Energy Efficient Garage Door Tips

Energy-Efficient Garage Door Tips

Your journey toward energy efficiency starts with your garage door. A few smart upgrades can yield many energy savings. With A Better Door Co., Inc by your side, enhancing your garage’s energy efficiency becomes seamless. Let’s explore insulation and how garage door opener upgrades can help.

Upgrade Your Insulation

Effective insulation is the cornerstone of an energy-efficient garage. A well-insulated garage door shields against hot and cold weather. It reflects in your energy bills. Here’s how you can ensure your garage door is well-insulated:

Check your current door: Start by identifying the current insulation level of your garage door. Check for any drafts or cold spots around the door.
Add insulation to your door: Employ a professional technician for the insulation task. Or opt for a do-it-yourself kit. DIY kits are budget-friendly and have all the necessary materials.
Decide on energy-efficient garage door materials: Pick between foam board, reflective or batt insulation, or determine if an entirely new door would work best.
Choose a new door: Select a high-quality, well-insulated garage door. The Clopay doors offered by A Better Door Co., Inc are an excellent choice. Both steel and wood garage doors offer energy-efficient options.
Keep R-value in mind: Ensure the insulation or the door has a high R-value, which means it provides better thermal resistance than doors with lower ratings.
Install the new door: Have a professional install the door. They will ensure it fits and offers maximum insulation.
Maintain your door or insulation: Periodic checks and maintenance of the door are essential. They ensure long-term energy savings and energy conservation.

Get a New Garage Door Opener

Modern openers, designed with energy conservation, ensure lesser power usage with optimal function. A Better Door Co., Inc has various state-of-the-art garage door openers. That upgrade is a stride toward energy savings since newer models can use less power in standby mode. Here’s a step-by-step guide to upgrading your garage door opener:

Research: Begin by researching energy-efficient garage door openers. Understand the benefits and potential savings. Explore our online collection to see our various garage door openers.
Select: Choose a garage door opener that meets your needs.
Install: Have your new energy-efficient garage door opener professionally installed. We will ensure optimal operation and energy savings.
Maintain: Regular maintenance will keep your opener running efficiently.

Choose A Better Door Co., Inc

Discover a range of cutting-edge garage door openers with A Better Door Co., Inc, or request service online. Your leap toward a greener, cost-effective home is a call away — (631) 732-9654.

Commercial vs. Residential Garage Doors

All garage doors generally function similarly and have the same purpose — allowing vehicles, people and other equipment to move in and out of a garage or other large space. But there are a few notable distinctions between commercial and residential garage doors. The main difference lies in the name — residential garage doors are for homes, and commercial garage doors are for business or industrial purposes. Why do we need to have these specific types of garage doors, and what are the commercial and residential garage door differences? Read on to find out more about these types of garage doors, and discover which is better for you.

Sizes of Garage Doors

One of the first differences you may notice between residential and commercial garage doors is their size. Generally, commercial garage doors are much bigger, to accommodate larger vehicles, but that depends on their intended use. Garage doors that need to fit large semitrucks or commercial machinery will need to be much larger than your typical residential garage door.

The standard height is seven feet for residential garage doors, and most are between eight and nine feet wide. Larger and customized sizes are available for homeowners with RVs or other unique situations, but these are usually custom-made residential garage doors. Commercial doors could suit a larger application on a residential property, such as for an RV. However, before installing a larger door like this on your property, check in with your homeowners’ association — if applicable — to find out if there are any restrictions to garage door size for your area.

Another size-related difference between these two types of doors is their weight. While all garage doors are relatively heavy, most residential garage doors weigh around 200 pounds, and commercial doors are much heavier. Garage doors made for commercial use generally consist of sturdier, weightier materials, with a finished commercial garage door often weighing 1,000 pounds or more.

