The Myths and Realities of Energy Efficient Garage Doors and Entry Doors – The Final Installment

Myth #4: My home is only 10 years old. I don't need to think about replacing my garage doors or entry door yet.

Reality: Just because a home is new doesn't mean that it was built using the most energy efficient doors and windows.

Building technology has changed over the last ten years. For example, a three-layer foamed in place polyurethane insulated garage door with a 17.2 R-value wasn't an option in 2001, like it is today.

Growing interest and awareness of energy efficiency and green building practices has changed the industry. Builders and manufacturers have responded by offering better products.

Homeowners should evaluate their annual utility bills, as well as the appearance, maintenance, and performance of the products installed on their home to determine whether or not an upgrade makes sense.

If you plan to live in your house long-term, replacing an entry door or garage door yields the best return-on-investment at resale, according to the findings of Remodeling magazine’s 2010-11 Cost vs. Value report.

It showed that midrange entry door and garage door replacement projects top the list of home improvements, netting the No. 1 and number 2 spots, respectively, in the national average.

Both projects rank high in their respective categories, for two main reasons: they are among the least expensive projects in the survey, and they improve curb appeal in a way that can affect a potential buyer's first impression and, consequently, a home’s resale value.

Clopay Gallery Collection polyurethane insulated garage door with a Medium Oak Ultra-Grain paint finish shown with a complementing Clopay stained fiberglass entry door. Both models feature Trenton decorative glass.

How Will I Know if I Should Replace My Door?

Its time to consider replacing your garage door or entry door if:

1. The door is poor quality.
2. The door un-insulated or is poorly insulated.
3. The door is warped, dented, sagging, rotting, or it doesn’t open and close smoothly.
4. The garage doors is more than 15 years old.
5. It detracts from the appearance of your home or dates it. This is especially important for a front-facing garage door or prominent entry way.
6. The door is broken and can’t be fixed economically.
7. The door doesn’t have a tight seal resulting in drafts and leaks.

Homeowners can claim up to a $500 tax credit for installing an ENERGY STAR® qualified entry door on their primary residence by December 31, 2011. The credit applies to the product only and does not include installation.

For more information about Clopay entry doors that qualify for the Energy Tax Credit, visit www.clopaydoor.com/publicfiles/43960%20CLO%20ENTDR%20Tax%20Flyer%20R1_1.pdf.

For more information about energy efficient, eco-friendly garage doors, visit www.clopaydoor.com/green.aspx.