Do you have a smart garage door opener? If not, you may want to consider improving your existing garage door opener or purchasing a new opener with smart capabilities. By upgrading your garage door opener, you’ll add many new features that are both convenient and safe. Have you ever driven away from your home and wondered if the garage door closed? With a smart garage door, you can easily check the status at any time.

Does a smart garage door make my home safer?

Realizing that you left your garage door open for an extended period can be stressful and worrisome. With a smart garage door, you can quickly check on an app on your phone if the garage door is open or you can set schedules that ensure your garage is always safe. For instance, set your garage door to close every night at 9 p.m. if it is left open. 

You can also remotely open the garage door for visitors or create multiple garage codes that work for different vendors and you can limit the hours that those codes can be used. Depending on the garage door opener you choose, you can also add security cameras inside the garage among other features. If you recently upgraded your opener but it does not have smart features, add-on hardware can change your garage door from standard to smart with ease. 

Smart garage door openers come with great apps for your phone that can give you unfettered access to your garage door. How do you open your garage door with your phone? Depending on the brand of the opener, you can use their proprietary app to open the garage from your phone. Many garage door opener brands can also sync with other services like Google Home, Alexa, Samsung Smart Home, and more. Some of these services may have an additional subscription fee. 

Why do I need a smart garage door opener? 

Smart garage door openers have a variety of security features but they also add several conveniences that make your life easier. Sync your garage door opener with Google Home and ask Google if your garage door is open or ask Google to open the garage door when your hands are full. One of the other amazing features you can use with a smart garage door opener is the Amazon Key delivery service. This feature allows you to connect your Amazon account to it which gives delivery drivers the ability to drop your packages in the garage rather than your front door.

Many of the apps for smart garage door openers also allow you to give friends and family access to your garage door as needed. You can give house sitters, family members, and more control so they can open your garage as needed.

There are also several power options for the smart garage door openers to make sure that you always have access even in a power outage. Many of the openers come with a backup battery to give you complete access no matter what. 

How do I make my garage door opener smart? 

If you’re in the market for a new garage door opener, ask your garage door salesperson what type of smart garage door opener would be best for you. Several brands offer top-of-the-line openers with a variety of options. You can find the opener that best suits your needs and the conveniences that you are looking for. 

If your garage door opener is in great condition but just needs to be upgraded, there are add-on hardware options that you can purchase and add to your garage door opener to give it the smart capabilities you’re seeking.

Having a smart garage door opener is a great convenience for your day-to-day routine and it will also give you peace of mind with the added security. Say goodbye to the days of checking to see if you left the garage door open or giving your passcode to a contractor or vendor. You’ll be grateful you upgraded your garage door opener every time it helps make your life easier and safer.

The post Garage Door Blog first appeared on A Plus Garage Doors. This post first appeared on https://utahgaragedoors.net

Hey Smart Home, Open My Garage

Do you have a smart garage door opener? If not, you may want to consider improving your existing garage door opener or purchasing a new opener with smart capabilities. By upgrading your garage door opener, you’ll add many new features that are both convenient and safe. Have you ever driven away from your home and wondered if the garage door closed? With a smart garage door, you can easily check the status at any time. 

Does a smart garage door make my home safer?

Realizing that you left your garage door open for an extended period can be stressful and worrisome. With a smart garage door, you can quickly check on an app on your phone if the garage door is open or you can set schedules that ensure your garage is always safe. For instance, set your garage door to close every night at 9 p.m. if it is left open. 

You can also remotely open the garage door for visitors or create multiple garage codes that work for different vendors and you can limit the hours that those codes can be used. Depending on the garage door opener you choose, you can also add security cameras inside the garage among other features. If you recently upgraded your opener but it does not have smart features, add-on hardware can change your garage door from standard to smart with ease. 

Smart garage door openers come with great apps for your phone that can give you unfettered access to your garage door. How do you open your garage door with your phone? Depending on the brand of the opener, you can use their proprietary app to open the garage from your phone. Many garage door opener brands can also sync with other services like Google Home, Alexa, Samsung Smart Home, and more. Some of these services may have an additional subscription fee. 

Why do I need a smart garage door opener? 

