In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know to make your garage warmer, cooler, and more energy efficient. We’ll cover everything you could possibly want to know why you need it, how to install it, and where to get it. We’ll tackle insulation kits in this version of the guide, and it will be updated to include weatherstripping and thresholds / bottom seals as well.

If there is something you would like us to include, or you find a mistake – please let us know via the form on our contact page and we’ll make it right.

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Purpose of Garage Door Insulation

Let’s face it – depending on where you live, summers can be blazing hot and winters frigidly cold. With insulation installed, you’ll never be able to tell which season it is. Insulation is cheap and you’ll only have to spend about an hour of your time to receive life-long results. You’ll start to see smaller numbers on your electrical bill and you might even realize new possibilities that your garage has to offer.

Garage door insulation, seals and weatherstripping can fix all of your unwanted problems that come with the seasons, and have other benefits as well…

Cleanliness

Some garages, especially older ones, or those that need a little TLC, tend to have gaps below the garage door and especially along the sides. This can lead to unwanted dirt, debris, and even water getting into your garage.

Energy efficiency

Your garage door is like a huge wall with no insulation – and it’s a wall normally made of a thin layer of metal. You are letting a huge amount of heat into and out of your home.

Varmints

• Bugs – nothing is worse than a spider literally hanging out with you or a mosquito sapping you of precious blood while you’re trying to work or play videogames in your garage. You’ve gotta keep the garage door down, and in comes in the heat if it isn’t insulated.
• Creepy crawlers – Snakes? Stray cats? Random deer? You never know what kind of stranger wants to come and give your garage a quick visit – or you a heart attack. Once again, down goes the door.
• Neighbors – they don’t need to know what you’re doing. Neither do the raccoons.

Noise Levels

If you like to do woodworking or some other loud activity in your garage, it’s imperative to control sound however you can. While insulation kits are not made for sound reduction, they can reduce levels outside the garage by up to 20 db. And you can close the door on hot days and not burn up inside while you work.

Appearance

While the inside of your garage door may not be the focal point of your home decor, it can make a difference if you use your garage as an extra room for parties or a children’s play area. And if you’re like me and use it as a workshop, it just makes everything look more organized and “finished” compared to the inside of a flat steel panel.

Tax Credits

Included in the 2012 and 2013 Federal Tax Credit:

• Tax Credit: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50–$300
• Expires: December 31, 2013
• Details: Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not qualify.

Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as:

• Batts
• Rolls
• Blow-in fibers
• Rigid boards
• Expanding spray
• Pour-in-place.

Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including:

• Weather stripping
• Spray foam in a can, designed to air seal
• Caulk designed to air seal
• House wrap

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.
Source: EnergyStar.gov

Home resale value

This one is pretty obvious – if your garage is quieter, cleaner, and better looking your home value has to go up. Add to that the tax advantage and energy savings and this little project is a no-brainer.

Methods of garage door insulation

Completely and properly insulating your garage door isn’t just adding insulation to the door itself. You’ll have to take care of the bottom and edges as well, otherwise leaks will defeat all of your efforts.

Insulation panels

Insulation panels are comparatively cheap way to improve your already existing garage door’s insulating properties. Easy and fairly quick to install, these panels usually come in complete kits with everything you need to install them.

Weatherstripping

Weather stripping is another way to add insulating properties to an already existing garage door. Weather stripping will help seal any cracks along the edges of your garage doors, preventing not only the loss of heat/AC, but also discouraging moisture, debris, and pests from getting inside your garage.

Bottom seals

Bottom seals, like weather stripping, acts as a barrier for your garage in a place where gaps are common. The addition of a bottom seal guarantees that there will be no gap between the floor of your garage and the bottom of your garage door.

Door Insulation Kits

Garage door insulation kits include insulation panels or batting and the hardware to install it.

Tools Needed

The tools you’ll need are relatively universal and you probably have them laying around in your garage – utility knife, straight edge, tape measure, gloves etc. Most kits will come with a one year warranty and instructions to guide you through the installation process.

Types

• Fiberglass panels
• Panel foam
• Reflective foil
• Insulation foam

Fiberglass kits have eight panels for a single door. Owens Corning is a major manufacturer of fiberglass kits. The kit has 8 panels for a single door and comes equipped with a fastening structure which allows for a fast and secure method of attaching and keeping the panels in place. Installation should only require an hour or less of your time. Also, any worries about dents or tears can vanish because of the cleanable vinyl surface – and it will brighten the garage!

Panel Foam kits will give you durability and easy maintenance. This is achieved because they consist of expanded polystyrene panels with laminated plastic faces. Installation will be a breeze because of how easily the panels fit inside the door frames without having to use any tape or glue to hold it in. These kits come with enough items for a single garage door. If you’re planning on insulating a double garage or multiple garages, you’re going to need an insulation kit for every door.

Insulating Foam is brought to you from another leading manufacturer – Dow. The makeup of polystyrene in the insulation is perfect for metal doors. The surface is built with durable plastic and will fit very evenly when installing – you can also cut them to fit, if necessary. Then, you inject the foam insulation and make sure every space is filled in the door. The insulation will eliminate any possible voids by filling out to the metal of the door.

Reflective foil insulation is perfect for solid garage doors if they don’t have any sections. The insulation will cover the whole surface of the door and you can even cut it to fit specific areas if necessary. You can buy reflective foil insulation in either single or double foil types – there’s not a big difference in the money you’ll spend between the two.

Selection Criteria

R Value should be considered when you’re browsing for which kind of garage door kit to buy, but it shouldn’t be the ultimate determining factor in what you choose as your insulation.

