The more we read reports about ice shelves breaking off and record highs in cold places, the more we realize we need to be conscientious about our energy usage. Homeowners who are looking for ways to save energy (and thus cut costs) can do so in a number of ways, including getting new light bulbs, replacing outdated equipment, and more.
But one of the best places to make a change is probably one of the last things anyone would notice- your garage door. The garage door is the absolute biggest moving part of a home and plays a huge role in the structural integrity and temperature regulation of any home.
One important step to ensure sustainability is to but longer-lasting doors with longer life cycles. Investing just a hundred extra dollars can save big time in the end- sturdier doors can last for decades. Longer-lasing products in general cut down on the negative impact of building and manufacturing.
Another thing to look for is what's called galvanized torsion springs. These hardy springs last fifty percent longer than the old standard springs that are tempered with oil. They also have quieter operation and resist fading and rusting, and generally require less high powered electric garage door openers.
As attractive as they are, wood doors are not actually that 'green', though they may seem more 'natural'. They are high maintenance and usually need to be replaced more frequently. Steel and composite doors, on the other hand, lend themselves to the green home. They're low maintenance and they don't fade, warp, rot, crack, or get termites.
Look later on in the week for more tips of how to pick a garage door that is more sustainable!