Smart garage door openers have a variety of security features but they also add several conveniences that make your life easier. Sync your garage door opener with Google Home and ask Google if your garage door is open or ask Google to open the garage door when your hands are full. One of the other amazing features you can use with a smart garage door opener is the Amazon Key delivery service. This feature allows you to connect your Amazon account to it which gives delivery drivers the ability to drop your packages in the garage rather than your front door.

Many of the apps for smart garage door openers also allow you to give friends and family access to your garage door as needed. You can give house sitters, family members, and more control so they can open your garage as needed.

There are also several power options for the smart garage door openers to make sure that you always have access even in a power outage. Many of the openers come with a backup battery to give you complete access no matter what. 

How do I make my garage door opener smart? 

If you’re in the market for a new garage door opener, ask your garage door salesperson what type of smart garage door opener would be best for you. Several brands offer top-of-the-line openers with a variety of options. You can find the opener that best suits your needs and the conveniences that you are looking for. 

If your garage door opener is in great condition but just needs to be upgraded, there are add-on hardware options that you can purchase and add to your garage door opener to give it the smart capabilities you’re seeking.

Having a smart garage door opener is a great convenience for your day-to-day routine and it will also give you peace of mind with the added security. Say goodbye to the days of checking to see if you left the garage door open or giving your passcode to a contractor or vendor. You’ll be grateful you upgraded your garage door opener every time it helps make your life easier and safer.

The post Blog first appeared on A Plus Garage Doors. This post first appeared on https://utahgaragedoors.net

Garage door springs are a tiny part of your garage door that does so much. Take care of it with these tips from Door Power to avoid garage door repair!

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

An automatic or electronic garage door provides convenience and protection. However, you need to be prepared for occasions when your door requires manual opening. For example, one morning, you may need to rush to work or get the kids to school, but there is a power outage. You then realize that the garage door won’t automatically open since you don’t have a battery backup.

Other times, you pull into the driveway near the garage after a long day at work only to realize that you can’t get your car inside because your automatic opener is faulty or you lost your remote control. Knowing how to open the garage door manually is essential in case of emergencies. Here are practical steps that you can follow.

1. Disconnect the Automatic Garage Door Opener

If you can access the garage from the inside, the first step is to unplug the automatic garage door opener. Look for the electric garage door opener at the base of the trolley track on the ceiling, and pull out the power cord.

2. Disengage the Automatic Opener From the Garage Door

Begin by locating the emergency release cord. In a closed garage, the emergency cord hangs loosely from the ceiling usually near the front part of the door. Pull down the red handle hanging from the cord until you hear a clicking sound. If you find it hard to pull the rope, there is a possibility that the garage door isn’t completely closed. Push the door to close it tightly, and then try pulling the cord once more. The main aim here is to disconnect the door from the automatic opener so that it operates manually.

If your only access to the garage is through the locked door, you will need to use a different mechanism. Prepare a long wire with a hook at the end to help you reach the emergency release rope. Climb onto a ladder and push your wire through a crack in the garage door frame. Once the wire is inside the garage, aim it a few feet below the ceiling to get the red emergency cord. Hook the wire onto the cord’s handle and then pull. Some garages have a window at the top, and this is an added advantage. You can see the handle and attach it to the wire quickly. Be very careful during this operation to avoid injuries.

3. Manually Lift the Garage Door

Now grab the lower part of the door and lift it till it fully opens. If you are having trouble lifting the door because of its heavy weight, then it’s possible that the spring is broken. Keep in mind that the automatic door opener doesn’t raise the door. Rather, it moves the springs to open or close the door. If you have a broken spring, call in a professional to repair it as soon as possible.

Be careful while operating your garage door manually. A strong wind can cause the door to slam down. Once you open the garage, observe the door for a few minutes to ensure that it stays open before driving your car in. If the door can’t stay open long enough, you can prop open it with something sturdy. Also, keep the doorway clear, and don’t allow children to play near the garage door to avoid injuries.

You shouldn’t leave your door unlocked and unattended for too long. Once you take the car in or out of the garage, gently slide the door until it firmly connects with the ground. The door’s weight is what will keep it shut. Avoid letting the door fall and slam itself. This will only weaken the track and damage the door.

4. Lock the Door Manually

Since you disconnected the automatic opener, your door’s locking mechanism is inactive. You now need to use the metallic lock on the garage door to keep it closed and secure everything stored inside. Slide the bolt to the side to lock into the door track’s rail. If the door doesn’t have a manual lock bar, you can use a C-clamp to keep it from opening.

