Weatherproof garage doors?

jymbee · Jun 30, 2015

We plan to put up a multi-purpose building that will serve as a 2 bay garage as well as a working studio. Given it can get very cold here in the winter I'm wondering if there are any options for some type of garage door that might hold heat in better than others? Thought the swing out doors seemed pretty cool and it would be an advantage not to have the railings taking up the space inside-- until someone pointed out what a hassle that would be in the winter when it snows! Ah-- good point...

300UGUY · Jun 30, 2015

I am going to follow this, I am interested in the same thing.

CDN Farm Boy · Jun 30, 2015

There are various grades of overhead doors with different levels of insulation and weather stripping. The supplier I use has at least 4 levels. Also, if you have the option, consider orienting the building that the worst of the weather isn't beating on the doors.

Sliding are too hard to seal around
Roll-up (the kind that roll up like a window blind) don't have insulation
Hinged take up too much floor space (or snow problems as you mentioned)
Bifold (horizontal motion) have the same problem as sliding to seal and the floor space of hinged
Bifold (vertical motion) are a possibility but usually have some pretty high end hardware to support the weight.
Conventional overhead door is (as far as I'm aware) the best bang for the buck simply because that's what's most common.

s219 · Jun 30, 2015

What about an insulated garage door? They work pretty good. When I replaced the standard door with an insulated one at our last house, the difference in summer was quite noticeable. I think they are only about R-13 or so, but it's better than nothing.

zzvyb6 · Jun 30, 2015

I bought these sectional doors by Amarr through Costco's discount partner program. They are fully insulated with double glass. Good seam seals between panels and the floor and sides. The main benefit to me has been reduction of the intense heat buildup in the garage from the direct sun load. It's no longer an issue. Well sealed, no cracks or spaces for light to come through. They are about 3 inches thick. Nothing froze this year in the garage despite the very harsh wind and cold temperature. I hate burst frozen beer cans spewing suds all over. What remains tastes awful.

What we did was to take a picture of the old garage openings and superimposed several new door, window and color type options until we liked the look. What we got was exactly what we wanted. I was surprized to see that the style and windows I thought I wanted looked bad when compared to the rest of the house and garage style. So getting the right 'Look' was important for us. Its even better than imagined.

You can minimise the opener intrusion with the new types which mount a rollup drum just above the door.

dave1949 · Jun 30, 2015

I agree. Buy the best insulated OHD you can find. I will make a huge difference. If you can, put the doors on the south or east side of the building.

4570Man · Jul 1, 2015

A garage door with no windows would hold heat better.

byronlj · Jul 1, 2015

I have 2 ten foot tall garage doors that are insulated. They are facing east which helps a lot. The rest of the garage/shop is insulated and stays toasty warm when I use heat. Very quiet also.
Dave

nybirdman · Jul 1, 2015

Raynor;overhead doors.Very nice doors well made and insulated.Cam shut and are fairly weather tight.

jymbee · Jul 1, 2015

Good summary of the options. I does seem that conventional is the way to go. Looking at some of the options others have mentioned here. Thanks for the input.

CDN Farm Boy said:
There are various grades of overhead doors with different levels of insulation and weather stripping. The supplier I use has at least 4 levels. Also, if you have the option, consider orienting the building that the worst of the weather isn't beating on the doors.

Sliding are too hard to seal around
Roll-up (the kind that roll up like a window blind) don't have insulation
Hinged take up too much floor space (or snow problems as you mentioned)
Bifold (horizontal motion) have the same problem as sliding to seal and the floor space of hinged
Bifold (vertical motion) are a possibility but usually have some pretty high end hardware to support the weight.
Conventional overhead door is (as far as I'm aware) the best bang for the buck simply because that's what's most common.