Home energy efficiency is a topic that many homeowners are interested in. Not only is it essential for the environment, but it can also be a significant source of savings on the energy bills. One area that sometimes gets ignored but should be at the top of your priority list is the garage. Your garage doors make a big difference in the energy efficiency of your garage.
Starting with Insulation
Modern construction and architecture prioritize function as well as style. With that said, most garage doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Therefore, garage doors of various styles are constructed with polyurethane insulation. This helps control the loss and gain of heat. As an added benefit, the insulation helps buffer out noise from outside and from the operation of the door. For homeowners who may have older garage doors, you can add your own layer of insulation using polyurethane foam or fiberglass.
- Start by measuring and adding marks for the retainer pins.
- Roll out your insulation and cut according to your measurements.
- Position the insulation material and lock it in place with retaining caps.
Effectiveness of Weatherstripping
Perimeter weatherstripping provides an effective sealant at the bottom of your garage doors. When they’re in the closed position, the weatherstripping does the working of blocking out exterior air and preventing interior air from escaping. In addition to air, it also prevents water from entering the garage. It’s a U-shaped, flexible addition that slides into place for ease of repair and replacement when necessary. With the proper weatherstripping in place, you can see a savings of up to 40 percent on your energy bills.
- Apply weatherstripping to clean, dry surfaces.
- Measure the length of your garage doors and cut the weatherstripping according to those measurements.
- Apply the weatherstripping and ensure a snug fit.
Lower Your U-Factor
Your garage’s U-factor measures the amount of heat transference. Raising the energy efficiency of your garage doors will automatically lower your U-factor. This is especially important for garage doors that have windows. The ideal U-factor for garage doors is .35 or less, and the lower, the better. Lower your U-factor by checking for (and blocking) air leakage with weatherstripping and proper caulking.
What’s the R-Value?
Unlike the U-factor, higher R-values are better for energy efficiency. It measures the door’s insulation properties in terms of the type of insulation and the door’s materials. Steel is one of the most common materials used to construct garage doors. Thick still offers better insulation than lightweight aluminum. Furthermore, wood also doesn’t have the best R-value. However, tempered glass in garage doors can provide efficient insulation. When updating your garage doors or constructing a new home, the Thermacore® Collection offers premium insulation for the best thermal efficiency. It uses a continuous layer of foamed-in-place polyurethane between two layers of steel and a bottom weatherseal.