5. Reconnect the Opener

To operate your garage electronically, you need to re-engage the automatic garage door opener. First, ensure that your door is fully closed. Pull the emergency release cord towards the entrance to compress the spring lever and allow the mechanism to reconnect. When the switch at the end of the emergency cord moves into place and re-engages, you will hear a click.

Alternatively, you can climb up using a ladder and pull the lever directly. Reconnect the door with the trolley track by raising it about 1 to 2 feet until you hear a loud click on the track. If the power issue has already been resolved, you can use the door control panel or the remote to reconnect the door with the track. Open and close the door automatically to test it. If you hear any unusual sounds or if the door seems shaky, there could be a problem with the connection, and you need to seek professional help.

6. Use the Emergency Door Kit if Your Garage Has One

If you have a newer model garage door with an emergency kit, it’s easier to open it manually. Locate the door kit, insert a key into the keyhole, and turn it. Once you see a metal node, pull it from the keyhole. This will quickly disengage the automatic mechanism to allow manual operation of the garage door. Note that this option is only possible if your door has the emergency key feature.

Contact a Professional if You Need Help With Your Garage Door

You will avoid the inconvenience of dealing with a garage door that won’t open in case of a power outage or when the electric mechanisms malfunction if you learn how to open it manually. Ensure that you close the garage as soon as you are done using it. Read your manual to guide you in locating the pull cord and understand how everything works.

If your garage won’t open even after trying out all the above methods, seek professional assistance. A technician can help diagnose the cause of the problem and fix it. It’s also a good idea to install a garage door with a backup battery feature to run the opener and the safety sensors even in case of a power outage.

Don’t also neglect maintenance for your garage door. It is best to plan for annual garage door maintenance. During servicing, have a professional inspect the garage door system and lubricate the moving parts. The technician will also thoroughly examine the nuts, bolts, and screws and tighten them to keep the garage door running smoothly. Routine maintenance will also help minimize the chances of automatic garage door opener failure.

If you need professional assistance with your garage door, you can always reach out to the Garage Door Doctor. We specialize in garage door installations, repairs, maintenance, and replacements. We also provide garage door spring repair, replacement, and commercial garage door services across Indianapolis, IN, and the nearby regions. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

The post How To Open Garage Door Manually appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

Garage door openers have been thoroughly modernized, and the latest technology is ready to make your home a smart and seamless space.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

Every home with a garage requires a good door to keep everyone safe and protected. Without a properly functioning garage door, the safety risks are enormous.

Installing a garage door requires ample knowledge, so it’s better to hire an expert company for the job. You can rest easy knowing your home is secure at all times. Below are reasons why it’s essential to hire an established garage door company for your safety.

1. Keep the Family Safe

Imagine trying to sleep at night when you’re not sure if the garage door is secure. Chances are, you won’t get a wink of sleep. It’s tempting to install or repair the garage door on your own to save on costs. But, the risk of not doing a good job is high. Therefore, the best action to take is to hire a professional firm for the job.

An established company with years of experience understands how to install and repair garage doors keeping you safe. Also, they can advise you on other safety measures to take that guard against intruders.

2. Accountability

When an established company comes in to install or repair the garage door, they remain accountable to you. If for any reason, the door is faulty or ends up affecting your safety, you know who to turn to.

When you opt to do it yourself, you carry the burden when problems occur in the future. If there’s ever an issue with intruders or a faulty door causing injuries, you have to account for these shortcomings yourself. That’s a tremendous burden to carry around, so it’s better to call in the experts.

3. Cut Costs

DIY repairs seem like a good idea, but the truth is they can be pretty expensive in the long run. Imagine you purchase all the tools to repair the garage door on your own. You start the project but end up making the issues worse or never have enough time to finish.

At that point, you have to call in an established garage door company to start over. If you made the problem worse, repair costs are high, forcing you to dig deeper into your pockets. Consequently, you end up with the cost of hiring an expert plus the price of all the items you bought at the beginning.

However, if you hire an expert company the minute you notice issues with the garage door, you can keep the costs low. There might even be some discounts and deals available that can bring down the cost of repairs. Also, you’re assured the parts are of top quality and won’t easily breakdown after only a short while.

