Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2025-06-13T11:31:28

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe, CEO of the Vinyl Institute

PVC, aka vinyl or polyvinyl chloride, is a versatile component found in many of the products we use every day — from siding and pipes to medical supplies to car upholstery and record albums. Along with being safe and economical, vinyl is known for its durability. PVC pipes and other PVC products can stay in use for decades — which often leads to the misconception that PVC is not recycled or recyclable. Nothing could be further from the truth. Reusing and recycling PVC helps to cut back on waste, and adding recycled content to products reduces the demand for virgin vinyl resin. Because of this, vinyl recycling is growing across the U.S. and Canada.

PVC is reusable and recyclable

Vinyl products are trusted to protect our homes and transport our water, and have countless other uses throughout our daily lives. And many vinyl products, such as siding, roofing and records, remain in use for decades. This means that very little vinyl is available for recycling by comparison to common packaging materials like water bottles. While it is challenging to isolate PVC from other types of plastics in mechanical recycling, several new technologies can effectively handle mixed plastic streams containing PVC.

By using a variety of processing methods, and because PVC is so versatile, there is ample opportunity to reuse the material in the creation of new products. Surveys have shown that 1.1 billion pounds of PVC are being recycled in the U.S. and Canada annually¹, and the industry is making significant investments to increase recycling streams and ease takeback efforts so that even more vinyl products can be diverted from the landfill and become valuable in new ways.

For example, one company is using post-consumer and post-industrial PVC to produce car mats and other accessories. Another is recycling PVC from wires and cables for use in new products. One non-profit is reusing old billboards and converting them into high-value, long-lasting tarps for temporary roofing to protect people after disasters.

Vinyl recycling in action

The vinyl industry is stepping up in many ways. The Vinyl Institute is one of the organizations taking the lead on increasing PVC recycling opportunities. As part of its in-house Vinyl Sustainability Council, it’s providing resources and education to manufacturers, recyclers, end users and others.

One of the organization’s largest efforts is VIABILITY™, a post-consumer recycling grant program designed to increase post-consumer PVC recycling and kickstart new PVC recycling technologies. In just over two years, the program has awarded more than $2 million to 21 organizations, covering everything from equipment to logistics to education.

Just one example is the Revinylize Recycling Collaborative, which collects post-consumer residential vinyl siding; funding from VIABILITY helped Revinylize scale up its branding and operational website. Revinylize’s pilot program in Northeast Ohio helped drive the collection of more than 400,000 pounds of post-consumer PVC; without the grant, Revinylize estimates it would have taken three to four years to accomplish what it achieved in just eight months. The program has now expanded to multiple states.

How you can take part in vinyl recycling

Just like with recycling single-use cans and bottles, we all can contribute to recycling vinyl products at the end of their life — and it’s getting easier to do.

If you have PVC materials ready for disposal — whether you’re replacing your vinyl flooring or tossing an old garden hose — you can search Vinyl Institute’s Recycling Directory to find recyclers in your area.

In addition, you can reach out to your municipality to find out what they’re doing and encourage them to set up a drop-off point for PVC recycling. When opportunities present themselves, ensure your colleagues and neighbors are aware of PVC recycling options. Because PVC can be and is being recycled.

Visit www.vinylinfo.org/vinyl-sustainability/ to learn more.

(1): Nasr, Nabil, ed. Technology innovation for the circular economy: Recycling, remanufacturing, design, system analysis and logistics. John Wiley & Sons, 2024.

2025-06-11T12:01:01

(BPT) – Do you need to buy or replace your lawn mower? Because there are many different kinds of walk-behind lawnmowers to choose from, finding the right one for you can seem daunting.

For example, is a battery or gas mower best for your yard? The answer depends on the type of lawn you have. Read on to discover the top five considerations that can guide you on your journey to pick the mower type that suits your yard and needs.