The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance  used in the building and construction industry. Under uniform conditions it is the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator and the heat flux (heat transfer per unit area per unit time, ) through it or .The R-value being discussed is the unit thermal resistance. This is used for a unit value of any particular material. It is expressed as the thickness of the material divided by the thermal conductivity. For the thermal resistance of an entire section of material, instead of the unit resistance, divide the unit thermal resistance by the area of the material. For example, if you have the unit thermal resistance of a wall, divide by the cross-sectional area of the depth of the wall to compute the thermal resistance. The unit thermal conductance of a material is denoted as C and is the reciprocal of the unit thermal resistance. This can also be called the unit surface conductance, commonly denoted by h. The higher the number, the better the building insulation’s effectiveness. (R value is 1/h.) R-value is the reciprocal of U-value.

Source: Wikipedia

The type of garage door will make a difference. A solid wooden door won’t be as effectively insulated with the kits that are currently available on the market. If your garage doors are equipped with a hurricane bracing, you’ll still be able to utilize panel and reflective insulation – it just might require a little more cutting and effort to reach the panels.

Matador Residential Garage Door Insulation Kit

Atlas EPS S-GDIK001 Matador Garage Door Insulation, Universal Kit for 8-Foot and 9-Foot Metal Garage Doors, Includes 8 White Boards

Price: $85.00    Includes Free Shipping

Features:

• Keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
• Energy efficient
• Installation is very easy
• Surface is easy to clean
• Comes with 8 boards for up to a 9 foot garage
• Noise reduction

The Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit holds its promise of keeping your

garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer with its exceptional insulation. The kit has 8 boards and is enough to install a garage up to 9 feet. The panels are easily bendable to allow for easier installation. The polystyrene surface is also very simple to clean with minimal effort – no sophisticated cleaning techniques are required.

The Matador kits are our choice for appearance, durability and easy installation.

Matador Installation Instructions are located here on our site.

Matador insulation Kit FAQ

You can buy the Matador Kit here

 ADO Products Garage Door Insulation Kit Single

Price: $64.99

Features:

• R-8 Insulation Value – Keep the outside temperatures outside!
• Comes equipped with a metal pin installation system
• Simple installation
• Brightness – The white facing will lighten the look of your garage
• Noise reduction

The ADO Garage Door Insulation Kit does a fantastic job of insulating your garage – this is backed up by its R-8 insulation value. It comes with one, long roll of R- Fiberglass insulation to fit your garage door more efficiently without all the waste. It has enough material to fit a standard 9 foot garage – and more, if necessary. The metal pin installation system allows for more durability to refrain any accidents during installation and also keeps your insulation very well in place. Installation is very quick and easy – the only tools you’ll need are probably already in your garage – utility knife, tape measure, marker, and a straight edge.

ADO Door Kit Instructions

You can get the ADO kit on Amazon.com:  ADO Products Garage Door Insulation Kit Single

Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit

Owens-Corning 500824 Garage Door Insulation Kit, Includes R-8 Fiberglass Panels with White Vinyl Facing, Insulates Single Garage Door Up to 9-Feet Wide

Price: $90.00 – 100.00

Features:

• Specifically made for insulated metal garage doors – fits snug into the channel of the garage door
• Excellent thermal performance – 5 times more effective than insulated door
• 20% Noise reduction
• Easy installation – spend less than an hour to install a 9 foot garage door
• Only very basic tools necessary for installation – tape measure, utility knife, straight edge, marker
• The vinyl surface is easily cleaned with a little detergent. Dent resistant.

When it comes to choosing insulation kits, the Owens-Corning Kit is something to definitely consider. It comes with 8 panels and a resistant vinyl surface.  Quick installation (less than one hour of work) is possible due to the fastening system that the kit offers. After installation, you’ll immediately notice its impressive thermal performance and noise reduction. Heat and cold won’t be able to penetrate through and you’ll be able to use your garage the way you intended to. The vinyl surface is easily cleaned and defends itself of dents and other inconveniences.

Owens Corning Insulation Kit Instructions

You can buy the Owens Corning Kit on Amazon: Owens-Corning 500824 Garage Door Insulation Kit, Includes R-8 Fiberglass Panels with White Vinyl Facing, Insulates Single Garage Door Up To 9-Feet Wide

Reach Barrier 3122 Silvertanium Garage Door Insulation Kit

Price: $69.95

Features:

• In comparison to other barriers – 50% lighter and thinner
• 4 times more tear resistant than other kits – covered in protective coating
• Heat repellant – blocks up to 95% of radiant heat from outside
• Recyclable

This kit is designed with the innovative material, Silvertanium. What makes this unique is how thin and light it is compared to other garage insulation kits. The protective coating allows it to be much more tear resistant than what you would see with a typical kit – it’s also resistant to oxidation and degradation. Whether you have a metal garage door or a wooden one, you’ll be able to utilize the effects of what this garage insulation kit has to offer. The Silvertanium will block upwards of 95% of all radiant heat by slowing the movement of convection and conductive heats. It’s gone through heavy testing by Reach Barrier and others to make sure it can withstand through intense heat and humidity.

You can get the Reach Barrier kit on Amazon: Reach Barrier 3122 Silvertanium Garage Door Insulation Kit

HIK Garage Door Insulation Kit 1 Car Dr. R-6  (9’W x 7’H)

Price: $59.27

Features:

• Ads R-Value of 6
• Reflective Insulation Weatherization Kit

Convenience is the key with this insulation kit. The company has gone out of their way to use exact measured materials to save time on the installation and to not have as much waste with unnecessary material. The kit comes with 4 21” x 9’ Reflective Insulation (double sided), 1  1” x 180’ double sided acrylic tape to help you with the simple installation.

