Do you know that you can help save the planet with your garage door? Optimizing your garage door offers energy efficiency benefits to your home or business and our dear earth.
The garage door is one of the largest doors in your house. Thus, energy-efficient garage doors have direct benefits to you besides saving the planet. Among other things, a well-insulated garage door stabilizes your home or business premises’ temperature. Moreover, it preserves energy.
This article serves a simple purpose — informing you on the basics of garage door energy efficiency basics. To achieve this, we’ll consider vital related topics such as the meaning of the R-value, basic consideration for energy efficiency and eight benefits associated with energy-efficient garage doors.
What Is R-value?
The R-value concept is a central part of insulation technology. R-value is the thermal resistance of insulating material. In other words, it refers to the insulator’s ability to resist heat flow. Insulators are rated in terms of R-value — the higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulating material is.
The inverse of the R-value is U-value. The U-value refers to an insulating material’s thermal transmittance — the heat transfer rate through a single or composite structure. The type of material determines its thermal insulation.
Appreciating the basics of the laws of thermodynamics is vital for a better understanding of the R-value concept. The second law of thermodynamics states that heat transfers or flows from warmer to colder bodies. Heat always moves towards the cold. Also, heat transfer occurs in three main ways — conduction, convection and radiation.
- Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat energy through the collision between neighboring molecules or atoms when the materials touch each other.
- Convection: This is the transfer of heat through liquids and gases when the hotter and less dense fluid moves to the denser, cold material.
- Radiation: Radiation differs from conduction and convection in that the transfer requires no medium.
This is where thermal bridging comes in. Thermal bridging is the movement of heat across objects that are more conductive than their surrounding materials. A material with a higher R-value reduces the conduction heat flow.
Why Is R-value important?
The central function of insulation is to increase thermal efficiency or performance in that space. A well-insulated space keeps that area cooler during warm temperatures and warmer during the colder seasons. This occurrence reduces heat conduction and limits the energy’s flow from the external environment into that space. The space could be any property, including homes, offices, warehouses or stores.
More practically, a well-insulated space translates to better energy efficiency. This means lower bills and more comfortable indoor environments. Insulating your home or business according to the right amount of R-value saves about 10% of annual utility bills. Proper insulation also reduces your carbon footprint and improves your property’s resale value.
Applying these concepts to building construction is essential, especially regarding garage doors. Primarily, the make and design of garage doors influence their R-value.
What Are the Basic Considerations For Energy Efficiency?
The primary considerations for an energy-efficient garage door are the materials, finishing and coating, design and overall build. In essence, the manufacturer should use energy-efficient materials in constructing the door.
The two most common types of insulation are polyethylene and polystyrene — either option may be used for garage doors. Each has features that are different from the other:
- Polystyrene: Polystyrene insulation is the more economical option. They come as rigid panels fixed between the layers of the door’s material.
- Polyurethane: This insulation offers the highest level of sound and climate control. It is injected into the walls of the door. Polyurethane is environmentally friendly, provides more coverage, makes the door studier and has a higher R-value.
Other essential considerations for the efficiency of garage doors are the seal, windows and the roof:
- Air leakage: Substantial gaps between the garage door and the walls increase air to escape, reducing energy efficiency. A professional garage door installation ensures it has good fitting seals, draft stoppers and weatherstrips.
- Windows: Apart from the aesthetics, windows play an essential role in the garage door’s efficiency level. If you opt for a window, ensure they are well-sealed
- Energy-efficient roof: This consideration has little application to the garage door itself — however, it’s relevant for the entire garage space. To make your garage door green, install energy-efficient roofs with a higher R-value.
What Are the Benefits of Energy-Efficient Garage Doors?
Installing energy-efficient garage doors offers several advantages. Besides protecting the environment, using energy-efficient garage doors benefits you and your home or business. There are various material options for your energy-efficient garage doors, including wood, vinyl, steel or fiberglass garage doors. The following are eight reasons why you should go energy efficient:
1. Reduces Carbon Emissions
Energy-efficient garage doors reduce your carbon footprint as the door lowers the release of greenhouse gases from your property. Additionally, investing in garage doors with higher R-values means you help reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned in generating power to cool or heat your home.
2. Increases Property’s Value
Investing in energy-efficient garage doors enhances your home’s curb appeal or business premises’ attractiveness. Many people looking for new properties put a premium on energy efficiency. Plus, many energy-efficient garage doors offer the finest styles and designs.
3. Reduces Energy Bills
Well-insulated garages prevent heat flow. This means your property is relatively cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. You save energy and money with less temperature regulation. The heating system on your property will be more efficient with correctly installed garage doors with a high R-value.
4. Better Soundproofing
The door’s material, installation process and overall construction lower noise intrusion. Energy-efficient garage doors give you the peace of mind you deserve after a busy day.
5. Easier Maintenance
Garage doors with good efficiency ratings are usually simpler to maintain. Additionally, the lower maintenance cost makes them a homeowner’s or business owners’ first choice. The parts are also easy to obtain and economical, especially when you partner with a trusted technician.
6. Improves Security
The materials used for energy-efficient are formidable. The door’s thickness makes it difficult to breach and modern garage doors also have additional safety features, such as photosensors that keep your door from closing when obstructed. You can also operate smart garage doors remotely and monitor activities on your devices. Using energy-efficient doors guarantees added security for you and your family.
7. Protect Your Car
Installing energy-efficient garage doors protects your car from intense heat, as uncontrolled temperatures may damage your vehicle. A high-quality garage door protects your cars from harsh UV rays. Plus, a well-insulated and installed garage door prevents foreign material from entering your garage, thereby reducing corrosion.
8. Comfortable Space
The doors maintain a convenient temperature in your garage, allowing you to spend more hours in there. Whether you have a tool bench or craft area in your garage or converted it into a gym or an office, energy-efficient garage doors make the space more comfortable.
Explore Our Energy Efficient Garage Door Options at Kitsap Garage Door
Energy-efficient garage doors have several advantages for your property and the planet. Kitsap Garage Door has offered its customers the highest quality and technologically advanced garage doors for over 40 years. Our experienced professionals are available to assist you in choosing a garage door that fits your needs.
Do you want to explore our extensive stock of energy-efficient garage doors? Contact us today!