1. Lawn size and terrain

The size of your lawn and the terrain are two key factors to consider when selecting a mower type. For a small yard that has fairly even terrain, a battery-powered mower is a great choice.

However, if you have a large lawn with tougher conditions — like uneven ground, hills or thicker grass — you’ll need the proven strength and performance of a gas-powered mower. A gas mower gives you the extra boost of power you’ll need to mow your yard quickly, efficiently and with great results.

2. Mowing conditions

In addition to size and terrain, mowing conditions can also have a significant impact on which mower you should choose. If you live in a fairly temperate or drier climate, a battery mower should suit your needs.

For homeowners living in wetter climes, gas is your best bet. A gas mower allows you to cut your lawn in a variety of conditions, whether wet or dry. Gas is also ideal for lawns with tall, thick grasses.

3. Mowing frequency

Sometimes, life happens and lawncare takes a back seat. Whether it’s a rainy weekend, a nice vacation or unexpected plans, mowing may not always stay on a schedule. Know that both battery and gas-powered mowers can work great when you mow regularly.

If you’re a fanatic about mowing every week — and your yard is small and drier — a battery mower is a great choice. However, if your mowing schedule gets interrupted, especially if you have a large yard and thicker grass, a gas mower will allow you to power through that longer grass without a struggle.

4. Maintenance

When you pull out your mower in the spring, before your first cut of the year, it’s best to perform basic maintenance. This may sound intimidating, but many mowers are designed with ease of use in mind. Plus, thanks to technological advancements, mower maintenance gets easier all the time!

First, regardless of which type of mower you have, check the blades. You can easily replace dull, worn-out blades with new, sharp ones so you can get the freshest cut right off the bat.

Next, if you own a gas mower, make sure to fill the gas tank, check the oil level and top it off as needed, and replace the spark plug and air filter. For electric mower owners, simply ensure you have a charged or new battery.

5. Storage

When choosing a mower, you’ll need to consider where you’ll store it. For sheds and small garages, an electric mower may be easier to fit, as many electric mowers can fold up to save space. That said, some gas mowers are designed to tip up as well with no leaks or drips!

Another storage consideration is your local climate. If you live in a colder climate, make sure to store your lithium batteries indoors, following safety guidelines, as extreme temperatures can shorten battery life.

Are you ready to have the best lawn on the block?

After considering these five factors, you’ll have all the information you need to pick the best mower for your lawn. To learn more about battery and gas mowers and make an informed decision, visit MowInTheKnow.com. Happy mowing!

2025-06-09T02:01:00

(BPT) – There’s something magical about summer evenings, with warm breezes and moonlit skies inviting everyone to linger outdoors, savoring moments together. To fully enjoy your outdoor space, the right lighting makes all the difference — allowing you to transform ordinary decks, patios or yards into vibrant gathering spots, festive dance floors, cozy family havens or romantic settings. Any ambiance you desire is possible, whether you want warm white light or colored lighting, along with the added comfort, security and functionality you can achieve with lighting options from Govee Outdoor Lights.

Here are some possibilities to help you make the most of your outdoor space, all season long.

Create a warm, inviting atmosphere

If you’re looking to elevate your dining, party and leisure areas during summer barbecues and get-togethers, Govee Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights are a great option. They’re easy to hang around your patio, deck, gazebo or pergola, creating a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere that all your friends and family will love so you can make the most of your evening gatherings. With 111 preset scene modes, an AI assistant for crafting custom effects and full personalization via the Govee Home app, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for your space has never been easier or more tailored to you.

Highlight your home’s features

Want to shine a light on your home’s unique architectural features? Use accent lighting like Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro to showcase distinctive elements like the eaves and roof contours of your home. These waterproof outdoor lights are also ideal to enhance any special occasion, including Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween. The enhanced warm and cool white options will add more style to your home with a one-of-a-kind triangular effect. You can even pair DIY permanent lights with Matter, Alexa and Google Assistant for smart voice control.

