Garage Door Installation

As a homeowner you understand how important it is to maintain your home in good shape. You also probably try to save money on energy costs by reducing consumption or even installing solar panels. One place that is often overlooked is the garage. This can be one of the least energy efficient spaces.

Why the Garage?

Obviously it is important to take any steps possible to become as “green” as possible, but here are some things you may not have thought about.

You spend more time in the garage than you think. Besides entering and exiting the car, you also take time to load it with items like your brief case, children’s gear, sports equipment. You also take time to unload groceries and other purchases. This will add up to a significant amount of time over a month or a year.
If you have taken up DIY, you probably have a work bench. That could mean hours of your leisure time spent in the garage.
Your vehicle is subject to the same temperature as the garage. In the winter, you want it to be warm and to start quickly. In the summer, it is nice to start off relatively cool before needing to turn on the air conditioner.
Other equipment is stored there like a mower, power tools, bikes, and agrichemicals. To keep these safe, it is good to have a relatively climate controlled environment.

Weatherproofing

You regularly check the seals around your doors and windows to keep out the elements and drafts. How often do you do the same for your garage? Probably not very often, if at all.

It would be a good idea to periodically check the temperature on very hot or very cold days. During inclement weather, do you see some moisture coming in? When the wind comes from the right direction, you may want to feel around for drafts and seepage.

A properly weatherproofed garage door can help reduce your utility bills. It acts as an additional insulator to the door to your home. If your garage has HVAC vents in it, you can be wasting valuable heating and cooling.

Insulation

With proper insulation, your garage can become weatherproofed. The best place to start is with the garage door. There are some home installation kits that are available at a reasonable price. However, if you don’t have the right tools or are not particularly handy, it may be a better idea to hire a professional. Check with your garage installation company.

There are several choices for insulation including foam, fiberglass, and cellulose. The higher the R-rating or R-value, the better the door will be insulated against the elements.

Another alternative is to consider an entirely new door. If your garage door is starting to show wear, it may be time to upgrade to a more efficient model.

For more information or advice, contact any local company in Ottawa. We recommend Amigo Doors, as they have several experts available to help you decide the best options for your home.