You can get the HIK kit on Amazon: Garage Door Insulation Kit 1 Car Dr. R-6 (9′W x 7′H).

Garage door replacement panels are an attractive alternative when it just isn’t in your budget to buy a whole new garage door or when there are special circumstances that require a repair, retrofit or upgrade but not a complete replacement. Since one damaged panel can ruin the look of your entire door (and if extreme enough might even negatively impact the door’s operation and the energy efficiency of the entire garage) a replacement panel is often the ideal solution.

Consider the door insulation R value

Even if the garage door is in good repair, swapping out existing door panels with higher “R-Value” insulated replacements is typically well worth the investment. A good rule of thumb to follow is to match the panel replacement’s “R-Value” (at minimum a 12 on the standard scale is recommended) to the R-Value of the rest of your home.
Garage door insulation is an effective way to get the most use from your garage and improve the overall energy efficiency of the entire property. Bottom line—you will save significant amounts of money on heating and cooling bills! There are insulation kits available that enable the DIYer do to the job themselves—but it is also worthwhile to investigate having a professional installation done by the supplier of your replacement panels.

Whatever your reason—from functional to aesthetic considerations, replacement garage door panels are increasingly available in more colors, materials and styles than ever before, Depending on the material your garage door is made from, you can combine a repair job with a significant “eye appeal” upgrade AND improve your energy consumption all at the same time.

Finding the panels for your garage door

Before you call a dealer, make sure you hunt down the paperwork you got when the odor was installed. If you don’t have that, you’ll have to take a look at the door. Try to come up with the following:

• Brand Name – your door’s manufacturer
• The model number
• Color and any significant design features
• Door width and height of each section (panel)
• Whether or not the panel is insulated
• Have a camera ready – take some pictures of the panel. Most sources will have a website, and you cna email them pictures instead of reciting model numbers, etc over the phone.

 Measure twice, buy replacement panels once

If you can’t get an exact replacement, you’ll have to go aftermarket. Any decision to swap out the existing garage door panels with replacements should begin with a careful evaluation of the scope of the project. Identify the features you intend to incorporate with your upgrade or repair and you will simplify your search for the best type of replacement for the job. You must be sure to shop for replacement panels that will work with your existing rail and garage door opening systems—you may be limited by size, weight and lift capacities of the existing hardware and mechanisms.

In general, panels constructed from metal—ideally insulated dual layer steel– are the best and most cost effective replacement option. Steel is durable and secure, not subject to rust or rot and eliminates the maintenance headaches of wooden panels. A recent innovation is the fiberglass composite door—which is lightweight and resistant to rot and mildew—but may not provide the same level of security and energy efficiency as either steel or wood.

Depending on the style of garage door, panels often slide into and out of the rails making the removal and replacement of one or two panels an ideal job suited for the DIY inclined homeowner.

You may have to remove several panels to replace one

Replacement begins by detaching the hinge from both sides of the panel being taken out. You may then slide the panel out of its rails. It should be noted that depending on the style of door it may be necessary to remove several garage door panels to get to those that require replacement. This fact may impact your decision of whether to do the work yourself or opt for professional installation.

Once the old panel has been removed, reverse the process by sliding the new panel into the track and tightening the bolts or screws holding it in place. Attach the hinges and you are done!

By understanding your options and clearly defining what you want, it is easy to find the perfect garage door replacement panels. Further you can potentially reduce your cash outlay for the project by researching any available tax credits available on energy efficiency upgrades and never forget in the case of damaged panels, to check out any existing warranty on your original door.

How to replace a Garage Door Panel

Get a Cooler Garage, Save on Utilities

Installing your ADO garage door insulation kit will take less than an hour, and leave you the rest of your Saturday to enjoy your new cool garage!

Turn that hot garage into a comfortable workspace, and save money on your utility bills at the same time!

• The ADO garage door kit has bright white inward facing, to reflect ambient light back into your garage.
• Not only provides heat insulation but also acts to deaden sound.
• Solid metal pin installation system lasts for years of regular use.
• R-8 Insulation Value – Turn your garage doors into a barrier against outside temperatures.
• FREE UPS Ground Shipping  Lowest Price online!
  

Single Garage Door Insulation Kit Installation Instructions

1) Make sure the garage door panels are clean and dry.
2) Mark each door section in two places. Each mark should be 12 inches from the edge
and in the center of the panel.
3) Peel the paper backing off of the self sticking retainer pins and attach to the door panels
where you made your marks. Each panel should have two retainer pins. When working with
the retainer pins it is recommended that you wear puncture resistant gloves.
4) Measure the height and width of each garage door panel. Keep in mind that not all of the
panels will be the same size.
5) Add one inch to each measurement to ensure a good, snug fit with no gaps.
6) Unroll the insulation vinyl side down. When working with fiberglass insulation it is
recommended that you wear gloves and an N95 facemask.
7) Cut the insulation to the size of each panel. When using a utility knife it is recommended that you use cut resistant gloves.
8) Place the insulation into the panel vinyl side facing out, tuck in the edges and top. Once you
have the edges and top lined up carefully puncture the insulation onto the retainer pins. When
working with the retainer pins it is recommended that you wear puncture resistant gloves.
9) Push the retainer pin cap onto retainer pin. Do not push too hard, just enough so the cap
grips onto the pin. When working with the retainer pins it is recommended that you wear
puncture resistant gloves.

