Go Green with Your Garage Door
– By #South Dakota Overhead Doors
In the spirit of Earth Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our environmental footprint and consider ways to make our homes eco-friendlier. Most people may overlook their garage doors as an important factor in promoting eco-friendly practices. Yet by following sustainable measures such as insulating your doors, implementing regular maintenance checkups, and investing in energy-efficient materials, you not only lower your carbon footprint but also save on utility bills. Explore with us today to learn more about some of the top eco-friendly practices that will help our planet and your wallet in the long run!
Insulation: The Energy Saver
One of the most important factors in promoting energy efficiency and eco-efficiency is ensuring that your garage is properly insulated. Insulated garage doors help regulate temperature, reducing the need for excess heating or cooling. Living in an area where the seasons and outdoor temperatures can frequently fluctuate, insulating your garage is a valuable and wise investment. Look for garage doors with polyurethane insulation and an R-value of 12 or higher for optimal energy conservation.
LED Lighting: Bright Ideas for Efficiency
Lighting your garage with LED bulbs is another eco-conscious choice. LED bulbs utilize most of their energy solely to create light, rather than creating light and heat like traditional incandescent bulbs. When paired with motion sensors or timers, they provide light only when needed, further conserving electricity. South Dakota Overhead Doors is your go-to dealer for LiftMaster products – click here for more information about compatible LED bulbs confirmed to work with Chamberlain manufactured garage door openers.
Sustainable Materials: Steel, Aluminum, and Wood
When it comes to choosing the material for your garage door, opt for environmentally friendly options like steel, aluminum, or sustainably sourced wood. Clopay Doors provides a list of pros and cons of different garage door materials and their overall energy efficiency. According to Clopay:
Steel
Pros – Steel doors are known for their durability, their relatively low maintenance, and their resistance against weather elements.
Cons – Non-insulated steel doors are not the best option. Insulated steel doors are more durable than most garage doors and can have R-values up to 18.4.
Wood
Pros – Wood doors provide that timeless and charming look. Their natural energy efficiency is attributed to the inherent insulating properties of wood.
Cons – Wood garage doors demand greater upkeep compared to other materials, necessitating periodic painting, or staining for weather protection. Additionally, they are
prone to warping, rot, and insect damage as they age.
Composite
Pros – Composite garage doors (also known as faux wood) are perfect for homeowners looking for that charming wood appearance without dealing with the tedious upkeep.
Cons – Composite doors are more expensive than steel doors and require occasional cleaning.
Aluminum & Glass
Pros – Aluminum and glass doors require minimal maintenance as they are resistant to rust and corrosion.
Cons – Aluminum and glass doors have lower insulation compared to steel because of the thinner glass.
Find your perfect, energy-efficient garage using Clopay's Guide to Choosing the Best Garage Door Material
Upcycling Old Doors: From Garage Doors to Front Doors
Instead of simply trashing your used garage doors, use them to your advantage and with a charming purpose. Give your old garage door new life as functional outdoor pieces and decorative outdoor furniture such as a rustic table, flower/window boxes, window shutters or a backyard garden bench. Transform your interiors utilizing your old garage doors’ rustic look with framed/floating shelves, a custom headboard, a sliding barn door, wall décor, and more. Get creative with paint, stains, and hardware to customize your upcycled creations with your own personalized touch while reducing your carbon footprint.
As we celebrate Earth Day, remember that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in protecting our planet. By adopting eco-friendly practices in our garages and homes, we not only diminish our carbon footprint and inspire others to follow suit but also save money by enhancing energy efficiency.
Last Modified:
