When cold weather is on the way, you need to get your home ready. Use the tips below to help save energy and money when the winter weather hits.
You have a lot to do when you are getting the house ready for winter. You need to be sure that your heating system is in good shape, you have to prepare the landscaping, and so much more. It’s easy to forget something. To make things easier, we’ve provided a checklist for your garage, so you don’t forget anything.
Below, you’ll find some cost-effective winterization options. They can help you reduce how much you are spending on your energy bill.
What do you think of this look? This is an Eastman E-21 Design, 9' x 7' garage door with Ice White doors and overlays, and 8 lite Orion windows.
Prep Your Garage Door ASAP
What do you think of this garage door? It is a North Hatley LP Design, 9’ x 7’, Desert Sand, windows with Richmond Inserts.
Understanding R-Values
If air is getting into the garage during the winter, the temperature will quickly drop. It can be just as cold in the garage as it is outside. The way to stop this from happening is by having quality insulation. This will keep the cold air out and the warm inside. The R-value refers to the level of insulation.
If the R-value is high, it means that there is better insulation performance. You will not be losing heat. Depending on where you live and what you are insulating, the R-value that you need will vary, naturally. Floors would have a lower R-value than a roof, for example. Someone in a cold climate would need a higher R-value than someone in a hot climate.
Thermal insulation for the Garage
With an attached garage, the garage door provides access to your home. This will affect the interior temperature of your house. If you don’t have good insulation in the garage, you will end up spending more on your heating bill each month.
The correct R-value for your door will depend on these factors:
● Insulation
R-12 insulation should be enough for many garages. However, those who want to have a higher level of insulation will want to opt for R-16.
● Attached vs. Detached
As mentioned, attached garages can cause issues with the energy bills unless the insulation has at least a value of R-12. A detached garage that’s not heated might be fine with a lower level of insulation.
● How You Use the Garage
If you use the garage as a workshop, office, or have a living area above the garage, you should choose R-16. This will help to make the garage more comfortable if you have to spend time in there.
Materials Used for Insulating
There are two main types of garage door insulations:
● Polyurethane – This is applied as a foam. It is injected into the garage door and expands to fill the space and provide insulation. The foam expands with heat, and it happens quickly. All of the gaps between the panels are filled, which is one of the reasons that some people choose it over polystyrene. It’s also more resistant to bending than polystyrene.
● Polystyrene – Another name for this material is Styrofoam. It is available in large sheets that tend to be easy to install. It’s also an affordable insulation choice. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not as effective as polyurethane for insulating the garage door. This is because it’s not as dense.
The images above show the differences between polyurethane (on the left) and polystyrene (on the right).
Other Things to Keep in Mind
● Bottom Garage Door Gap
Check the bottom of your garage door. You might have a gap there. If there is, even if it’s small, water, air, pests, and more can make their way into the garage. If there’s a problem, check the bottom garage door weatherstripping. It might need to be changed. If you find that the floor is uneven, you can get a garage door threshold.
● Garage Door Opener
Check your garage door opener, too. The manual has instructions on how to adjust the settings, which can ensure the door is positioned correctly and that you reduce any gaps that might be present.
● Garage Door Gap at Sides and/or Top
Check the perimeter weatherstripping on the door. This is also called a perimeter seal. If it’s old and cracked, it could allow cold air to leak into the garage. You will want to replace it with some stop molding. This is usually made from PVC, but it will look like wood to better match your door.
It can be screwed or nailed to the door jamb at both sides and the top. There will be a rubber flange on one edge that should rest on the door face to help ensure pests and cold air don’t enter the garage.
Do the Garage Walls Have Enough Insulation?
Walls and Ceilings
The garage door is just one of the areas that need to be insulated. You also need to be sure that your walls and ceilings are well-insulated. The amount of material that’s needed can vary, just as the price can vary. Have a professional come and check out the garage to see if you might benefit from some additional insulation. They can help you make the right choice.
