Garage Door Insulation R-Value for Michigan: R-8 vs R-12 vs R-16
Garage door insulation ranges from R-8 (basic) to R-16 (premium). For Detroit winters, R-12 or R-16 is the right call. R-12 uses a polyurethane foam core and cuts heating costs 15-20%. R-16 (Clopay's Intellicore technology) saves 25-30% and keeps the garage 10-15°F warmer. Upgrading from R-8 to R-16 costs $300-500 and typically pays for itself in 2-3 winters.
R-Value Comparison
R-8 (Basic)
Polystyrene insulation
Minimal energy savings
R-12 (Standard)
Polyurethane foam core
15-20% heating cost savings
R-16 (Premium)
Intellicore insulation
25-30% heating cost savings
Benefits for Michigan Winters
Better thermal resistance does more than lower your gas bill. In Michigan winters it also:
- Keeps the garage warmer, which protects your car and prevents frozen pipes
- Reduces heat loss so your furnace runs less
- Limits thermal expansion and contraction that wears out springs faster
- A warmer garage means fewer spring failures over the winter
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