4. Use Minimal Time

There are certain parts of the home that are at high risk and need immediate repair. For instance, if you have an issue with the garage door, you need it tackled as soon as possible. The dangers of a faulty garage door are great, especially at night or when you’re not at home.

It would be best if you had an immediate solution to the problem, and hiring an expert garage door company is the way to go. Due to the urgency of the situation, experts will take the least time possible to repair the doors. That means you won’t have to spend nights listening for intruders because the doors are still broken.

5. Improve Garage Door Lifespan

Garage doors aren’t cheap, but they can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. However, the longevity depends on the state of the door and the surrounding environment. Factors that affect the door’s lifespan include how you use them, maintenance frequency, door quality, and the local weather/climate.

Keeping all these in mind, it’s in your best interest to have an expert check your garage door now and then. You may consider having annual maintenance checks if the doors aren’t faulty during this period. The longer your garage door lasts, the longer you can keep your family safe without paying exorbitant costs.

6. Good Workmanship

Research reveals how advantageous electric garage doors can be for you and your family’s safety. Most electric gates have sensors to detect any unwanted guests. You get an alert immediately even if you’re not at home and can get images from cameras at any time.

But, installing such an intricate system to keep your home safe requires expertise, which is why you must hire an established company with references for similar jobs in other homes. The technicians will come in, install the garage door, and train the whole family on how to operate them.

With an electric door, you won’t have to worry about the kids handling heavy garage doors, which pose a significant risk. All they do is use a remote control or app to close or open them. Also, anyone with arthritis or other health conditions won’t have trouble operating the door.

7. Quality Emergency Repairs

Apart from making fast repairs, you can always call a professional company when you have an emergency. For instance, if the door won’t open in the morning and you have to go to work.

Most expert companies always have technicians on standby for their customers in case of an emergency. And, you can rest easy knowing you are getting quality repairs for your doors, even if it’s on short notice.

8. Warranty

The best decision for your home is to call in an expert company to install garage doors during construction or remodeling. Once you do, you can inquire about warranties for the garage door.

Straight from the shoulder, the warranty gives you a sense of security since you know the doors are secure. If there’s ever an issue, you can reach out to the company for answers. However, any doors you install and repair on your own will have no warranty.

9. Work With References

Do you like the way your neighbor’s garage door operates and want something similar? You could have them refer you to their garage door company.

Chances are they did thorough research to find the best repair company around, and now their home is safe. You can do the same for your home to find a good company in your area. References give you more insight into the best company to work with and ones that do a good job.

Wrapping Up

It’s pretty tempting to install or repair garage doors on your own. The truth, though, that this can jeopardize your safety. Therefore, the best thing to do is hire an established garage door company with several years of industrial experience to do the job.

Our trained professionals at Garage Door Doctor are at your service if you would like to install or repair a broken garage door. We also offer other services, including commercial garage doors and residential garage door spring repairs and replacements.

If you have an issue with your garage doors or would like to install a new one in your Indianapolis, IN home, contact us today.

The post The Safety Importance of Hiring an Established Garage Door Company appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

Residential garage door installations can take many forms, so learn from a garage door company what’s functionally best for you.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

When you think of fraud, you probably imagine identity theft or hackers. Unfortunately, many scams still occur offline, and one type you may not know of is garage door scams. While most people in the garage door industry are honest, some of them aren’t. 

Scammers prey on people’s desire to take care of garage door problems quickly. Having a broken garage door is a hassle, and homeowners understandably want to clear up the issue as soon as possible. Garage door repair scams try to trick the homeowner into paying for services they don’t receive or the technician can’t perform. 

How can you tell when someone is trying to scam you? What telltale signs of a scam should you watch out for? Keep an eye out for these common garage door scams. 

The Rebuild Package Scam

Asking people to overpay for something or making promises that aren’t delivered on are both common scams in any industry. In the garage door business, rebuild package scams occur when a repair company says you need a “hardware overhaul,” which involves replacing everything from your torsion springs to the bearing brackets. 

In reality, nothing is wrong with your equipment — most garage door hardware lasts 10 to 15 years. However, you might not initially realize that. You will get a rude awakening when you receive the bill because dishonest technicians mark up the hardware and the installation costs. Then, you pay an arm and a leg for new hardware you don’t need. 