Of course, you could insulate the garage yourself. Follow the simple steps from Dumpsters.com:
● Step 1: Clear everything off the garage walls
● Step 2: Repair any damage you find and seal the gaps
● Step 3: Add fiberglass insulation
● Step 4: Add drywall over the insulation
They have information on different types of insulation, and the benefits and drawbacks of using them. There is a lot of information on their blog that can provide some great tips for better insulation.
If you want to save energy, proper insulation of the walls and ceilings is essential. Image from Pixabay.
Your Windows
Garage windows allow for natural light to get into the garage, making it a more pleasant place to be. However, they need to be installed correctly, so they don’t allow cold air to get inside. There are plenty of options available for sealing your windows that should fit just about any budget.
● Weatherstrip Tape
Using weatherstrip tape is an easy way to insulate. All you need to do is cut the tape to the proper length and add it around the window frame. It’s fast and simple.
● Caulking
Check the caulk on your windows. Is it cracked and peeling away? If it’s separating from the seam, you will want to apply new caulk. This article can help you find the right caulk and learn how to apply it.
● Using Window Treatments
Thermal curtains over the windows can help too. It is another simple way to keep out the cold and help you reduce your energy bill.
Note: These tips can work for the windows in your garage doors, the walls of your garage, and the windows in your home.
Light Switches and Outlets
The switches and outlets tend to be forgotten when it comes to thinking about insulation, at least for most homeowners. However, Conservation Mart says that between 2% to 5% of air getting into the home comes in via the electrical outlets.
Check out these 7 easy ways to better insulate your garage switches. It will reduce the amount of heat that you lose. With just three objects, you can learn how to seal all manner of junction boxes.
For example, you can install foam outlet gaskets. This will help to prevent air leaks from the small cracks and openings.
Reduce Condensation
You need to keep water and condensation out of the garage. Moisture in the garage can cause mold, ice in the winter, and it can make the place feel far colder. While quality garage doors will help, other areas could be causing leaks.
Water on the Garage Floor Should Be Avoided
You should be sure that you have proper drainage on your property that will prevent water from getting into the garage. The interior floor in the garage should slope slightly near the entrance to ensure that water doesn’t get inside. You should check for leaks and cracks regularly.
If there’s a lot of humidity in the garage, it could make it difficult to heat the space. Condensation can also cause damage to the garage door if it happens frequently. It’s also possible for bacteria and mold to develop when there is too much condensation.
This garage has a door seal and floor finish that will help to prevent leaking and water damage on the floor.
Using a dehumidifier and floor coating can help to reduce these types of issues in your garage and home.
Heating Your Garage
You have a range of methods that you can use to help keep your garage warm. From insulation, radiant floor heating, and unit heaters, you can find options that will work for you and your budget.
Keeping your garage warm all year long is important for many reasons. Here are some of the most important:
- Keep the garage door parts safe from damage
- No frozen pipes
- Keep your belongings safe from frigid temperatures
- Prevent moisture from getting into the garage
- Improve car battery life
- Improve indoor temperature
We Can Answer Your Questions About Garage Door Insulation
The tips above can help you prepare your garage and your garage door for the winter. Of course, if you have more questions, you can always get in touch with us.
Consider Garage Door Maintenance and Repair Services
If you think that you might need to replace your garage door, consider our maintenance and repair services first. The specialists at Mar‑Lin Dock & Door can visit your garage to see if all the parts are working properly and in good shape before winter arrives. If you need some new lift cables, springs, or rollers, we have the hardware accessories that are needed.
We can also provide your garage door with regular maintenance. Our garage door technicians know garage doors inside and out. Having some maintenance might mean you don’t need to get a new door.
If the garage door is the problem that’s causing insulation issues in your garage, we can replace it for you. Contact us at 519-326-5888 today.
Getting a new garage door can be confusing since there are so many styles, sizes, colors, and more that you need to consider. Our specialists will help you from start to finish to ensure you get the right door for your garage.
Start the process by checking out the image gallery to see our residential garage doors. You can also try out the Design Centre and create the ideal garage door.
You’ll be happy to know that we can offer a free quote by email. Our team looks forward to helping you with all your garage door needs.
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