As the cold Midwest winter approaches, it is time to prepare your home. Heating your house throughout the next several chilly months can be costly, but luckily, there are ways to increase the energy efficiency of your house. One of them is choosing an energy-efficient garage door.
Many people open and close the door of their attached garage several times a day, using this as a main point of entry to their home. An energy-efficient garage door helps keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. But is it worth it?
An energy-efficient garage door can provide substantial benefits. A warmer garage in the winter allows you to more safely store your belongings. If your garage is fully insulated, it can even become a year-round extension of your home. A warmer garage can also save you money on your energy bills by providing an additional barrier between your home and cold winter air.
Simply put, an energy-efficient garage door is one that is insulated and has multiple layers. If the garage door has windows, those would need to be properly weather-stripped, as well. Garage doors can be single-, double-, or even triple-layered, so the more layers, the more insulation the door has.
Energy efficiency is measured in R-value. The R-value of a garage door tells you how effective that insulation is. If you want to boost the thermal efficiency of your garage door, the best place to start is by looking at insulated, multi-layered garage doors with a high R-value.
Most garage doors can be customized to fit the look and style of your existing home, and efficient doors are no exception. These doors can also be just as durable as their counterparts, but it’s important to remember that the material of which your garage door is made matters.
Wood is the only material that is naturally insulated. However, the Midwest seasons don’t always play nicely with wooden garage doors, as they retain moisture. Other materials like steel, aluminum, and fiberglass aren’t naturally insulated, but they can be highly efficient when insulated properly.
Energy-efficient garage doors can last just as long as regular garage doors, and sometimes even longer. Insulation adds reinforcement to the garage door, helping it resist dents and other damage.
Keep in mind that you can help your garage door last as long as possible by conducting regular maintenance. Visually inspect the entire system to spot problems like broken, damaged, or rusting parts. Clear the garage door tracks of any rust, dirt, grime, or other debris, then check the hardware (every nut, bolt, and screw) and tighten them as needed. Check the garage door system’s rollers, cables, and springs; these are the key players and need to be in top condition. Finally, keep everything properly lubricated to ensure things run smoothly. If anything looks damaged, give your local garage door company a call to help replace and repair the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. They can also perform the inspection for you if you’re not completely comfortable doing it on your own.
The cost of an energy-efficient door is higher because you are paying for extra layers of material and the insulation that goes between them. However, that additional cost can pay off in the long term. As previously mentioned, these extra layers add durability, which means that you may not need to replace the door as often. So, not only are you saving money on your monthly energy bill, but you may also be delaying the need to purchase a new one.
For that matter, winters and summers in the Midwest can be grueling. An energy-efficient door can help protect your garage from the elements and keep your energy costs low. Once you’ve decided to install an energy-efficient door, there are other things to consider before purchasing a replacement.
First, decide on your budget, which will help you choose a material for your garage door. Next, decide whether you want to keep the current style of your garage door or update the look. This can be an easy way to instantly add curb appeal to your home!
For more information on energy-efficient garage doors, or if you need help picking out a new garage door, give the experts at WD Door a call or subscribe to our blog today!