Tips on Garage Door Insulation

Most of us believe that insulating certain parts of the house namely the garage door is an unnecessary luxury. People who have done so may have a completely different opinion on this matter. The reasons may be due to the several advantages provided by this process.

As a result, during the winter, the warm air produced by the heater stays inside the house, whereas in the summer the air will be much cooler. In this way, the expense on energy is substantially reduced. Insulation can keep away moisture and infestation of insects from the house.

Another alternative is reflective foil insulation that comes in the form of a thin sheet, which has a reflective foil attached to its back. The efficiency of the insulation is determined by its R value. It's sectioned into grades of high, medium, and low. When the R value is high, it provides better thermal efficiency.

If the rating for the R value is of a mediocre quality temperature and noise regulation is reduced by the extent proportionate to it. An R value of a low range would be of lesser quality.

The material purchased is maintained in a compressed state. Before opening the package take the different dimensional measurements of the door and the floor to understand the quantity of material needed for the insulation. The bought product is either polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam sheets. Instructions for fixing it to a door panel are given here.

Take the polyurethane foam sheets and cut it as per the measurements of the door panels. Use a putty knife to tuck the foam along the panels of the garage door. Cover up the foam with the help of aluminum foil tap.

Alternatively, a stiffer quality of this material can also be opted for. You have to cut them and attach to the door panels with glue. Fix the foam with panel brackets to secure them further.

Weather strips is another excellent option. These are available with several specifications suited for different purposes. Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed foam is quite cheap and easiest to install on a door. It is reinforced with rubber and plastic coating, which raises its efficiency.

They are available in rolls and of varying lengths and thickness. When the strips are fit to the door, it provides a padding effect which reduces noise on account of slamming. The durability of this material lasts up to three years. Here are the instructions for its usage:

• Remove the back layer of the strip and paste it on the garage door.
• Apply adequate pressure so that it adjusts well to the door surface. If required, you can put some nails to fix it tightly.
• In case you are opting for a kit, refer to the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer.

Finally, check if the compression bubble at the bottom of the door or the weather stripping at the sides of the door are in good condition. If not, then replace them with new ones to get a better result. After the work is completed, inspect it or have a building expert look over it.

Wear a protective gear while handling the weather strips or the foam sheets. Direct contact with this material can cause severe itching. Keep your skin covered using gloves, boots, goggles, and mast while working.