If you were me...

[Broadie]

...You'd be a lucky mofo

But, I need some advice...

Building attached 28' x 30' radiant heated garage with 15' vaulted ceiling. I want to make this as efficient as possible. It's a one car garage with lots of space to work.

I've sheathed the entire outside with 2" rigid and will insulate the inside with R21.

I'm trying to decide on a garage door and think I have settled on this one from Northwest Door: http://www.northwestdoor.com/assets/brochures/residential/ThermaTech-TriTech_Brochure_9-29-11.pdf.

It's insulated with polystyrene, rated at R16, and is 3" thick. All the other doors from Clopay, Raynor, Etc seem to be at most 2" thick. They even deal the liftmaster 3800 for $275 w/ spare remote.

I can't decide if I should go with windows or not? They would add greatly to the curb appeal, but it seems like they would negate the benefit of the insulated door? What would you guys do if you were me?

Could I stick up a panel of rigid insulation on the inside of the windows during the winter?

Also, would one of those Dayton heaters be a good idea for a backup and to bring temp up quicker?

Thanks!

WD

 

[koditten]

I had the same problem. I skipped the windows after all was said and done. I don't seem to miss them.

KO

 

[matouse3]

I went with the windows in mine. I like the extra light and since they were south facing, I get some sunshine warming up things in the garage as I noticed on our first real cold snap the other day. I got R19 CHI doors and the windows are double pane and seem to insulate fairly well.

 

[stingry]

...You'd be a lucky mofo

But, I need some advice...
What would you guys do if you were me?

Could I stick up a panel of rigid insulation on the inside of the windows during the winter?[/U][/B]

WD

Personally, I like windows, the natural light just makes it a better place to work! They do have drawbacks, especially security and some heat loss, but to me the positives outweight the negatives. Depends on where you live and personal tastes I guess. The rigid insulation would be a good compromise and should work quite well, as long as it fits the window space tightly..

Cheers
Steve

 

[automechanic]

Definitely No windows. When I had windows, I ended up Blocking them to keep unwanted eyes from looking in to see what they could steal. And they let heat out. You'd be better off putting in a insulated side window with blinds in my opinion. Depends on how much Automotive equipment your gonna have in there I guess.

 

[Wastedwagesracing]

I have windows and would not be with out them. The littel heat loss is nothing compared to how much I enjoy the light and being able to look out the front of my building.

 

[Broadie]

I went with the windows in mine. I like the extra light and since they were south facing, I get some sunshine warming up things in the garage as I noticed on our first real cold snap the other day. I got R19 CHI doors and the windows are double pane and seem to insulate fairly well.

Do you have more info on the CHI Door? Haven't heard of that brand. Highest I could fine online was a Raynor Affina with R18, but it was a polyurethane insulation, which I'm trying to avoid.

I live on a little island in Alaska, so theft/security is not an issue. Most people leave keys in their vehicle and don't bother to lock anything. I'm also trying to avoid window in any of the walls so I don't loose wall space for hanging things.

Every dealer I've talked to say that even good garage door windows might be an R3

 

[ddawg16]

Seeing how you live in Alaska....I would leave them out....they would provide no sunlight half the year.....seeing how heat loss is more of an issue than light....

 

[matouse3]

Do you have more info on the CHI Door? Haven't heard of that brand. Highest I could fine online was a Raynor Affina with R18, but it was a polyurethane insulation, which I'm trying to avoid.

I live on a little island in Alaska, so theft/security is not an issue. Most people leave keys in their vehicle and don't bother to lock anything. I'm also trying to avoid window in any of the walls so I don't loose wall space for hanging things.

Every dealer I've talked to say that even good garage door windows might be an R3

Well, you made me dig into the details and it looks like I was off on the R value as my model is listed as R 17.something according to the tech sheet. I was going off of memory, and I guess it ain't what it used to be. Here is the website and the model number that I got was 4216 with the optional insulated glass.

http://www.chiohd.com/garage-doors/residential/4216/technical-data.aspx#.UJKtI2_aJNQ

 

[terpfords]

A friend of mine recommended going without windows because at night people see the light on and drop by and he could get much work done.

Also a solid door is qualifies as Energy Efficient and was able to write it off on my taxes.

 

[Broadie]

Those CHI doors look great. Talked to the rep in WA and he was reluctant to sell me one beings that I would have to install myself. I was looking at the same door you have, but it's polyurethane R17.something. THrough all this I've learned that PolyU looses its R value over the years because the gas in its cells are replaced with air. Supposedly this doesn't happen with Polysty. The door I'm looking at is 3" thick, R16 and theoretically should remain that...

Still can't make up my mind. Swaying towards windows and then putting the foam up when it's cold. We live in the very southern part of the state and don't get stereotypical "Alaskan" weather. More rain than snow.

Thanks!

 

[Shocker]

You could do windows up near the soffits. Get some nice light and still keep prying eyes out.

I need at least one window.

 

[Highbeam]

Seeing how you live in Alaska....I would leave them out....they would provide no sunlight half the year.....seeing how heat loss is more of an issue than light....

Everybody gets their 12 hours on average, but AK gets it all in the summer.

No on the windows. Not just kinda no but a big, fat, no. It's a bad idea. When I shut the lights off in my shop at noon, it is dark in there. Easier to break in, easier to peak in, they know you're in there when the lights are on.

No good side. Light schmite, I got electrical lights.