If you have a garage door in your premises, you have probably come across the word “R-value”. Though, most of the people are aware of this R-value thing, but only a few understand its importance. They don’t know why they need to pay attention to it when selecting a garage door for their home. Here are a few reasons why you need to consider R-value of your door before buying it.
What is an R-value?
R-Value is a measure of thermal efficiency. Higher R-value means greater insulating properties of the door. Insulation materials equalize the temperature and stop the flow of heat. The garage doors with the higher R-value are more energy-efficient than other doors.
Some materials provide better insulation than others
There are some specific materials that provide better insulation than others. Polystyrene and polyurethane are the two most common forms of insulation used. They may appear similar, but have different protection levels.
Where polystyrene is inserted into garage door panels, leaving room for air to get in, polyurethane is sprayed into the door, which is more reliable. Since, the spray is bonded to the surface, it also keeps the outside noise from getting in, providing a quieter garage. Polyurethane provides much higher R-value.
R-value measurement
You can calculate the R-value if you know the material used in the fabrication of the door. Common building materials have pre-defined R-value. You can easily find them online and calculate the exact R-value.
Importance of R-value
What is the R-value of the door? This is the question that you must ask when shopping for a garage door. The R-value determines the efficiency of your door and how it will be at insulating your garage and home.
Keeping your garage warm all winter can break the bank. So, it is ideal to consider the doors with high R-value for the garage that are not used too often. R-value will maintain the inside temperature and can help save you a lot of money.
Higher is better
When it comes to R-value, higher is always better. But remember, it’s not the only factor to consider. Today polyurethane insulated garage doors offer an R-value of 12-18, but you need to also look for a door with good construction. The bottom seal, weather stripping, and the sealing joints, etc. are also some of the most important elements to look for when choosing your next garage door.
If you want to know what R-value should you look for in a new garage door, then contact our professionals at Promaster Garage Doors & Windows. Our skilled professionals will walk you through the garage door selection process, helping you choose the best and energy-efficient garage door for your space.