Adding a new Garage Doors Newcastle can improve curb appeal, enhance home security and increase energy efficiency. However, a new garage door can be expensive and requires routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
There are many types of garage doors available, ranging from basic aluminum models to wood doors with glass openings. Choosing the best material for your garage door depends on your climate, budget, maintenance preferences and energy efficiency needs.
Energy efficiency is top of mind for many homeowners, and the garage door is a key factor when it comes to energy savings. Today, modern garage doors are constructed with polyurethane insulation to control the loss and gain of heat and minimize operational noise. This can save you money on your energy bills, while also reducing the impact on the environment.
The materials used to construct a garage door are also crucial when it comes to energy efficiency. Steel and fiberglass are excellent choices, as they have low thermal conductivity to prevent the transfer of exterior heat into the garage space. Wood garage doors, on the other hand, have higher thermal conductivity and offer less insulating capability.
To improve energy efficiency, look for a garage door that has an R-factor of 3.5 or more and a U-factor of 1.8 or less. The R-factor measures resistance to heat flow, while the U-factor determines how quickly a material transfers heat. Polystyrene and polyurethane are the most common insulation options, as they provide an excellent R-factor for the price.
In addition to ensuring proper insulation, it is essential to have your garage door professionally installed to ensure that gaps and air leaks are not present. Gaps can negate the benefits of an insulated garage door by allowing outside air to leak into the garage and wasting energy. Professional installation also ensures that the garage door is properly aligned and adjusted, maximizing performance.
Aside from lowering energy bills, an insulated garage door is a great choice for increased comfort. The insulation provides a buffer against cold air in the winter and hot sun in the summer, helping to regulate garage temperatures. Additionally, insulated garage doors reduce noise from the operation of the door and outside traffic.
To extend the lifespan of your garage door and maintain optimal energy efficiency, care for your new energy efficient garage door as recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure that torsion springs are oiled regularly with lightweight motor oil. Typically, this is done two times per year. In addition, clean your garage door regularly to remove dirt and debris that can affect operation and energy efficiency.
Increased Home Value
A new garage door can boost your home’s resale value. A study published in The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics found that curb appeal plays an important role in a property’s sale price when it’s time to put it on the market. That’s why a fresh and functional garage door is one of the best home improvement projects you can undertake.
In fact, according to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your garage door is ranked the number one renovation project for its return on investment—even higher than installing a deck and outranking other improvements like a minor kitchen remodel. This is because a new garage door offers a wide variety of benefits, including increased energy efficiency, enhanced safety and security, and enhanced curb appeal.
Modern garage doors are designed with a sleek and clean look that complements most home designs. From wood to steel, you can choose from a wide array of styles and finishes. Then you can further customize your choice with window options and other features. For example, a window-style door allows natural light to flow into the garage, making it more welcoming. While a solid-panel door provides a classic and traditional appearance that pairs well with farmhouse-style homes and other traditional architectural designs.
When choosing a new garage door, consider getting an insulated model. Insulation helps regulate the temperature of your garage and limit outdoor air from entering your living space. It also helps keep warm air inside your garage during cold weather and cool air in the summer. Adding insulation to your garage door can significantly lower your energy costs and increase your home’s value.
While you’re at it, be sure to install a door with reinforced panels and heavy-duty tracks. These features prevent the door from being easily forced open and can deter burglars. Buyers are willing to pay more for a home that has advanced security features that protect their family and belongings.
While upgrading your garage door with these features can significantly improve your home’s resale price, you don’t need to do it all at once. Focus on updating different features over time as your budget permits, so you can enjoy the benefits of a more attractive, comfortable and energy-efficient home for years to come.
Increased Home Comfort
Your garage door may seem like an insignificant part of your home’s exterior, but it’s one of the largest sources of heat loss and can significantly affect the comfort of your living space. A poorly insulated garage door can allow cold air to enter during the winter and hot air to escape in the summer, driving up your energy bills and making it more difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your house. Insulated garage doors are designed to minimize this transfer of heat and keep your garage at a more stable temperature, which reduces the strain on your heating and cooling systems and makes your home more comfortable year-round.
In addition to offering increased energy efficiency, insulated garage doors are quieter than non-insulated models and can help to dampen the noise from activities within your garage and adjacent living spaces. This benefit is particularly valuable if your garage is attached to living spaces, such as an office or home gym, and can make a significant difference in reducing the amount of noise that disturbs your family’s day-to-day life.
Modern garage doors are available in a wide range of styles and designs, with many additional features available to increase energy efficiency, durability and overall functionality. Options include smart openers, motion-activated lights and keypads, as well as door windows that can add a touch of style and allow natural light to fill your garage space.
Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from single-layer, double-layer or triple-layer doors to maximize your insulation value. Double-layer doors offer an ideal balance between cost and insulation effectiveness while triple-layer doors (also known as “sandwich” or “detachable”) boast the highest levels of insulation and are typically made from steel with a high-density polyurethane insulation layer in-between.
Steel is a popular choice for garage doors because it’s durable, low maintenance and offers good insulation. Vinyl is another popular option because it’s affordable, easy to clean and comes in a wide selection of colors and styles that complement most homes. Insulated garage doors made from steel and vinyl are often more expensive than their non-insulated counterparts, but they provide a substantial return on investment by lowering your energy costs and increasing the comfort and livability of your home.
Increased Security
A garage is often a burglar’s first step into a home, so it’s important to keep your garage door secure. While common sense and proactive security measures will go a long way in keeping your valuables safe, there are also a number of upgrades available to make your home more secure.
One of the best upgrades for increasing your garage’s security is a new opener that uses rolling-code technology. This will essentially change the code that activates your garage door every time you use the remote, making it impossible for thieves to hack into your system. Additionally, most newer garage doors have built-in sensors that will shut down your motor if something is blocking the door from opening. This feature can be especially useful if you’re forgetful and don’t remember to close your garage door before leaving for work.
Another way to improve your garage’s security is adding a door lock, which can be difficult for intruders to crack. You can also choose a door with glass windows that are made of impact-resistant material like polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate, which will hold together even if shattered. If you’re worried about your garage door being vulnerable to break-ins, you can also look into getting a chimesed alarm that will trigger the moment someone tries to open it.
There are many other security upgrades you can consider for your garage, from biometric access systems to security bars, and they all depend on your individual needs and budget. It’s a good idea to consult with an expert during your installation process who can recommend the best options for you. They can also offer warranty and support, which will help to provide you with peace of mind and a reliable investment.
It’s a common belief that home break-ins occur most frequently during the summer, but that doesn’t mean that your garage can’t be a target. With a little planning and proactive maintenance, you can increase your home’s security and make it less attractive to potential thieves. It’s always a good idea to regularly inspect your home and garage for signs of wear or rust, and to keep up with advances in home security technology.