Buying and customizing a house is an all-consuming, but exciting adventure. While many people spend time focusing on floor plans and specific rooms in the house, garages don’t always get the attention they deserve. Garage doors are an important investment in the safety and value of your home. To improve your house, 4 little-known facts about garage doors can make a big difference.
1. Material Matters
Steel garage door panels can match most simulated or faux wood patterns. When thinking about selling your house, a garage door that can go with a variety of different decor options can be helpful for perspective buyers looking to personalize their new place. A steel garage door can be made to look like wood, while avoiding all the downsides.
Wood garage doors, while low in cost, can have issues with severe weather. Rot and swelling have been known to warp garage doors because of its lighter weight. Although insulation can also be a problem with wood garage doors, using veneer is always an option.
Fiberglass is a great option for those who are on a budget. This economically viable garage door material is durable and thoroughly insulated for the protection of cars and any storage that may also be stored in the garage. During inclement weather conditions, fiberglass is corrosion resistant and holds up well.
Aluminum is a lightweight material used for many garage doors. This is generally popular because it is both rust resistant and not expensive. Unlike steel garage doors which can be heavy in their weight, aluminum offers an extended-length colored glass-paneled garage door. The aluminum frames for this design are also quite light.
2. R-Values Can Cut Cost
An R-value rating is given to a garage door based on its insulating capabilities. The higher the R-value, the more it can insulate.
Energy costs tend to increase over time and although many people do not consider insulation when buying a garage door, it is a key factor when trying to save money. If your garage is not properly insulated, the electric bill can be exceedingly high.
One way to keep heating and cooling costs down is to make sure all of the windows are properly paned and sealed. Instead of turning down the thermostat, insulating the house can keep a comfortable temperature from becoming expensive. Many people forget that the garage is a direct pathway to the outdoor elements.
To improve the R-value of a garage door, try an indoor surface insulation. Spraying foam that is sometimes used against roof sheathing can effectively help with insulation needs. For people who do not want to try increasing the R-value on their own, buying a garage door with an already high R-value rating can help keep cost down with little handy work.
Some of the popular garage door materials used for insulation include fiberglass with a foam core. Metal doors do not have a high R-value rating because it easily conducts both heat and cold.
3. Garage Doors Can Be Tested for Safety
Garage door security is an important factor when purchasing a new door. Because of this, doors are tested for the quality of their security in a Standard Loss Prevention test. This test makes sure that the garage door has passed a battery of tests gauging its resistance to break-in attempts. This standard is determined by local, state and federal laws.
4. To maximize safety in your garage, there are several add-ons available for use.
The most obvious form of garage safety is a garage door alarm system. There are many different types of alarm systems to choose from and within those companies exist several plans. These types of alarm systems can also provide security for the whole house if you choose to select that feature or you can opt for just the garage. Since the garage is one of the most vulnerable access points to the home, a security system makes sense when securing the premises.
Garage door windows are sometimes frowned upon when surveying the safety of one’s home. Because people can see into the garage, your storage, cars and inventory can be monitored and possibly assessed by intruders. For those who still enjoy windows, but worry about the safety of their garage, frosted windows are a good compromise. This way, windows still let in light and warmth, but others can’t see into your space.
Garage doors can make a surprisingly big difference when living and selling your home. Protecting your home as well as insulating it are just two important factors when choosing the right garage door. For a wise investment, knowing what matters is key.