Brighten up the night

Planning a big event like a backyard dinner, birthday party or family reunion? For more wide-range, high-intensity lighting to illuminate larger spaces such as courtyards, driveways or activity areas, consider setting up rugged and durable Govee Outdoor Lamp Post Lights. These lights can also serve as an effective security measure. Their Integrated Double Sensors support safety alerts and monitoring, while the brightness sensor perceives illumination changes for additional security. These lights also support smart voice control via Govee Home App, Matter, Alexa and Google Assistant.

Transform your space into a magical oasis

Imagine illuminating your garden with 16 million colors, infusing every moment with the magic of nature and intelligent lighting. With Govee Outdoor Garden Lights, full-spectrum white lamp beads simulate sunlight with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 94 and 1100 lumens, enhancing the true, vivid colors of your beloved plants and flowers.

Enhance the romance

Hang Govee Curtain lights vertically to form a stunning light curtain effect to decorate walls, windows or gazebos for a romantic and dreamy backdrop. Even better, you can really get creative with these 520 LED light curtains to design dynamic lighting effects and even customize your own DIY light show for any holiday or special occasion. With DreamView and Music Mode, you can interconnect these curtain lights with multiple Govee smart lights for better immersive lighting — and remotely control them via the Govee Home App.

Whether you want to plan special family moments, enjoy quality “date night” vibes or create a festive party atmosphere, Govee Outdoor Lights can help you make it happen. Check out all your outdoor entertaining lighting options at Govee.com or find them on Amazon.

2025-06-02T16:01:01

(BPT) – Laundry day doesn’t have to be a drag. With a little teamwork — and the right technology — you and your partner can turn this everyday chore into a chance to connect.

LG, ranked the #1 appliance brand in the U.S. and one of America’s “most reliable lines of home appliances” by Consumer Reports, wants to help couples see the sweet side of this shared responsibility. Here are four expert-backed tips to help you make the most of laundry time — together.

1. Make it showtime

Entertainment makes chores fly by. Pick a show you both enjoy, whether it’s a 30-minute sitcom or an hour-long drama, and watch while you sort, fold and fluff. It turns multitasking into a mini date night.

Pro tip: Save that show exclusively for laundry time. It becomes your built-in incentive to get it done — and a ritual you’ll look forward to.

2. Shop for new appliances together

Replacing or upgrading your washer or dryer? Turn the task into a bonding moment. Shopping together lets you align on what matters most — whether that’s load size, energy efficiency or smart features that make life easier.

Explore the LG WashTower™, a space-saving, ultra-large capacity washer and dryer with built-in AI that takes the guesswork out of laundry. That means no more bickering about the “right” settings — it adjusts to your fabrics for optimal care.

Or check out the LG WashCombo™, an all-in-one washer-dryer that washes and dries a full load in under two hours — no transfers necessary. That’s just enough time to watch a movie together while your clothes come out clean and dry.

3. Catch up while you sort

Sorting laundry into whites, blacks, colors, delicates and bulky items can be tedious, but it’s the perfect chance to catch up. Exchange funny office stories, share a project you’re excited about, plan a date night or commiserate over a busy schedule.

Pro tip: If you find any stains, make sure to spot-treat them! Is there a story behind that stain? Don’t be afraid to share.

4. Set a laundry day

Busy schedules can make household chores feel overwhelming. Set aside a consistent day and time to tackle laundry together. It keeps your household running smoothly and gives you both a predictable moment to reconnect.

If you own LG laundry appliances, be sure to download the LG ThinQ app. You’ll be able to monitor and control your washer and dryer remotely, get maintenance alerts, and even download new wash cycles — all from your phone. It’s one more way to make chores smarter, easier and more collaborative.

Laundry doesn’t have to be a chore

These four simple tips can help you transform laundry day from a dreaded task into a shared ritual. It’s not just about clean clothes — it’s about building connection, one load at a time.