And that’s all there is to it! Should take you less than an hour, and now your garage is not longer an oven. No special tools, no fancy techniques – just a quick and easy home improvement that will make your garage more energy efficient and comfortable.

For a good number of us, the only lighting we have in our garage is the one that comes on when the garage door opener is engaged. This is more than sufficient if your garage is just that place where you jump in and out of your car, on your way in or out of your home. If however you use your garage for more than just a launching pad for your day, you should give serious attention to the lighting you have in your garage space.

A garage is not unlike your laundry or your utility room, it should be well lit both as a safety measure and a matter of convenience. In most rooms, including the laundry and utility rooms, regular incandescent light bulbs are probably adequate for tasks performed in them. If your garage is nothing more than a place where you park the car and store a few seldom used items incandescent bulbs in existing fixtures are probably more than adequate to your needs. Many of us, however, utilize at least some of our garage space for hobby, recreational and repair purposes. For these pursuits the standard light bulb, even at 100 or higher wattage, is likely to not be enough.

Choosing the Best Garage Lighting

A popular choice for workshop and hobby areas is fluorescent “shop lights”. Generally available in for foot lengths in fixtures that can easily be suspended from the ceiling of the garage, and which plug into standard outlets, fluorescents are a generally inexpensive to buy and economical to use option. Big box stores often feature this lighting at rock bottom prices and they are an appealing choice.

The old adage that you “get what you pay for” generally holds true, however, fluorescents are known for problems such as flickering, show start up and a distracting humming while operating. They also may not work at all if you live in a climate where it gets cold in the fall and winter and your garage space is not heated.

All fluorescent lights require a device called a ballast to work. The ballast provides the initial voltage charge to initiate operation of the bulb itself, and once the bulb is engaged, regulates the voltage in the bulb at safe and efficient operating levels. Cheaper types of fluorescent lighting often have the most basic type of ballast, which leads to many of the irregularities in usage that have already been noted. These fluorescents, (known as T12 lights) also tend to yield a less true color rendering and do not work reliably in temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

While more expensive to initially buy, it is now recommended that for reliable and durable fluorescent bulb life that the lighting come equipped with electronic ballast of a type generally known as the T8 fluorescent lights. The T8 provides 32 times more energy efficiency while yielding the same amount of illumination as the less expensive and more commonly known T12 light—and they provide truer color perception than the T12. With its electronic ballast the T8 fluorescent bulb will also operate reliably in temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If you spent any amount of time in your garage pursuing hobby or repair work, the higher initial cash outlay for this type of lighting will pay for itself in lower energy bills and less eye strain.

There are some general rules of thumb to observe when determining your fluorescent lighting needs. General wisdom states that two four foot tube fixtures should be placed together for every 8 feet of space in the area to be lighted. However, for more a more uniform lighting effect, it is now recommended that one fixture be placed every four feet—which you’ll find easier on the eyes and better for your personal safety –fewer harsh shadows cast in which obstructions can hide.

Task Lighting – The Other Garage Lighting Fixtures

While fluorescents are a great choice for the ambient lighting in the garage, they may not be adequate for special hobby and workbench needs. It is therefore advisable to outfit workbenches and hobby areas with additional fixtures, generally referred to as task lights.

Task lights are available in a variety of types as well, with incandescent, compact fluorescent and halogen bulb options. They may be permanently attached to the workbench itself or on the walls adjacent the commonly utilized areas, and are also available as free-standing floor units which can be placed as required, even utilized outside the garage on an extension cord. Clamp on lights that can be moved around as needed are a great and inexpensive choice, especially when there is a need to illuminate several areas rather than one central work area. For safety, power tools such as saws or grinders should have adequate illumination permanently affixed near or above them, although a clamp on models can be used as well.

Permanently attached task lighting on extendable or swing arms is another great choice for over the workbench or in areas where a light with adjustable positioning would be beneficial. Most of these swing arm lamps will tuck back and away from over the workbench when not in use, another desirable feature to consider.

There are many other options out there—these are just a few of the more popular, including upscale choices such as designer track lighting and “green” solar powered fixtures. A thorough search of available options and weighing of energy efficiency against initial cost outlay is highly recommended.

The amount of light you need varies greatly depending on factors including the types of activities you do in your garage, your level of visual acuity (some of us with poorer vision require more intense lighting on tasks we perform than those lucky enough to have perfect vision for example), and the time you spend in the garage pursuing your hobby or craft. These are important considerations to keep in mind, equally as important in fact as energy efficiency and budgetary constraints. Choose wisely and well, and you’ll improve your level of comfort as you enjoy those activities you love and keep a few more pennies in your wallet at the same time.

They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that is just as true a sentiment when it comes to maintenance on garage doors as it is your health! The garage door isn’t something you think much about in all likelihood, you take for granted that it will work reliably and dependably, but imagine that upset to your day if you go to raise that trusty old workhorse and it won’t budge? How understanding will your boss be when you call in reporting you can’t get your car out of the garage to get to work on time? Better to take a few minutes to do inspections and head off potential problems!

Here’s what to look for:

If you’ve got a wooden garage door peeling or cracked paint is more than a cosmetic concern. Paint seals and protects the wood of the door, if  you compromise the seal then you’re on the road to rot and warping. Catch the small stuff early, patch and refinish your garage door and you might be able to head off a complete garage door replacement. Pay careful attention to the ease with which your garage door opens. More than any other opening in your home structure, the garage door has the most moving parts and the highest level of use. If your door is creaking and groaning, the mechanism is straining against stiff hinges that cause it to operate in fits and starts.

