Does Garage Door Insulation Matter

A garage is often much more than a place to park the family vehicle. It is typically the primary entrance to the home. Many times, there are living spaces directly above or beside the garage. And sometimes, a garage is used as a studio, a gym, a workshop, or for another purpose. As so much goes on in a garage, it can be just as important to insulate your garage door as it is to insulate the rest of your home.

Quick Guide to Insulated Garage Doors

Garage doors can be insulated with various materials, but the two most common are polystyrene and polyurethane. Most Wayne Dalton garage doors use one of these two types of garage door insulation. Polystyrene insulation comes in sheets that are put inside the door as it is manufactured. Polyurethane insulation is a foam that is sprayed into the garage door's sandwich construction and expands to bond to the surfaces. It is up to two times more effective than polystyrene insulated doors.

There are two types of thermal ratings used by the garage and commercial door industry to evaluate insulation; U-factor and R-value.

The U-factor measures the rate at which heat is transferred through a material, such as a garage door. A lower U-factor indicates better insulation, meaning the garage door will resist heat flow more effectively.
The R-value evaluates the thermal resistance of a garage door. It represents how well the door can impede the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation capability of the garage door. U-factor is not the reciprocal for R-value for residential garage or commercial doors.

The biggest difference between the two ratings is how they are measured. R-value ratings are calculated mathematically by measuring a single section of a garage or commercial sectional door. U-factor ratings, on the other hand, are calculated by measuring the whole door system installed (the entire door, siding, framing, wall, materials used, etc.). U-factor ratings give a more accurate thermal transference rating and as such, a more accurate picture of the thermal insulation efficiency.

Wayne Dalton participates in the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) Thermal Performance Verification (TPV) Program. The program goes beyond the traditionally published R-value and uses third-party testing to evaluate and certify the thermal transmittance (U-factor) of select residential garage and commercial door manufacturers. Models denoted with the DASMA (insert checkmark here) indicate verified U-factor rating.

Benefits of Garage Door Insulation

Insulating your garage door can provide several benefits, including those listed below.

Climate Control

Non-insulated garage doors provide a way for both cool and warm air to escape. This means that any heat or air you have pumping into your garage is not staying put.

It not only impacts the climate in the garage but also any room built beside or above the garage. Those rooms share walls with your garage, meaning that the heat or air from your home can escape to the garage and, subsequently, through your garage door.

Insulated garage doors can help keep your air or heat inside. It creates a more comfortable temperature to work or play in. It also provides a safer area to park your vehicle as intense hot or cold weather can play a role in its performance.

Thermal Savings

As your warm or cool air escapes, the heating and the cooling unit must continue working to control the climate of your home. Insulated garage doors can help minimize the amount of time your unit has to run, decreasing your overall energy costs and saving you money.

Noise-Reducing

Whether you have a workshop in your garage or live in a noisy neighborhood, an insulated garage door can help. The thicker and sturdier quality helps to keep your noise inside and other people’s noise out. Polystyrene works well in this area, but polyurethane takes it up a notch or two.

Increased Durability

Insulated garage doors are reinforced with extra layers, which makes them much more durable than non-insulated garage doors. This durability means the difference between more frequent repairs or replacements and is not as likely to rust or dent. Again, polyurethane provides more durability, but polystyrene is more durable than those with no insulation at all.

Tips for Insulating Your Garage Door

Not every garage needs the same amount of insulation. People who live in extreme hot or cold climates will typically require more heavy insulation. But, the more insulation, the more benefits you experience.
Insulating your garage door is important, but it is important to keep the rest of your garage in mind, too. To gain all the advantages of garage door insulation, you want to be sure you insulate your garage walls, as well.
Do not overlook your garage windows, either. Both the windows on your garage door and any others you have in your garage should be sealed properly.
Be realistic about your expectations. Insulation can help control the climate, but the garage is still a garage. Concrete floors will always be slightly cool, so you might still need a heater if you are working in your garage. However, the insulation will help keep that heat in the garage.

Garage Door U-Factor and R-Values

Model	Product	Insulation	U-factor*	R-value**

8600	Carriage House	Polyurethane	.05	12.12
8300	Classic Steel	Polyurethane	.15	12.12
8500	Classic Steel	Polyurethane	.12	16.22
8700	Vinyl	Polyurethane	.24	10
9100	Classic Steel	Polyurethane	.26	9
9605	Classic Steel	Polyurethane	.26	10
9405	Carriage House	Polyurethane	.27	10
8310	Designer Steel	Polyurethane	.15	12.12
8670	Carriage House	Polyurethane	.16	11
8680	Fiberglass	Polyurethane	.15	12
8850	Aluminum Glass	Insulated Glass	.31	1.75
8850	Aluminum Glass	Low-E Insulated Glass	.28	2.38
8800	Aluminum Glass	Insulated Glass	.29	1.75
8800	Aluminum Glass	Low-E Insulated Glass	.27	2.38
5145	Builder Door	Polyurethane	.27	10
5120	Builder Door	Polyurethane	.26	9

Commercial Door U-Factor and R-Values

Model	Product	Insulation	U-factor*	R-value**
530	ThermoMark	Polyurethane	.07	26
200-20	Thermospan	Polyurethane	.12	17.5
200	Thermospan	Polyurethane	.12	17.5
150	Thermospan	Polyurethane	.14	14.6
125	Thermospan	Polyurethane	.2	10.79
5150	ThermoMark	Polyurethane	.15	12.12
5200	ThermoMark	Polyurethane	.12	12.12
5155	ThermoMark	Polyurethane	.15	16.22
5255	ThermoMark	Polyurethane	.12	16.22
452	Aluminum Door	Insulated Glass	.31	1.75
452	Aluminum Door	Low E Insulated Glass	.28	2.38
K-AL	Aluminum Door	Insulated Glass	.29	1.75
K-AL	Aluminum Door	Low EInsulated Glass	.27	2.38

*U-factor is independently tested and verified per ANSI/DASMA 105 using solid doors and specific product sizes.
**Wayne Dalton uses a calculated door section R-value for our insulated doors.

If you are interested in upgrading to a garage door with more insulation, Wayne Dalton has one to suit your needs. With a wide range of materials, colors, and styles, you do not have to sacrifice visual appeal for thermal efficiency.

View our product selection, in one of our showrooms, or at your local Wayne Dalton dealer. Our team at Wayne Dalton is here to help you make the next best decision in making sure your home’s garage door is well-insulated.

Does Garage Door Insulation Matter?