* #1 Appliance Brand in the US | Source: OpenBrand, MindShare, Quarterly Consumer Survey – Units & Dollars, Major Appliances (AHAM Core 6) Year 2024

2025-05-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer brings more than just sunny days. The warmer season also ushers in severe weather that can knock your power out when you need it the most.

From storms to hurricanes to heatwaves, these summer weather events can take down power lines or overload local power grids, causing whole neighborhoods to lose power for hours to days, depending on the severity. Given that weather-related power outages are on the rise, it’s more important than ever to prepare with off-grid home backup power.

Weather-related power outages: A rising issue

Power outages caused by extreme weather aren’t new. In fact, severe weather is one of the leading causes of power outages. Strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes and flash floods can knock down power lines and disrupt power flow. However, the number of weather-related outages is on the rise.

According to nonprofit research organization Climate Central, the U.S. dealt with 60% more weather-related outages during warmer months over the past decade than it did during the 2000s. These heat season outages accounted for almost half of all weather-related outages during 2000-2023.

In addition to storms, tornadoes and hurricanes, longer and more intense heat waves during the summer have increased demand for home cooling. With so many people using electricity to run air conditioning, power grids can become overloaded, leading to blackouts. Without an off-grid power source, your home could be left without power for hours.

More than just an inconvenience

Power outages aren’t just annoying. Extended outages can lead to dangerous — and sometimes lethal — health consequences. For example, older folks and people with certain disabilities and health conditions that rely on electric medical equipment are especially vulnerable during blackouts.

Without air conditioning, many people may also suffer heat-related illnesses. Not to mention, lack of refrigeration can also leave families without food and damage critical medications that require cold storage.

The severe weather events that cause power outages can also make restoring power difficult, compounding existing issues. Flooding, debris and damage to the power lines and stations create delays and a significant backlog for power workers, leaving some areas without electricity for days at a time.

Keep the lights on with a tiny but mighty solution

While you can’t avoid a power outage, you can protect yourself and your family by having a battery backup on hand. Consider a model like the HomePower 3000 to power your home essentials, no matter what the summer weather brings.

Recently launched by Jackery — a global leader in innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions — this portable, powerful and compact home backup power station is designed for emergencies, outages and everyday off-grid use. In addition to being one of the lightest and smallest generators in its class, the HomePower 3000 can be recharged using an array of power sources, including AC, AC+DC, solar and more.

Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the HomePower 3000 can operate in extreme temperatures (-40°F to 185°F), providing power to home essentials when you need it the most. With a powerful battery capacity and up to 3,600W of output, the generator is engineered to keep essential household appliances and tools running for 1-2 days.

Whether you’re preparing for storms, powering essential appliances during power outages due to unpredictable emergencies or simply looking to reduce your dependence on the grid, the HomePower 3000 offers peace of mind through advanced engineering and performance that’s ready for anything.

Don’t be caught without power this summer. To learn more about essential home backup and even tax rebate opportunities for securing your home with Jackery, visit Jackery.com. And for additional 3kWh Jackery home backup solutions, Jackery’s Explorer 3000v2 is available at retailers such as Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.

2025-05-27T10:11:00

(BPT) – The right door hardware can improve both function and design in the home. Whether you’re renovating or simply upgrading, understanding options like pocket, wall-mount, bypass, multi-pass and bi-fold doors will help you make a smart choice. Each type has unique benefits that suit different spaces, from saving floor space in compact bathrooms to dividing areas in spacious home gyms. Explore five top solutions below.

1. Save Space with Stylish Pocket Door Hardware

Pocket doors slide into the wall to maximize floor space. Perfect for everyday use in tight areas like hallways, bathrooms and kitchens, the ADA-compliant 1500SC Pocket Door Frame Kit is a popular choice because little force is required to slide the door. It can be used with nearly any type of door and provides soft-closing door movement that prevents slamming and enhances safety.

