How Much Do You Know About Garage Door Insulation

Not all insulated garage doors are the same. Naturally, there are differences between garage door materials. But manufacturers also use different insulators. And then there are all sorts of terms, which are familiar to the world of construction but sound Greek to us, but still important determinants of energy efficiency. The icing on the cake is that buying an insulated garage door is often not enough when you need the best possible results. So, here is what you should know about garage door insulation before you invest in such projects.

Which are your garage door insulation choices?

There are two main options when it comes to garage door insulation. Although both of them provide insulation, their composition is different and so they are not equally efficient.

Polyurethane

This is the best substance but it's also more expensive. It's dense and flexible, and thus it occupies the entire space between the panels when it is injected. Therefore, its energy efficiency is higher. Another advantage of this type of material is that it makes the door more durable and silent.

Polystyrene

This is the most cost-effective solution but it provides limited energy efficiency. It is attached to the door's sections but adds extra weight and leaves air pockets.  

There are several factors, which determine the insulating properties of each material. Remember that the insulating ability of each substance is calculated by the R-Value. This is how they measure the thermal efficiency of products in the construction industry. The higher the R-value the better. Polyurethane garage door insulation R-values can be as high as R -17.5 although some companies started making insulated doors with R-20.

But the u-value is also an important determinant of insulation. It measures the flow of heat and whether or not is lost. This is the direct opposite of the R-value. So the lower the u-value the better.  

Weatherstripping garage doors is also a way of increasing insulation

Although insulation materials play the number one role in the garage's energy efficiency, weatherstripping garage doors is equally important. The seals around the door and between the door & frame, the garage construction & the frame, and around the garage door windows will also add to the energy efficiency.

If you must insulate well the garage, don't forget that the floor, walls, roof, and heating in the space will also affect the energy efficiency.

The benefits of insulating garage doors

• Warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer
• A great return on investment
• Lower energy bills
• Increased resale value
• Great temperature control
• Stronger door
• Silent movement
• Sound isolation

If you are wondering whether or not insulated garage door installation is a good idea for you, think of the above benefits. Then consider the usage of the garage. Is this a typical garage, where you keep your car along with some stuff? Good insulation keeps the car in better condition and helps the car's battery to last longer.

Another factor to consider is whether or not the garage is attached to the house. Some homes and commercial facilities use garages to store things, which need to remain at certain temperatures.

Such factors will help you to decide if you need an insulated door but also which material to invest in. This will also depend on your budget. In any case, always remember that the garage door repair professional must not only install the door but also make sure it is sealed correctly.