Materials Used for Garage Doors

Another main difference between commercial and residential garage doors is the materials used for the doors themselves. Residential garage doors can consist of a wide range of materials, including different woods and metals, depending on each homeowner’s budget, style and taste. Various materials provide distinctive looks, and can match other exterior elements’ style. Each of these materials may have different pros and cons — wooden doors may provide maximum visual appeal, while steel doors feature long-lasting durability.

On the other hand, commercial garage doors have a much narrower field of commonly used materials. Because these doors usually go through much heavier-duty usage and should be durable, commercial garage doors often consist of industrial-strength metals like steel, aluminum or metal blends. These doors must stand up to the increased wear and tear of opening and closing many times a day, much more than a typical home garage door. These heavy-duty metal doors’ appearance matches the industrial look of many commercial buildings, and may look out of place in a residential setting.

Garage Door Appearance

For residential garage doors, appearance is a much more significant factor than for commercial doors. A garage door is often a substantial part of the home’s curb appeal, especially if it’s part of an attached garage in front of the house. For this reason, many residential garage doors have added visual features such as windows, distinctive hardware, designs and colors. The wide range of color and design choices ensures homeowners can find a garage door that fits in with the home design’s overall aesthetic. Property owners often choose their garage door to match exterior features on the rest of the house for the most cohesive look.

However, with commercial doors, appearance is often far less essential. While many commercial and industrial buildings still want a cohesive look, the right appearance for this type of structure will be a more streamlined, utilitarian door. Commercial garage doors tend to be modest in appearance, without the unique colors, designs and features you’d find on a residential garage door. They are often simple and have a roll-up or flat door style, with neutral colors like white, beige or gray. While the focus is more on commercial doors’ function, they can still be attractive, especially with a sleek, modern style.

Difference in Value

When comparing commercial vs. residential garage doors, one thing you may notice right away is a considerable difference in the costs involved. Commercial garage doors are generally much more expensive to purchase, install and repair. That’s because of the sturdier materials used for commercial garage doors, and the industrial quality that makes them durable and able to stand up to heavier use. Commercial doors must also meet a higher security standard, and are often custom-fit to a particular space and purpose, driving the costs up. They must have specially designed door openers that can hold these larger, sturdier doors’ extra weight and withstand more frequent usage.

The higher price tag associated with commercial doors are a prevalent reason they’re not common in residential areas. These larger doors’ added costs generally make them unnecessary for use on a home garage.

Shop Commercial and Residential Garage Doors

Commercial and residential garage doors have many differences, and familiarizing yourself with all these can help you make the best choice for your needs. Whatever type of garage door you need, you can find it at A Better Door. We are proud to be a Master Authorized Dealer of Clopay garage doors, and feature a wide range of styles for you to choose from. For home garages, shop our selection of residential garage doors and openers to find the best style that matches your home design. And for business use, shop our commercial garage doors for options that provide the extra strength and security your business needs.

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How Effective Is Garage Door Insulation?

Is it Worth Buying An Insulated Garage Door?

If you are in the market for a new garage door — or simply want to upgrade your current one — you have probably encountered a lot of questions and choices. What style door do you want? What kind of door opener is best for your lifestyle? Do you want a door with windows? What is an insulated garage door? Should you choose an insulated or uninsulated garage door? Does insulation even work?

At A Better Door Company, we want to help you make informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of insulated garage doors and how important garage door insulation is for energy efficiency, comfort and safety. In short, yes, insulating a garage door will help your home maintain temperatures in hot and cold seasons and retain energy efficiency. But let’s unpack that more, keep reading to learn more about the kinds of insulation and what each will do for you.

Why Is Garage Door Insulation Important?

Insulation adds an extra layer of durability and protection to your garage door. A well-insulated garage door will keep your garage at a consistent temperature, which helps reduce your energy costs. Insulating your garage door is expected to help your garage remain a difference of 10-14 degrees warmer in the winter and as much as 22-26 degrees cooler in the summer. With Long Island averaging a high of 84 degrees in July and an average low of 41 in January, that can make a big difference for anyone anticipating spending long periods of time in their garage, as it helps keep the heat out in the summer, and the cold out during the winter. This energy efficiency is also better for the environment around you. Plus, insulated garage doors can help protect your garage and its valuables from inclement weather and break-ins.