Garage Door Parts That Need Special Attention

Garage Door Hinges: it seems a no brainer, but how often do you remember to lubricate the hinges on your garage door? These are the workhorses of your garage opening and need to be frequently checked for signs of rust and strain. If warped or bent they’ll need to be replaced, but don’t forget the occasional drop of oil.

Garage Door Torsion Springs: A broken or cracked torsion spring can bring the door down—literally and catastrophically. Test the springs on your garage door by disconnecting the door from the automatic opening mechanism by the pull rope with the door down, then open the door halfway. If it does not remain in place you’ve got torsion spring trouble and they’ll need to be either adjusted or replaced. This is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer—you’ll want to call in professional help for this job.

Garage Door Extension Springs: Likewise, wear and breakage on the extension springs can present safety hazards and have the potential for severely damaging the integrity of the entire door. Springs need to be inspected for uniformity of the coil—if you are noticing bigger gaps between some of the coils than others, or damaged, bent ends—the spring needs replacement. Be sure that the extension spring you choose as a replacement is made of the highest quality steel and is the correct rating for the weight and height of your door!

Garage Door Cable Drum: manufactured to help the garage door remain balanced as it opens and closes with the help of the torsion springs. Make sure that the integrity of the drum structure is maintained and that the cables play out from the opening without interference. Cables MUST be inspected regularly for signs of fraying. Any problems here can result unreliable operation and safety concerns.

Garage Door Tracks: Proper installation at the outset is essential—all tracks must be level and plumb to operate correctly. Inspect the tracks to make sure that they have not bent, warped, gone off level or shifted. Make sure that screws along the length of the track are properly and fully seated. Tighten any loose screws, replace any broken or missing ones.

Garage Door Opener: It isn’t enough to replace the batteries in your garage door opener remote when they go dead, you should also be checking the functioning of the entire unit periodically. Defective or improperly adjusted reversing mechanisms can result in damage to the door, injury to you or your family and in the worst case scenario—could have fatal consequences for failure. Make sure that the reversing mechanism responds immediately when the infrared beam at the bottom of the door is broken.

Garage Door Rollers: These should operate quietly and smoothly. If you observe any excessive wobble in the garage door rollers, or hear any roller noise they must be replaced immediately. High quality nylon rollers are your best bet for long life and reliable lubrication free operation.

Remember: All moving parts on a garage door require lubrication on a periodic basis. At least once a year, lubricate all door hinges, rollers, sheave bearings, torsion springs and lift cables with light 3-in-1 household oil. It just takes a few minutes and a little tender loving care to keep your garage door working at peak efficiency for its full life expectancy. Careful observation of changes in the components of the door will keep you on top of potential trouble and will pay off by extending the life of this seldom thought of but very essential part of our daily lives.

Genie has been a leading name in garage door opening systems since 1954; in fact introducing the first ever mass produced, radio controlled opener intended for residential use in that year. Its flagship design, the screw drive opening system was first introduced in 1958 and remains the market leader right up to the present day. In 1954, the screw drive was considered an innovation—machined out of one piece of solid steel, fewer moving parts in the drive resulted in greater durability and quiet operation with maximum speed and lift.

The Modern Genie Garage Door Opener

Genie has in recent years diversified their product line, continuing with the screw drive pioneer model, enhanced with up to date features such as “Intelli-code” (technology which changes the access code each time the remote unit is activated), and the “Safe-T Beam” infrared, twin beam system that detects obstructions, objects, pets and people and stops the door’s operation. The new, innovative Direct Drive Screw TriloG 1200 and 1500 screw drive models of Genie garage door openers includes the above mentioned features as well as the following:

• ¾ HPc 140 Volt DC motor (TriloG 1200) or 1HPc (TriloG 1500)
• Opening speed of 10.0 inches per second (TriloG 1200) or 12 inches/sec (TriloG 1500)
• Integrated motion detector
• Two 100 Watt bulb lighting system.
• Pre-assembled rail.
• Lightweight power head facilitates one person installation
• SmartSet push button programming
• Auto Seek Dual Frequency: automatic search of 315/390 MHz frequency for remote regardless nearby frequency interference.
• Genie Sense™ Monitoring and Diagnostic Technology

Genie has branched out from its original screw drive technology to embrace chain and belt technology with its IntelliG 1200 model. Incorporating the same AutoSeek Dual Frequency, GenieSense monitoring and diagnostic technology, Intellicode and Safe-T Beam features as well as adding the following:

•  A powerful 3/4 HPc Power Plus motor
• 140V DC motor plugs into a standard home outlet.
• Maximum opening speed of 9.0 inches per second
• Integrated motion detector provides added
• Two 100 Watt bulb lighting system.
• Pre-assembled rail
• Push button programming
• Choice of belt or chain drive

For those looking for a lower cost option, Genie also offers the ReliaG 800 model. This compact unit packs power, life and quiet operation into a more compact unit. Features of the ReliaG include:

• A powerful 1/2 HPc* Power Plus DC motor.
• Safely lifts sectional doors up to 500 lbs. and eight feet high.
• Two-light maximum 120 watts system
• Wall console and 3-button remote included.
• Opening speed up to 7.0 inches/second with belt drive. Chain drive also available.
• Soft start/stop
• Intellicode® 1 Access Security System
• 10-year limited motor warranty

Installing Genie Garage Door Openers

Genie prides itself and has built its reputation on being friendly to the DIY-er, and the TriloG product line is particularly recommended as installable by one person with minimal tools. The IntelliG and ReliaG are generally recommended to be dealer installed by Genie itself, due to larger power head size and multi-part rail systems, however both of these model lines are still a manageable for a one personal to install. Very detailed and thorough installation manuals are available for all the model lines listed above, and are available for online reading and download. It is highly recommended that a potential purchaser check out this resource before deciding which model to buy and which installation method best matches their DIY experience.

