Overhead doors offer a unique set of advantages for a home. Law enforcement and insurance companies alike recommend overhead garage doors for a number of reasons. As consumers continue to explore opportunities for energy savings and better security, overhead garage doors appear to be the most cost-effective way to address multiple problems for the average household. Here is why overhead doors could be your best option.
Why overhead garage doors are your best option
Garage door systems can be developed with the consumer’s budgetary and security needs in mind. The versatility and choice make it possible for homeowners to choose the garage door system that works specifically for their needs.
Storm damage and overhead applications
Recent changes in weather patterns in areas like the Miami-Dade region have brought on a slew of changes in local building ordinances. Some local codes have been revisited to handle winds up to 130 mph or greater. Garage doors are designed to withstand high levels of pressure. In certain environments where wind storms and inclement weather is prevalent, garage overhead doors become an asset that is vital to protecting a home. Some models are specifically engineered to tolerate high wind-loads in order to protect residential, commercial and other applications. Not only can garage doors protect the structure in the event of storm activity, they can also provide another layer of protection in preventing theft. Wind and water intrusion are cited by FEMA as leading causes to structural damage.
Security and overhead garage door systems
Garage door systems also provide a level of security for a home. Crime experts recommend that homeowners evaluate every access point of their home. Remember that 40 percent of non-forced entry incidents for residential crimes involve the garage door, reports the Tempe Police Department. Thieves know that the garage door is usually the least secure element for a structure. Some areas report that open garages elevate burglary risks for households. Industrial strength doors protect household belongings in fortifying the strength of the structure. Residential and commercial properties benefit from the security advantages offered by overhead garage doors. According to an article on asecurelife.com, burglars most often use the doors of a home to gain entry to a structure. A houselogic.com article states that a burglar only needs six seconds to break into a home through the garage door. Areas like Tucson and West City Valley report sharp increases in garage door burglaries.
Thermal resistance and overhead garage doors
Energy conscious consumers recognize the importance of installation and eco-friendly heating and cooling systems to identify potential savings for keeping home temperatures at optimal level. From insulating all entry points to installing overhead garage door systems, consumers are actively seeking out ways to improve energy efficiency across the board to contain heating costs. We talked with North Bay Overhead Doors Inc. about this topic who added, “Thermal break prevents heat from passing through a given section. Weatherseal reduces air penetration, impact of fluctuations in temperature and reduces water penetration. In examining the R-value, or thermal resistance, for a door, consumers can realize savings.” Garage doors with an R-8 value offer no energy efficiency for the household while R-32 ratings produce can produce 7 percent or more in savings.
Overhead garage doors are often selected for their security, energy efficiency and performance capabilities. Consumers tend to evaluate the costs that come with leaky doors and excessive leaks and look for energy efficient applications to offset those costs. Homeowners also rely on garage overhead doors for wind and storm mitigation purposes when they reside in certain risk-prone areas. Garage doors also reduce risk of burglary in addressing one of the most commonly cited weak entry points for a household. Overhead doors address many of these challenges in giving consumers peace of mind and producing savings for the typical household.