How Do Garage Door Windows Affect Insulation?

Garage doors with windows benefit equally from insulation. However, windows do make insulation more challenging. When selecting insulated garage doors with windows, choose double-paned windows — these will add an extra level of insulation, as long as they are installed and sealed correctly. If you’re not in the market for a new door but are still looking to enjoy the same benefits of an insulated garage door window you’re in luck! Common solutions for this often include using weatherstrip tape, caulk, and adding window treatments. Whether you’re looking to insulate an existing door or pick out a new door with proper insulation for New York’s weather, A Better Door Company has you covered! Give us a call today to talk to one of our technicians about your new garage door.

Attached Garages and Insulation

For garages that are attached to your home, insulation is especially important. Attached garages with an uninsulated door can cause your home heating and cooling system to run continuously, as all warm and cool air will escape through the garage door. Whether it’s an attached or detached garage insulated door, you should always have the following components:

Properly sealed doorways: Make sure the door between your home and the garage — as well as the garage door itself — is properly sealed, and there are no gaps for air leakage.
Insulated walls: All walls between your home and garage — including any upstairs living spaces — should be insulated just as thoroughly as you would insulate any other wall in your home.
Closed windows: All windows should be closed and sealed when the heating or air conditioning is running inside your house to prevent energy waste.

6 Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors

There are several benefits to having an insulated garage door, including:

1. Noise Reduction

You likely make a lot of noise in your garage, especially if the space doubles as a workshop or in-home gym. Insulated garage doors are thicker, which means they reduce noise pollution. With an insulated garage door, you don’t have to worry about bothering people in other parts of your home or your next-door neighbors. Alternatively, you don’t have to worry about any external sounds — like nearby traffic and strong storms — bothering you while you work. With insulation, the operation of your garage door will often be quieter as well.

2. Energy Efficiency

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), home cooling accounts for almost 15 percent of residential energy consumption, while space heating and heat pumps account for about 15.9 percent. Warm and cool air easily escape through unsealed and uninsulated garage doors, meaning your heating and cooling system has to continuously operate to keep your garage up to a constant temperature.

For maximum home energy efficiency, the Department of Energy recommends insulating everything from the roof to the foundation, including garages and the walls connected to them. Depending on which part of the country you live in, you could see significant energy savings and a reduction in your heating bills.

3. Durability

Because garage doors are designed with extra layers of aluminum, wood or steel protection, they are much stronger and more durable than uninsulated garage doors. They are less likely to dent, rust or warp. When it comes to insulated versus non-insulated garage doors, this durability means the difference between more frequent repairs or replacements. Insulated doors typically require less maintenance due to their reinforced nature.

4. Safety

Unfortunately, home burglary is an all too common occurrence. According to the FBI, a burglary occurs every 22.6 seconds in the United States. Unsecured garage doors may be an open invitation to thieves. The stronger your garage door is, the less likely a burglar will be able to breach it in the event of a break-in. In addition to a heavy-duty insulated garage door, other ways you can deter property crime are:

Installing a home security system: Sometimes, just the sight of a home security system will deter a thief. Choose a system that will alert you of any disturbances while you are away.
Keeping your garage doors locked: You should secure your door any time you are not in your garage, including when you leave the house, at night and even during the day.
Reinforcing garage door windows: Thick, double pane windows are not only the better choice for insulation, but they are safer, too. When choosing your garage door, try to select one with windows that are placed higher on the door, to limit visibility from the outside while still letting in plenty of natural light.

