Autumn is upon us and it is a time when we spend less time in our gardens and garages. October has been chosen as National Security Month as statistics show house burglaries increase by 20% during the darker months.  The National Home Security Month website has lots of information on how to secure your home.  Each week of October they focus on a different topic eg Outdoor Security or Protecting Valuables. 

From a garage point of view, burglars are aware that garages nowadays are often full of expensive bicycles and sports’ gear therefore are a target.  To prevent theft and to protect your valuables consider the following points:-

·         Many people have their homes alarmed but is your garage alarmed too?  Wireless alarm systems can be easily extended to your garage. 

·         Whether alarmed or not, attach a visible sticker to your garage stating that it is alarmed.  This can be enough for a potential burglar to move onto the next property.

·         Does your garage have a back door and/or a window?  Check the lock mechanisms and the surrounding woodwork.  Can they be easily broken?  Burglars often find it easier to break the frame rather than pick or break the lock.  The NHSM website states ‘External timber doors should be secured using a mortice lock and/or nightlatch that meets British Standard BS3621’.

·         If your garage does contain valuable equipment, then consider attaching it to your garage using anchor locks and cables.  Some examples of these can be found on our Pinterest board – Bike Security At Home 

If your garage is old and can no longer be made secure, then contact me for information on installing a brand new garage. Call Paul on 07932637646.

By Paul Mclean

Once again we have had a summer of sport filling our TV screens.  It all started with Wimbledon, then the World Cup and now we are all engrossed in the Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow.  This has inspired many people to go out and try something new for themselves or to get back into shape.  Who couldn’t be inspired by Steven Way, the 40 year old English Marathon runner who achieved a personal best and finished in a respectable 10th place.  Only 7 years ago he was an overweight couch potato who ate, drank and smoked too much.  Even if we do want to be like him, it is still too easy to make excuses and put it off a bit longer.  We have all heard someone say things like, “I would, but I get home from work too late” or “It’s raining outside, I will run tomorrow night”, or “I don’t want anyone to see me running”.

Some people have overcome the bad weather, or their hate of busy gyms by creating their own specialised gym in their garage.   For some, it’s as simple as clearing a space and installing a quick release bike trainer, connecting your bike and training can begin.  For others, fitness is a way of life and they fully convert their garage.  Here is an example of what you can do with a little imagination and a bit more money.

Climber Angie Payne shows a photo on her blog of how she trained in their family converted garage.

Don’t let these pictures put you off if they seem out of your league as the internet is full of information and inspiring pictures that will:

·         suit the size of your garage

·         your budget

·         your sport

·         your training needs/likes

·         your level of DIY capability

There is a great board on Pinterest called Garage Gym Inspirations that will help give you that final push to get motivated.  I will be looking out for you at the next Commonwealth Games!

Finally, don’t waste your money on any of this unless your garage is in good condition and has a good, solid, weatherproof roof.  This is where I can help.  Please get in touch with me, Paul Mclean for garage advice and a no obligation quote, either by phone or email.    

Phone: 07932637646
Email [email protected]

By Paul Mclean

Photos courtesy of www.roguefitness.com; http://www.angiepayne.com

This is an easy to follow guide on the simple checks everyone should make on their garage at least twice a year but especially in the Spring or Summer.  If any problems are found at this time of year, it gives you plenty of time to get them fixed before the short days and winter weather.

The first thing you should do is clean your gutters and drains to ensure water can drain away easily.

In the past couple of weeks we have had heavy showers.  This is an ideal time to check your garage roof for leaks.  A few drops getting through now could be an easy repair but after a week of heavy rain in the winter it could result in needing a whole new roof.

On a bright sunny day, it is a good idea to have a good look at the inside of your garage to check there are no signs of dampness or leaks. 

Key signs of potential problems are:-

·         Water gathering in pools on the roof

·         A musty smell inside the garage

·         Stain marks on the roof, walls or timbers inside the garage

·         Wood darkening and becoming soft like a sponge

·         Wet and crumbly plaster

·         Puddles inside your garage

Don’t panic if you do see any of these signs, as you may just need better ventilation, your drains cleaned or a small repair.  But please seek professional advice and get in touch using the contact details below.

