How To Better Insulate Your Overhead Garage Doors
Your garage can basically serve as an extra room in your home. Many people will convert part of their garage to be used as a bedroom, craft room, or storage space. If you are going to be spending so much time in you garage, you need to think about the temperature. Of course, people in extremely cold and hot climates need to be even more aware of the possible temperature issues. The biggest weak point when it comes to temperature control is often the garage doors. Simply put, even if you use space heaters or ductless AC units, they won't be very effective if air is escaping through the panels on your overhead garage doors. This article explains a few ways to improve the insulation of your garage panels.
Panel Replacement
Replacing your garage panels with a new product that has improved insulation is the first thing that comes to mind for many. This is the most expensive choice on the list, but it does have some other positive effects. Most significantly, new panels change your garage style quite dramatically. Even though new panels on a two car garage, for example, might cost several thousand dollars, many homeowners are willing to make the investment.
Replacing the Rubber Sweep
The rubber sweep is a piece that is attached to the bottom panel on an overhead garage door. This is meant to close the gap between the bottom panel and the ground. The rubber can crack, deteriorate, and get flattened over time from normal usage. So, it might need to be replaced after a number of years if you have air flowing through the bottom of your garage even when it is closed.
Weatherstripping Between the Panels
Weatherstripping in between the individual panels can also be helpful. Many garages have tiny gaps between the panels, even when they are brand new. They are just designed poorly. But, overlapping weatherstripping will essentially close this gap and prevent air from blowing through the gaps.
Adding Insulation to the Panels
It is also possible to add insulation onto the back of your panels. Fiberglass and foam sheets can be cut to size and placed inside the panel space. This can greatly insulate your panels, which might be very important even if they are perfectly airtight. Thin aluminum and vinyl door panels obviously don't provide amazing temperature retention, so some extra insulation can work wonders for your garage space.
For more information, talk to companies like Automatic Door Company.