Comparing Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Garage Doors
Whether you only use your garage to protect your vehicles from the elements or it doubles up as a workshop, games room or music rehearsal studio, it’s important to think carefully about the pros and cons of insulated and non-insulated doors before you arrange a new garage door installation. As Loveland garage door repair and installation experts, we have helped many local homeowners to make the right choice for their specific needs and would be more than happy to do the same for you so please don’t hesitate to call or message us now. And for all those people who live in different areas of the country, as well as local customers who are in the process of researching their options, we hope the following analysis will prove useful to you.
Comparing Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Garage Doors
You might think the choice is obvious: if you want to keep your garage warm in the winter and cool in the summer then surely an insulated door is the only option you need to consider right? Well, this all depends on how you use your garage so join us as we analyze the pros and cons associated with each type of garage door.
R-value • a measure of resistance to the flow of heat through a given thickness of a material (such as insulation) with higher numbers indicating better insulating properties
SOURCE: Merriam Webster
Pros and Cons of Non-Insulated Garage Doors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower Initial Expenditure — Non-insulated doors are cheaper and easier to manufacture, resulting in lower purchase costs. | Higher Heating and Cooling Costs — Without insulation, these doors lead to higher utility bills due to poor temperature control. |
| Reduced Maintenance and Repair Costs — Simpler construction and materials result in lower maintenance and repair expenses. | Less Durable Construction — Cheaper construction methods make non-insulated doors less durable over time. |
| Easier Installation — The lighter weight and simpler design make installation easier and more accessible for DIY enthusiasts. | More Noise — Non-insulated doors provide less noise reduction, leading to more disturbances from outside sounds. |
Pros and Cons of Insulated Garage Doors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior Noise Isolation — A well-insulated garage door helps to block outside noises from penetrating the garage interior. | Greater Initial Cost — Insulated garage doors are generally more expensive due to their complex construction. |
| Greater Durability — These doors are built with extra layers of metal or wood, enhancing their durability. | Extra Maintenance & Repair Costs — Insulated doors typically require more maintenance and repair, increasing overall costs. |
| Savings on Utility Bills — Quality insulation helps regulate garage temperature, reducing heating and cooling expenses. | |
| More Environmentally Friendly — Increased energy efficiency contributes to a smaller carbon footprint. |
| Aspect | Polystyrene Insulation | Polyurethane Insulation |
|---|---|---|
| R-Value | 5 to 10 — Moderate thermal resistance, sufficient for mild climates. | 10 to 18 — Higher thermal resistance, ideal for extreme climates. |
| Cost | Lower — More affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. | Higher — More expensive due to superior insulation properties. |
| Installation | Easier — Typically pre-cut and inserted into the door panels. | Complex — Injected as foam, expands to fill all gaps, requiring precise application. |
| Noise Reduction | Moderate — Reduces noise better than non-insulated doors, but less effectively than those with polyurethane insulation. | High — Excellent at reducing noise due to denser material. |
| Durability | Moderate — Improves door strength but less impact-resistant than polyurethane. | High — Significantly enhances door strength and impact resistance. |
| Weight | Lighter — Generally lighter, making the door easier to operate manually. | Heavier — Heavier due to denser material, may require stronger hardware and motor. |
| Application | Basic — Sufficient for standard residential use in mild climates. | Advanced — Ideal for residential and commercial use, especially in extreme climates. |
Some of these pros and cons may be more important to you than others, and some may be of no concern to you at all. For this reason, we always recommend that you take your personal needs and preferences into account when choosing a new door, not just the basic facts about each type.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Insulated Garage Doors
Insulated garage doors are beneficial for temperature control, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and overall durability. They are ideal for garages that are used as living spaces or workshops.
Yes, insulated garage doors are generally more expensive due to the additional materials and manufacturing process involved. However, they can lead to savings on energy bills and provide added comfort and longevity.
Insulated garage doors help to keep the garage and adjacent rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling, thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Insulated garage doors reduce energy consumption by maintaining stable temperatures, leading to lower heating and cooling needs. This can decrease your carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Yes, it is possible to add insulation to an existing garage door. However, the effectiveness and cost-efficiency might not be as high as purchasing a new insulated door.
Insulated garage doors tend to be more durable and require less maintenance due to their sturdier construction. Regular maintenance for both types includes lubricating moving parts, checking weather seals, and ensuring the door is balanced.
Insulated garage doors are typically more robust and harder to break through compared to uninsulated doors, offering an additional layer of security for your home.
R-Value measures the thermal resistance of the garage door insulation. A higher R-Value indicates better insulation and energy efficiency, helping to maintain a stable temperature inside the garage.
It's essential to consider both your climate and specific usage needs when selecting the appropriate R-Value for your garage door. For mild climates, an R-Value of 6-9 may suffice, while colder climates may require an R-Value of 12 or higher for optimal energy efficiency.
If your garage is used as a living space, workshop, or home office, you might need a higher R-Value to maintain a comfortable temperature and improve energy efficiency. Conversely, if your garage is primarily used for parking vehicles and storing items, a lower R-Value may be adequate.
Higher R-Value garage doors are often more durable because they are constructed with multiple layers and robust materials, providing better protection against wear and tear.
Choose the Loveland Garage Door Service Team That Cares
The easiest way to ensure that the door you install is perfect for your needs and your property is to partner with the best overhead door company in the area: C & M Garage Doors. Contact us now to discuss your requirements with one of our friendly advisors.