The Lifetime Guarantee Scam

When you hear someone talk about a lifetime guarantee, you probably think you’re set for as long as you own your house. However, that’s rarely the case. A lifetime guarantee often covers parts but not labor. Your technician can charge an exorbitant fee for labor for the simplest task, such as changing a light bulb. 

By installing cheap parts, the technician ensures your hardware will break down. Then, you’ll call them to fix it again, enabling them to charge an astronomical labor fee. The cycle repeats when the broken hardware is replaced with another shoddy item, setting you up to need more help shortly down the road. If you consider a lifetime guarantee, ask the technician several essential questions: 

• What does the guarantee cover? 
• Can you walk me through the contract? 
• What brands do you source your parts from? 

Your contract only guarantees coverage for the hardware it mentions. Even if you speak to a technician about adding extra coverage, it will only apply if it’s in the contract.

The Unidentified Technician Scam

You only want experienced, certified professionals working on your garage door. While a company may present the impression that its technicians know what they’re doing, they can pull a last-minute switcheroo by contracting the work to a subcontractor. The person may not live up to the high standards set by a legitimate business. 

The company you contracted with will pay the subcontractor a low rate, and the original technicians will have no investment in the outcome because you are not their customer. They aren’t counting on you using their services again for a job well done. You have no way of knowing if the person who comes to your door is certified or what their garage door repair history looks like. You also have no one to call if the repair is mishandled. Here are some things to look for to avoid this situation: 

• The technician arrives in an unmarked car.
• The technician avoids introducing themselves or saying who they work for.
• The technician shows no signs of direct employment by the company you contracted with.

How to Avoid Garage Door Repair Scams 

When you know what to look for, you can avoid garage door repair scams. Here are some questions to ask during the vetting process:

• How do you identify your company?​
• What company am I speaking with?
• Can you provide me your business’s address?
• Do you have any recent customers I could talk to about your services?

If you are not satisfied with the answers you receive, play it safe and avoid hiring the contractor. Always trust your gut. If something seems fishy or “off” with the company, it’s better to err on the side of caution than get caught up in a scam. 

Instead of relying on a business with shady practices, ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations for garage door repair companies they have used and liked. Getting a testimonial from a trusted source is always better than trying a company you aren’t sure about.

How to Report Garage Door Scams

If a suspected garage door scammer has approached you, or you have fallen victim to a scam, you can report it. Contact the International Door Association (IDA) by emailing [email protected]. You can explain the details and include any documentation from your case. The organization may follow up with you for more information.

Scammers may also face criminal charges depending on what they did. You can contact your local police station to report the interaction. At the least, the police may warn others in the neighborhood that a suspicious person is making false claims. 

Enjoy Quality Garage Door Service With AAA Garage Door

For reputable garage door repairs, contact AAA Garage Door. We have provided many people in the Fremont, Nebraska, area with dependable service at affordable prices. 

The post Common Garage Door Scams  appeared first on AAA Garage Door, Inc. | Husker Door.

A properly insulated garage door prevents warm air from escaping your garage during the cooler months and hot air from entering during the warmer months. The increased insulation helps decrease your energy usage and provides many other benefits for your garage, home and wallet. Since your garage door is the largest opening to your home, it must have sufficient insulation, or you’ll experience drafts, extreme temperatures and energy loss. 

You have a few options available if you’re looking to insulate your garage door. You can choose to go the DIY route with an insulation kit, contact a professional garage service to upgrade your current door or replace your old door with an energy-efficient replacement. If you opt to get a brand-new door, you can compare many options to add insulation and style to your home. Modern garage doors add significant curb appeal and value to your home. 

Older or poorly insulated garage doors can lead to various problems in the home. For example, water can build up in your garage after a rainstorm or high-humidity days. The water trapped inside your garage struggles to evaporate, and it can cause mold to develop throughout your home and your possessions. A buildup of water in your garage can also lead to condensation forming in your vehicles’ crevices and electrical circuits, leading to faster deterioration over time.

Are insulated garage doors worth it? Keep reading to learn more.

6 Benefits of Insulating Your Garage Doors

Why insulate your garage door? Doing so brings many advantages and allows you to recoup your initial investment through increased energy savings and protecting your home and belongings. Here are six of the most significant reasons to insulate your garage door. 

