Tag: garage door installation

Garage Services

The Benefits of Garage Doors

Timothy Gaines

Garage Doors are available in a variety of materials, finishes and customizable elements. Prices vary based on size, design and insulation level.

Insulated garage doors increase energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs. They also add value to your home and can help it sell faster when you’re ready to move. Contact JCTZ Garage Doors now!

During the winter, a well-insulated garage door helps prevent heat from escaping your home and cold air from entering. Similarly, in the summer, an insulated garage door can help keep your home cool and energy-efficient. The insulation value of your garage door is measured by its R-value, a measurement that indicates how well the material resists heat transference. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance.

In general, the R-value of a garage door is related to the thickness of the insulation material. The R-value of a garage door can range from 0 to 20, with the higher numbers signifying that the product offers improved insulation properties.

To find out which garage door is right for your home, consider the climate zone in which you live. A good rule of thumb is to choose a garage door with an R-value between R-6 and R-12, depending on your climate zone. For instance, if you live in a hotter climate zone, opt for a high-R-value insulated door to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

The type of insulating material used is another important factor to consider. Some insulated garage doors are built with polystyrene sandwiched between two steel layers. Others are insulated with foamed polyurethane, which is liquid foam injected into the space between the steel skins and then hardened. Polyurethane offers a better R-value than polystyrene, along with superior durability and resistance to damage.

A qualified professional can help you understand the insulation value of your garage door and choose a model that best meets your needs. They can also ensure that the insulation is properly installed to achieve the best possible results.

You can also purchase a garage door insulation kit, available at most home improvement centers, to add more R-value to your existing garage door. The kit consists of vinyl-faced fiberglass batting that’s taped to the inside surface of your garage door, and a polyurethane spray that is injected between the layers of the garage door, expanding as it hardens to fill the entire space. It offers an R-value between R-8 and R-16, which is a decent upgrade from your old garage door.

Energy Efficiency

Home energy efficiency is high on the homeowner agenda, and a garage door can play an important role. A newer insulated garage door will reduce outside air penetration, helping to keep the interior of the home warm in winter and cool in summer. It also helps to cut down on utility bills.

While there are many options on the market, a sectional garage door offers excellent energy efficiency and durability. Its thick insulation prevents heat loss, which can significantly lower heating and cooling costs, while also reducing exterior noise. The durable materials that these doors are made of make them resistant to dents and corrosion, which can help ensure longevity and reduce maintenance requirements.

The insulated construction of garage doors makes them a key factor in lowering energy costs, especially for homeowners with attached homes. This is because outside temperatures can penetrate into the garage, and from there, into living spaces above or adjacent to it. A new insulated garage door can dramatically reduce this energy leakage and infiltration, leading to lower heating and cooling costs for the entire household.

Insulated garage doors can offer a wide range of R-values, from zero to 20, with higher numbers indicating greater energy efficiency. The best option, however, is a triple-layer door with polyurethane insulation. This material is injected between the steel layers, which allows it to expand and fill every gap for a tight thermal barrier. This can significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Another important consideration is the U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through a garage door. A low U-factor is indicative of a more efficient door, while a high one indicates that more heat is passing through the garage door than necessary.

The best garage doors will not only be highly insulated, but they will also have effective air sealing and be installed correctly to achieve maximum energy savings. A qualified technician will be able to advise you on the right insulation and installation options for your garage door. They will also check that your door is not leaking and that its components are adjusted properly to reduce energy loss.

Durability

A well-maintained garage door is not only attractive and functional, but also durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The lifespan of a garage door will depend on its materials, climate and maintenance preference. For example, a steel door may be more resistant to corrosion and damage than aluminum or fiberglass. Similarly, an insulated wood door will help regulate temperature and reduce energy costs. If you live near the ocean, it is important to consider a garage door material that resists saltwater corrosion.

A garage door that is not properly maintained will have a shorter life span and be more likely to experience problems. In addition to routine maintenance such as lubrication, a thorough inspection every six months is necessary. It is essential to check the hinges, rollers and springs for signs of rust or damage. It is also a good idea to test the balance of your garage door by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it at the bottom of its track. The door should stay in place when half open.

Traditionally, wooden garage doors have been the most popular choice. Their natural appearance provides warmth and charm and is easy to customize with endless overlay designs. However, they require regular staining or painting to protect them from the elements and prevent rot or insect infestation. Wood garage doors are also more expensive than other types of doors and can be costly to maintain over the long term.

