How many of you know that heat travels toward the cold? I was recently reminded of this at the Southern Utah Builder Association Conference at Dixie Applied Technical College last week. When it’s cold outside, the heat from your home will move towards the colder areas of your house, such as windows and doors. Likewise, during the hotter seasons (especially in Saint George, Utah), the heat from outside will enter your home through any available entry point, such as your garage door, entry doors, and windows. Garage doors regularly open and close, often hinging or folding at several points, allowing heat to transfer faster, even when closed.
Your garage door is most likely the largest physical entry point to your home. Ensuring your garage door is insulated will minimize heat transfer and ultimately maximize financial savings. To gain a better understanding of the importance of insulation, here is a quick rundown on the science behind heat transfer and home insulation options.
~ Source: Smart Garage
Introducing Insulated Garage Doors
Insulated garage doors are a fantastic opportunity to Go Green! Especially with the rising cost of fuel and electricity. With so many people migrating from California (and other more relaxed climate states) to Saint George, Utah (where the heat can be overwhelming), we’re only going to see more energy usage during the summer seasons, when the temps get well into the 110’s and 120’s. So, if you intend to go green and save energy, upgrading to an energy-efficient garage door should be in your future.
If you use your garage often during the heating season, your energy costs can easily double or triple if your garage has inadequate insulation and weatherstripping. In most cases, any money you spend on adding insulation will be rewarded by savings of up to 20 percent on energy costs, according to the Department of Energy [guide_to_home_insulation.pdf]. The energy lost through drafty windows or transmitted through uninsulated walls is the point you pay for, so making the same energy preservation efforts with your garage as you do with the rest of your house makes sense.
One of the best ways to keep heat from transferring through your garage is by adding an Energy-efficient Steel or Aluminum Garage Door with polyurethane foam inside, which will have the best R-values (the resistance to energy loss). For example, a one-and-three-eight-inch thick polystyrene foam carries an R-value of 6.5, compared to a plain wood door that usually has an R-value of 2 to 3, but polyurethane foam doors have an R-value as high as 20. Most experts suggest that a garage that will be heated should have an overhead door with an R-value of 7 to 12, minimum.
What effect does climate have on garage doors in Southern Utah?
Heat can have several effects on a garage door, depending on the materials used and the intensity and duration of the heat exposure. To minimize the potential negative effects of heat on a garage door, it’s advisable to choose a door made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and ensure proper insulation. Regular maintenance, including lubricating moving parts and inspecting for any signs of damage, is also essential to keep the door in good working condition.
~ Source: Utah Overhead Doors
Pricing Guide to Insulated Garage Doors
When getting bids on new garage doors, ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Many insulated garage doors are costly additions to your home, especially when you are on a budget or fixed income. We strive to supply Southern Utah with the highest quality and most efficient garage doors. Our two-inch-thick insulated garage doors are made of high-quality 124-grade steel and thick polystyrene foam. Also, each door is rated with an R-factor of 7 and can be installed by our professional installers within a few weeks from payment.
Conclusion
Remember, it’s up to you to help keep the heat migrating into and out of your home. Call us today if you want the best bang for your buck when insulating your home! 435-525-2773
Learn about the different types of garage doors available.
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