Garage Comfort Project
My garage is hot and humid due to the western exposure. Lately it's been averaging 90+ degrees with over 90% humidity. I used a infrared thermometer for a baseline reading of 117.1 degrees? Holy shit Batman, that's freakin' hot!
Change was needed.
First I added garage door insulation. Being a southerner I would never considered insulating my garage door. After much online research I realized there were many benefits to insulating the door. Not only would the heat reduction keep the air handler cooler and more efficient, I would be more comfortable. Enough said. :)
I found this nifty product that is actually bubble-wrap coated with aluminum on both sides. It's 5/16" thick and provides an R value of 3. I picked them up in 25"x25' rolls. I doubled the insulation to a thickness of 5/8" with an R value of 6. What a difference! Installation was simple. Cut to size for each section. On my door there are only 2 different widths needed and the height was consistent on all peices. I set up a jig on the work table to trim the height as it was coming off the roll, then re-rolled it. Cutting all the pieces took about an hour. I used a poly adhesive chalk on the door and set in the pieces.
I waited 24 hours before measuring the temperature. I timed the test at 4pm which is when the sun really blasts the door. The new reading was 92.4 degrees.
Wow...a temperature reduction of 24.7 degrees. The garage is still warm, but nothing like the blast furnace before.
Before/After:
Mini Garage Door Screen Project
To create more ventilation and canine entertainment I built a 12" framed screen insert for the garage door. Overall dimensions are 12"H x 16' 2"L. I made two panels for easy breakdown and storage. The frame is made with 2"x2" pressure treated pine.
I used my Kreg jig to drill out pocket holes for my joints. Each joint has two screws, vertical and horizontal, respectively. Charcoal fiberglass screen was gently stretched and stapled then finished with pine screen molding.
The two panels fit perfectly inside the garage door track. I added an eye hook in the middle so the canines can't nose it open.
I used my Kreg jig to drill out pocket holes for my joints. Each joint has two screws, vertical and horizontal, respectively. Charcoal fiberglass screen was gently stretched and stapled then finished with pine screen molding.
The two panels fit perfectly inside the garage door track. I added an eye hook in the middle so the canines can't nose it open.
