8 min read Roslyn Garage Doors
Your garage might be your home's biggest energy weakness, and your garage door is likely the culprit. Most homeowners don't realize that an uninsulated or poorly insulated garage door can account for significant heat loss.especially in Central Washington where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Even if your garage isn't heated, it affects your home's energy efficiency: - Attached garages share walls with conditioned living space - Living spaces above garages lose heat through garage ceiling - Water heaters and HVAC equipment in garages work harder in temperature extremes - Workshops and hobby spaces become unusable in extreme temperatures
An uninsulated garage door can make garage temperatures mirror outside temperatures.meaning if it's 20°F outside, your garage might be nearly as cold.
R-value measures a material's resistance to heat transfer. Higher R-values mean better insulation:
- Uninsulated doors: R-0 to R-2 - Polystyrene insulated: R-6 to R-12 - Polyurethane insulated: R-12 to R-20+
For Central Washington's climate, we recommend minimum R-12 insulation, with R-16 or higher being ideal for attached garages.
U-factor measures heat transfer through the entire door assembly (including windows and weatherstripping): - Lower U-factors are better, This is more comprehensive than R-value alone, Premium doors often specify both values
Your actual energy savings depend on: - Current door's insulation value, New door's insulation value, Whether your garage is heated, Climate zone (Central Washington is Zone 5) - Garage use patterns, Adjacent living spaces
Let's calculate savings for a typical Roslyn home:
Assumptions: - Attached two-car garage (16' x 7' door) - Garage shares one wall with heated living space, Current door: uninsulated (R-2) - New door: polyurethane insulated (R-16) - Average heating degree days for area: 6,000
Heat Loss Reduction: - Door area: 112 square feet, Current heat loss: 112 sq ft ÷ R-2 = 56 BTU/hour per degree difference, New heat loss: 112 sq ft ÷ R-16 = 7 BTU/hour per degree difference, Reduction: 49 BTU/hour per degree
Annual Energy Savings: - 49 BTU × 6,000 heating degree days × 24 hours = 7,056,000 BTU saved, Converting to therms (natural gas): 70.56 therms, At $1.50/therm: $105.84 annual heating savings
Cooling savings add another 15-25% in summer.
For heated garages or homes with living space above the garage, savings can be 2-3 times higher.
Beyond energy savings, insulated doors provide: - More comfortable garage workspace temperatures, Protection for stored items sensitive to temperature extremes, Reduced condensation and moisture problems, Elimination of that "wall of cold" when entering from garage
Insulated doors are significantly quieter: - The insulation dampens vibration, Thicker panels resonate less, Operation sounds don't transmit as much, Street noise is reduced
Insulated doors are stronger: - Foam-filled panels resist dents, Two layers of steel sandwich the insulation, Less warping and bowing over time, Better wind resistance
- Rigid foam boards inserted between door layers, Lower cost option, R-values typically R-6 to R-9, Adequate for moderate climates
- Liquid foam injected and expands to fill entire panel, Bonds to both door skins for added strength, R-values R-12 to R-20+ - Recommended for Central Washington winters, Premium option with better long-term performance
| Feature | Polystyrene | Polyurethane | |---------|-------------|--------------| | R-value per inch | R-3.5 | R-6.5 | | Strength | Good | Excellent | | Cost | Lower | Higher | | Longevity | 15-20 years | 20-30 years | | Sound dampening | Good | Excellent |
If you heat your garage (for a workshop, exercise space, or to protect vehicles): - Insulated doors can reduce heating costs by 50-70% - ROI on upgrade is typically 3-5 years, More consistent temperatures with less heater cycling, Savings are substantial and measurable
Bonus rooms, bedrooms, or offices above garages: - Floor temperature increases significantly, HVAC for those rooms works less, Comfort improvement is immediate, Energy savings compound with other envelope improvements
Garage-located equipment operates more efficiently: - Water heaters in 40°F garages work harder than in 55°F garages, Refrigerators in hot summer garages use more electricity, Vehicle batteries last longer in temperature-stable garages
For maximum energy efficiency, combine: - Insulated garage door (R-16+) - Quality weatherstripping all around, Bottom seal in good condition, Insulated walls and ceiling if attached, Sealed penetrations (electrical, plumbing)
When calculating value: - Energy costs will likely increase over time, Better insulation increases home value, Comfort benefits are immediate, Tax credits or rebates may be available
We recommend: - Calculate potential savings for your situation, Consider all benefits, not just energy, Choose appropriate R-value for your climate, Install professionally for optimal performance
At Roslyn Garage Doors, we provide free energy assessments with our estimates. We'll calculate your potential savings based on: - Your specific door size and type, Your home's configuration, Your energy usage patterns, Available door options
Call (509) 287-4351 to schedule your free consultation. We'll show you exactly how much you could save with an insulated garage door upgrade.