5. Comfort

The purpose of an insulated garage door is to help regulate the amount of cold and hot air escaping to and from your garage. A more stable, constant temperature makes for a more comfortable environment. It helps with heat retention in the winter and keeps your garage cooler in the summer. If you or your family spends a lot of time working in the garage — or if you do not want to worry about getting into a freezing cold car on winter mornings — an insulated garage door is a smart investment. A stable garage temperature is also crucial if you are storing any food products in your garage.

6. Sustainability

Insulated garage doors lead to less energy waste in your home. Less wasted energy is better for the environment in the following ways:

When you use less energy, power plants produce less. When power plants produce energy, they often do so by burning fossil fuels, which releases excess greenhouse gasses into the air.
As more and more people lower their energy consumption, there is a smaller demand for fossil fuels. Since fossil fuels are a nonrenewable resource, the more we save, the better off we will be.
Less used energy means less disturbed ecosystems for plants and animals, and it lessens the chances for oil spills and land clearing.

Cons of Garage Door Insulation

Although insulated garage doors are an excellent choice for your home, there are a few factors to consider before making your decision, including:

Upfront Cost

The cost of an insulated garage door is usually higher than the cost of an uninsulated one. For some homeowners, this may be a significant factor in your decision to invest in an insulated garage door. As you evaluate this financial investment, keep in mind the amount of money you can save in the long-term. What you may spend more initially will likely be returned to you — and then some — in energy savings.

Environmental Factors

In some cases, an insulated garage door may not be as necessary as others. For example, if you live in a warm environment that rarely experiences cold temperatures, you may find it less of a worthy investment. If this is the case, be sure to consider other ways an insulated garage door may be beneficial to you before making the final decision. You may not have to worry about cold weather, but you should still consider an insulated door for a few additional reasons:

Insulation is just as important when it’s warm: If you use air conditioning or central air to cool your home, you want to keep the cold air from escaping outside. Insulated garage doors will help regulate your garage temperature, and possibly the temperature of your house if you have an attached garage.
Added safety never hurts: Keeping your belongings safe and secure is a common concern no matter where you live. Insulated garage doors will help protect your valuables and your home from possible theft or severe weather.
You live in a noisy neighborhood: If noisy neighbors or heavy traffic are an issue where you live, don’t be too quick to decide against insulated garage doors.

Types of Garage Door Insulation Materials

There are different types of insulated garage doors, depending on the material used. The two most common types of garage door insulation materials are polystyrene and polyurethane:

Polystyrene: Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from Styrofoam. Polystyrene is waterproof and an affordable garage door insulation material. It is easily modified and customized to fit any garage or size or construction.
Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a more complex synthetic polymer, and is often more expensive than polystyrene. However, that added cost comes with additional benefits. The biggest difference between polystyrene and polyurethane garage doors is thickness. Polyurethane insulation is much denser, which means it is more structurally sound and effective at reducing noise.

Door Materials and Insulation

Some garage door materials are more naturally insulating than others. However, with additional layers and insulation, any garage door can be crafted to meet your needs and wants. Some common garage door materials are:

Wooden garage doors: Are wood doors insulated? Many homeowners want a wooden garage door because they offer timeless style and curb appeal. Don’t worry about sacrificing insulation for design, though. Today, high-quality wooden insulated garage doors — including Clopay® insulated garage doors — are constructed with multiple layers of wood and insulation, making them an excellent choice for your home.
Steel garage doors: Steel doors are a sleek style choice, and a practical decision for a homeowner interested in a low-maintenance, high-quality door. Steel garage doors are often constructed in multiple layers, which make them natural insulators. When you add an extra layer of insulation, you get a garage door that truly delivers.

Some garage doors, including Canyon Ridge® Collection carriage style doors, are constructed out of both steel and a wood composite. Steel and wood doors offer the best of both worlds: the beautiful, wood-like finish you love and the durability and insulating power of steel frames and an Intellicore® interior.

Weatherstripping

Garage door insulation also includes weatherstripping on the bottom and sometimes around the sides of your door.

