What is the R-Value of a Garage Door?
October 31, 2024A garage door is often the largest opening in your home, and it can potentially allow air leakage that could affect your energy bill. An insulated garage door can minimize this loss of treated air to help improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your utility expenses. This aspect of how well a garage door can resist thermal transfer is determined by a measurement referred to as the R-value.
How Is R-Value Calculated?
R-value determines a material’s thermal resistance, which refers to how much heat or cold can pass through it. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. For a flat object, heat flows in a straight line, making the transfer area consistent throughout the material. The R-value is calculated by dividing the object’s thickness by its thermal conductivity — the R-value increases proportionally to the thickness.
For garage doors, the R-value accounts for the thermal resistance of each individual door section. A higher R-value means the garage door is better equipped to maintain a consistent temperature inside the garage, reducing the energy required for heating or cooling the space. Reducing energy consumption translates to lower utility bills and a more sustainable lifestyle.
How Much Insulation Do You Need for Your Garage Door?
While installing an insulated garage door is the most efficient way to realize the benefits of a high R-value, it is possible to insulate a preexisting door as well. Determining what R-value your garage door needs depends on several factors, including:
- For a detached garage with its own insulation, the garage door should have a minimum rating of R-10 to help maintain the interior temperature.
- If the garage is detached and does not have insulation, a rating of R-6 is acceptable, especially if you don’t intend to heat or cool the space.
- If your garage is attached to your home, we recommend installing an insulated garage door rated at R-12 or higher.
A garage door professional at Halo Overhead Doors can help you determine the ideal R-value for your garage, explain how to measure your garage door for insulation and recommend the best insulation options. There are two main types of insulation materials for garage doors:
- Polystyrene: This styrofoam is sold in solid sheets or blocks and can be added to an existing garage door. Although adding insulation makes the door more energy-efficient, it doesn’t completely seal the door from the elements. The material is also more subject to wear and tear due to the nature of aftermarket installation. For these reasons, we recommend buying a preinsulated door.
- Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a spray foam filler injected into the garage door panels between layers of steel in preinsulated garage doors. In addition to providing heat and sound insulation, polyurethane makes the door stronger and more resistant to dents.
Halo Overhead Doors Offers Insulated Residential Garage Doors
For homeowners looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of their garage and home, installing an insulated garage door is a great place to start. Halo Overhead Doors offers preinsulated garage doors that offer better climate protection and last longer than other forms of insulation. Our knowledgeable team can help you find the best insulated garage door for your home, and our expert technicians will ensure efficient installation. Request an estimate today to get started!