October 27, 2017

How can I tell if a door advertised as R-16 actually is R16?

R-16 Garage door

A new garage door is a big investment, so it’s no wonder that you’ve done your research. You’ve discovered that a garage door with an R‑16 thermal resistance value is the right door for you, but you’re worried that garage door companies might simply be trying to pull the wool over your eyes. How can you tell if the door is actually R‑16?

The level of thermal resistance is determined by taking a reading at the centre of a door section, and then measuring the thermal conductivity of the section (the same way as a window’s thermal resistance is measured). Generally speaking, a door with an R-16 level of thermal resistance should be about 1.75 inches thick and injected with polyurethane foam.

You can with a simple test!

Before we explain to you how to test the R-level yourself, let’s put things into perspective:

Your garage is attached to the house; it’s insulated, but not heated. The R‑16 garage door is insulated with injected polyurethane foam and has weather-stripping around the exterior perimeter, between the door sections and at the bottom of the door.

To test the level, wait for a cold morning until the thermometer reads below zero. Get into your car and turn the key so you can see the outdoor temperature displayed on the dashboard (but don’t start the engine). Jot down the temperature. Now, start your car and drive around town for 10‑15 minutes, jot down the temperature displayed on the dashboard now.

For example; you get in your car on a cold morning and the dashboard says it’s 0°C, you drive around for 10‑15 minutes and your car’s thermometer is now saying it’s -21°C… That means that your properly insulated and weather-stripped, R‑16 garage door is keeping your garage at least 20°C warmer than the outdoor temperature.

You can complete the same test in the summer, when temperatures soar, your R-16 garage door should be keeping your garage nice and cool.

Where can I buy an R‑16 garage door?

If you’re in the market for a new garage door and have your sights on an R-16 door, give us a call at 724-834-8450. As garage door experts, we’re the best possible source of advice and will be pleased to help you make a well-informed choice.

We’re happy to send you a quotation over by email, and we’ll even come out to your home to evaluate your needs in person, if required. If you’re unsure which style or model would be a good fit for your garage, browse through our image gallery or “try on” a garage door using our Design Centre.

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