1. Increase Energy Efficiency 

Is your garage cold in the winter and hot in the summer? Even if you have insulated your garage’s walls, your garage door may be causing a significant energy drain. An insulated garage door will help seal your garage off from the outside temperatures that sneak into your home through your garage. You should notice a decrease in your heating and cooling costs when you insulate your garage doors. Hot or cold air can enter the rest of your home when your garage is at a higher or lower temperature, which results in your A/C and heating units having to overcompensate and operate more often. 

Insulating your garage door will help keep your garage at a moderate and comfortable temperature — not too hot and not too cold. Another benefit is that you can work in your garage year-round, due to the more comfortable temperature.

2. Notice Quieter Operation

Older and uninsulated garage doors can make loud noises when you operate them, while insulated garage doors are much quieter. You can resolve the abrasive creaking and rattling by insulating or replacing your garage door. For many uninsulated garage doors, the sounds you’re hearing may be from the panels on the door vibrating and creating noise. Panel vibration can be worse for more lightweight garage doors. Solve this problem by insulating your current door or replacing it with a new, high-quality one. The insulation prevents the tiles from rattling and will cut down on the noises you hear when operating the door.

3. Boost Door Strength and Durability 

Is insulating a garage worth it? Insulated garage doors consist of more durable materials than uninsulated ones, making them suitable for long-term investment in your home. Insulated doors should require less frequent maintenance and repairs. The materials’ strength also makes the doors more resistant to damage like dents or warping. The constant opening and closing of garage doors can wear them down over time, but an insulated garage door will long outlast an uninsulated one. Many insulated garage doors have a steel or aluminum frame with solid insulation on the interior, making them sturdy, lightweight and durable enough to withstand the elements.

4. Protect Your Car and Belongings 

Installing an insulated garage door is vital if you want to protect your car and other belongings you keep in your garage. Extreme heat, cold and humidity can damage your possessions, leading to costly repair bills or permanent damage. Your garage will stay at a relatively consistent temperature throughout the year if you have an insulated garage door. Keeping your car in a controlled environment will help prevent wear and tear from temperature fluctuations. 

Insulated garage doors are also helpful in keeping water from coming into your garage. Water struggles to evaporate once it enters your garage because it has nowhere to go, and the lingering water increases the humidity levels. High humidity and condensation can make your tools rusty, damage your vehicles’ electrical components and cause mold to develop in your walls or on items you store in the garage. An insulated garage door will form a tight seal with the garage floor, which will prevent water from entering. 

5. Reduce Noise

Insulating a garage door helps keep external sounds out and internal ones in. The thick insulation will do wonders for noise reduction if you live in an area with nearby neighbors or a busy street. Working in your garage can be noisy, and an uninsulated garage door doesn’t do much to prevent loud noises from leaking out. You can avoid irritating neighbors with loud power tools because the insulation will keep the noise contained. 

6. Increase Curb Appeal 

You can replace your garage door with a modern, insulated door that will elevate the appearance of your garage. Your garage is one of the most visible aspects of your home, and a high-quality garage door can elevate the curb appeal. An appealing garage door will also boost your home’s value, and you’ll see a return on your investment, whether you’re planning on living in your house for years to come or are considering selling soon.

Does Insulating a Garage Door Help You Save Money? 

Installing an insulated garage door will generate immediate savings due to the increased energy efficiency of insulated vs. non-insulated garage doors. Insulating a garage door makes the most difference for your savings if you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures and have an attached garage. Attached garages pose the most significant energy drain because your home probably shares at least one wall with the garage. 

Freezing and scorching temperatures that enter your garage through uninsulated garage doors will leak into the rest of your home through the walls and house doors, which causes your home’s internal temperature to fluctuate. Your cooling and heating systems will have to compensate to restore the correct temperature, causing higher energy usage and mechanical strain.

Ultimately, the amount of money you save on your energy bills will depend on where you live and how much heat loss occurs from your garage door. Living in an extremely hot or cold climate makes insulated garage doors worth it.

Types of Insulated and Energy-Efficient Garage Doors 

The type of insulated garage door you choose depends mainly on your climate, aesthetics and how much you’re looking to spend. If the garage door has the necessary amount of insulation for your environment, any insulated door should suit your needs. Most insulated garage doors are multilayered and have a thick layer of insulation within the frame. Here are the most common types of insulated and energy-efficient garage doors. 

