Homeowners continuously look for ways to cut utility bills, but most ignore their garages. This is because people don’t consider the garage part of the home and often overlook it when reducing energy costs. However, since garage construction standards differ from home remodeling and construction, they are more prone to leakages and air gaps, leading to energy loss. Moreover, some garages have a room above them, and some might have a door connecting directly to the house. For these reasons, some refer to a garage door as a ‘weak link’.
Uninsulated garages will transfer the energy through them and make your place hotter or colder. Adding insulation to your garage door will help maintain the temperature and boost the overall efficiency of your home. No matter where you live, the weather conditions change drastically everywhere, and your energy bills can rise without proper insulation. Insulation for the garage door will reduce energy bills and improve the door’s lifespan.
What is Garage Door Insulation?
A garage door insulation is an additional layer of different materials used to prevent energy transfer. In the past, people believed garage door insulation was unnecessary, but later, engineers proved that garages could make a huge difference in heat loss. Now manufacturers use a rating system to determine the thermal value of the garage door insulation. An R-value tells about the ability of a garage door to prevent hot or cold air from entering your home.
However, since the manufacturers use different materials and methods, the R-value can’t be absolute. Though it might be accurate most of the time, you must keep in mind that it fluctuates too. Thus, it is better to find out more about the materials that the manufacturer uses for the door construction and then make an informed decision. In addition, if you are building a new home or constructing a garage, you must consider an already insulated garage door. Plus, you can also consider an insulated garage door if your current door needs a replacement.
What are the Different Types of Garage Door Insulation?
There are many different types of garage door insulation depending on the kind of insulation materials used. Below are the most popular types of garage door insulations:
- Expanding Foam board insulation: This type of insulation uses thin panels for high insulation. The insulation material is mostly a dense foam core that provides excellent thermal resistance. The choice is better for garage doors rarely used as the material can wear off due to frequent openings.
- Spray foam insulation: In this method, the service provider sprays the material onto the garage door to increase the R-value of the door. This insulation is of high quality and lasts longer than foam board insulation. The method involves spraying two types of foam spray: polyurethane and polystyrene.
- Cellulose insulation: Cellulose insulation is similar to spray foam insulation but provides better results and is more expensive. This type of insulation involves spraying the material on the garage door, but the material consists of organic things such as cotton, recycled materials, and plant fibers.
- Reflective insulation: This method uses thin boards such as reflective foil to help deter heat. The garage door insulation is suitable for hot climates. Besides the reflective foil, you can also use other reflective materials such as plastic film, kraft paper, cardboard, or polyethylene bubbles. However, aluminum foil and other materials make reflective insulation when combined.
- Fiberglass insulation: Fiberglass insulation is the most affordable and is applied on the inner side of the garage door to increase its R-value. This insulation mainly consists of glass material. The fiberglass acts as a barrier, traps the air, and slows down the transfer of heat.
What are the Benefits of Insulating a Garage Door?
Insulating your garage door has many benefits. However, whether garage door insulation is worth it will depend on several factors. For instance, you’ll need it if your garage door is attached or you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Below are the main advantages of garage door insulation in case you’re planning to consider the option:
- Energy efficiency: The main reason for which people insulate their garage doors is because of energy efficiency. In cold climates, insulation is beneficial to keep the area warm and cozy. The insulation materials are good at reducing heat transfer through structural materials; thus, they are good for garage doors.
- Noise cancellation: Insulated garage doors are quieter than uninsulated ones. If your garage door makes a lot of noise, you must consider insulating it.
- Increased lifespan: Insulated garage doors are more durable as they have an extra layer of protection. The uninsulated doors can get damaged due to wear and tear or dents due to vehicles.
- Protection of car and belongings: Insulated garage doors protect your vehicle and belongings from severe weather conditions and climate changes. Since extreme cold or hot weather can damage your vehicle and other items in the garage, insulation is a must in this regard.
- Increased resale value: An insulated garage door adds to the property’s overall value. If you’re considering selling your property, you must insulate the garage door as it can be an added benefit for the prospective buyer.
- Improved aesthetics: Lastly, an insulated garage door looks more appealing as the insulation gives a sturdy appearance to it.
Wrap Up!
Hence, insulating your garage door can be beneficial, mainly because it makes your home more energy efficient and increases the garage door’s lifespan. If you use your garage as a living space, then it is necessary to have door insulation. However, even if you use the garage for your car and to store other belongings, garage door insulation will protect your valuables by controlling the temperature.
If you want to go for garage door insulation kit, consider taking services from Garage/Door Renovations. The company offers professional garage door insulation kits services to save on your energy bills. Contact the company to get free quotes today and enjoy the perks of an insulated garage door.