You turn off lights when they’re not in use. You review your energy reports from Progress Energy. You examine every room in your home, looking for ways to cut power costs and improve energy efficiency.
But have you thought about your garage door?
You may be overlooking one of the most important elements of your home. If your garage is not energy efficient, it can feel like an oven–or a freezer–depending upon the time of year. In fact, a poorly insulated garage can affect the temperature of your house.
To fully understand how to increase your energy efficiency, you have to take a closer look at something called your “garage door R-value.” We’ll go into greater detail about this important element and how this R-value impacts comfort and costs.
When it comes to garage doors, it’s vital to trust the pros like those at Overhead Door in Wilmington. Our extensive experience and dedication to flawless customer service have made us an industry leader. Locally owned and operated since 1986, we provide everything from quality installations to repairs and garage door openers. Want to know more? Just contact us and discover why we have so many loyal customers.
What Does a Garage Door R-Value Measure?
First, let’s take a quick look at what an R-value is and how it influences efficiency.
What Is an R-value?
Insulating material is vital to ensuring you have an energy-efficient home. The material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured by a term called its “thermal resistance.” R-value is another word for this.
You want a high R-value, because the higher the value, the more effective your insulation is. There are several factors that influence this, including:
- The type of insulation you use
- The thickness of the insulation
- How dense the insulation is
- Moisture accumulation
- Temperature
- Aging
R-value As It Relates to Garage Doors
When we talk about garage doors and thermal resistance, we’re referring to how effectively the door blocks heat from passing through. A higher R-value means better insulation, helping you reduce heat transfer and maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
What R-Value Is Recommended for Different Types of Garages?
Typically you’ll want an R-value ranging from R-6 to R-12. However, this can vary based upon the type of garage you have and how you use it. For example, if you’re using it as a heated home office you may wish to have a higher R-value as opposed to an unheated or detached garage.
We can provide more specific recommendations based upon the type of garage you have and the door you wish to install. However, following are some general guidelines.
Lower R-values are more appropriate for detached or non-heated garages. This is because detached garages don’t really impact the heating costs for your home.
However, higher R-values are desired if you have a heated garage–or a garage with a living space above it.
Remember: Warmer climates need lower R-values than colder ones.
What Are the Different Types of Insulation Used in Garage Doors?
The two most common types of garage door insulation are polystyrene and polyurethane.
- Polystyrene is typically a rigid foam panel inserted between garage door layers.
- Polyurethane is a spray-in foam that expands and bonds to the door material.
There are advantages and drawbacks to each type. However, while polystyrene is less expensive, polyurethane adds strength to the garage door panels. Polyurethane also offers a higher R-value per inch.
Is a Garage Door With a High R-value Worth It?
We believe that getting a garage door with a high R-value is definitely worth the investment. Not only will it lead to lower heating and cooling costs, but it can potentially increase your home’s resale value.
If you’re using your garage as a living space or home office, choosing a garage door with a high R-value is essential for staying comfortable in all types of weather.
Trust Overhead Door of Wilmington for Reliable, Efficient Garage Doors
When it comes to choosing a garage door, the options are nearly endless. But we know that the right choice isn’t just about looks — it’s about performance. Selecting one with the right R-value can make a dramatic difference in your power bills and your comfort.
For decades, we’ve built our reputation on exceptional quality and outstanding customer service. Wondering about the R-value of the doors you’re considering? Thinking it might be time to replace an outdated, inefficient door? We’re here to help. Just reach out — our team will be happy to guide you through your options.
Key Takeaways
- Most homeowners overlook the garage door when trying to improve energy efficiency—but it can have a major impact on comfort and utility bills.
- R-value measures thermal resistance, or how well insulation prevents heat from passing through your garage door.
- Higher R-values mean better insulation, which helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Polystyrene and polyurethane are the two most common garage door insulations, with polyurethane offering higher R-values and added door strength.
- Recommended R-value depends on garage use: Heated or attached garages need higher R-values than detached or unheated ones.
- Investing in a garage door with a high R-value is worth it, especially if your garage is used as a living space or home office.
- Overhead Door of Wilmington offers expert guidance, reliable service, and top-quality insulated garage doors tailored to your needs.
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Sources:
U.S. Department of Energy, “Insulation,” https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/insulation