As a homeowner, you want your home to be efficient and comfortable. You might have tried many energy-saving tricks to reduce heating and cooling bills and regulate your temperatures. You have sealed cracks, changed your curtains and covered your fireplace to reduce the heat and cold. You’ve even changed your wall color. Despite these efforts, your energy consumption and bills continue increasing, and your home is still freezing or sweltering.
Your garage door might be the culprit, costing you money, time, effort and comfort.
What Are R-Values?
R-values measure insulation quality. Some materials offer high insulation and can prevent heat loss, while others are less insulated, losing warmth faster. For example, a non-insulated steel garage conducts hot air. It absorbs and removes the room’s heat.
A non-insulated garage door can also transfer in outdoor temperatures. An insulated steel garage door does not conduct heat, providing warmer indoor temperatures. The same principle applies to cold air.
R-values range from zero to 20.4, representing your garage door’s insulation capabilities. A higher R-value means your door is more insulated, letting out little to no heat. A lower R-value means your garage door is less insulated and loses heat faster.
Why Should You Insulate Your Garage Door?
Insulating your garage door can regulate your indoor temperature and help save money on energy bills. It can also provide a comfortable and enjoyable living environment. Here are some benefits of an insulated garage door.
Save Money
Increasing your temperature settings to total capacity can hike up your utility bills. With garage door insulation, you can keep your temperatures and maintain your cozy or cool indoor climate, spending less on energy bills.
Prevent Corrosion
Rain, snow, humidity, extreme heat and cold can cause rot, rust, warping and other corrosion. Insulation helps your door absorb less moisture and heat, preventing wear and deterioration.
Improve Your Energy Efficiency
You can set your heat or air conditioning to lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption. If making your home more sustainable is your priority, insulating your garage door can reduce energy usage and be environmentally friendly.
Enhance Your Curb Appeal
A cracked, chipped or discolored garage door can impact your exterior appeal. Insulated garage doors can withstand wear, helping maintain your door finishes and design.
Increase Your Property Value
An insulated garage door is an attractive selling point. Potential buyers can spend less on energy bills and door maintenance, saving more money long-term and increasing their return on investment.
More Space for Recreation and Storage
A well-insulated garage has so much potential. You can use it for extra storage and entertainment, or extend your living area with a home gym or office. Insulating your garage door can help you maximize your space throughout the year.
Limit Noise
Manufacturers fill your door with multiple insulation layers, compacting your internal structure. With restricted space, other internal components move around less, producing limited rattling when opening and closing your garage door.
Enjoy a Comfortable Living Space
Poor insulation can affect your living space. Hot days feel uncomfortable, especially when increasing your air conditioning temperatures does little to relieve the heat and humidity. Insulating your garage door prevents cold air from escaping, providing a cooler and comfortable internal environment.
Extend Your Garage Door Life Span
Installing insulation can make your garage door more rigid. You can prevent bumps, dents, cracks and holes and retain your doors in excellent condition for many years.
How to Select a Garage Door R-Value
Selecting a suitable R-value can require thought and research. The right insulation level can be a worthwhile and valuable investment. Your garage door R-value can depend on factors like climate, door usage, existing insulation, budget, home design and materials.
Climate
The climate is a significant consideration when selecting an R-value. You want your home to be comfortable year-round. For Michigan’s cold, damp winters and hot summers, higher R-levels can provide optimal insulation suitable for extreme temperatures. At the same time, lower values offer moderate insulation, ideal for mild weather. Understanding this variable can help you decide on a suitable R-value level.
Budget
Higher insulation levels are generally more expensive than moderate ratings. Manufacturers can use more insulation layers, increasing the R-value and price. The insulation material can also decide the cost. Foams like Fiberglas and polyurethane may cost more than polystyrene.
Design
Your home design can impact your choice. Is your garage attached or detached? Do you have a room above your garage door? All these factors can affect your home’s temperature.
Air escapes every time you open and close your garage door. Cold and hot air can seep into the rest of your home, affecting your living space and energy usage. You might want a higher R-value, like R-13 and up. A detached garage can require a lower rating, like an R-value of six or less.
Door Usage
If your garage is your home’s primary entry, you probably use it more often. Look for a higher R-value garage door to increase energy efficiency.
Internal Conditions
Heating and cooling systems can help regulate your indoor temperature. If your home has climate control, consider a moderate R-value level. Ratings between six and nine can offer suitable insulation for cold and hot weather.
Wall and Ceiling Insulation
Your R-value can depend on your existing insulation. Garage door insulation can be more effective when paired with wall and ceiling insulation. Insulating your garage door might block external temperature in a designated area. However, uninsulated walls and ceilings can transfer external temperatures, minimizing your garage door’s insulation.
Rely on Quality Door Company for Expert Garage Door Insulation
If you’re wondering how to keep your garage heated or what’s the best garage insulation for winter, we’re here to help. Quality Door Company understands the importance of saving money on energy bills and enhancing your living space. That’s why we offer solutions tailored to your needs and goals. Our skilled technicians are experts in their craft and provide knowledgeable insulation advice and services.
Find excellent garage insulation services near you or request an estimate today to get started.
