Temperatures in Colorado fluctuate throughout the year. If you frequently use your garage, then you will want to make sure it’s protected from large swings in the weather. Garage door insulation is a great option to update the interior of your home.
Feel free to read more about our garage door repair services in Denver by Garage Door Medics.
Insulation and R-Values
Manufacturers use R-values to measure the thermal efficiency of insulation materials. The R-value is a score that tells you how much heat a particular material conducts. The higher the R-value, the better insulator the material is as it better resists heat conduction.
A decent R-value for the typical garage insulation is between R4 and R8. Garages with active heating and cooling will require an R-value higher than R9.
Keep in mind that R-values have diminishing returns. In other words, an R-value of R16 is not twice as effective as R-8. Every increase in R-value by three or four decreases heat flow by about 3% to 5%.
Types of Garage Door Insulation
When it comes to car garage door insulation, homeowners have several options for materials. Below are some of the most popular types of garage door insulation materials in Colorado.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a popular weather stripping material because it is inexpensive, durable, and easy to install. Fiberglass insulation comes in preformed rolls you can cut to fit your garage’s dimensions. You can also buy loose fiberglass bundles to insulate roofs and attics.
Fiberglass is resistant to fire but is susceptible to moisture. Fiberglass fibers can irritate your eyes and lungs, so we recommend buying wrapped fiberglass, so the fibers aren’t exposed to the exterior environment.
Cellulose
Cellulose is another popular garage insulation material that consists of recycled plant material with a fire-resistant treatment. Cellulose is very easy to install as it comes in a loose form that you can place virtually anywhere. Cellulose is also resistant to fire, moisture, and pests, such as insects and rats.
Since most cellulose is a loose fit, you will have to finish the walls in your garage first before installing. You can drill a small hole in the wall and blow the cellulose before patching up the hole to close it.
Rigid Foam
Rigid foam insulation is a great choice thanks to its high R-value and insulation flexibility. You can cut rigid foam panels to fit the dimensions of any garage, and the foam is compatible with practically all wall materials. You can also install rigid foam on the back of your garage door panels to provide extra insulation.
Rigid foam also provides great noise reduction and is relatively affordable compared to other materials. The main downside is that insects and pests can eat through the foam, making it less effective. It might be hard to cut panels around piping and wiring as well.
Spray Foam
Spray foam, as the name implies, consists of a viscous fluid that hardens and creates an airtight seal. Spray foam is extraordinarily light and has a very high R-value compared to its weight. It is also highly resistant to fire, moisture, and pests. Spray foam might be overkill for most garages, but it works great if you are converting your garage into a spare room.
The main downside of spray foam is the difficulty of installation. We recommend hiring a professional to place foam.
Door Panels
Insulation panels are specifically for insulating existing garage doors. Door panels are a great idea because you can buy and install them yourself without too much knowledge. You can also cut door panels to create air seals between the door and the ground.
Door panels typically attach directly to the metal paneling of your garage door. Since the R-value of metal is low, the total R-value of the door + insulation will be lower than the R-value of the insulation itself.
Benefits of Garage Door Insulation
Installing new garage door insulation carries several benefits. Here are just a few of them.
Reduced Energy Bills
The single best reason to update your garage door insulation is energy savings. Garage doors are a major location of heat loss in homes. Without insulation, your AC or furnace will constantly be fighting the weather to keep the interior comfortable.
Garage door insulation keeps the heat in and the cold air out, or vice versa depending on the season. Insufficient insulation means that you will end up spending more on heating and cooling bills than you would otherwise, so new insulation for your garage doors can help you save on utilities.
Interior Comfort
Colorado is famous for its fierce winters but still gets some hot days during the summer. Without proper garage door insulation, your AC or furnace might not be up to the task of keeping your home comfortable.
Garage door insulation keeps the interior of your home at a more constant temperature. Insulation materials can also reduce heat loss whenever you open the garage door.
Outdoor Seal
Most people store things in their garage, whether it’s cars, bikes, tools/equipment, and other goods. Excessive heat or cold in your garage can damage these items. For example, cold temperatures in your garage can drain your car battery or lower air pressure in your tires. Excessively hot temperatures can cause mold growth on the walls or cause paint to fade and crack.
Garage door insulation not only controls temperatures in your garage but also creates a protective seal between your home’s interior and the outdoor environment. Insulation can keep out pests like rats and insects and keep water and moisture out of your garage.
Durability
The typical garage door experiences a lot of abuse over its lifetime, whether from routine wear and tear, inclement weather, or accidents. Blown debris and rocks from heavy winds can also cause dents and scratches.
Insulated garage doors provide an extra layer of defense to protect your door panels. Insulation provides rigidity and thickness, making your doors better able to stand up to the elements. Expert garage door mechanics can also update your door’s springs and tracks, further enhancing durability.
Noise Control
An often understated benefit of insulation panels is reduced noise. Leaks and gaps between your door and the outside can let in a lot of noise. If you live near a busy street or section of town, insulating your garage doors can keep the inside of your home quiet.
Insulation will not only keep outside sounds out but also keep indoor sounds inside. If you have easily-disturbed neighbors or you like to work with tools in your garage, insulation can keep the sound contained and prevent disturbing your neighbors.
Improve House Resale Value
Most homeowners buy a house to invest in for their future. So many homeowners have a vested interest in improving their home’s future resale value. Door replacement, including garage door replacement, is a simple yet effective method of increasing property values.
Some studies have shown that replacing your garage doors with insulated materials can net a nearly 100% ROI. New, insulated garage doors improve your home’s resale value and curb appeal.
Contact a Garage Insulation Expert Today!
Whether you need vinyl garage door installers or want to rebuild your garage entirely, we have the skills to help. Garage Door Medics should be your first choice for all garage-related issues.
If you would like to learn more about our garage door insulation services, contact Garage Door Medics online or give us a call at (888) 997-2423 to schedule an appointment!