• Steel insulated garage doors: Steel insulated garage doors have an insulating layer inside the steel frame. The steel results in a very durable door that is dent-resistant, long-lasting and able to withstand the effect of the elements. Steel doors can corrode and rust in coastal climates due to the high salt content in the air, so it’s vital to treat them properly and have the paint refinished if any chips occur.
• Aluminum insulated garage doors: An aluminum garage door is a great, lightweight option that requires little maintenance. Aluminum will hold up against weather and won’t rust in coastal climates as steel doors may. Aluminum’s lightweight nature makes it particularly helpful for older adults who may struggle to lift a manual garage door.
• Fiberglass insulated garage doors: Fiberglass garage doors are another reliable and lightweight option with low maintenance requirements. The finish on most fiberglass doors looks like natural wood, so it’s an excellent option if wood fits your home’s aesthetic. 
• Wood insulated garage doors: Wooden garage doors tend to be the most expensive, but they offer a luxurious look and add value to a home. Wood requires more upkeep than other options because you need to reseal it to prevent mildew, mold and pests. However, you’ll enjoy wood doors’ durable, long-lasting nature if you follow the maintenance schedule. 

Other Factors Affecting a Garage Door’s Energy Efficiency

The type of door you choose is less of a factor than garage door insulation ratings, windows and the door’s size. Let’s dig into what this means.

R-Value

An R-value is a measurement of how effective insulation is at preventing heat loss. The “R” stands for the resistance a material has against heat flow. A higher R-value means the material limits more heat than one with a lower R-value. A lower insulation R-value will result in more garage door heat loss than a higher-value one. 

Some garage door manufacturers measure the R-value in different areas than other companies, making it challenging to accurately compare the insulation value of different branded garage doors. When a manufacturer provides an R-value based on the entire door, the values will be lower than those measured from the center panel. 

Because the R-value doesn’t have a consistent measurement method, it’s not a reliable indicator of the insulation’s thermal efficiency. 

U-Value 

The U-value — sometimes referred to as U-factor — is a helpful alternative to the R-value because it measures the entire garage door’s insulation. This form of measurement is much more reliable because some parts of the door, such as the frame and seals, can’t have the same degree of insulation as the panels. Insulated garage door U-factors account for this and provide a consistent figure across all manufacturers. 

U-values range from zero to one, and lower numbers indicate better insulation than higher ones. 

Garage Door Insulation: Polystyrene vs. Polyurethane

There are two main insulation types found in garage doors.

• Polystyrene: Polystyrene is similar to Styrofoam, but it’s more condensed, so it offers superior insulation properties. Garage door manufacturers typically glue sheets of polystyrene to the garage door panels. Gluing the insulation causes some areas like the panels’ corners to have air pockets, which reduces the insulation. Polystyrene can deteriorate if exposed to chemicals such as bug spray or gasoline.
• Polyurethane: Polyurethane, another form of garage door thermal insulation, gets sprayed directly inside the garage door frame, resulting in a much more thorough application of the insulation and higher U-value. Polyurethane is very fire-retardant and won’t melt if exposed to fire. It can withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit before it begins to char. It’s also resistant to all chemicals, oxidation and sun damage. 

Both materials will age well and not deteriorate over time if the door remains in good external condition, but polyurethane will hold up better when exposed to stressors. While polyurethane offers better insulation, it also costs more on average than polystyrene. 

Windows

Windows in a garage door can add visual appeal, but glass is a poor insulator. If you’re in a climate that gets very hot or cold, you should consider getting a garage door without windows. Garage doors will have energy-efficient windows, but they’re still not as insulated as a standard insulated garage door will be, and heat will transfer through the glass. 

Correct Garage Door Size

It’s vital that the garage door fits correctly and forms a tight seal against the ground and the sides of the garage to prevent wind and cold air from entering. If there are any gaps, your insulated garage door will be much less effective because the air will still have a place to escape. 

Contact AAA Garage Door for Replacement and Repair

Does an insulated garage door make a difference? After reading this post, we think you’ll agree it does. At AAA Garage Door, we’ve been in this business for over 25 years. Count on us to provide you with garage door repair, inspections, regular maintenance and even replace your current garage door with a fully insulated one to increase your energy savings and keep your home comfortable. 

We have a range of garage doors for you to choose from that look modern and provide insulation against our harsh Nebraska winters. 

Fill out our online form to schedule garage door services or request a free estimate for your garage door opener today!

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This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com