of distracting us and we end up creating chaos but behind a closed door. Be realistic when you choose your garage storage options. Can you see yourself opening a cabinet door and releasing a barrage of assorted items cascading over your head? If so, closed storage may not be the answer.

The Best of Both Worlds

Most families will benefit most from a combination of the first two styles. Garage renovation specialists can help you sort out your family’s storage needs based on your family lifestyle. Most of us do one major garage renovation in a lifetime. How are we to know the pros and cons, and anticipate what the future may hold? That’s why professional help, via a free in-home consultation, can be extremely helpful.

Closed storage is ideal for items you will not need frequently. There are even locker style cabinets for sporting equipment off-season. Having a dedicated space for the things you may use a handful of times throughout the year will provide better accessibility and convenience.

Things you use frequently can be stored openly on hooks, shelves, etc. so they are always within easy reach. You can also rearrange open storage as the seasons change. The lawnmower gets stored away and the snow shovel hangs in its’ place.

With some consultation, you can devise a garage storage system that will help your family stay organized, as well as giving your car (or cars) a safe, warm spot indoors this winter. Consider a free in-home consultation to discuss your options.

Freedom From Clutter: The Fall Clean Up

September 15, 2015 by Rick Scully

There is something almost instinctual about autumn, compelling us to clear clutter, repair damaged items, and discard what we no longer need. In short, we seem to share the desire to organize before the winter arrives.

Perhaps you are welcoming a parent or in-law to live with you, or moving your student out to the dorm. Maybe there is a home office in your dreams. Regardless of the impetus, fall is the time for storing our things to make room for growth. Our garage is the receptacle of things we want to save but without some organization, it becomes unbearable. De-cluttering first to make room for a new garage interior design can be the answer. If you’re aiming to make room for the cars and get everything off the garage floor, these tips should help you on your way.

Where to Start

This is usually the hardest part for most people. You look around and think it is too overwhelming. We have all been there. The car has been relegated to the driveway, while all the stuff that you moved out to make room for that in-law unit or the desk abandoned by your college bound student, has found a new perch in the middle of your garage.

Now it is time to allow the car to reclaim a spot where the overflow has been. Take a deep breath and clear out everything you do not want or need any longer. “Clear to where?” you ask. You might be surprised at how simple it is to put your old stuff to good use. Remember, someone else really needs what you no longer need.

Depending upon what you find, there are several outlets to consider. The Canadian Diabetes Association will pick-up clothes, including footwear, bedding, toys, and any small household items, including computers. The phone number is 1-800-505-5525.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore will accept windows, doors, working large appliances, toilets, vanity units, lighting fixtures, and more materials left over from home renovation projects. In fact, did you know they will sometimes arrange to have someone to dismantle / remove units that are to be donated? They offer that free service. ReStores also accept non-upholstered furniture, such as dining tables, desks, or dressers. You can even get a tax break, as the proceeds go directly to helping needy families secure homes.

Many charitable organizations will be happy to accept your lightly used items, as long as they are in good, usable condition. There are agencies that help so many worthwhile causes. The top three in the Greater Toronto Area are Value Village, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army, all of which work toward the betterment of our local communities. Most will not accept stained mattresses, broken items, or worn out clothing. Donations should be usable. If you would not use it, do not donate it.

Now what?

You probably are beginning to find a bit more breathing room by now. Look at the items that are left. If they are broken or dilapidated throw them in the trash. By now most of us understand the basics of recycling, but if you have questions about whether it’s possible to recycle certain products and where you can drop them off, you can check with the City of Toronto.

Eventually we all come to the corner or cabinet that has been housing left over paint, thinner, pesticides, motor oil, or other hazardous substances that cannot be thrown away in the conventional fashion. Thanks to Project Orange Drop, you can locate places to safely dispose of these substances, and still protect the environment. This agency accepts used batteries, pressurized cylinders, oil filters and the items listed before.

Now that you have not only decluttered your garage but supported the community and helped others to help themselves, it’s time to organize what’s left.

Assembling Your Garage Storage System

As you consider your options, you might want to consult a garage renovation specialist, who can help you determine long term needs, as well the immediate ones.

Your in-law may become your nanny or aging and in need of more care so moving in with your family may become one of the options. Realistically, you will probably re-arrange furniture and other items. Your empty nest may be revisited by your college grads in search of entering the full-time work force. You will want to be certain that your treasures are as safe as the day you stored them. You may want to reconfigure the storage on the walls from season to season.

Keep these things in mind as you work towards your renovating your garage space and storage. With the clutter gone, it’s time to store your things safely and securely while still get your car(s) into the garage.