2. Wall-Mount Doors Offer Privacy Without Wall Modifications

Wall mount sliding doors are simple and quick to install and give any room an instant facelift. The 200WM Wall Mount Sliding Door Hardware Kit supports extra-heavy doors and includes a soft-close feature, perfect in bedrooms, laundry rooms and home offices where a quietly closing door is appreciated.

3. Bypass Sliding Doors: Perfect for Closets

Smooth gliding and long-lasting bypass door hardware is a closet staple. From hallway, bathroom, and bedroom closets to kitchen pantries, sliding bypass doors free up floor space so you can fit more furniture in a room. Swinging doors can block walkways, whereas bypass doors keep the path free and clear.

4. Multi-Pass Doors for Modern Room Dividers

It’s easy to open up or close off larger spaces with Multi-Pass Door Hardware. Three door panels hang from a durable top track and each door slides independently from jamb to jamb. Door panels stack together neatly to widen a doorway, giving access to two-thirds of the opening.

5. Bi-Fold Doors Maximize Visibility and Function in Tight Spots

Great for closets converted into creative spaces, such as a bar nook or workshop, bi-fold door panels fold together and allow ample access to the closet contents. For best results, it is important to choose high-quality folding door hardware when upgrading a closet so your doors operate trouble-free over time.

For more information on the advantages of pocket, sliding and folding door hardware, visit www.johnsonhardware.com, or call 574-293-5664.

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2025-05-22T16:15:00

(BPT) – As wildfire threats grow more severe across the western and southern U.S., Mercury Insurance continues to provide tips to help homeowners proactively reduce their risk. With decades of experience insuring homes in high-risk wildfire zones, Mercury is committed to empowering communities through education, action and accessible insurance solutions.

From smart landscaping choices to policy readiness, the steps you take today can help protect your home — and your peace of mind — tomorrow.

“Homeowners play a critical role in defending their properties before wildfires even begin,” said Kelly Butler, Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer at Mercury Insurance. “By acting quickly and decisively now, you could significantly reduce the risk of loss and give firefighters a better chance to protect your home.”

Wildfire protection checklist for homeowners

1. Create defensible space around your home:
Clear dry vegetation, dead plants and flammable debris from around your home — especially within the first five feet. Trim overhanging branches and maintain a buffer zone of at least 30 feet.

2. Use fire-resistant landscaping:
Choose gravel paths and native fire-resistant plants, and avoid flammable materials like mulch or wood chips near the foundation.

3. Harden your home’s exterior:
Upgrade to fire-resistant siding and roofing, seal gaps in eaves and vents, and install ember-resistant vent screens. Replace wood fences or decks with ignition-resistant materials.

4. Clean gutters and rooflines:
Regularly clear gutters, roof valleys, and decks of leaves and debris that can easily ignite from embers.

5. Store flammable materials away from your home:
Move firewood, propane tanks, patio cushions and outdoor tools at least 30 feet away during fire season.

6. Utilize smart fire technology:
Consider outdoor sensors, sprinkler systems and Wi-Fi-connected cameras for real-time monitoring and early alerts — especially if you’re away from home.

7. Check your insurance coverage regularly:
Wildfire risk evolves, and so should your policy. Make it a habit to review your homeowners insurance coverage annually to ensure it reflects your home’s value, renovations and contents.

8. Build a relationship with your insurance agent:
A local independent Mercury agent can help you understand coverage options, recommend safety upgrades that may qualify for discounts, and guide you in preparing for wildfire season.

“An experienced agent isn’t just helpful — they’re essential,” added Butler. “They can walk you through coverage updates, recommend smart upgrades, and be your go-to when the unexpected happens. Having that trusted partner can make all the difference.”

Mercury Insurance is here to help

Mercury offers homeowners insurance that may include wildfire coverage, depending on your location and eligibility — along with tools and guidance to help you prepare and protect what matters most. Through tips like these and other helpful content available online at the Mercury blog, the company continues to help families take proactive steps toward preparedness — because safety starts with being informed.

