The main difference between R and U values when it comes to garage doors is the fact that the R-Value is used to determine the thermal resistance that the door can hold. In other words, it is the difference in temperature between the heat flux and the insulator. This is ultimately determined by the thickness and type of materials used to construct the door itself. The higher the number, the higher the resistance. The U-Value refers to the flow of heat through the insulated area into the larger space. These are the two main factors that companies look at when installing a garage onto a home. The homeowner would need to consider these instruments when developing a budget for bills. A lower R-Value can seriously impact your electricity bill and the overall state of living in the home in the winter and summer months causing your heat and air to run longer and harder to heat or cool the home efficiently.
Winter is upon us, and the weather is quickly cooling down for the holidays. Fall brings a new element to all aspects of your life, especially your garage door. Now it is time to prepare your home for the winter months. The biggest thing that most families forget that affects their winter bills is the garage door. Winterizing your garage door is a must to save on bills and to keep your home warm. At the onset of Fall is a good time to begin the quarterly maintenance on your garage door and elements. Unbeknownst to most people, the garage is the place where the most heat and cool air is released from the home.
As the homeowner, you can do the non-mechanical maintenance on your garage door. First things first, you must make sure that your doors are properly closing and opening. If the door is not tracking properly, over time it will wear the out components quicker and create a space for the elements to enter the home. Now, if a flaw is detected this is the part where it is time to call a professional technician to complete the maintenance on the garage door. Once this is corrected you will see a big difference in the operation and safety of your garage door while keeping the elements at bay.
Secondly, pay close attention to the R-Value of your garage door to ensure that you are on the right track. Lubricating the doors is a simple and inexpensive way to ward off expensive repairs. You must stay on top of these things to prevent having a major accident with the door at any time of the year. Remember, never use a grease-based lubricant on the garage door. Its thickness will cause the tracks on the door to become very sticky over time and it will collect debris later causing the door to malfunction. Using a non silicone based lubricant will assist the lifespan of the components and help the garage door operate more efficiently.
Third, ensure that the doors seals and mechanisms are properly cleaned. Over time they can collect dirt, dust, and grime over time that can cause the door to stop working properly. To clean these areas, you can use a regular household cleaner. Use the cleaner to wipe down the seals and weather strip to clean all collected dirt. Any mechanisms on the inside of the door or something that seems too complex for you to complete, please contact a professional for your safety and to also ensure that the garage door works at top potential.
For companies, it is even more important to follow the above guidelines as well because not only can this increase your loss of heat and air, but this can also create saftey concerns your business. If your overhead door breaks down, we understand how that can impact your profits. You still should consider the U and R Values when selecting these doors because it can determine the humidity count for your products and many other factors. Being located higher North can cause your humidity count to be higher for residential and commercial customers. Be sure to stay on top of the upkeep of your garage doors and this will keep your home and/or business at the top of their game.