skip to main content

Money Saving Tips

Will I save money by changing the door to the garage to steel?

16 years ago

Right now, we have an interior 6 panel pine door leading from the kitchen into the garage. When it's blazing hot in the garage, the door feels warm.

I hate to think how much $ we're losing through that door.

Would it do any good to change it to an insulated steel door?

And can I buy the same size door and just hang it on the same hinges? Or do I have to buy a pre-hung door?

Thanks,

Mason

Comments (6)

bud_wi
16 years ago
I believe that the wood doors insulate BETTER than steel. I guess it may depend on the brand of steel door. Everyone I know who switched to steel for appearance sake or to save on maintenance, ended up bemoaning the change because their garage got so hot afterwards in the summer.

I would try asking your question the the Garage Forum here at GW.
mdjones
Original Author
16 years ago
I'm actually talking about the door between the garage and the interior of the house. But thanks.
Related Discussions
Steel Garage Door Brands
Q
Comments (11)
Stick with something you can get service on by more than one dealer. Clopay or Amarr are just two that parts and service are available from "any" door dealer. Overhead Door Co. is good but It is a McDonalds hamberger. You are really stuck with them for the rest of the life of the door. So if it was not a great experience, your stuck. You have a door installed, you decide your not really happy with the company, or the person that did the work, so you call someone else that also carries that door product for Non-warranty service couple of years later. With Overhead door co., you may not be able to do this. Your kind of "locked into them". Wayne Dalton is good but stay away from their, "Spring in a pipe" Lowes sells them too. They never work correctly. I get calls to service them often. I won't touch them anymore. You will have to contact them, (Wayne Dalton). Even they don't like them. They also came up with the "I Drive" door operator. That one was and Is still a big bomb also. Do your self a favor, stick with popular door names, with door openers also, otherwise no one will want to service them later... Dan
...See More
Wood vs Steel Garage Doors
Q
Comments (5)
Your best bet would be to call a garage door company who is willing to provide you with many options and variety. You are the customer and if they want your business, they won't mind spending time with you to help you with your purchase. Also I would recommend a company that uses more than one supplier.There are so many options out there today from custom reserve wood doors to carraige house barn door and a variety of wood and steel combination doors. If you are in the philadelphia area, I would highly recommend Arrow Door. They will spend the time to help educate you and assist you with your purchase. I have used them personally and highly recommend there services.
...See More
steel garage door questions
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks for the reply. We currently have a 1/3 hp liftmasters with our wood rollup door. They've worked great over the years and are very easy for me to maintain(I've replaced the nylon gear in one of them). That's why I asked about the weight and whether I need to upgrade or not. I'd prefer not to - to save some money and because I'm somewhat familiar with the innards, lol. Thanks again for the reply!
...See More
Saving Money: Why I love craigslist and buying local.
Q
Comments (6)
I am with you on all of the reuse and buying out of the box so to speak. I have gotten some amazing finds where other people would refuse to look. I have gone to auctions and builder's clearance centers and flea markets.... You name it. I love the idea of finding something for a lot less than you would have thought possible. I also like to find unusual uses for things that end up being cheap or free. Examples * a tub at auction $25 * a double basin ceramic vanity top (new) $5 * shipping crates from a local factory (free) - used the dividers for building cabinets in kitchen - used the dividers for underlayment for hardwood floor in the bathroom. (seems crazy, but it only cost me $50 at auction - used the 16 ft boards from bottoms on ceiling for rustic barn look - used 4 shipping crates to build garden shed * bought a refurbed ceiling fan with 3 yr warranty for $24 at builder's clearance center As you can see there are a million ways of doing things differently and saving money. By the way, your kitchen is gorgeous! I love it. And I agree on the whole white appliances being universal and timeless. I think they are easier to keep clean compared to stainless. It was nice to hear from someone who likes to think outside the "box" when remodeling, too.
...See More
quiltglo
16 years ago
Steel won't help. It will be hotter than the wood and cold in the winter. Try a fiberglass door with really good insulation. They are pricey, but nice.

If you change your door, you might want to check and see what the codes are in your area. No point in buying a different door which won't meet the fire code.

Gloria
joyfulguy
16 years ago
How well ventilated is your garage?

Maybe it would help if you could cool that area down.

ole joyful
bud_wi
16 years ago
Sorry, I obviously misread your question. I still believe that a wood door will insulate better than steel. I have seen doors from the house to garage, with a weather door added, just as if it was an outside door. Having two doors add insulation and is a common thing to do here in the North to save on heat loss to the garage. It is a hassle to have to open two doors to get in but you get used to it.
clg7067
16 years ago
Does a 6 panel door actually meet code? Those panels sure aren't 1 3/8 inch thick.

"The entry into the house from the garage must have a 20-minute-rated fire doorÂa minimum 1 3/8-inch thick solid wood or steel door. The UBC additionally requires the door to be self-closing and self-latching. "

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Save Money on Home Staging and Still Sell Faster

By Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist

Spend only where it matters on home staging to keep money in your pocket and buyers lined up

Replace Your Windows and Save Money — a How-to Guide

Reduce drafts to lower heating bills by swapping out old panes for new, in this DIY project for handy homeowners

KITCHEN CABINETS 9 Ways to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets

Hold on to more dough without sacrificing style with these cost-saving tips

DECORATING GUIDES Look-Alikes That Save Money Without Skimping on Style

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

Whether in woodwork, flooring, wall treatments or tile, you can get a luxe effect while spending less

BUDGET DECORATING 14 Ways to Make More Money at a Yard Sale — and Have Fun Too

By Laura Gaskill

Maximize profits and have a ball selling your old stuff, with these tips to help you plan, advertise and style your yard sale effectively

LIFE The Top 5 Ways to Save Water at Home

Get on the fast track to preserving a valuable resource and saving money too with these smart, effective strategies

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Upgrade Your Windows for Beauty, Comfort and Big Energy Savings

By Mitchell Parker

Bid drafts or stuffiness farewell and say hello to lower utility bills with new, energy-efficient windows

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

A designer shares key areas where you can economize — and still get the kitchen of your dreams

TRANSITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Change of Heart Prompts Change of House

By Mary Jo Bowling

They were set for a New England look, but a weekend in the California wine country changed everything

REMODELING GUIDES Where to Splurge, Where to Save in Your Remodel

By Laura Gaskill

Learn how to balance your budget and set priorities to get the home features you want with the least compromise

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Moss: Ferrous Sulfide fertilizer - can I use on asphalt shingle roof?

0