To learn more about how Mercury Insurance can help protect your home, visit www.mercuryinsurance.com.

2025-05-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – People are often searching for ways to feel good and overlook one of the simplest emotional sparks … the feeling of clean. With Clorox, clean is joy, pride, an oasis, a jolt of energy, unrivaled confidence — it’s a feeling. Clean feels good.

In fact, according to an online survey from Clorox, one in five Americans (21%) said they clean all the time to improve their mood*. But can clean feel as good as other popular ways to treat yourself, like playing with puppies or indulging in a latte? Clorox put cleaning to the test through groundbreaking neurotechnology research and a national survey to uncover whether cleaning can feel as good as other mood-boosting activities.

2025-05-19T02:01:00

(BPT) – Spring and summer aren’t just for outdoor sports, picnics and hikes. The warmer seasons are also a great time to entertain friends and family in your outdoor living spaces.

Whether you already have an outdoor entertaining space you want to upgrade or are starting from scratch, check out these five key features to add to your outdoor living spaces.

1. Shade and privacy

During warmer weather and sunny days, creating shade is a must for outdoor entertaining. Consider adding billowing shade sails, using patio umbrellas, building a pergola, raising a popup canopy or adding curtains. You could even use a combination of these options!

Besides creating a retreat from the sun, shade structures also provide privacy. Even outdoors, you can host more intimate gatherings without worrying about nosy neighbors.

2. Add a touch of rustic charm

Work with your outdoor setting and embrace a rustic look with stained wood or wood-like features. For example, stained-wood trim and moulding is a perfect solution for enhancing outdoor living spaces, porch ceilings and soffits.

Choose architectural trim and moulding like those in the Grove Collection by Westlake Royal. These architectural features combine the timeless charm and rich look of stained wood with the performance benefits of low maintenance, durable cellular PVC. Choose from six elegant colors: American Walnut, Oak Ridge, Natural Cedar, Smoke Grey, Weathered Oak and Charred Timber.

Another simple way to upgrade your outdoor spaces is with stained wood-like PVC column wraps. Embossed woodgrain wraps like those in the Grove Collection easily slip over existing columns, instantly adding a natural touch to your porch or patio. However, if you’re looking for a clean, modern look, Westlake Royal also offers easy-to-install white PVC column wraps.

3. Edible garden bed

Add a homegrown source of food options with an edible garden bed. Whether you need some mint to garnish a drink, basil for homemade pesto, tomatoes for a fresh spring salad, or strawberries for a refreshing snack, you’ll have easy access to everything you need right in your own backyard. Best of all, they add more greenery and visual interest to your outdoor living space!

Edible gardens are infinitely customizable depending on your geographical location, outdoor space and personal culinary preference. To create your own edible garden bed, pick a suitable place near your outdoor entertaining space. You can choose to grow your edible garden on an in-ground plot, but if you don’t have enough space, raised garden beds and containers work just as well.

Next, carefully choose the vegetables, fruits and herbs you’d like to grow. Remember to choose varieties that are easy to grow in your climate for best results.

4. Embrace the beauty of stone

Stone is a classic building material because of its robust nature and versatility. There are many ways to add stone to your outdoor space but consider trading in your current siding for a stone option.

For example, Versetta Stone siding provides the beauty and texture of authentic stone masonry in a panelized format. Unlike traditional stone, the panels only require screws to install — no mortar or metal lath required — meaning that you can install stone quicker and simpler. Also, the stone panels are engineered to withstand diverse weather conditions without the need for additional footings.

The Versetta Stone siding line offers a range of bold and neutral tones to complement various design styles. Choose a sophisticated dark gray like Granite Peak for a contemporary aesthetic, a white stone like Lunar Drift for a clean and modern elegance or a warm earthy tone like Glen Canyon to evoke a sense of comfort and natural beauty. Other colors in the line include taupe, stone grey, and charcoal.

