Garage Door R Value Explained
What is the garage door R-value? What an interesting question to ask, as the garage has the largest opening to a home and is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
Still, an insulated garage door can prevent cold or heat transfer into the garage or other parts of the home.
So, in turn, you will get improved energy efficiency.
Yet, when you research different garage doors, you see the R-value measurement that reflects the insulation provided by the door.
Today, B&W Garage Door will explain the R-value and how it is calculated to benefit your needs when wanting a new garage door.
What is the R-value of a Garage Door?
Defining the R-value is a measurement of the thermal resistance to heat flow.
A garage door of high quality is insulated with an exterior and interior surface, and it has an insulated core.
With the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association International, you can find a list of different Technical Data Sheets that give in-depth detail related to R-value.
The DASMA regarding the R-value of a garage door can feature an insulating effect of the air on a vertical surface known as air film.
Thus, each element will have an R-value combined to provide the overall R-value of a garage door.
So, the calculation will be R air films + R outside surface + R insulation + R interior surface equals R section.
Hence, it is known as the Calculated Door Section.
Thus, the R-value assumes that air will be stagnant inside a closed garage door while the exterior of the home still has air moving against it.
Many manufacturers highlight the garage door R-value to show how energy-efficient the product is.
The calculations display the insulation thickness and the chemical properties present.
Furthermore, the R-value calculation is also based on thermal conductivity, as foam insulation has its value based on the thermal conductivity known as the k-factor.
As per the DASMA TDS #163, some doors vary in thickness across a section.
Thus, the estimated R-value will be calculated by first looking at the insulation thickness to combine the results.
How Does R-value Relate to a Garage Door
You might see a higher R-value, assuming it has better insulation properties.
To some extent, it might mean that the materials used have a high R-value individually.
It does not imply a garage door with an R-16 value will be more effective than one with an R-8 rating.
Still, it does not offer more thermal resistance or energy saving even with a higher rating.
Why? While the R-value is R-16, it only offers a 5% reduction of the heat flow and improves the energy efficiency by 5% over the one with an R-8 value.
Furthermore, a garage R-value is rated between 0-20.
While you can get a higher rating, most residential doors will fall into that range.
With a zero rating, there is no efficiency of heat flower reduction.
So, if you go to your garage during winter or summer and feel a chill, the door has a low R-value, as there should not be extreme temperature fluctuations inside.
Thus, consider installing a garage door with a higher R-value rating.
Here’s a sample R-value chart for different types of garage doors, along with their corresponding insulation materials:
| Garage Door Type | Insulation Material | R-Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Insulated | None | 0-2 |
| Single-Layer Steel | Polystyrene or Polyurethane Foam | 3-6 |
| Double-Layer Steel | Polystyrene or Polyurethane Foam | 6-9 |
| Triple-Layer Steel | Polystyrene or Polyurethane Foam | 9-17 |
| Wooden | Natural wood or wood composite | 4-5 |
| Fiberglass | Fiberglass panels or layers | 4-7 |
| Vinyl | Vinyl panels or layers | 4-7 |
| Insulated Aluminum | Polystyrene or Polyurethane Foam | 5-9 |
Keep in mind that these values are approximate, and actual R-values may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific construction of the garage door.
TIP: Install a Garage Door Seal at the Bottom:
A bottom seal or threshold seal can help prevent cold drafts from entering under the garage door. They are easy to install and create a barrier against outside air.
Benefits of a Higher Garage Door R-Value
A higher garage door R-value can have several benefits.
It helps insulate the garage, maintaining a more stable temperature inside, making it more comfortable to work in during the winter months.
Additionally, a higher R-value can reduce noise from outside, making it easier to concentrate and focus on tasks.
It can also help improve energy efficiency, saving money on heating and cooling costs in the long run.
Overall, investing in a higher garage door, R-value can be a smart choice for homeowners looking to improve their garage’s functionality and comfort level.
But what can you expect to get out of a new garage door with a higher insulation?
Here are some general guidelines for R-value levels for insulation materials:
Low R-Value: R-0 to R-6
- Inadequate insulation for most climate zones.
- Suitable for mild climates or for applications where minimal insulation is needed.
Moderate R-Value: R-7 to R-15
- Provides moderate insulation and is suitable for regions with mild to moderate climates.
- Commonly used for walls and attics in many residential applications.
High R-Value: R-16 to R-30
- Offers good insulation and is appropriate for colder climates.
- Used in regions with significant temperature variations.
Very High R-Value: R-31 and above
- Provides excellent insulation and is often used in extremely cold climates.
- Suitable for applications where maximum insulation is required, such as in extreme northern regions.
You Get Improved Temperature Regulation
When you have a garage door with an R-value of ten or higher, it will help reduce unwanted air transfers that cause temperature fluctuations.
For example, if you have a stuffy garage in the summer or it freezes in winter, you can have injection foam insulation to reduce the air leakage.
Still, if your garage is attached to your home and the air travels through a doorway into the living area, the insulated garage door can help reduce the air transfer from the outside to the inside.
While a detached garage has insulated garage doors, you still want one with an R-value of at least ten to protect your stored items.
Helps Lower Your Energy Costs
You will lose heat faster with a poor-quality door with an R-value lower than 11.
So, if you cannot keep the garage cool in summer, it means a loss of energy efficiency as it lacks thermal insulation.
Revitalizing or installing a new garage door will help improve energy efficiency and lower your yearly utility expenses.
TIP: Seal Any Gaps and Cracks:
Inspect the garage door for gaps, cracks, and areas where cold air can infiltrate. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or foam sealant to seal these openings. Pay attention to gaps around the edges of the door and between panels.
Improves The Overall Quality of The Home
Whether you have a car in the garage or use it as an office or for personal workouts, an insulated garage door can affect your comfort level.
So, if you see your garage as an added extension to use as a living room or a guest room, it must be insulated for comfort.
Thus, if you want to maintain the air for stored items, select a garage door with at least an R-10 value and higher.
For creating a home gym to office space, we recommend an R-16 value or higher.
B&W Garage Door Has The R-value What You Need
We provide a garage door design with the right R-value to make your home more energy efficient.
With our wide selection of garage doors, you will get superior R-value, translating into more energy-saving costs.
With our designer selection, you will find the doors from industry-leading brands and materials.
The insulation values range from 13.35 to 19.40 and depend on each unit.
You get insulated garage doors made with polyurethane insulation, commonly rated at 12.0 to 18.0.
The insulation standards agree with the DASMA specifications and have received individual testing from the Commercial and Residential Garage Door Division.
When installing your insulated garage door, we are your experienced team that understands garage door manufacturing.
The correct insulation can make a difference to your house’s thermal regulations. Still, choosing between rigid insulation or pre-expanded injection foam is difficult. For example, batt insulation is made up of fiberglass that reduces the R-value of the door when compressed or it gets wet.
A rigid insulation foam like polyurethane presents a consistent thickness throughout the door surface.
For this reason, we recommend investing in an Amarr garage door to provide you with the best garage door insulation.
