How to Determine the Proper Insulation For Your Houston Garage Doors
February 08, 2013[Posted on Feb 8] Written by: Matt Davis Since most garages are used to house the family vehicle, they do not require the same insulation levels as the home. However, more modern families are utilizing the garage for more than a place to park the car, store excess clutter and bicycles. This changes the requirement for insulation so that Houston Garage Doors do not overheat in the summer or freeze in the winter. One of the more popular uses for the family garage today is as a game or family room. For people to be comfortable, the insulation must be chosen carefully and installed properly. Therefore, enclosing the ceiling is often necessary. Many garages do not have a ceiling installed; the roof is visible when occupants enter the area. Enclosing the ceiling is a matter of installing drywall. The insulation should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To learn the proper R-value for the garage, the Department of Energy has a website showing the requirements for each area of the United States. DIY stores generally carry different types of insulation; batts and rolls are the most commonly used for this purpose, and can help protect your Houston Garage Doors for the long-term. The first batt is installed between the joists from one side of the garage to the other. Take care not to block the soffits; this allows ventilation to carry heated or cold air out of the roof area. If a second batt is required, it should be installed across the batts. The first layer should have a moisture barrier in contact with the ceiling while the second batt should be free of one. Using layers of batt insulation will create higher R-values. For example, a first layer of R-30 insulation with a second layer of R-19 batts will result in a ceiling with an R-49 value. This is popular for areas of the country with extremely hot summers or cold winters. Reflective barrier insulation sheets stapled to the inside of the roof’s rafters also work to further insulate the ceiling. This material reflects heat out of the roof through the ridge vent or air turbine. The result is a cooler garage area in the summer and a warmer one in the winter. The walls need proper insulation as well. The Department of Energy website will show the R-value for walls, ceilings, floors and roofs. The garage’s walls should at least have insulation that matches the home’s R-values. If the garage walls are basic plywood covered with siding, insulated panels can also be used during a remodel or renovation. These panels are often denser than batt or blown-in insulation, resulting in higher R-values. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other insulation types to create a better, more energy efficient room. The garage door does not need to be replaced. Special insulation kits are available at DIY stores to make your garage more comfortable. From strips that insulate the bottom of the door to seal drafts to foams for sealing cracks around doors and windows, they carry everything a homeowner needs to make the garage a multi-purpose room. Garages can be useful for utility, games and can become spare bedrooms or studio apartments. The right insulation can make all the difference. The new room will require minimal energy to heat or cool any time of the year.