If you’re looking to maximize the return on your investment for a new garage door installation, quality insulation is a must — even if you live in a warm climate like Rancho Cordova, California. Since energy costs are on the rise, lowering electricity bills are a primary concern. One of the easiest ways you can cut your AC costs is a well insulated garage. This not only helps you save money on air conditioning, but makes your home more valuable because it has a higher favorability on the resale market.
What Is R-Value Of An Insulated Door?
But it’s important to keep in mind that the quality of insulation can vary. It’s important to install a door that has an insulation of a high R-value — the measurement of how insulated your door is, the higher the better. You want a door that has an R value of at least 12 to 16. This is especially true if you want to make your garage a usable living area, such as a party room, gym or yoga studio.
Can You Purchase a New Insulated Wooden Garage Door?
All wood doors don’t tend to be insulated — since they are completely made of wood, there’s nowhere to put the insulation. You can however install a composite wooden door, which looks exactly like wood except that it’s lighter, considerably cheaper, and easier to maintain. A composite door has wood on the outside, but on the inside has metal and optional insulation. Plus, composite doors tend to last longer than wood, with less hassle. Composite doors offer the best of both worlds — the natural beauty of wood but the convenience and cost savings of more modern materials.