I'm looking to replace my attached garage door, which sits beneath a guest bedroom, and I want to make an informed choice about the R-value. The options I'm considering are R-6.9, R-12.4, and R-18.5. I live in Pennsylvania where winters can hit 20°F and summers can reach 80-90°F. My primary concern is preventing energy loss from the garage to the guest room. Will opting for the highest R-value make a noticeable difference in the temperature of my home? I've heard that garage doors often don't seal well, so I'm wondering how much the insulation really helps. I plan on staying in this house long-term, and the price increases by about $300 with each jump in R-value. Which one would you recommend?
1 Answer
I'd recommend going with the highest R-value you can afford. It's always better to have better insulation, especially if you plan to stay long-term. Even if garage doors don’t seal perfectly, having a higher R-value can help reduce energy loss significantly, especially in extreme temperatures.

Extra like what? Are there specific things you should consider along with the door?