At Home Living: Garage Doors

Garage doors may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of saving money and enhancing your homes curb appeal at the same time. But think again.

Chris Schwerdt of Heartland Door and Window, of Topeka, said a garage door insulated with polyurethane will help save you some costs of heating your home in the colder months, particularly if you have an attached garage.

It (polyurethane) makes your garage door stronger because it bonds to the door, he said. Its just going to keep that space that much warmer and help with the efficiency of the home.

Schwerdt said not to forget to that installing weather stripping around the garage door is important as well in making sure your garage is energy efficient, keeping the warm air in and cold air out.

While some garage door manufacturers will provide insulation kits for uninsulated doors, Schwerdt said, he suggests that you dont install insulation yourself on your garage door unless youre confident you know how to do it. He said if the insulation isnt installed correctly, wear and tear on the door springs and balance problems can occur.

In addition to energy efficiency, Schwerdt said garage doors can play an important part in creating a certain look or enhancing the curb appeal of your home.

If you have a really nice garage door, he said, that draws people in. You can get a lot of pop with a nice door.

There are a variety of garage designs, including looks that simulate carriage and barn doors, as well as steel doors that can have designs stamped on them. Schwerdt said while you may want to consider spending a little extra on a nice garage door that faces the street, you can probably save some money on a standard-looking door that faces the alley. He said it all depends on your tastes as a homeowner.

Schwerdt said a well-made, attractive garage door can also help in the resale value of your home. According to Remodeling Magazines 2014 Cost vs. Value report, a garage door replacement will cost an average of $1,535 with a 61-percent rate of return on the investment in the West North Central region of the U.S. which includes Kansas.

While Schwerdt said Heartland Door and Window doesnt provide services to insulate the rest of the garage, he said he will suggest to homeowners that they install insulation to maximize their energy efficiency.

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At Home Living: Garage Doors