Question:
I would like to use our attached garage as a shop during our cold Wisconsin
winters and its currently uninhabitable even when its only in the 30s
outside. I can't imagine how its going to feel in there when its gets to be subzero.
Two walls are already insulated while the (third) one that is below
ground level is not. I believe the ceiling is insulated but can't tell for
sure because its been drywalled. There is already heat plumbed into the
garage (we have a boiler heat system). So before I pop for a new $750
insulated garage door, I wanted to see if this is likely to help
considerably in keeping the garage warm. It's a 390 series from the
Overhead Door Company and has an R value of 9.83.
Answer:
Garage doors are what I do.
You will notice a real big difference with this style of door...but shop
around. The garage door market is very competitive. Without knowing the
size of the door or installation particulars it's tough to say if you're
getting a fair price.
Most all manufactures offer a door with stats similar to the OH 390 (2"
double steel insulated). At the upper end, there is the Wayne Dalton 8500
series. What I like about this door is the way the sections fit together.
Rather than a simple T&G there are several fingers that interlock when the
door closes. There is also a rubber seal incorporated into this joint. The
Carriage House (CHI) 2280 series door is very similar to the one you are
considering, but normally available at a lower cost. The good thing about
all of these doors is how air-tight they are. You will loose most of your
heat around the perimeter of the door. The sides and top of the door casing
should be trimmed with a high quality vinyl stop molding. If your apron is
cracked or uneven, doors can be fitted with a more bulky bottom seal.
Before the installer leaves, close the door and turn out the lights. (Keep
your distance...garage door guys can get a little freaky) Look for
daylight coming in from around the door. Keep him there until everything is
sealed to your liking.