Improving Our Golf Score

August 24, 2015 by Rick Scully

August is National Golf Month; it’s a good time to look at some of the best practices and equipment every duffer needs for a great golf game. Since the game of golf originated in the 15th century in Scotland, golfers have been trying to improve their scores by employing any number of resources. We thought we might look into a few of them, and the advice of specialists in the field.

Tip #1: Golf Apps for Smart Phones

Can you believe all the things our phones do for us these days? Using apps to improve one’s golf game is gaining popularity. Some offer GPS, other keep score for you, while some will show you the layout of the hole, and offer trajectory and velocity pointers. Some even offer social media interaction for those times you shot a bogie on a par 3 hole. There are special apps just for putting, too.

Our phones are always with us anyway, we might as well put them to use on the golf course.

Tip #2: Choose the Right Tee

It seems that many golfers get confused about the right tee, and with good reason. There are so many from which to choose. How can you tell which one will work best for you? The experts at Martini Tees in Canada helped explain the mystery. Club heads come in so many sizes and variations, there has to be a tee designed to work with the club.

Shorter tees work best for shallow faced drivers and fairway wood clubs, where as deep faced clubs need a significantly longer tee. Martini Tees suggest 2 3/4″, or longer, for the deeper faced clubs. As with most golf equipment, it is a good idea to store your tees properly when not in use.

Tip #3: Care for Your Clubs

Truth be told, golf clubs are expensive. They deserve to be looked after if you want them to perform perfectly. Your golf clubs are an investment that will serve you for years to come, if you know how to look after them.

After 18 holes of relaxing and rejuvenating golf, you may just toss your clubs in the trunk of your car, or toss them in the garage when you get home. Experts warn that storing your golf clubs in your trunk can have disastrous ramifications.

Clunking around in the trunk, even for a few days, can mean dents, scratches, and bent shafts, for your clubs. The extreme heat in a car trunk can warp clubs more readily than you might have thought.

Cold and damp also ruin clubs quickly. As with all sporting goods, like everything else, the key is to store belongings off the floor of the garage. Golf clubs are bulky and may seem to be always in the way. A good storage system design eliminates clutter, and the obstacle course in your garage. As with any sporting equipment, a system will provide easy access and safety for all of your golf equipment off the floor and away from damp walls.

It does not need to cost a fortune. Our garage renovation specialists can work with you to devise a system that is unique to your family’s needs. For example, open storage uses slatwall shelves with Camlok^TM brackets and baskets that make it easy to see what you need. We can offer a full garage interior design, or a partial renovation based upon your needs.

Garage cabinets is what we call closed storage allowing you to store your golf clubs out of sight, when not in use. Closed spaces can also be organized to provide a space for each and every golf related item, such as tees, extra balls, etc.

Think outside the box with overhead garage storage. If you stand in your garage and look up, you might be surprised at how much room goes unused just over our heads. Overhead storage means you can still park the car(s) in the garage overnight. Even heavy items, such as golf clubs can be safely stored, and easily retrieved with a number of storage ideas.

Tip #4: A Good Golf Brush

Even the pros end up in the mud and brush sometimes. Keep your clubs and ball clean and dry with a good quality golf brush. Some people favoru towels, which serve the same purpose, but a brush can get the divots of grass out of the grooves like no other.

These handy tools can be used on the wheels of your golf cart, too. Use it to knock off a dust or dirt before you put your clubs in your car, and off the bottom of your shoes.

Tip #5: Choose the Correct Ball

Golf balls have changed drastically in the past decade and a half. Some fly further while some fly straighter. Some golf balls provide spin or help to eliminate it. Some are soft, while others are hard. Experts suggest finding a ball that works well for your swing and style.

Costs vary greatly. Buy the best you can afford, in order to lower your scores. Check in with a golf pro or other specialist to determine the one that is best for you.

Once you have found the right match, use the same ball for every round. Soon you will learn how to use it with different clubs and conditions. Consistently using the same brand or model of ball will improve your game. Each ball is slightly different, but if by sticking with one manufacturer and type, you will be a more consistent golfer with much more ability to chip away at that golf score.

The Year of Soil – 4 Ways to Improve Our Own Backyards

August 17, 2015 by Rick Scully

The year 2015 is the International Year of Soils according to the United Nations. Worldwide recognition of the need to promote sustainable soil resources has prompted scientists and researchers around the globe to come up with a variety of ways we can help keep the planet green. Green thumbs among us understand that good soil is critical to any backyard garden or landscaping endeavor. With a few of the right garden tools and a composter, gardeners naturally return to the soil what it needs to be a rich source of organic carbons. These organic carbons are an important towards mitigating the effects of climate change.

