Keep Cool (or Warm!):
Understanding R-Values and Insulation
Not your grandfather’s garage anymore
A garage is no longer exclusively used for housing vehicles overnight. In lieu of the expense of embarking on a home addition, many people are making low-cost improvements that will convert their garage into a workshop, home gym, recreation room, game room, or play room for the kids.
Garage Door Efficiency
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when converting their garage is the enormous thermal gain or loss that comes directly through the garage door. Removing the door and finishing the opening isn’t an option for most people because they want the flexibility to return the garage to its original purpose once the kids have left home or the house is sold. The majority of homeowners who convert their garage soon realize that the best solution is to replace their existing door with an insulated model.
All About R-Values
The R-value rating system was developed in order to provide consumers with an easy way to compare the efficiency of different kinds of insulation materials.
Receiving a physics lesson is about as interesting as watching fungus grow, so we’ll avoid a lengthy explanation of scientific formulas and algebraic calculations. Suffice to say that every substance has a quantifiable thermal conductivity factor know as its “k-value.” The measure of the resistance to heat flow for a particular material is determined by dividing its thickness by the associated k-value. For example, a 1-inch thick piece of fiberglass with a .25 k-value would have an R-value of four.
Since R-value is the industry standard for insulation ratings, some manufacturers have developed unorthodox testing methods in order to inflate their published R-values. Always verify that the material you’re considering was tested in accordance with ASTM C-518, which is the universally recognized thermal efficiency testing protocol.
The Insulated Garage Door Advantage
High-tech garage doors are available with R-value assemblies up to R-17.5, which can help improve indoor comfort and lower energy costs. The rooms that are adjacent to the garage will also maintain a more even temperature. Insulated garage doors tend to incorporate the highest quality components for better performance and longevity.
The Overhead Door Company of Portland, OR, provides a full array of garage door installation and repair services. Browse our inventory of garage doors and learn more about the many benefits of purchasing an insulated garage door at our showroom. You can also visit us online.