5. Enjoy warm evenings by adding lighting

Exterior lighting ensures that your gatherings can carry on long after the sun has set. Lighting also adds ambiance to your outdoor entertaining events and can create a cozy environment that is inviting and comfortable for host and guests alike.

Consider wrapping string or fairy lights around tree trunks, low branches and columns or draping them above the seating area, creating a canopy effect. You can also add lighting to a fence or trellis.

Pro tip: Don’t settle for just one type of lighting. Consider hanging a pendant light, placing lanterns on tables or adding garden stake lights to illuminate your path.

Get ready for warm-weather gatherings

Are you ready to enjoy time with loved ones in the comfort of your own property? Using these five tips, you can create an outdoor entertaining area your guests will be begging to use all spring and summer long.

2025-05-09T10:41:00

(BPT) – When was the last time you gave your garage door some TLC? Garage doors can weigh over 400 pounds, depending on the material, thickness, door size, and added windows, so keeping yours well-maintained is key to keeping yourself safe and ensuring it works properly.

May is Garage Safety Month, the ideal time to care for your garage door to prolong its life span, improve functionality, and prevent accidents. Don’t know where to start? Precision Garage Door Service^®, a Neighborly^® company, shares six expert tips to help you keep your garage door in working order and improve your safety.

1. Declutter and organize

Before you can work on your garage door, you’ll need to declutter and organize your garage. Doing so will give you a clearer view of the door, and in the end, you’ll have a clean garage!

Take stock of the outdoor power equipment, tools, bikes, boxes, and other items you may have stored in your garage. Determine what you can keep, toss, or donate.

Once you’ve downsized and decluttered, organize your remaining tools and equipment. Your goal should be to ensure easy access while minimizing tripping hazards.

2. Inspect the garage door

Next, inspect your garage door. Precision Garage Door Service^® recommends performing an annual inspection. It’s the best way to reduce the cost of unnecessary repairs to your garage door system.

During your inspection, pay close attention to the auto-reverse mechanism, springs and cables. Listen for unusual noises and vibrations, look for slow or uneven movements and sagging sections and take note of remote-control malfunctions. These are possible indicators of potential problems and may require professional services by a reputable garage door professional.

3. Lubricate your door

Lubrication is key to smooth garage door operation. This May, make sure to lubricate your door’s moving parts with either a spray lubricant or spray grease product. Do not use a penetrating fluid, a primary use of water displacement. This can cause long-term damage to garage door parts. Precision Garage Door Service recommends using a silicone-based lubricant.

What parts should you lubricate? According to Precision Garage Door^® Service^®, pay attention to the hinges, rollers, spring and bearing plates, lock, and top of the rail and armbar.

As you lubricate your door, you may notice that the counterbalance springs need adjustment. While there are a few garage door maintenance tasks you can do on your own, this one is best left to the professionals due to the risk of injury.

4. Upgrade to a smart garage door opener

If you haven’t already, consider upgrading your garage door with a smart opener. Smart garage door openers offer enhanced security and convenience, allowing you to ditch your regular garage door remote.

Instead, you’ll be able to use your smartphone to operate your garage door. This means that you’ll never have to worry about losing your remote. Also, a smart garage door opener means you can securely receive packages in your garage and allow friends and family to safely enter the garage, whether or not you’re home.

5. Schedule a repair or replacement

If your garage door is damaged, don’t take a chance. Contact a professional to repair or replace it. Find your local Precision Garage Door Service^® location and schedule an on-site visit. During the visit, a skilled service professional will examine your garage door and provide options that best meet your needs.

This May, check another home improvement task off your list and give yourself peace of mind. To learn more about garage door safety tips and how to care for your door, visit PrecisionDoor.net/GarageDoorSafetyMonth.