Should My Garage Door Be Insulated?
Is your garage door insulated? If not, it may be time to make the switch. As your premiere Minnesota garage door company, we recommend an insulated garage door for homes in climates like ours. Investing in an insulated door saves heat, energy, and money, and keeps you comfortable during cold winters and hot summers alike.
Let’s look closer at the advantages of insulated vs non-insulated garage doors and what options you have to better insulate your garage.
Do Insulated Garage Doors Really Make a Difference?
Consider your garage an extension of your home. Attached garages often have insulated walls to keep in heat, so your garage serves as a buffer between you and the cold.
But having an insulated garage without an insulated door is like leaving the door open.
The cold (or heat) that can pass through an uninsulated garage door acts like a temperature draw. It steals energy and comfort away from not just your garage but your entire home.
5 Reasons to Install an Insulated Garage Door
1. Energy Conservation
A garage door with insulation reduces heat loss through the garage, easing the workload on your furnace and lowering your utility bills.
2. Increased Comfort
Keeping a warmer garage is more hospitable for the homeowner, whether you’re just climbing into the car or working in your garage workshop.
3. Enhanced Durability
Insulated doors are structurally stronger, less prone to flexing, and more likely to stay in alignment.
4. Noise
Garage door insulation muffles sounds to make operation significantly quieter and to minimize the sounds associated with home workshops or gyms.
5. Extended Longevity
The working parts of the garage door and the garage door opener function better when they are kept in moderate temperatures. Extreme cold and heat puts added stress on these components, making them more prone to problems. You will see less ice on the outside of your door as well.
Best Garage Door Insulation for Cold Climates
When it comes to insulation, whether it's for homes or garage doors, the key metric is the R-value. The R-value refers to the thermal resistance of a material, specifically its capacity to resist heat flow. A material with a high R-value is better equipped to prevent heat from escaping in the winter or entering in the summer. This makes spaces with high R-value more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Pros evaluate the quality of insulated garage doors with an “R rating.” The rating scales from 0 to 19 to denote the door’s resistance to heat transfer (whether in or out), with 0 being no insulation at all (i.e. uninsulated steel door). Here are the breakdowns to help you understand your garage insulation R value and choose the best garage door for your home.
Garage Door R-Values Based on Insulation Material
0-5: Zero to Minimal Insulation
Fiberglass, usually in batts or rolls, is the most basic material for insulating a garage door. It provides an R-value ranging from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch, depending on the specific product and its density.
5-8: Nominally Insulated
Polystyrene is a popular, cost-effective insulation material that comes in rigid panels that fit into the door sections. Depending on the thickness of the panels, doors with polystyrene insulation typically have R-values between R-4 to R-10. This is best-suited to temperate climates without very high or very low temperature shifts.
9-13: Good Insulation
Many doors we sell here in the Twin Cities fall in this range. Garage doors with an insulation rating in this range will likely be multilayered polystyrene panels or a version of polyurethane foam described below.
13-19:Excellent Insulation
Polyurethane Foam is one of the most common insulating materials used in garage doors. This insulation type is sprayed into the door panels, where it expands and adheres to the panel's interior, creating a strong bond. It's known for its excellent insulating properties and contributes to the door's rigidity and soundproofing. Garage doors insulated with polyurethane foam often have R-values ranging from R-12 to R-18. It is perfect for those who heat their garages and use them all year round for multiple functions.
Types of Insulated Garage Doors
Choosing the right insulated garage door involves considering the material that best suits your needs and aesthetic preferences. Here are the most common insulation types of insulated garage doors and their benefits:
1. Steel Insulated Garage Doors
Durability and Strength: Steel doors are known for their strength and longevity, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Low Maintenance: These doors require minimal maintenance compared to other materials, saving you time and effort.
Excellent Insulation: Steel doors often come with built-in insulation, such as polystyrene or polyurethane, providing superior thermal efficiency and energy savings.
Versatility: Available in a variety of styles and finishes, steel doors can mimic the look of wood or have a sleek, modern appearance.
2. Wood and Faux Wood Insulated Garage Doors
Natural Beauty: Wood doors offer a classic, timeless look that adds warmth and elegance to your home’s exterior.
Good Insulation Properties: While wood naturally insulates better than metal, many wood doors also feature additional insulation to enhance thermal performance.
Customization: Wood doors can be customized with different stains, finishes, and designs to match your home’s architecture.
Maintenance: Wood doors require regular maintenance, including staining or painting, to protect against weather and maintain their appearance.
3. Aluminum Insulated Garage Doors
Lightweight and Rust-Resistant: Aluminum doors are lightweight, making them easier to operate and less stressful on the garage door opener. They are also resistant to rust, making them a good choice for humid or coastal areas.
Modern Aesthetic: These doors often have a sleek, contemporary look that complements modern home designs.
Insulation Options: Aluminum doors can be fitted with insulation, typically polystyrene or polyurethane, to improve energy efficiency.
Variety of Finishes: Available in various colors and finishes, aluminum doors can be customized to suit your style preferences.
4. Fiberglass Insulated Garage Doors
Durability and Resistance: Fiberglass is resistant to denting and cracking, making it a durable option for your garage door.
Low Maintenance: These doors are easy to maintain and do not require frequent upkeep.
Insulation Efficiency: Fiberglass doors can be equipped with insulation to enhance their thermal properties.
Aesthetic Flexibility: Fiberglass can mimic the appearance of wood without the high maintenance, offering a versatile and attractive option.
We Install Energy-Efficient Garage Doors
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of an insulated vs uninsulated garage door, we’d be happy to discuss the options with you. To chat with our team about garage door insulation and other options in new garage doors, schedule a consultation or call us now: South Metro : (925) 960-9411 | East Metro : (651) 427-1158 | North Metro : (763) 634-6380 | West Metro : (612) 425-1988.