Fiberglass and aluminum are durable options that require minimal maintenance. They are lightweight and rust-resistant, making them perfect for coastal areas. They also offer a wide range of color choices and are available with windows to allow natural light into the garage. However, they do not provide as much insulation as steel or wood garage doors.

Steel garage doors are available in many different design options and come with a wide variety of warranties starting at 10 years, some with limited lifetime coverage. They are extremely durable and have an insulating value that is comparable to fiberglass. They are available in single- or double-layer models and can be painted in any color you like. They are also highly resistant to corrosion and dents.

Security

Despite being a popular entry point into homes, many garage doors are not properly secured. This allows burglars easy access to vehicles, tools, and valuables that may be stored in the garage. In addition, burglars can then use the garage as a workshop to break into other areas of the home. Fortunately, homeowners can take several steps to protect their garage and its contents.

The first step in protecting your garage is to reinforce the physical locks on the door between the garage and the house. A high-quality deadbolt will make it much more difficult for intruders to gain entry. Make it a habit to keep the door locked at all times, even when you’re home. In addition, if your garage has a service door that leads to another part of the home or business, you should treat this door with the same level of security as you would the main garage door.

Another simple step that can increase garage security is to replace older openers with newer models that utilize rolling code technology. Older openers can be hacked or cloned, making it easier for intruders to open and enter the garage. Newer systems also use different codes each time they operate, making it nearly impossible to duplicate a garage door code.

Regular maintenance is another important component of effective garage security. Always inspect your garage system for signs of wear, damage, or faulty sensors. Regular lubrication will help the moving parts last longer and reduce the risk of them malfunctioning. Replace or repair any components that show significant signs of wear. It’s also a good idea to install backup power sources for any garage systems that rely on an electrical motor, so they will continue to function during power outages.

In addition to ensuring that your garage doors are equipped with modern security solutions, you should also consider installing security cameras and motion-activated lights around the property. These features will deter intruders and provide you with real-time footage of your property. Smart security solutions are also becoming more common and can be integrated into your home automation system for seamless control and monitoring.

Garage Doors

Choosing a Garage Door

Timothy Gaines

The overhead garage door is one of the first things homebuyers notice. It also plays a critical role in the home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency.

Garage doors can last a long time if properly maintained. Usage and local climate influence their life span. It’s important to choose the best material for your geographic region. Click Here to learn more.

For as long as there have been cars, people have wanted to keep them safe and secure. That’s why garages have been around for thousands of years. However, The earliest garages were not the ones we use today. Instead, they were structures that resembled gatehouses. These ancient buildings were used for many things, including storing Roman chariots. Since these chariots were large and heavy, they needed to be locked up securely. The steel gates that were installed in these gate houses were probably the ancestors of today’s garage doors.

During the early 1900s, when cars became more common and affordable, people started to want places of their own to keep them. At that time, most people could afford to buy only one car, so they would store it in a carriage house, which was similar to a shed and featured two barn-like doors that swung out like traditional doors. However, these doors posed several problems: they were difficult to open if they were blocked by snow or any other impediment, they opened and closed constantly, and they put a lot of wear and tear on the hinges and moving parts.

Then, in 1921, a man named C.G. Johnson came up with the idea to make a better, more convenient garage door. His design was a huge step forward: it consisted of panels that folded upward, making them easier to lift and allowing the garage door to be parallel to the ceiling when it was open. This was a much more secure way to store your car, and it made the garage more useful as well.

Overhead doors were soon available in homes throughout the country, and they quickly became a necessity for most car owners. By 1925, real estate agents were reporting that houses wouldn’t sell unless they had a garage attached to them. As a result, the Overhead Door Corporation was founded and sales began to skyrocket.

Since then, garage doors have come a long way. They’ve evolved from basic structures meant for practical purposes to high-tech components that are integral to the safety and security of most modern households. But while these advancements have been amazing, they’re only a small part of the story. Here are some of the other ways that garage doors have changed through the ages:

Materials

Steel garage doors are the most popular option for many homeowners due to their durability, security and variety of design options. The material is also cost-effective and offers a high level of insulation. It is available in a wide range of styles and finishes including wood-grain textures. In addition, steel is incredibly durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions. Its versatility allows for a range of design and color options to match the home’s exterior. Many models feature windows for added light and curb appeal. Steel garage doors are also a good choice for homes located in wind load zones as they may qualify for insurance discounts.

