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Maybe your garage is used strictly to store your lawnmower, bicycles and if there’s room, your vehicle. If that’s the case, you’re probably not too concerned about keeping it warm in winter. If, however, your garage is a multi-use space, you’ll want to minimize heat loss around your garage door. With that goal in mind, here are a few “keep the heat” suggestions:

Advantage of Weather-Stripping

No matter how well you’ve insulated your garage, there are likely some gaps around the garage door. Though small, these gaps can let the warm air out and cold air in resulting in higher energy costs. Good quality, properly installed weather-stripping can make a tremendous difference to the warmth and usability of your garage space. Thermal leak detectors are available at your local hardware store – these devices use infrared sensors to measure surface temperatures. Good models can be rather pricey, and it may be preferable to consult your local door store and ask them to perform the scan. A simple test is to simply move your hand around the perimeter of the door, noting any cold spots. Keep in mind; even proper weather-stripping will wear out over time so check it occasionally and replace it, when required.

Advantages of Garage Insulation

Unless specifically requested, most new homes do not come with insulated garages. If your home is older and insulated, it was likely given the same insulation value as the rest of the house. There’s an art to insulating and sheeting up a garage properly so unless you’re a contractor or excellent home handyman, you’ll want to leave this to the professionals. It’s not only the walls but the ceiling that requires insulation. If you’re buying insulation, make sure it has the proper R-Value and remember your vapour barrier! If your garage has windows, it’s a good idea to check the condition and R-Value and to inspect them for leaks. If old, you may also need to upgrade the windows in your garage to prevent further heat loss.

Advantage of Garage Heaters

OK, you’ve put weather-stripping around the door and insulated the interior of your garage; now it’s time to consider your heat source. Most garages are not connected to the central heating system of your home, so you will need a heater to keep your garage warm. Small, forced air heaters are the most common choice, but other options might include in-floor or even electric baseboard heaters. Keep in mind; your heater may require additional electrical wiring or the installation of a natural gas line. So, whether you’ve converted your garage into a workshop, home studio, or man-cave, a little forethought will help keep it toasty warm all winter long. If your garage is being used for one of these purposes, limit the opening of your garage door in winter as this will let all the heat escape instantly.

Or course, let’s not forget about the actual garage door, itself. You’ll want to consider factors like thermal bridges and weather stripping inserted between individual sections of the door. You’ll want a door with an R-Value of at least 9, especially in colder temperatures like the ones we experience here in Alberta. If this all sounds very technical, not to worry. The team at Doors on Demand can help you choose the perfect door for your specific application.

Whether you’re in the market for a new door, a new opener or need some expert service and repair, we can help! Call us now at (403) 783-2454. We’ll provide you with all the advice and information you need to make the right garage door decision. We can also provide you with a free, no-obligation quote on that new door and opener. Follow the links on our web-page to gain more information. Doors on Demand – serving all of Alberta!