Most people assume an insulated garage door is all about keeping the garage warm and that they aren’t needed in a warmer climate like Rancho Cordova, California. This is a misconception. The truth is an insulated garage door keeps out the heat as well, which can substantially reduce your air conditioning bills during the summer. That’s why we like to think about insulated garage doors as “energy efficient” garage doors. The real advantage of installing an insulated garage door is you cut your energy costs — that means big savings for you. And it’s better for the environment — a win-win!
The truth is that temperature control is always a big concern for homeowners regardless of winter conditions. Summers in Rancho Cordova get hot! If your garage is connected to your home, this increased heat puts extra pressure on your AC system. That’s why your electric bills in the summer are so high! An insulated garage door keeps out the hot air, so it’s not connected to your home — easing the strain on your AC system.
The Value of R-Factor
Pay attention to R-Factor — the measurement of insulation in a home. An R-Value is a measure that dictates how competent a material is at resisting heat flow. The higher the R-value on your overhead garage door, the better your garage will be insulated. You’ll want an R-Factor of at least 16 for maximum efficiency, though you can get by with an R-Factor of 12. This will help control the temperature in the garage for maximum energy savings!
Not all garage doors are created equally in terms of R-Value. To get the best bang for your buck, you’ll have to determine which is right for your environment. Those with extreme temperatures should opt for the highest R-Value they can find. The size of the overhead garage door will also dictate the R-Value needed for maximum comfort and efficiency. The larger your garage is, the higher R-Value will be needed to maintain the temperature in the area.
Finding The Right Garage Door Material
The material your garage door is made up of will also dictate the best R-Value you can get. Steel garage doors are the cheapest on the market, though they’re tried and tested. Despite being a staple of garage doors all across America, they boast the least number of R-Values on the market. If insulation is a big deal to you, forget about steel as a worthy garage door replacement. Instead, consider trendy and stylish fiberglass doors.
Fiberglass doors are made up of multiple layers of insulation, which makes them perfect for keeping heat out. The R-Values on fiberglass doors will be great and you’ll immediately notice a difference in your energy bill. Doors made of fiberglass aren’t terribly expensive, and they’re far more attractive than boring old steel doors.
Want a more premium option? Don’t forget to consider wooden garage doors. Wood garage doors will cost more depending on the material, but they’re quite good at insulating garages.
If you’re looking for a garage door with a high R-value, fiberglass is the way to go. Fiberglass garage doors are made with multiple layers of insulation, which makes them very effective at keeping heat in or out of your garage. These doors are quite expensive, but the trade-off is as that your home will receive a timeless look that will be easy on the eyes. In terms of R-value, wood garage doors are average and perform far better than steel doors. Those with wood garage doors will have to maintain it regularly to ensure it remains clean and rot-free.
Installing an Insulated Garage Door
It can be overwhelming to find the right garage door if insulation is a main concern. We invite you to start conversation with the best garage door installation companies in your area, as well as stores that boast high-quality doors. Speak to them about your concerns and expectations and they’ll be able to find the right overhead door that matches your budget. Be sure to have your garage door installed by a well-reviewed company. They’ll ensure that the door is properly insulated so you don’t have to stress away.