If you have an attached garage in Calgary and your garage door is not properly insulated, you are heating the outdoors every winter. An uninsulated steel garage door with an R-value near zero lets your garage temperature track outdoor temperatures — meaning on a -30°C night, your garage can drop to -25°C or below. That cold air then seeps through the door between your garage and house, raising your heating costs and making the garage unusable for much of the year.
What Is R-Value?
R-value measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. For comparison, a standard uninsulated single-layer steel garage door has an R-value of approximately 0 to 2. A lightly insulated polystyrene door typically achieves R-6 to R-8. A well-insulated polyurethane-injected door can reach R-12 to R-18.
Minimum R-Value Recommendation for Calgary
For attached garages in Calgary, the minimum we recommend is R-12. At R-12, the garage stays significantly warmer than outdoor temperatures on cold days — typically 8–15°C warmer, depending on the size of the garage and how well the rest of the structure is sealed. This makes the garage usable as a workspace in mild winter weather and meaningfully reduces heat loss into the home.
R-16 and R-18 — Worth It for Calgary?
For garages used as workshops, gyms or living spaces, R-16 or higher makes a significant difference. A garage with R-18 door insulation, combined with insulated walls and a basic heater, can be maintained at a comfortable working temperature throughout a Calgary winter at a reasonable energy cost. The price difference between an R-12 and R-18 door is typically $200–$400, which pays back in heating savings and comfort within a few winters.
Bottom Seal and Weatherstripping Matter Too
Even the best-insulated door loses much of its benefit if the bottom seal and weatherstripping are failing. If you can see light around the perimeter of your closed door, or if cold air is blowing through the bottom gap, the seals need replacement. We replace both during every new door installation as standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What R-value garage door do I need for a Calgary attached garage?
R-12 is the minimum we recommend for Calgary attached garages. For garages used as workshops or gyms, R-16 or higher makes a significant difference in comfort and heating costs.
What is the difference between polyurethane and polystyrene garage door insulation?
Polyurethane is injected between the door skins, achieving higher R-values per inch and better structural rigidity. Polystyrene uses foam panels. For Calgary, polyurethane is worth the small price premium.
How much does an insulated garage door installation cost in Calgary?
Insulated steel door installation by Super G&R Garage Door Repairs costs $950–$2,400 + GST depending on door size, style and R-value. Includes old door removal, installation, hardware and weatherstripping.
Will an insulated garage door really reduce my heating bills in Calgary?
Yes, noticeably. A well-insulated R-12 to R-18 door can keep an attached garage 8–15°C warmer on cold Calgary days, reducing heat transfer into the home and meaningfully lowering winter heating costs.
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