Choosing the Right Commercial Garage Door for Your Business
Finding the best commercial garage door for your company will require patience and research, as different doors can benefit various industries. For instance, a restaurant may want a sophisticated garage door that can open during the summer for outdoor dining. At the same time, an auto repair shop would likely desire a series of functional panel doors to let cars in for repairs. Learn more about the different types of commercial garage doors below to decide which one is right for your business.
Choosing Two Single Garage Doors or a Large Double Door
You know you want a two-car garage, but what you don’t know is whether you want your garage to have a double garage door or two single doors. Both look attractive, and they can both complement the appearance of any home. What factors should you take into account when deciding? You need to weigh the cost and maintenance involved with getting each door. Consider the benefits of the two, and you can make up your mind much more easily.
Overhead vs. Wall Mounted Garage Door Openers
Updated: December 06, 2024
If you need a garage door opener, there are plenty of models on the market today. The most common options are overhead openers or a garage door opener mounted on your wall.
While they are both safe and offer the convenience of being able to open and close your garage door with just the click of a button, there are some differences between them that homeowners should consider before making a purchase.
(more…)Insulation Levels for Garage Doors
If you are shopping for a new garage door, you know there is much to consider. You need to ensure that the door you choose is secure, efficient, reliable and high quality. You may also consider style preferences and cost.
One factor that is often overlooked when choosing a garage door is R-value — and it is a significant consideration you do not want to ignore. R-value relates to how insulated a garage door is, so it is a major factor if you live in a colder area. It can also help you choose a more energy-efficient garage door.
What Is R-Value?
R-value measures a material’s thermal resistance — that is, how well the material can reduce the transfer of heat or its ability to resist heat traveling through it. In simple terms, R-value shows how insulated a material is. The higher a door’s R-value is, the better it can insulate your garage — but there are also other considerations for choosing the right R-value garage door.
Why Garage Door Insulation Ratings Matter
While there are many factors to consider for a new garage door, R-value is one of the most vital and provides some of the best benefits for homeowners. R-value matters for garage door owners for several reasons:
- Increased energy efficiency: Your garage door is a huge entryway into your home, which means it can be one of the greatest sources of heat loss or gain. Choosing the right R-value for your home can greatly increase its energy efficiency.
- Greater durability: Garage doors that are well-insulated and have a good R-value are typically made with higher-quality materials that make them durable and more reliable.
- Increased resale value: If there is any chance of you selling your home in the near future, having a high R-value garage door is a must. A higher R-value is a great feature that may increase your property’s resale value since these garage doors are high-quality, longer lasting and make your home more energy-efficient.
- Warranty: You are more likely to enjoy better warranty coverage for your garage door and its insulation if the door has a high R-value.
- Better comfort: Choosing a garage door with the right R-value for your home is an easy way to enjoy greater comfort in your garage when warmer or colder weather hits.
Choosing the Right R-Value for Your Garage Door
While it is true that a high R-value shows greater insulation and a higher quality garage door, you should choose the right R-value for your climate and your home’s needs. Consider these factors for choosing a garage door R-value that is best for you:
- Climate: If you live in a very cold climate, you will naturally need a higher R-value to insulate your door from the cold. The reverse is also true.
- Garage type: Attached garages are usually quite insulated, so an R-value of at least R-12 should work for these types of spaces, even in colder temperatures. If you have a detached garage, your recommended R-value will depend on whether the garage is insulated or not. For an uninsulated detached garage, an R-6 rating is generally suitable.
- Existing heating: If your garage is heated, choosing a door with a higher R-value is essential. The high R-value door will help maximize energy efficiency. If your garage is unheated, a door with a lower R-value should work.
- Cost factors: If cost is an immediate factor, choosing a door that is made with polystyrene and that has a slightly lower R-value can make your purchase more cost-effective. However, if long-term savings are your priority, choose a well-insulated door now to save more money on monthly utilities.
How Garage Door Layers Impact R-Value
Garage doors are sturdy and heavy because they are made of different layers. These layers can also impact a garage door’s overall R-value.
A quality garage door usually has three layers — an outer layer, an insulation layer and an inner layer. The outer layer can be made of aluminum, fiberglass or steel. These strong materials enable the door to be more weather-resistant and durable. The insulation layer directly impacts the door’s R-value and is usually made from polystyrene or polyurethane. The inner layer can be made with various materials, including steel, and adds to the door’s durability and appearance.
Types of Insulation for Garage Doors
Polystyrene or polyurethane are commonly used as garage door insulation layers. Polystyrene, also called Styrofoam, offers excellent thermal resistance and is a common choice for insulation. It is lightweight yet durable, which is ideal for heavy garage doors.
It is also a more economical option. Most garage doors with polystyrene insulation have it wedged between two steel layers. Polystyrene insulators typically have R-values of 6.3 to 12.9.
Polyurethane is a liquid foam that hardens to form an insulating layer. When it hardens, it becomes durable and rigid. While polyurethane insulation is the more expensive option, it has a higher R-value of 18.4 to 20.4, which can help keep your garage up to 20 degrees warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Polyurethane also provides greater sound insulation.
Other Factors That Impact Garage Door Insulation
R-value is undoubtedly one of the most crucial considerations when determining what you need for your garage door to be properly insulated. However, other factors can affect garage door insulation and R-values, including:
- Weatherstripping and seals: If the weatherstripping and seals on a garage door are compromised, air will pass more easily through the garage, impacting insulation.
- Door material and construction: Doors made from poor-quality materials and poorly constructed will not be as well-insulated as doors with higher quality and expert design.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation in your garage is essential for preventing moisture buildup and maintaining a consistent temperature.
- Orientation: How your garage door is oriented can impact temperature regulation. A garage that receives direct sunlight for most of the day will naturally be hotter if it isn’t properly insulated and ventilated.
Choose DistribuDoors for High-Quality Insulated Garage Doors in Seattle
Understanding R-value and prioritizing it when you choose a new garage door is highly beneficial. By opting for a garage door with the right R-value for your needs, you can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
For expert guidance when purchasing the best garage door for your home, you can rely on DistribuDoors to assist. We’ve served homeowners throughout the Seattle and Tacoma area since 1985. We provide various garage door products and services, including repairs, garage door installations and replacements. We are also an exclusive dealer of premium garage doors and accessories from Clopay® and LiftMaster.
Contact us today for any assistance from one of our team members or for a free estimate.
5 Projects to Improve Home Value
Whether you are painting a room in your house or converting an entire space into a new room, home projects can accomplish a lot. They can update the look of your house, making it more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, as well as increase your home’s value.
The return on your investment can depend on several factors such as the value of the other houses near you, the quality of the home project and the current housing market. It is also important to keep in mind that certain projects have a higher return on investment than others. Read on to find out which projects are worth focusing on to increase the value of your home.