Does garage door R-value matter?

Author: Destiney Mante  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Yes, of course, the R value of an insulated garage door matters in determining its energy efficiency. Opting for a garage door with a high R value is particularly crucial if your garage is attached to your home. Consider how you plan to use the garage space, as it will also impact your decision.

How important is R-value for garage doors?

The R-value evaluates the thermal resistance of a sectional door. It represents how well the door can impede the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation capability of the door.

What is the best R-value for a garage?

Exterior Garage Walls

Typically these will be constructed from standard 2-by-4 studs which will define the amount of insulation that you can have installed. You should be targeting an R-Value of R-13 or R-15 in these areas to properly maximize your insulation in this application.

How much of a difference does garage door insulation make?

Yes, insulating a garage door can make a significant difference by acting as a barrier between the outside and inside temperatures. Insulating your garage door can keep your garage 10-14 degrees warmer in the winter, and 22-26 degrees cooler in the summer.

What is a good R-value for a door?

The R-values of most steel and fiberglass-clad entry doors range from R-5 to R-6, excluding a window. For example, a 1-1/2 inch (3.81 cm) thick door without a window offers more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door of the same size.

Garage Door R Value Explained

What is the ideal garage door R-value?

If you want to take it up a level: Go with a 1-3/8″ thick polyurethane insulated door with an R-Value in the 12-12.9 range. This will roughly match the R-Value of your external walls and provide an even tougher door without going overboard on price.

What is the R-value of a wood garage door?

In many states, the minimum required R-value is R13, but a wood garage door often doesn't have a rating of more than R2. 17. A plywood garage door can be even lower. The R-value of an insulating material tells you its effectiveness.

What is the best R rating for a garage door?

For a detached, uninsulated garage – in this case, an uninsulated door or an R‑6 rating should work. For an attached garage – since these spaces are typically well insulated you'll want to make sure you've got at least an R‑value of R‑12, as well as ensure that the door itself has good resistance to cold temperatures.

Does insulating a garage door make it too heavy?

Also, insulation will have minimal impact if your garage has gaps and openings that allow air to flow through. You may be wondering, “Does insulating a garage door make it too heavy?” Most garage door insulation is relatively light, which means it will not make your door heavier than it was without insulation.

Does insulating your garage door really help?

Insulating a garage door will help reduce energy bills and protect items in your garage from harsh outdoor temperatures. Plus, garage door insulation can help soften street and outdoor noise.

Is it better to have a high R-value of a low R-value?

Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

What are the best garage doors?

BEST Garage Door Brands for Your Installation
  • Clopay Garage Doors. Enhance your curb appeal with Clopay garage doors! ...
  • Amarr Garage Doors. ...
  • Wayne Dalton Garage Doors. ...
  • CHI Garage Doors. ...
  • Martin Garage Doors. ...
  • Northwest Garage Doors.

Is R13 or R15 better for garage insulation?

R-value is a metric that tells us how well insulation performs at reducing heat loss. When comparing R13 to R15, insulation designated as R15 performs better at reducing heat loss than R13. R-values are generally cumulative, meaning that you can stack two layers of R6 insulation boards to achieve R12.

What makes a garage door more expensive?

Material Quality and Durability

Each material has its own set of characteristics, benefits, and price points. For instance fiberglass doors tend to be more expensive due to their durability and strength, while wooden doors may command a higher price for their natural beauty, craftsmanship and customizability.

Is it worth the extra money for an insulated garage door?

Cost: While insulated garage doors typically have a higher upfront cost than uninsulated doors, the long-term savings in energy costs and potential repair fees can make it a worthy investment.

What is the best garage door insulation?

  • Best Overall. Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit. ...
  • Best Bang for the Buck. US Energy Products Double Bubble Reflective Foil. ...
  • Upgrade Pick. US Energy Products Nasatek 2-Car Foam Insulation Kit. ...
  • Best Reflective. US Energy Products Nasatek 1-Car Reflective Insulation Kit. ...
  • Best Easy Install. Matador Garage Door Insulation.

How do I increase the R-value of my garage door?

The only way to increase that number is to use thicker insulation, causing issues because of being bulky and heavy. Though a higher R-value would be better for heat retention, the type of insulation that fits well into your garage door panels usually ranges from R-4 to R-8.

Does an insulated garage door make a big difference?

An Insulated Garage Door Slows Heat Transfer

Experts at The Spruce estimate that insulating a garage door can affect the temperature in a garage by 20 degrees. Having more comfortable temperatures in your garage increases the space's functionality year-round while also helping deliver tangible energy and cost savings.

How much weight does insulation add to a garage door?

Insulation can add 10% to 20% to a garage door's total weight. For a 300-pound door, for example, insulation can add up to 60 pounds and potentially necessitate a more powerful door opener and stronger mechanical components. Most garage doors are insulated with polystyrene or polyurethane.

Is a higher R-value garage door worth it?

1- Is your garage attached or not to your house? If it is attached, it is best to choose a garage door with an high R‑value. If it is detached and unheated, a lightly insulated or non-insulated door should be enough.

What R-value should I use in my garage?

What R-value insulation should I use in my garage? Generally, insulation with an R-value between R-13 and R-21 is recommended. Adding insulation to exterior walls (including garage walls attached to living spaces) can help increase R-value and create a more powerful thermal boundary for your home.

What is the R-value of Clopay?

Clopay garage door R-values depend on the door's thickness, material and type of insulation, and range from 6.3 to 20.4.

What garage door has the highest R-value?

The higher the number, the more efficient the garage door is.
  • Wayne Dalton Garage Doors. R-value: 4.36 – 16.22. ...
  • Amarr Garage Doors. R-value: 6.64 – 19.40. ...
  • Martin Garage Doors. R-value: 8.0 – 14.0. ...
  • Hormann Door (formerly Northwest) Garage Doors. R-value: 9.0 – 16.0. ...
  • Clopay Garage Doors. R-value: 6.5 – 20.4. ...
  • C.H.I. Overhead Doors.

Should I replace my old wood garage door?

If you have a wood model, look for warping and cracking. These are tell-tale signs you should consider a garage door replacement. The age of your garage door should play a part in in your decision to replace. If it's only five years old, you should be able to go with residential garage door repair.

What is the R-value of a t12 garage door?

Available in two insulation ratings, T-12 with an R-Value 10 and the thicker T-16 with an R-Value 16, Steel-Craft ThermoCraft Series doors are made to keep warmth in and winter out.

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