Likewise, non-gardeners can make a difference in the world by recycling reusable and organic wastes with the sorting of garbage, recycle and green bin storage solutions. Experience tells us that a system must be convenient and easy to use so our families will utilize them. By properly sorting green waste, recyclables, and trash, everyone can promote less use of landfills and better soil worldwide. The number of options available might surprise you. This list will help you achieve sustainable soil in your own yard, as well as maintaining a workable solution for your recycling and green waste.

Tip #1: Choose water conscious plants and landscaping.

The effects of global warming and other environmental changes have inspired the trend for landscaping that requires little to no water. Those not affected by drought can still benefit from these water conscious choices.

Planning a landscape includes finding plants that will work well in your soil. Many drought resistant plants are ideal for poor soil and full sun. Proper placement and planting is the secret to creating a beautiful garden able to sustain itself, and thrive, even in harsher conditions. Hardscaping is a technique that augments landscaping by adding tiles, stones, walls or patios. Consult an expert to determine the best plan for your needs.

Determine the best way to care for your soil, and your soil will care for you.

Tip #2: Smart Composting

Composting is a sound way to eliminate organic waste / composting. It is the ultimate form of recycling. Any waste products that come from plants can be tossed together, including leaves, banana peels, apple cores, or even the bedding from small animals. Many items you currently place in your green bin can be put to use as mulch in your own garden as compost. Kitchen waste is acceptable such as vegetable peels, fading lettuce or coffee grounds.

Meats, fats, and non-plant based byproducts should never be included in the compost pile. Keep a trash receptacle close and handy at all time. If you are worried about the smells that might occur from the garage, or under your kitchen sink, consider an outdoor bin storage solution. These also work well for people that do not have much storage space in their garage.

Despite what some experts will tell you about “layering” compost, you should feel comfortable tossing in green and brown waste as you produce it. Most gardens produce more green than brown waste, so layering is not easy to accomplish. Just stir the mix from time to time to ensure the green and brown waste mixes properly together.

Composting creates a lot of heat and must be done outside. If you have a large yard, you can compost directly on the ground, but if your garden is small purchase a good compost bin or tumbler. Never store compost in plastic containers. The heat will melt the plastic and could create a hazard. Only use approved composting equipment.

Regular turning, with a shovel or in a bin will help keep the compost moist enough and aid in the decomposition, creating a marvelous fertilizer for your yard.

Tip #3: Recycling made easy.

Keeping reusable products out of the landfills will help promote healthier soil content, and a better environment. Recycling can be inconvenient, but a garage renovation specialist can help design a recycle centre that will work for the whole family.

It is important to have recycle bins easily accessible and conveniently placed to encourage consistent use. Stackable bins offer maximum storage space, while large bins provide more room for trash or recyclables. Recycle centers can be set up in your garage, or outside, depending on your preferences. Outdoor storage has specific challenges, such as protection from raccoons or other scavengers looking for food. A professional garage renovation specialist will help plan an easily accessible recycle centre for your household safe from curious paws.

Tip #4: Use organizational systems to cut down on your carbon footprint.

Do you have piles of stuff hanging out in your garage? Have you ever replaced an item you know you owned but could not locate? Have you ever discovered a lost article, only to find it broken or unusable? Everyone has these experiences, unless they are organized.

Getting everything off the floor is the first step. You have more space than you realize, and several garage storage options to fit any lifestyle. Many people overlook the use of valuable overhead and wall space available to them.

There is no need to remain caught up in a disposable society. Reuse, reduce, and recycle with a good system inside your garage or outdoors in a bin solution. It is good for the planet.

Pushing the Paddle at the Pan-Am Games

July 13, 2015 by Rick Scully

Toronto is the proud host of the 2015 Pan-Am games this summer. Fans have been thrilled to watch their favorite athletes with several Canadian gold, silver and bronze medals already tucked away. No matter what your sport there is sure to be some nail-biting competition. For many Ontarians who grew up along the shores of the Great Lakes or spent time camping in Muskoka, some of the most anticipated events are the canoe and kayak racing. There are few Canadians who have not spent at least one afternoon in their life paddling their worries away, so you can be assured these events will be among the best attended. If you are a fan of these sports, the following are a few things you need to know about the events, the equipment, and how to store your new boat.

Canoeing and Kayaking at the Pan-Am Games

There are two events for kayaking and two for canoeing, and both have men and women competing.