Aluminum doors are another popular option for their modern aesthetics and lightweight nature. They are easy to clean and maintain, requiring less maintenance than other materials. They can be painted or gel stained to match the home’s exterior. They are particularly favored in coastal regions for their corrosion resistance. However, they may not offer as much insulation as other options and can be vulnerable to dents.

Fiberglass garage doors offer a more natural look than steel or aluminum while retaining their strength and longevity. They can be designed with windows, letting in natural light while maintaining privacy. This type of door is also moisture-resistant and can withstand the effects of salty air. They are less prone to denting than steel and aluminum and require little maintenance.

Traditional, swing-out garage doors consist of hinges on both sides and can be crafted from a wide range of materials. They can also be made to look like old-fashioned carriage house doors. They are often fitted with a garage door opener to automate opening and closing.

Wood garage doors are a classic, environmentally friendly option that complements any style of home. They are a great choice for those who want to add a touch of warmth and beauty to their home. Depending on the type of wood, these doors can be a bit more expensive than other types of garage doors. However, they are a great investment as they will last for years to come and can increase the value of your home.

Design

Garage doors are available in a wide range of styles, materials and finishes to complement a home’s exterior. When choosing a new garage door, consider your budget, maintenance preferences and energy efficiency needs. Then, scout out styles and options with online visualization tools offered by most manufacturers.

The most common garage door design in the United States consists of panel sections that roll inside vertical tracks on each side of the opening. The panels are connected with hinges that allow the doors to swing open and closed. A pair of steel counterbalance springs above the opening provide lifting power. As the garage door is opened and closed, the springs wind and unwind to create stored energy. This energy helps the wheels on the track move the door into position.

If you prefer a more contemporary look, choose a sectional garage door with windows or a one-piece door. The windows can be plain or glazed and can allow natural light into the garage. One-piece doors can be made of wood or fiberglass and are more economical than a two-panel door.

Depending on your climate, you might want to consider a garage door with insulated or weatherized construction. These doors have a foam core or another material to increase insulating value, which can save on energy costs. In addition, they are better able to withstand rain and other weather elements.

A new steel garage door can be finished with a variety of colors and textures. Some have outer layers of heavy-gauge steel that are embossed to resemble wood grain or stucco and overlaid with moldings and cross-buck designs to mimic the look of carriage doors. Other models have a foam core for strength and insulating value and are rated to withstand high winds.

Fiberglass garage doors are a relatively new option that can closely mimic the texture and color of wood but are more lightweight, easy to maintain and resistant to salt corrosion. These doors are also available in a wide range of designs and can be painted or stained to match a home’s exterior.

Personalization

While a garage door might seem like an insignificant exterior component, it actually makes up a large portion of your home’s overall curb appeal. A drab, off-white garage door can mar the aesthetics of a beautiful house, while a sleek, custom-designed option can boost your property’s value. Incorporating a personalized touch to your home’s garage door is an affordable way to accentuate the style and character of your abode.

In addition to enhancing visual appeal, garage doors can be customized with advanced technology and functional features to fit your specific needs. For example, insulated options help maintain the temperature in your garage, while windows allow natural light to illuminate the space and offer a connection to the outdoors. Additional upgrades such as smart access systems and security features can further increase the level of convenience and safety at your home.

The first step in personalizing your garage door is selecting the right material to match your home’s design. There are many different options to choose from, including steel, aluminum, and wood. Each type of material has its own distinct advantages, such as durability, maintenance requirements, and insulation capability. After selecting the material, you can further refine your design with options such as window styles, panel layouts, and hardware customization.

Once you have selected the basic design of your garage door, it’s time to consider additional details that will help set it apart from generic models. The smallest touches can make the biggest difference in the final results, so it’s important to pay close attention to the finer points of your project. Decorative hinges and handles, for instance, can add a sense of charm and personality to your garage door, while frosted or tinted glass can provide a more subtle look.

Choosing the right color is also important, as it can help create a seamless connection between your garage door and the rest of your home’s exterior. There are numerous options available, from classic hues to bold shades that make a statement. You can also find textured finishes that provide added visual interest and complement your home’s unique style.