Many people use their garage to park cars or as an open space for tools. Others may decide to the large open space inside the garage for storage. If you choose to use your garage for storage, then you want a garage door that offers the most protection.
Garages often do not have the same climate control as the rest of the house. During warm months, a garage may have excess heat. In the colder months, cold air can easily get inside the garage. One of the biggest difference makers is the garage door. If you plan to use your garage for storage, learn what difference a good door can make.
Follow this guide to learn more about garage door features and what options to look for the next time you shop for garage doors.
Insulation & Weatherstripping
When you keep items in storage, you do not want outdoor temperatures to impact their condition. Items like artwork, clothing, and furniture can all change when exposed to extreme temperatures. A garage door with extra insulation will help regulate the temperature in the garage and reduce the amount of humidity.
Modern garage doors often feature a lot of insulation to help cut energy costs. As you select a garage door for your home, look at the specs for the door. You want to focus on the door's R-value. The R-value represents how much the door prevents heat from passing through. The higher the R number, the better the door is at insulation.
Investing in a door with a higher R-value can make a big difference in the condition of your storage items. However, you also want to inquire about the weatherstripping on the door. The weatherstripping attaches to the bottom of a garage door and prevents air leaks when the door shuts. Look for extra thick weather stripping and a system that locks the door tightly in place.
Windowless Garage Doors
Windows add nice curb appeal to a garage door, but you want to consider a windowless garage door if you plan to use the location for storage. Notice that storage units often use windowless doors. A windowless garage door will provide your storage with security protection.
People who go by your home cannot see the items you keep stored in there. You may have collectibles or expensive items that could entice criminals. The windowless door will protect the items on the inside and add an extra layer of security.
A windowless garage door also protects your items from sunlight exposure. UV light can change items you have. Artwork and colors on clothes could fade. When you keep items in storage, windowless doors will keep the items in the best condition possible.
Low-Profile Garage Doors
If you decide to use the garage as a storage space, you may want to stack items high, use shelves, and make the most out of an area. A garage door system could take up a lot of the available head space. You do not want to worry about lifting up the garage door and hitting boxes or items stacked high.
Consider a low-profile garage door installation. The door and tracks in a low-profile system open up as close to the ceiling as possible. The installation will maximize the space you have and allow you to fill the garage with as much stuff as possible. You do not want to get stuck with a door that cannot open or have to shuffle items around each time you go to open the door.
Once you decide the features you want, visit us at Edgemont Garage Doors to plan your new installation. Along with materials and features that offer protection for your storage items, our garage door options include a wide range of style options to match your home and aesthetic. Schedule an appointment today to go over all your options.