The first is a sprint, a fiercely competitive event where the first one to the finish line wins. This year, the sprint events will be held in Welland at the Flatwater Centre.
The second is the slalom, which is super exciting. It is much more than just going around flag posts. The slalom courses for both kayak and canoe are done in raging white water. It is literally a thrill a minute as upsets and almost-upsets can change the lead in a heartbeat. The event will be held at the Wild Water Reserve in Minden.

Canada is putting its hopes on one of our premier canoeists / kayakers, Olympic medalist, Mark de Jonge for the sprint. The nation will also have an eye on Jazmyne Denhollander, our Canadian women’s hope in the kayak slalom. Without a doubt, Canadians will be watching their every move, not just for racing, but to also check out the latest and greatest equipment.

The Coolest Kayaks and Canoes

Gone are the days of canvass boats and wooden paddles. Today’s kayaker or canoer is looking for something a little more high-tech. They want sleek, they want light and they want what the top athletes are using. You don’t have to be an Olympic level athlete to enjoy the benefits of top-of-the-line equipment; many recreational boaters are also looking for high-end products.

What to look for in Kayaks

Today’s competitive kayak is a far cry from the plastic model you piloted at summer camp. It is sleek, strong and generally made of polyethylene or carbon-Kevlar (the same material as bulletproof vests). They are more maneuverable and designed to minimize wind resistance. Of course, sprint Kayaks need to be more streamlined and slalom kayaks need to be tougher. Try to determine which type of kayaking interests you and pick your equipment accordingly.

What to look for in Canoes

At first glance, a competitive canoe can be mistaken for a kayak. They are narrower and shorter than those you see on the lake and they have a spray skirt. Again, like the kayaks they are made out of lighter materials such as Kevlar and carbon fiber. In fact, they have gotten so much lighter that the Olympic committee put in minimum weights for these boats to keep the competition fair -10 kg for a single canoe and 15 kg for a double.

Kayak and Canoe Pricing

If you are just looking for a regular touring canoe or kayak, you can easily find one for under $1000 but if you want high-end competitive boats, you are starting at least around the $3000 mark and depending on the make and customization, you can easily spend ten times that amount. A high-end canoe or kayak is an investment so you need to ensure you take care of it properly, and that means storing it safely indoors during our Canadian winters.

Super Solutions to Storing your Kayak or Canoe

If you find yourself hesitating to buy a high-end canoe or kayak because you don’t have the room to store it, then think again. There are a number of convenient and innovative solutions to storing these awesome boats.

Overhead Storage

You may not have enough room on the floor of your garage to store your kayak but chances are you have plenty of room up top. You can use overhead racks to store one or more boats. They are convenient and they look great. You can also set up a pulley system, which allows you to lower your boat directly into your truck or trailer for easy transport

Wall Mounted Storage

Simple and secure. Padded wall mounts hold the boats in place during the off-season. They are secure, easy to operate and can be used to store more than one boat.

Custom Built Sling

If space is at a premium in the garage, consider using a sling to keep your canoe or kayak up off the floor. Look for heavy-duty stainless steel chain that is wrapped in foam. The sling system also works great for lowering the boat right into a waiting vehicle.

No matter which solution you think might work best for you, the smart idea is to consult with a garage storage specialist. He (or she) can tell help you find the right solutions to keep that high-end competitive boat in the best shape.

Therefore, if you find yourself idling in the stalled traffic this summer, wishing you had a third person for that HOV lane, don’t despair. You can use that time to daydream about the new kayak or canoe you are going to buy at the end of the Pan-Am games. It will be sleek, light and will be safe and accessible thanks to your new garage storage system.

Bike Storage of Track Bikes – 2015 Pan Am Games

June 23, 2015 by Rick Scully

We have become a nation of bike riders. There has been a consistent increase in the number of cyclists in the country since the beginning of the millennium. It is not just the twenty-somethings either. People of all ages are getting out and about on their bikes. Whether for leisure, commuting, fitness or sport everyone from high school students to busy executives to retired seniors are strapping on helmets and pushing pedals.
This summer, the Pan-Am 2015 games are taking center stage and with the building of the brand new state-of-the-art Velodrome in Milton, avid cyclers are not only anticipating the thrill of watching the competition but with access to velodrome facilities people are trying their hand at track cycling. If you have an interest, there are already lessons available for anyone curious about this sport which has now become accessible to us in the Southern Ontario area.

For those of us with a cycle enthusiast in our family, this means more sports gear and a new bicycle to consider and store as well. Yes, the road bike purchased last year will not work for the sport of Track Cycling.

How Does Track Cycling Work

Riders will need a track bike with no brakes and fixed gear. It is designed for racing on a track at a velodrome. The track is a banked wooden track so the bike is lightweight, aerodynamic for racing and high gear. These professional riders are reaching speeds of 80km/hr while many of us are cycling at 20km/hr on the road.

