High R-Value Insulated Garage Doors

Today’s new homeowners are looking for homes that are energy efficient and sustainably built. And contractors are paying attention. By the year 2020, nearly 20% of new home construction will be green. Homeowners are willing to spend more on their home’s build, appliances, and electrical and plumbing systems to make them energy efficient. As a result, they save money on utility bills and their home has better resale value.

While homeowners pay the most attention to water-saving appliances, energy-conscious lighting, and solar roofs, they shouldn’t disregard their garages. Garage doors feature various levels of insulation that can bring down energy costs. Homes with high energy efficiency are also eligible for a tax credit, providing more incentive for a green home.

Plus, the garage is often the real front door when you open it to bring your car in. Every time you open your garage, you let air in and air out. Whether you are cooling or heating the air inside your home, that air escapes. Garage door insulation helps stabilize the temperature in the garage, saving you money, reducing energy waste, and keeping your home comfortable year-round.

What is R-value?

Insulation is rated by its R-value, a measure of thermal efficiency. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation material can resist heat. Added insulation to your basement, attic, walls, and garage doors will improve the energy efficiency in your home. A high insulation R-value can reduce your energy costs by 30%!

If the home is connected to the garage or if the garage is a carriage house with living space above, it is important to have proper insulation. If the insulation doesn’t let warm air out in the winter or cold air out in the summer, you will efficiently be cooling or heating your home. Good insulation will keep your energy bill down and you won’t be wasting money by letting cool or warm air out through your garage.

R-value ranges from 0 to 14 and up. Different areas of the country require different levels of insulation depending on the environment. According to the Department of Energy, northern states like North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin require higher R-values, while southern states with warmer climates like Texas, Louisiana, and Florida should have lower R-value insulation.

Garage Door Insulation Materials

Insulated garage doors are designed to keep heat in and cold out. Both polystyrene (styrofoam) sandwich doors and polyurethane (spray foam) doors are bonded to the steel to make them stronger and hold up better to moderate abuse and environmental elements. They also act as effective sound barriers from noise on the street.

Polystyrene insulation comes in panels that are inserted between layers of steel to create a sandwich effect. Polystyrene panels are most commonly seen in insulation kits for consumers to buy to add insulation to garage doors themselves.

Polyurethane insulation is a spray foam that is injected between the paneling so it can expand in the empty space. The foam fills every crack and bonds with the frame, increasing the integrity of the door and providing the most efficient form of insulation.

Since polyurethane bonds to both garage door layers, it is quieter since the doors don’t rattle. It also helps protect the door from denting since it is more solid. So whether your kids are playing basketball in the driveway or you park too close to the garage door and give it a little bump, your garage doors can stand the test of time.

Types of Insulated Garage Doors

• Steel garage doors have the highest insulation value as they are the most efficient at keeping heat in during cold weather and cool air in the summer.
• Wood garage doors have the lowest insulation value.
• Glass garage doors also have low insulation value but insulated panels can be added.

While insulation can be installed on your own, it is worth it to buy pre-insulated garage doors in order to ensure quality. Plus, our technicians at Thompson Garage Door are available for maintenance and service repairs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When you buy garage doors from us, you can rest assured you will have professionals on your side.

Thompson Garage Doors has been serving customers in the northern Nevada and northern California regions since 1957. We take pride in our garage doors and the quality work we do. We stock over 400 garage doors in our showroom for customers to peruse and choose the right look for their home. Give us a call or a visit:

171 S. 18th Street, Sparks, NV 89431