If you’re in the market for a new garage door, you might want to pick one with insulation. An insulated garage door can slash energy bills, cut down on noise, and keep your garage’s temperature more consistent.
But insulation is expensive- and not everyone needs it.
Knowing when garage door insulation is a must-have versus when it’s a nice bonus can save you some cash and a ton of headaches. Let’s break down the benefits of both insulated and non-insulated garage doors, and how to pick the right one for your home.
Table Of Content
1. Advantages of Insulated Garage Doors
2. Advantages of Non-Insulated Garage Doors
3. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Insulated and Non-Insulated Garage Doors
4. Thinking About Your Budget
5. The Bottom Line
Choose the Right Garage Door Now
Advantages of Insulated Garage Doors
An insulated garage door is exactly what it sounds like – a garage door with extra padding. The insulation slows down heat exchange, meaning your garage stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Not to mention, it’s better at keeping noise down.
Usually, insulated garage doors have an energy-saving core, with insulation stuffed between two layers of metal panels. There’s also rubber weather stripping around the edges to cut down on drafts and keep critters out.
Insulating a garage door can affect indoor temperature by about 12 to 20 degrees. But the value of garage door insulation goes beyond this.
Here’s why you should consider insulated garage door panels for your home:
Improved Energy Efficiency
Insulated garage doors are a smart choice if you want to keep your energy bills in check. Controlling the temperatures in your garage prevents your HVAC system from working overtime and keeps your home comfortable.
For those with an attached garage, an insulated garage door keeps outdoor temperatures from sneaking into your living space through shared walls. This lowers your heating and cooling bills and puts more money where it belongs: in your pockets.
Increased Durability and Noise Reduction
Most insulated garage doors come with a thick layer of insulation tucked inside, which gives you more impact resistance. Because the foam core absorbs shocks from daily wear and tear, your door is less likely to dent.
Added durability aside, the insulation also protects the garage door opener. A warmer garage can help keep the motor and metal moving parts in better condition, lowering the need for local garage door repair in Reno, NV.
Insulated garage doors can also muffle sounds effectively. If your garage is under a bedroom or you live on a busy street, having an insulated door might just help you sleep better.
Protects Stored Items
Your garage often holds valuable items like your car, tools, and seasonal gear. Extreme cold and heat can damage these items and cost you thousands in repairs. An insulated door maintains a more stable temperature in the garage, shielding your belongings from wild temperature swings.
Select the Best Garage Door Option
Advantages of Non-Insulated Garage Doors
Non-insulated garage doors are made from a single layer of metal and do not contain any foam. They’re usually lighter and less expensive than their insulated counterparts. However, they don’t offer the same benefits in terms of energy efficiency, sound reduction, and protection against the elements.
That said, non-insulated garage doors do have their own set of perks:
Lower Initial Cost
If you’re looking to save some cash and your garage isn’t attached to your house, a non-insulated door might be the way to go. They’re generally cheaper than insulated doors because they use fewer materials. It’s a practical, budget-friendly option that gets the job done without the extra frills.
Simpler Construction
The beauty of uninsulated garage doors lies in their simplicity. They’re generally lighter and easier to handle, which can make installation quicker and less of a hassle. The straightforward design also means fewer parts could break down or need maintenance.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Insulated and Non-Insulated Garage Doors
Choosing the right garage door is all about balancing your needs with your budget. Here are a few things to consider in this regard:
Climate and Garage Usage
First, think about the weather where you live. Insulation for garage doors is great if you want to keep your garage comfortable year-round, or if you use it for more than just parking your car. Maybe your garage doubles as a workshop, fitness area, or even a place for your weekend projects. In these cases, you’ll appreciate the extra foam padding that keeps the space more livable.
But if your garage is just for your car and storage, and your local weather is mild, you might not see the need for garage door insulation. It comes down to how much time you spend in there and what you’re using it for.
Attached vs. Detached Garage
Is your garage part of your home or a separate structure? If it’s attached, you could go for an insulated door. Since your garage shares walls with your living space, an insulated door can prevent the cold or heat from seeping through into your home and hiking up your heating/cooling costs.
The need for insulation isn’t as pressing for detached garages. Unless you’re using it as a functional space, you might opt to skip the extra expense of insulation.
Thinking About Your Budget
Finally, let’s talk money. Insulated roll-up garage doors do cost more upfront, but they can be a worthwhile investment when you consider the potential savings on energy bills.
However, if you’re tight on funds and the immediate insulation benefits don’t seem necessary, an uninsulated door could make more financial sense. You’ll pay less initially, though it might not help much with energy costs.
Explore Garage Door Options Here
The Bottom Line
All things considered, your choice between an insulated and non-insulated garage door will come down to how you’re using the space. We hope our post gave you all the information you need to decide for yourself.
Do you have more questions about garage door insulation? Feel free to reach out to the specialists at Thompson Garage Doors! We’ll be happy to answer your queries and guide you in the right direction. Call us today.