Track biking is both a team and an individual sport and has its own set of unique rules and events. The following is what you can expect to see at this year’s Pan-Am games.

Sprinting Events

For the Pan-Am games there are three types of sprinting events:

The individual sprint where cyclists begin racing with a flying start (from a moving position rather than a stopped position), and race for 200 meters.
The team sprint, which is slightly different for men and women. For men, three racers sprint over three laps of the course, with each rider participating in one lap. In the women’s event, it is two racers over two laps of the course.
The Keirin sprint in which a motorbike is used to set the pace. The cyclists follow the pacer over a kilometer or two as it gradually increases in speed. When the pacer moves from the track, usually with about 700 meters left to go, the cyclists battle it out to the finish line.

Endurance Events

The endurance event for the Pan-Am games involves two teams racing at one time. The teams of four riders begin on opposite sides of the track and the race is completed over a distance of four kilometers. A winning team is declared when one team catches the other or whichever team finishes in the fastest time.

Combined Events

The combined cycling event for the Pan-Am games is called the Omnium (which is Latin for “belonging to all”). In this competition, cyclists compete in a series of six events over the span of two days which include:

Flying lap – Where cyclists complete one lap from a moving rather than a cold start.
Points race – Which is a mass start marathon race, 30 kilometers for men, 20 kilometers for women.
Elimination race – Where a rider is eliminated over a series of races.
Individual pursuit – Where two riders compete over four kilometers (three for women) from a stationary start position.
Scratch race – Which is a simple race where the riders start together and the first one over the finish line wins.
Kilometer time trial – Where the cyclists are timed over the length of one kilometer (500 meters for women).

If all of this makes you want to try out track cycling, there are already lessons offered at the Velodrome in Milton . People are also thrilled at the opportunity of all-year training. With the building of this facility, Canadian cyclists no longer need to worry about the weather.

What Do I Need for Track Cycling?

You’ll need a fixed-gear track cycle and a body hugging skin suit as well as an aerodynamic helmet all in an effort to reduce drag and get every little bit of advantage out of drafting behind team mates while on the track.

Fixed gear means there is no coasting on this bike. The pedals are attached to the crank set so if the bike is moving so are the pedals. If we want to travel 10km then we will be pedaling the entire 10km. Think back to riding your first tricycle around the neighbourhood and you get the idea. There has also been a rise of other fixed gear bikes as city hipsters are bringing back retro no-gear bikes and riding them as commuter bikes. Track bikes are little more complicated but the basic idea remains the same.

In addition to the lack of coasting, these bikes have no brakes, as streamline design is more important on these wooden track speedsters. Therefore, stopping is different than on a regular road bike. There are two ways to stop on a fixed gear bike.

The skid stop – Think back to that tricycle again; you place backward pressure on the pedals so the back wheel stops spinning and skids to a stop. On a bicycle, you also need to remember to lean forward over your front wheel to improve the stability of your stop.
Have brakes installed – Many cyclists have front brakes installed for increased safety on city streets and while learning how to properly ride a fixed gear bike.

Surprisingly, with minimal technology, the track bike raced in a velodrome is still a bit heavier than a road bike even though, you would never see a spot to put a water bottle. In fact, water is not allowed on the wooden racing tracks.

How to Store Your New Bike

Chances are that if you (or someone in your family) has purchased a brand new track bike, there are already a number of bikes in the garage. No doubt you have a mountain bike, a high-end road bike, a leisure bike and even a few bikes for the kids. Fortunately, there are innovative solutions to your bike storage issues that keep your wheels secure and easy to access and still leave room for the car and lawn mower.

Automated bike lift on a pulley – This system can store up to five bikes at a time, raises them up to the ceiling, and out of the way, yet still keeps them easy to access.
Ceiling mounts – If you have a tall garage, you can take advantage of the space up top and store your bikes overhead on ceiling mounts.
School yard-type bike rack – This is the perfect solution for the warm months when everyone is riding. Park the cars in the driveway to allow this simple solution for bike storage. Easy to store, even for the kids.

The best bet is to talk to an expert who can evaluate the space you have, the bikes you need to store and the ease of access you require. They can help you use both the vertical and horizontal space in your garage to ensure you have enough room to store the entire family’s bikes, no matter how many that may be.

It should be an exciting summer for all athletes, but especially for the cyclists. The Pan-Am games are bound to rejuvenate the sport of cycling and the Milton Velodrome just may change the way Ontarians think about biking. Just ensure that if you take up track cycling you know the rules, purchase a great bike and store it securely.

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