Garage Door R-Value 101

If you've ever shopped for a garage door, you're probably familiar with the many options available to you like colour, style, and material. However, did you know that selecting the R-value of your garage door is just as important?

What is an R-value?

R-value indicates the insulation value of your garage door. The R-value is a measurement of how well your garage door prevents heat loss on cold days and keeps your garage cool on hot days. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating performance.

Why is R-value important?

The R-value of a garage door indicates how efficient your door will be at regulating your garage's temperature. This is especially important if you spend a great deal of time in your garage year-round or if there is living space located above it.

What R-value should I look for?

If you live in Canada, harsh weather conditions will impact what R-value is recommended for maximum energy efficiency. For insulated and heated garages, Creative Door recommends a minimum of R-11. Otherwise, an R-value of 14-16 is ideal.

Do different garage door materials impact R-value?

Some garage door materials provide more insulation than others. The most commonly used insulations are polystyrene (styrofoam) or polyurethane (spray foam). Polystyrene is shaped to fit garage door panels but doesn't guarantee full coverage. Comparatively, polyurethane is sprayed into garage door panels and expands to fill the entire space, preventing air from getting in and offering better insulation and increased structural support because both the front and back of the door are bonded together.

How do I learn more about choosing the right R-value for me?

The experts at Creative Door will help you find the garage door that best suits your needs, answer any questions, and even evaluate the R-value of your existing garage door.

Browse through the Creative Door showroom or contact us to learn more about our selection of residential and commercial garage doors.