Designing Garages for Phoenix's Extreme Heat
A recent guide from urdesignmag.com tackles the difficulties of garage design in Phoenix, Arizona, known for its intense heat. The city typically experiences 111 days with temperatures surpassing 100°F, and in 2024, it faced 113 consecutive days at that level. The guide advocates for a comprehensive strategy to manage heat, beginning with an evaluation of sun exposure on garages. Garages facing west may require extra shade and insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dark roofs can reach temperatures over 150°F, while cool roofs remain more than 50°F cooler. Effective measures include insulated garage doors, proper sealing, and shade solutions like roof overhangs and trees, with each garage needing a customized design to reduce heat gain.
Key facts
- Phoenix averages 111 days per year at 100°F or hotter.
- In 2024, Phoenix had 113 consecutive days at 100°F or higher and 70 days at or above 110°F.
- The U.S. Department of Energy says a traditional dark roof can reach 150°F or more; cool roofs can stay more than 50°F cooler.
- DOE research found radiant barriers reduced cooling costs by about 8% to 12% in hot climates.
- A common two-car garage door is about 16 feet wide and 7 feet tall.
- ENERGY STAR requires air sealing in certified homes to stop garage pollutants from entering the home.
- EPA reviews found that 9% to 18% of household air came from the garage in several homes, with an average of 11% of house leakage through the garage-to-house connection.
- A 2025 study of Phoenix courtyards found shading reduced mean radiant temperature by up to 10°C (18°F).
Entities
Institutions
- U.S. Department of Energy
- ENERGY STAR
- EPA
- Glendale Garage Doors Pros
Locations
- Phoenix
- Arizona
- United States