A garage that does not look well cared for, could also be an easy target for thieves.  So once you are happy that it has no leaks or damp problems and you have cleaned all your drains and gutters then have a think about security.

·         Does your garage door close properly?

·         Is the lock sufficient or easy to break?

·         Do you have a garage window?  Can people look in to see what you have stored?

·         Are valuable bikes locked inside your garage using a steel cable secured to the building?

Police Scotland provide great advice for your home security:-

Home Security Advice - https://www.facebook.com/PoliceScotland/posts/471429709606120

Protect your bicycle - https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/safety-advice/out-and-about/protect-your-bicycle/

If you have just completed the checks in steps 1 and 2 and followed Police Scotland advice and found that you have a long list of issues to resolve and an old garage, then maybe it is time to consider a new garage. 

The Summer is a good time to lay the foundations for a new garage.  For more information and links to lots of garage styles please have a look at my website.

Summary

If there is anything that looks worrying, please get in touch for advice and a no obligation quote, either by phone or email.    

Phone: 07932637646
Email [email protected]

I specialise in the replacement and refurbishment of garage roofs and will ensure that the work is always carried out to an extremely high standard.  But once your roof is looking great and you decide the garage needs a new door, who do you go to for the same professional service? I can help with this decision by putting you in touch with the right sort of company.  They will offer the same level of professionalism and standards as I do to help you choose a fantastic new garage door.  For more information, please contact me either by phone or email.

Phone: 07932637646
Email [email protected]

We can travel anywhere in Scotland to repair or replace your garage roof. This photo is me on the ferry to Dunoon to replace a customers garage roof. 

Give me a call for a free estimate. I have many years of experience so over the phone I can at least give you an indication of price.



Phone: 07932637646
Email [email protected]

We are on Pinterest now so we would really like to have you follow us there.  You can find us here: https://www.pinterest.com/garageroofscot/

From browsing my website, you will see that I am also an agent for LidgetCompton. I have been doing this for 14 years. They are one of the leading garage sales companies in the UK. If a completely new garage is required (not just a garage roof) then I can help you choose the best garage from the range available from LidgetCompton. There are lots of different options available.

The process is that I will send you a brochure. If requested, I will do a site visit and discuss costs with you. The price will depend on the style of garage you want, whether you need an old garage removed, and whether you need new foundations for the garage.

If you proceed with a new garage and need foundations, then I will remove the old garage and lay the foundations in preparation. The new garage will be dispatched from the depot in Rotherham and will be installed by LidgetCompton staff. These garages are built from quality materials and have a 10 year guarantee. From start to finish you will have experienced people able to advise you.

So whether it is a new garage roof or in fact a completely new garage, I can help you and provide the best information and service. Why not give me (Paul) a call on 07932637646.

Take a look at my Testimonials to see what my customers think. 

As you know there are plenty of roofers in Edinburgh and Glasgow who you could call when the roof of your house needs repaired. But who do you call when your garage roof needs repaired or replaced? There are few roofers who specialise in garage roofs. Most roofers will apply roofing felt to your flat garage roof to repair it, or they may apply a rubber-based coating. This may be cheaper in the short term, but long term it is not. It will deteriorate within a couple of years and you will have to get your roof repaired again.

When I repair your garage roof, I use roofing materials from one of the UK’s market leaders in garage supplies and installation – Lidget Compton. I build garages for this company as an agent. But I also now independently replace and repair garage roofs using the quality materials from Lidget Compton.  I have access to this material and ordinary roofing companies do not.  So you can be sure that the garage roof that I replace will not deteriorate after a couple of years. My garage roofs are guaranteed for 10 years.  So when you compare the price to replace or repair your garage roof from a roofing company against my quote, be sure to compare like-with- like. Rubber coating and felt are cheaper alternatives initially but will cost you more in the long run. A garage roof from me is “money well spent”.

Get in touch with me if you want to discuss replacing your garage roof.

By Paul Mclean