Whichever option you choose, self or dealer installed, Genie has an enviable nearly 60 year history of being the market leader in garage door opening systems and is well worth your time to check out. Look for online ratings by actual users at sites such as Amazon.com to get a better feel for the product, its features and ease of installation, as well as any negative issues you won’t find on the manufacturer’s website!

One of the most difficult spaces in any home to heat and to head safely is the garage.

If you were lucky, you had the foresight to have your garage built at the same time as your custom home. If you live in colder climes, you may have thought to have probably the best form of heating installed; garage radiant floor heating. An invention going back to the days of ancient Rome, in-floor heating systems are probably the best and overall most economical way to heat garage space there is.

However, most of us didn’t build a custom home and never thought about how cold that garage workshop could get in the dead of winter. More than likely, we moved into existing structures with a garage that isn’t even insulated, let alone heated.

So, if you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, and you like spending those winter months in your garage working on the car or tinkering in your workshop, what options do you have to keep from turning into a cross between the abominable snowman and a Popsicle? There are actually several.

Radiant Garage Floor Heating

As stated above, radiant floor heating is an economic, ecologically friendly and safe choice. Like the ancient Roman hypocaust (literally “heat from below”) of old, this is a simple and straightforward technology consisting of pipes or tubing embedded in concrete floors before they are poured through which hot water flows (alternatively electrical heating coils may take the place of piping and water). The science is also simple, the concrete floor’s total mass is converted into a source of radiant heat, with less cost involved because less energy is consumed bringing the level of warmth into a comfortable range and maintaining it there. As also previously noted this is a choice best made with new construction—or when an existing damaged concrete floor is being demolished and replaced.

Recent innovations in radiant heating for garage floors include ultra thin electrical mats that can be set into thin concrete or gypsum overlays resulting in a retrofit that doesn’t appreciably raise existing floor height. Also in this line are individual heating mats which, if much time is spent standing or sitting in one area in the garage space such as at a workbench, may be the most economical and efficient solution of all.

Another alternative in garage heaters is the use of overhead ceiling panels. Similar to the floor systems, ceiling panels may rely on warm water or electrical heating coils (and less often, forced air) and can be mounted using a dropped ceiling framework or, if the surface of the ceiling is suitable, attached directly through the use of individual frames with high density thermal insulation. It is also possible to mount one of these panels on a wall above a workspace.

Other Garage Heater Options

Portable UL rated electrical heaters which can be plugged into any available outlet and moved as needed are an economical choice in terms of cost of unit and can work well in a small garage/workspace area. Portable heaters cannot be left unattended and can pose a fire risk if knocked over or if particulate matter such as sawdust is prevalent in the garage area. Portable heaters must also be kept away from combustible materials in the garage. It should be noted that most portable heaters are not particularly energy efficient and can drive up the monthly electrical bill with even moderate use.

Electrical heaters designed to be permanently wall mounted are a better choice. Typically designed with heating element and a powerful fan, many models can be either wall or ceiling mounted and the best options swivel so that heated air flow can be directed where it is needed. Mounting one of these units above a workbench is a particularly effective choice. Where there is any chance of airflow being restricted, the wall mount electrical heater should have a built in cut off switch as a standard option.

It is possible to use the existing forced air heating of your home to provide heat to your garage; however it is not merely a matter of extending ducts from the existing system into the garage. It is imperative to avoid drawing car exhaust, carbon monoxide and any dust or fumes from chemicals used in the garage into your interior living space. A good solution to avoid these hazards is the use of a sealed combustion space heater. These heaters come in both floor and wall mount models; a wall mount is probably the safer option, keeping the unit out of vehicle and foot traffic flow. If your house is already supplied with natural gas or propane, these units can be a viable option. Keep in mind that any heater operating on combustion must be vented for safety as well as efficient operation, the process of combustion requires a steady supply of fresh air.

A vent free heating option is available in infrared, so called “zone” heaters. Infrared heaters radiate heat utilizing the same principle of physics as the sun– that is they heat objects and people rather than the air around them. Infrared heaters are considered safe and economical and have become a preferred option in many applications, and can be either fuel or electrically powered. Because infrared units heat objects as opposed to air, warmth is maintained even when cold air (from an opened garage door for example) is introduced into the space being heated, warmth is retained for a longer period and is more easily renewed once the cold air source is eliminated, resulting in an lower overall energy expenditure.

These are just a few of the options for heating a garage, there are others including passive solar heat; portable kerosene heaters, freestanding gas fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves. With the exception of the passive solar heat these are not generally highly recommended methods and in some cases may be prohibited by local fire codes.

Maybe you’ve got a small garage, with just enough room in it to park your car, and barely enough to get out of it, let alone cover up that second car or the boat or RV that you have invested in. Maybe you don’t have a garage at all and can’t afford to custom build a freestanding or attached structure or can’t get the permits. Is your vehicle destined to brave the elements with no protection whatsoever? Not at all! There are a number of options available , it is just a matter of determining which will best meet your requirements.