Weatherstripping is a long, often angled strip of rubber or vinyl. It helps keep out water from rain and snow and helps block unwanted airflow. Unlike insulated doors themselves, which are very long-lasting, weatherstripping ages over time and requires periodic maintenance and replacement.

What Is R-Value and Why Does It Matter?

R-value is a measurement used to determine the thermal resistance level of insulation. The higher the listed R-value of a garage door or insulation, the more effective it is at insulation.

For example, insulated Modern Steel™ Contemporary Garage Doors have an R-value ranging between 4.4 and 18.4, depending on the chosen thickness. The R-value of an uninsulated garage door, on the other hand, would be much lower.

Always consider an insulated garage door’s R-value before choosing the right one for your house. Your ideal R-value depends on a few factors, including the climate where you live and the type of heating and cooling system you use. You can calculate which R-value is ideal for your home and use this information to make an informed garage door purchase.

So…How Effective Is Garage Door Insulation?

Do you need garage door insulation? Garage door insulation can be very effective. However, the exact level of effectiveness depends on a few factors, including:

The climate you live in: Insulation is more effective in some environments than others. For example, frigid cold temperatures or tropical heat will require a more thorough and intensive insulation process.
The type of insulation: Both polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam insulation work well, but polyurethane is typically denser and more efficient at reducing sound pollution and maintaining a constant indoor temperature. Some door materials, like steel, are naturally more insulated than others.
The rest of your garage: If your garage door is insulated, but the rest of your garage is riddled with gaps, or other structural issues, you will not see a significant change. To get the most out of your insulated garage door, make sure all other parts of your garage are insulated as well, including your roof, floor, walls, windows and any attached living spaces. If you have a finished room above your garage — whether it is for storage or you use it as an additional living space — it is necessary that you insulate this room the same way you do the walls and ceilings in your house.

Visit A Better Door Company Online to Request Your Estimate

A Better Door Company specializes in garage door installation, maintenance and repair. No matter what type of garage door or garage door opener you are looking for, we have what you need.

Shop A Better Door Company’s selection of high-quality insulated garage doors today.

Wood vs. Steel Garage Doors: Which Is Best?

Wood vs. Steel Garage Doors

Are you getting a new garage door? Whether you’re remodeling your home or busy with a new build, the material of a garage door is essential to its function. Wood and metal are robust options, but knowing how they perform as garage doors can give you a better idea about which is best for you.

Explore wood garage doors versus metal, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Which Is Right for Your Home?

There is no right or wrong answer between wood and metal garage doors. Classic wood and durable metal are often popular choices when selecting a new door. Metal garage doors include materials like aluminum, composite and steel.

Most homeowners prefer steel when looking for metal garage doors, as it’s robust, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant. The right garage door material for you depends on your comfort with long-term maintenance, your home’s aesthetics and your budget.

A Quick Comparison Between Wood Garage Doors vs. Steel

Both wood and steel garage doors are attractive, durable options. However, both have features and qualities that can benefit you or add to your maintenance checklist. By knowing what characteristics set each of these materials apart, you’re well on your way to determining which material is right for you.

Wood

Wood garage doors are:

Highly customizable
Naturally beautiful
Moderate to high maintenance
A natural insulator

Steel

Compare that to steel garage doors, which are:

Susceptible to dents
Low maintenance
Strong and durable
Budget-friendly

Aesthetics and Curb Appeal

The look of your garage door is important because it impacts your home’s curb appeal. It also matters if you’re trying to achieve a certain aesthetic, whether minimalistic, contemporary or classic traditional.

Timeless Elegance of Wood

Wood garage doors are manufactured using real wood slabs, giving them a high-end, classic look. They fit almost any home style but work best with craftsman-style, traditional and rustic architecture. The unique grain patterns and deep, varying natural shades provide unmatched elegance and curb appeal.

