Keeping a Garage Door Cool in the Summer
Place a couple of large fans directly opposite the largest opening.
It is challenging to keep garages cool in the summer, especially because they absorb heat and become significantly hotter than the outside temperature. Homeowners can follow these six tips to help keep their garages cool for safety and comfort.
Install weather stripping
Place self-adhesive weather stripping on the bottom edge of the garage door to ensure there are no gaps between the door and the floor when the door is closed. This provides some insulation to keep hot air out and cool air in.
Insulate the garage
Garages absorb heat from the environment, often causing them to be 10 - 15 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. Insulating any drafty areas is the simplest way to provide relief. If the existing insulation is insufficient, increasing or replacing the insulation in the garage walls and ceiling may be necessary. Thermal conductors like metal should be covered with insulated materials like plywood, particleboard, plastic, or rubber.
Insulate the garage door
If insulating the entire garage is not possible, insulating the garage door is the next best option. Wood is the best material when choosing a garage door, as it is a natural insulator. Alternatively, reflective insulating panels or polystyrene panels can be fixed inside metal or fiberglass garage doors to provide insulation. A professional can easily fit the panels to the garage door and secure them between the panels or attach them with painter’s tape.
Plant trees around the garage
Keeping the area around the garage shady can decrease the temperature inside the garage by several degrees. Planting trees on the southern edge of the garage reduces the amount of direct sunlight that hits the garage, especially over time as the trees grow.
Set up an awning outside of the garage
If planting trees is not possible, an awning on the south or west side of the garage can also help decrease exposure to direct sunlight. Before setting up the awning, find the garage wall studs on the exterior of the garage. Using the hardware provided with the awning, attach it to the exterior studs. Follow any provided instructions to complete the installation process or contact a professional for expert assistance.
Increase airflow in the garage
Airflow can be increased by opening any windows or doors in the garage, including the garage door itself. Place a couple of large fans directly opposite the largest opening. Turn the fans on during the coolest parts of the day, the early morning or late evening, and let them run for a few hours. This significant increase in airflow helps keep the garage space cool.
Visit our website or call us to learn how we can help optimize garage temperatures during the summer months.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112.