What Exactly Is a Temporary Garage?

Most local ordinances will define a temporary structure, be it garage, shed or shelter, as anything intended for use for 90 days or under and which is not constructed of conventional wood or metal, which does not utilize support beams or permanently affixed wooden framing, and which lacks conventional roofing or siding. The use of “temporary” as a descriptor is, generally speaking, very misleading. Most people who buy “temporary” garages mean them as a long term solution to their problem, and it is not uncommon for these so called “temporary” structures to be used for for up to 25 years.

Within the industry, it has become a common practice to say that a temporary garage is any structure which requires no building foundation. Most building codes and inspection departments concern themselves primarily with buildings or shelters on a stable foundation and many laws have the presence of a foundation structure as part of their basic language. It can be argued that because most temporary garage solutions do not require a foundation, that the local laws do not apply in their purchase and placement—that they should be more accurately classified as “equipment” and not real property improvements. However, it should be noted that in some areas, temporary garage structures are expressly forbidden by city ordinance and state building codes, regardless of that viewpoint, especially in more northern climes where snow load and wind uplift are concerns. Always check with your local city codes and restrictions before you go shopping for a temporary garage structure, and save yourself a bureaucratic headache (and possible fines) later on!

Strictly defined a temporary garage is any structure without a foundation that is designed to provide shelter for automobiles, motorcycles, RVs, or provide storage for other items stored outdoors but which would benefit from shelter from bird droppings, tree sap, rain, snow, sleet and wind.

Types of Temporary Garage

The most common kind of temporary garage is constructed from poles or tubing and which is covered by weatherproof material and which generally (but not always) comes with an anchoring system for wind resistance. These structures are technically referred to as “fabric tension” construction, which describes the major principle of their design. The fabric tension temporary garage might be fully enclosed, or merely a canopy that protects the vehicle underneath from rain, with sides open to allow air flow (and reduce the danger of wind uplift) and easy access.

Poles or tubing may be lightweight aluminum or heavy gauge steel; the outer material shell might be lightweight polyethylene tarp or a heavier duty specially designed and manufacturer proprietary material. The features of a temporary garage will impact price, so it is a good rule of thumb to carefully consider your needs, budget AND the type of weather/contaminants that you need to protect your vehicles against before you begin your shopping.

For areas with mild, stable weather patterns, the more lightweight and portable options are probably the best and most budget friendly option. Most often these units are constructed of lightweight aluminum or PVC poles or tubing, covered by waterproof polyetheline fabric and can be easily set up in minimal time with few or no tools, no special skills required. Anchoring systems are highly recommended, even in the sunniest climes, no area is safe from sudden freak windstorms, and a lightweight temporary garage structure has great potential to inflict damage an injury if it is blown away from its original placement by a freak storm.

For those areas where routine harsh winter conditions, frequent high winds and heavy snow are a factor, it is vital that the temporary garage under consideration be rated to withstand snow load and wind lift norms for the area. These temporary structures should be constructed of the strongest support materials (ideally heavy gauge steel) to prevent structural collapse under heavy snowfall and the fabric covering should be able to withstand extreme loads per square inch without the danger of ripping. Again, a heavy duty anchoring system is recommended, the exact features of which vary depending on the type of surface the temporary garage is to be set up on. Because of their greater weight and more durable construction, even the hardiest DIYer may find it more expedient to have their temporary garage professionally installed.

There are many options too, in the size of temporary garages, from a narrow canopy/carport wide enough to park one passenger vehicle under, to more elaborate two vehicle, fully enclosed structures; from units small enough to park a single motorcycle under to larger scale units designed to offer protection to even the largest RVs. Once again, local ordinances, codes and housing association rules may apply to the size and kind of structures allowed in your area—always work closely with the relevent authorities before you purchase and after you install.

So you’ve let your garage floor go the way you have a few other areas in your busy life. The surface is stained, contaminated by oil, moisture and other vehicle fluids and the idea of an exhaustive cleaning and preparation is just too daunting to contemplate. Does that mean you are stuck with that nasty looking garage floor? Not at all! One of the best all around solutions to an unsightly garage floor has been the innovation of garage floor tiles. Easy to assemble, and budget friendly, garage floor tiles offer a comprehensive solution that is also durable, attractive and hassle free.

Unlike other treatments, garage tiles are removable and transportable. If you move you don’t have to leave your beautiful garage floor finish behind! The tiles can be cleaned in place or removed from the garage for a hose down. Most garage floor titles are 1’ x 1 foot square and come in units of as few as 6 to as many as 48 tiles per package, and snap together easily and quickly in a patented interlocking system available in six colors.

Popular Garage Floor Tile Brands

One product widely available and highly recommended by reviewers is Gladiator Garageworks Floor Tile line of products. The floor tiles themselves are part of a comprehensive system that includes drain tiles and floor edging for a finished, professional look. The Gladiator tiles are rated 250 pounds per square inch laboratory tested, and UL classified for fire and slip resistance. Designed to withstand temperature extremes, and to resist common automotive and shop chemicals, the tiles are capable of supporting high tonnage vehicles with no deformation of the product.

Autocare Products also offers a line of Interlocking Garage Floor tiles, this time in not only a variety of colors but floor textures including tire tread, coin, drain and other eye catching patterns that lend themselves to uses on decks, basements and workout rooms. The 12” x 12” tiles are manufactured out of polypropylene for durability and ease of cleaning and come in a 40 count package. The interlocking system makes for easy installation and install directly over existing flooring. The tiles are easily trimmed with a utility knife or a power saw to accommodate fitting around existing architectural features.

