October 27, 2017

Is It Truly an R-16 Garage Door?

R-16 Garage door

You have been on the hunt for a new garage door. You have been searching on the web and have discovered that doors with an R‑16 thermal resistance are a top option that will meet your needs. Top resources agree that R‑16 is a great thermal rating. However, you need to make sure you are working with a company that can truly provide you with that type of insulation. Some companies out there may want to pull the wool over your eyes and sell you a lesser door just so they can make a quick buck. How do you know you are getting what you paid for?

Garage door manufacturers will measure their doors’ R‑values by taking their readings at the center of one of the door sections. The thermal conductivity is measured the same way as it is for measuring a double‑paned window. For this type of value, the door would need to be injected with polyurethane foam, and it should be around 1.75” thick, or 45 mm thick.

Testing the Door

Let’s run a simulated test. For this simulation, say that your garage is insulated and that it is attached to the house. In addition, for the sake of the test, say that the garage is not heated. The garage door has been injected with polyurethane foam, and it has quality weatherstripping on the door’s perimeter. This weatherstripping is also at the bottom of the door and between the door sections.

When you take the measurements, you will want to do so on a morning when the temperature outside is below freezing. The colder the better. When you get into the car, turn the key just to the point where the temperature comes on, but the engine is not started. Take note of that temperature, and then drive around the area for about fifteen minutes. Again, take note of the car’s temperature. The difference, in a garage that has an R‑16 rating, would be at least 30 degrees. Therefore, it should be about 30 degrees warmer than it is outside.

The car’s temperature

While it tends to be easier to run this sort of test in the winter, it is possible to do it in the summer, as well. However, you will go out when the temperatures are at their hottest, and you will see just how much cooler the garage door makes the garage. Again, you will want it to be at least a 30‑degree difference to ensure you have an R‑16 garage door.

Running the test on your own will give you a better idea of whether the garage door has the proper thermal resistance or not.

Getting an R‑16 Garage Door

You can call anytime at 717-767-1419. We know all there is to know about garage doors, and we can make sure you have the right information so you can make a quality decision and get the right door. We can even provide you with an email quotation for the door if you would like.

We can come and visit your home to let you know more about all the products available today. We can help you find the door for your garage and your budget. You can also check out more about the doors and see how they will look thanks to the Design Centre and our image gallery.

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