Whether you’re replacing your old garage door or selecting one for your new home, considering insulation is crucial. This blog will explore the many benefits of insulated garage doors and help you decide if one is right for you.
WHY INSULATE YOUR GARAGE DOOR?
Most garage doors offer insulation as an option. Choosing an insulated door impacts your daily comfort and energy bills. Let’s weigh the pros and cons to see if it aligns with your needs.
ADVANTAGES OF INSULATED GARAGE DOORS
- Increased Home Value: Upgrading your garage door boasts an impressive return on investment, especially in regions with harsh climates. An insulated door enhances curb appeal and energy efficiency, making your home more attractive to potential buyers.
- Energy Savings: Insulated doors seal up a significant gap in your home’s thermal envelope. By addressing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, they lessen the strain on your HVAC system, resulting in lower energy costs. Insulating your garage door is a great way to make it more efficient and reduce your cooling costs in the summer.
- A Warmer Garage: An insulated door makes your garage considerably warmer. Depending on the door’s r-value, some homeowners see an average temperature increase of 49 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the outdoors. This creates a more comfortable space if you use your garage as a workshop or living area. You’ll also avoid stepping into a chilly car or wrestling with groceries in a cold garage.
- Quieter Operation: One unexpected benefit of insulation is sound absorption. A thick layer of insulation shields you from outside noise like barking dogs and traffic. It also dampens noise when using power tools or listening to music in the garage, preventing you from disturbing neighbors. The door itself operates more quietly as well, avoiding disruptions for sleeping babies or pets.
- Enhanced Durability: Insulation adds a thick layer to your garage door, making it more impact-resistant. The foam absorbs shock from daily use and impacts, reducing the likelihood of dents. Additionally, insulation safeguards your garage door opener. A warmer garage keeps the motor and metal components in better condition, lowering repair costs.
- Protect Your Vehicle and Belongings: Extreme temperatures can damage your car. Cold weather reduces battery capacity, thickens fluids, and lowers tire pressure, all leading to malfunctions. An insulated garage door helps maintain a more stable temperature, protecting your car and other belongings stored in the garage, like paint, fertilizers, and cleaning chemicals, which can be sensitive to extreme temperatures.
- Flexible Insulation Options: You can choose the garage door insulation r-value that meets your needs and budget. R-value measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. A higher r-value signifies better insulation, keeping heat indoors and cold outdoors. Garage door insulation comes in various r-values, allowing you to select moderate or excellent insulation for your desired temperature control.
Types of Insulation: There are two common types of insulation used in garage doors: polystyrene and polyurethane. Polystyrene offers good insulation by limiting heat transfer through its low thermal conductivity. Polyurethane boasts a lower thermal conductivity and is denser than polystyrene, making it a superior insulator. Some doors even combine these for exceptional performance.
Non-Insulated Garage Doors: While insulated doors provide many benefits, they may not be necessary for everyone. Non-insulated garage doors are typically more affordable and can be a suitable option in certain situations.
- Consider a Non-Insulated Door If:
- You live in a region with moderate temperatures year-round.
- Your garage is detached from your house and doesn’t significantly impact your home’s temperature.
- You rarely use your garage and don’t need to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
Considering the numerous advantages, an insulated garage door is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. However, if you’re unsure about which type of door is right for you, consult a professional! Contact Insulation Pros of Colorado today for a free consultation and let our experts help you find the perfect garage door for your needs. We offer a wide variety of insulated and non-insulated garage doors, including different types of garage doors with single-layer or rigid panels to fit your budget and preferences. We can also answer any questions you have about r-value, heat transfer, noise reduction, and how to create a more comfortable temperature-controlled space in your garage.