Versatile and Modern Appeal of Steel

Steel garage doors offer a clean, modern look to any architecture. They’re also available in various colors and finishes, making them versatile for different tastes and designs. These garage doors also come in faux-wood options, offering the look of wood without needing maintenance.

Cost of Wood Garage Doors vs. Steel

The price comparison of wood and steel garage doors typically depends on the quality of the door. Here are the factors that influence costs:

Price of wood garage doors: Authentic wood garage doors are generally more expensive due to the material used and craftsmanship during manufacturing. Some wood species are also more costly than others.
Cost of steel garage doors: Steel garage doors are generally more budget-friendly, but the price can be higher if the door has three layers instead of one or two. The door’s insulation is also a factor in the total cost.

durable garage doors

Durability and Maintenance Needs

Maintenance is one of the most important factors when deciding between a wood or steel garage door. All garage doors need to be cared for, but some require more upkeep than others. Remember that some maintenance is more costly, so it helps to factor in how much maintenance you’re prepared to handle after purchase.

How Wood Doors Handle the Elements

Wood is naturally strong and dense, able to withstand heavy winds and accidental bumps. The primary concern about this material is its vulnerability to moisture, warping and rotting if it’s not properly maintained. Cracks and swells can easily develop during or after winter, impacting the door’s performance. Wood garage doors need regular painting and staining with high-quality materials to keep them protected.

The Strength and Upkeep of Galvanized Steel Doors

Hot-dip galvanized steel, which is steel with a protective zinc layer, is durable against cracking, warping and the weather. Thanks to the galvanization, it’s low-maintenance and resistant to rust. You can add a high-quality primer and topcoat for added protection, but painted surfaces may require occasional touch-ups or repainting. Steel garage doors can also be vulnerable to dents, making two or three-layered doors a better investment.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

An energy-efficient garage door can help lower your energy bills and create a more comfortable indoor environment for you and your family. Knowing how insulation works for each material can help you make the right investment decision.

Wood as a Natural Insulator

Wood is naturally heavy, thick and dense, making it an excellent insulator. Wood garage doors effectively protect your car and other belongings stored in your garage from extreme temperature fluctuations, including hot and cold weather. When properly installed with no gaps, wood garage doors reduce the amount of air seeping in, offering great climate control in any weather.

Advanced Insulation in Steel Doors

Modern steel garage doors offer excellent insulation options. Many have energy-efficient insulation, such as polyurethane or polystyrene foam cores, like Clopay® Intellicore® technology. This foam core behaves like a barrier to help prevent hot and cold air from escaping through the door, keeping conditioned air inside and allowing your air conditioner (AC) and heater to work more efficiently.

Which Garage Door Is Right for You?

Both wood and steel garage doors have their own benefits and drawbacks, and your unique needs will determine which door is right for you. Ultimately, you should evaluate how much you’re willing to invest and the time and money you’re ready to provide for the door’s upkeep. Assess the following when making your decision:

When to consider wood: Wood is your top choice if you want to prioritize curb appeal and a natural, premium look. You should also be prepared for a higher upfront cost and ongoing maintenance. Homeowners who choose wood admire it for its style and unmatched elegance and don’t mind giving it the occasional touch-ups to keep it looking and performing beautifully.
When to consider steel: Steel garage doors are budget-friendly and offer reliable durability. They’re a great option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance door and want top-tier energy efficiency. A wood-look steel door also provides an ideal option if you’d like an aesthetic similar to wood but without the upkeep.

Find the Right Garage Door for You on Long Island

With so many beautiful garage doors on the market, choosing the one that’s right for you can be exciting. At A Better Door Co., Inc, we’ve been helping homeowners in Suffolk and Nassau counties upgrade their homes with high-quality garage doors for over 30 years. Whether you’re looking for something classic and understated or bold and elegant, we have the options you need.

Our professional, friendly team provides expert guidance and will help you explore Clopay’s Classic™ Wood and Classic™ Steel collections. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, contact us today to request an estimate on a new garage door.

garage doors long island