You’ve just decided that insulating your garage is a good idea, and you want to learn how best to insulate a garage door. First, you need to know a few things about the average garage door before you begin.
The Average Garage Door
Most garages come in three varieties: side-opening, top-opening, and roll-up. Side-opening models have a single door that opens directly out of the garage sidewall. Top-opening models have two doors that open out of opposite ends of the garage wall, while roll-up models typically have a horizontal track in the garage wall that the door can roll into. The most energy-efficient type of garage door is the side-opening model. In fact, when compared to other types of garage doors, side-opening models are generally more energy-efficient by 50 to 75 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Garage Door Insulation
A garage door’s insulation value depends on three factors:
- the type of insulation it has
- the size of the garage door
- the thickness of the insulation
The thicker the insulation, the better it is. A typical garage door has R-11 insulation, which is enough for temperate climates, but not for cold climates.
Benefits of Garage Door Insulation
1. Energy-Efficient Home
In the summer, you can save on air conditioning costs, since you’re already keeping heat out of your home. In the winter, you can avoid heating up the rest of the house if you have a garage that stays warm in the winter. Garage doors are a primary source of heat loss into your home during the winter, and they often lose enough heat through them to cause your interior temperatures to drop 20 degrees Fahrenheit or more. If the garage door is properly insulated, however, it won’t let so much heat into your home. In fact, it might prevent you from losing any heat at all.
2. Improved Structure
Insulated garage doors are less likely to be damaged by wind and hail than uninsulated doors. The insulation helps them stay stronger and more resistant to damage. You can extend the life of your garage door by insulating it properly. When properly insulated, you can add as many layers of insulation as you want, each one reducing the temperature that enters your garage. This extends the life of your door, which means that you’ll save on repair and replacement costs.
3. Increased Safety
When the garage door is insulated, the risk of a child slipping through a thin metal or wood door is greatly reduced. If a child is injured from getting caught in the open door, a properly insulated garage door would absorb most of the force of the child’s fall. In the case of a garage door opener or latch mechanism that fails, an insulated garage door should reduce the speed at which the door falls, giving you time to react before the door hits the floor.
4. Cost-Effective
Insulated garage doors can also help you save money. Because they are less likely to be damaged, you’ll need fewer repairs to keep them operating well. If your garage door breaks down frequently, it’s costing you money with frequent repairs, including replacing parts that wear out due to cold exposure. Replacing those worn parts with properly insulated ones will prevent the need for more expensive repairs and replacements.
5. Improved Performance
Your garage door is an important part of your home. If you want to keep it in top condition, you should insulate it to keep it safe and strong for years to come. Insulation works to reduce heat loss from the door and keep the air inside the garage warm and comfortable in the winter. In the summer, it keeps out hot air and the sun’s rays that can damage your home. The insulation on your door can help you achieve all of these goals.
Conclusion
In general, insulating a garage door can provide a number of benefits. In the short term, you’ll reduce your door repair costs. In the long run, you’ll have a stronger door that will be able to better withstand the elements while also saving money. Even if you decide to buy a new garage door, there are times when a used one could be cheaper.
If you are in the market for a new garage door, reach out to us at Master Overhead Door Co Indio. We would be more than happy to help you find the perfect door for your needs. Call us today to know more about our garage door services!
