The Most Sustainable Garage Doors

If you’re choosing a new garage door, then one of the factors you consider in your decision might be sustainability. Lots of people are trying to do their bit to make their daily habits a little more eco-friendly. Luckily, since garage doors can last decades before they need replacing, there’s already no a lot of waste involved. But choosing the right materials and supporting sustainable manufacturing practices are small changes that can contribute to a big difference.

Here are some of the most sustainable materials you can choose for your garage door…

Wood from responsible sources

Wood is a relatively sustainable material because it is produced naturally in the earth rather than manufactured, making it renewable. But it is not a limitless material, and the negative effects of deforestation have been documented around the world. If you opt for a wood garage door, do some research into the suppliers to ensure that they source the wood responsibly and follow environmental regulations. Responsible practices may include replanting trees after harvesting others for manufacturing.

Recycled materials

Recycling materials rather than wasting them is another sustainable practice. Garage doors can be made from recycled or reclaimed wood as a more environmentally-friendly option. Waste steel and aluminum can also be used to manufacture garage doors, making this a sustainable process that doesn’t involve cutting down trees.

Insulative materials

If your garage and garage door are properly insulated, this means you need to use less energy to keep your garage at a comfortable temperature. This is especially important if your garage is attached to your house. So, it’s important that you choose insulative materials for an eco-friendly garage. Wood is a better insulator than metal, making it a greener choice.

Aluminum is the worst insulator of the commonly used garage door materials because it is lightweight and thinner than steel. If you opt for a steel or aluminum garage door, then you should add insulation to your door to improve this property.

The pros and cons of windows

Will adding windows to your garage door make it more or less eco-friendly? The answer is complicated. They will let light in during the day, meaning you’re less likely to need lights switched on inside. But this depends on the size of the windows and how much light they let in. You may still need some lights on inside, mitigating their benefit. Make sure you opt for energy-efficient lightbulbs in your garage. The downside of windows as that they will let in more of the cold from outside (or the heat during summer), increasing your heating and cooling demands inside.

How sustainable and eco-friendly can you make your garage door? Contact Carolina Garage Door if you need any help choosing the right materials and style, or installing your garage door in Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, and High Point.