Another popular manufacturer of garage floor tiles is Racedeck, with their 100% made in America product, designed, engineered and manufactured for 34 years under one roof in Salt Lake City Utah. A leading name in the field, Racedeck offers an enviable array of features including:

• Made from high impact copolymers.
• 15 year limited warranty.
• Odorles.
• Quick (less than a day for most garages) installation.
• Moisture resistant.
• Easily removable for relocation or cleaning.
• Superior slip resistance when wet.
• Resistant to damage from subfloor cracking.
• Patented “PowerLock” system becomes part of superstructure of underlying floor allows for natural expansion and contraction of floor in response to temperature shifts.
• Engineered to withstand rolling vehicle loads of up to 50,000.

Racedeck Garage Floor tiles come in 10 different styles including a licensed Harley Davidson design and a variety of colors, providing for a multitude of customized flooring looks.

The Craftsman family of products from Sears offers a line of garage floor tiling as well in an eye appealing array of designs and textures and colors at a price that is sure to please any DIYer’s budget. Craftsman Garage Floor tiles are manufactured from a PVC copolymer blend, durable, quiet and guaranteed anti fatigue. The Craftsman brand tile is engineered with patented under tile “Air-Dry” channels to allow for proper air circulation which reduces the chances of mold and mildew build up. The Craftsman tiles are a generous 18” x 18” x 250’ offering more coverage for less per tile cash outlay and come six to a box for total coverage of 13.95 sq feet per package. The tiles are rated not only for garages but decks, patios, laundry rooms and in home gyms. The tiles are flexible and offer a cosmetic fix for cracks, bumps, dips and other floor flaws and install with only a rubber mallet, tape measure and utility knife. Modular nature of the tiles enables a quick switch-out of any damaged tile or a change in flooring pattern if desired.

Where to Buy Garage Tiles

A good general purpose site for researching the available options in garage floor tiles is Amazon.com. Amazon is known worldwide for the best prices and the most comprehensive selection of products, and is one of the few places where you can search out and read reviews by actual users of the product you are considering before you buy!

You may wonder what a little amphibian has to do with heating your garage. The answer is a bit complicated. The legend started when early peoples noticed salamanders and other small creatures fleeing from fire pits that had just been ignited. These people believed that the salamanders were actually coming from, and not fleeing from, the fire. Therefore the name salamander was connected to heat, fire and cooking. In the Spanish and Portuguese languages a “salamandra” is a wood burning stove.

In modern usage, this term has been applied to a type of portable forced air kerosene heaters that are commonly used on construction sites to provide warmth which allows construction workers to remain productive during inclement weather. Alternatively, this term may also be applied to similar units powered by propane, diesel or natural gas which work on the forced air/combustion principle.

A basic requirement of this type of heater is the need for an adequate flow of fresh air for both combustion and ventilation purposes, and as such they are often not immediately associated with garage heating options. However, a salamander heater, with a few precautions such as opening windows and doors when in operation to forestall the built of up carbon monoxide gas in your enclosed space, can be used judiciously to quickly warm up even the largest garage.

A combustion heater has several advantages over other kinds of heaters. They are an ideal choice in large, well ventilated areas, or open air structure such as carports. They were designed specifically to provide heat in open air venues and are noted especially for being able to quickly warm a large interior area, often able to raise temperatures an average of 40 degrees within 10 minutes. They are typically easy to use, and fast starting.

When choosing a salamander heater, it is important to determine the area of the space to be heated and choose the salamander with the specifications which best match the need. A salamander that is too small or large for the area to be heated will result in energy wastage and inefficient overall operation. Heaters are rated by the BTU (British Thermal Unit) system, and there is a simple formula available to determine the BTU rating needed in your heater. First, calculate the volume of the area to be heated, taking the square footage of the space and multiplying it by its height. Next, multiple this sum by a factor based on the level of insulation the space has. If your insulation is nonexistent or poor, multiply by a factor of four. If the insulation of the garage is average, multiply by three and if good to excellent by a factor of two. The number you arrive it gives a general idea of the amount of BTU output you will need in your salamander heater (example, 1200 sq ft volume garage would require a heater with a 50,000 BTU output).

As with any product, salamander heaters have pros and cons to their use.

Salamander Heater Pros:

• Quick heating
• Easy to use
• Multiple fuel options—some even allow for interchangeable fuel usage (i.e. models which require connection to an outside fuel source as opposed to having their own dedicated internal source)
• Clean, cost effective and efficient.

Salamander Heater Cons:

• The area to be heated MUST be very well ventilated
• Units become very hot while in operation and can potentially be harmful to objects and people
• Not all units are available with automatic shut off and thermostat features.
• Forced air feature can be very noisy

It is extremely important to take the following into consideration when choosing a salamander heater as your garage heating source:

• Maintain ample ventilation in the area being heated at all times
• Follow all manufacturer warnings and recommendations
• Keep the area immediately around the heater clear of flammable materials
• Do not use in areas where children and pets may approach the unit while in operation
• Remember to keep your own distance from the unit while in operation to prevent accidental burns

The salamander can be an effective garage heater and provide years of safe service when the above considerations are kept in mind. A further suggestion is to consider the salamander an supplemental source of heating in a garage—best used to quickly warm up the work area, then switching to another mode of heating to maintain the built up warmth. This will allow for a reduction in the ventilation required to safely heat your garage space and allow for hours of comfortable activity without the danger of carbon monoxide build up.