A premium-insulated garage can have a massive impact on your comfort and your energy bills. In the modern era, where energy conservation is a priority to save the environment and your expenses, garage door insulation has become paramount. Are you planning to have a garage door installed? Let us highlight the different insulation levels and the benefits of garage door insulation.
Is Garage Door Insulation Worth It?
Garage door insulation has a remarkable impact on energy efficiency. It cuts back the heat loss in winter and keeps cool air inside during summer. In both weathers, the situation is pleasant. The U.S. Department of Energy states that an insulated garage door can cut back energy bills by up to 20%. It works for noise reduction and temperature regulation inside the garage.
What is the R-value?
R-value measures the degree to which insulation resists heat flow. A higher R-value implies better insulation and temperature control. For garage door insulation, R-values exist between R-6 and R-18.
A higher R-value helps keep heat inside to decrease energy costs. In warmer areas, it blocks outdoor heat to keep the garage cool. Here comes your query: which R-value must you select? It entirely depends on how often you use your garage and whether it’s connected to your home.
Insulated doors with an R-value of 12 or higher are suitable for attached garages. Here’s a complete breakdown:
| R-Value | Insulation Quality | Best For |
| R-0 to R-3 | No/little insulation | Detached garages |
| R-4 to R-7 | Basic insulation | Mild climates |
| R-8 to R-12 | Good insulation | Attached garages |
| R-13 to R-20+ | High insulation | Extreme climates |
Types of Garage Door Insulation
There are several insulation materials used for garage doors, which come with variable plus points or sometimes drawbacks.
Polystyrene Insulation
Polystyrene is a rigid foam material used in many garage doors that is available in pre-cut panels fitted inside the door. It provides moderate insulation, as it is not as effective as polyurethane. It’s well-used, owing to its lightweight and affordable nature. Polystyrene-insulated garage doors have an R-value from R-6 to R-9.
Polyurethane Insulation
Polyurethane is a denser insulation material that is better than the latter. It is injected between the garage door layers, and it expands to fill all gaps. This results in better insulation and adds structural strength to the door. Polyurethane-insulated garage doors have higher R-values between R-12 and R-18.
Reflective Foil Insulation
Reflective foil insulation comprises a layer of aluminum foil backed by foam or bubble wrap. This type of insulation is recommended for garages in hot climates. Instead of absorbing heat, it reflects it. This prevents excessive warmth from entering the garage. It does not come with a high R-value, yet it massively cuts back the heat transfer. It is super-effective for sunny regions.
Wrapping It Up!
Garage door insulation is a smart investment that you will never regret. Keep in mind that poor-quality insulation will only end up as a waste of resources. Invest in high-quality garage door insulation from experts such as MotionGarageDoors that guarantee the best outcomes. They have a massive collection: you can get insulation of any R-value that you desire. Contact us now for a free quote!
