We all understand the importance of a well-insulated home. But do you know about the benefits of a well-insulated garage door?

Garage door insulation enhances energy efficiency throughout your home. It also aids with noise reduction and increases the lifespan of your garage door. Insulating a garage door offers several benefits, but the materials you use to insulate your garage door will make the biggest difference. 

Read on to learn what to look for in garage door insulation so you can find the best solution for your needs. 

Benefits of Having an Insulated Garage Door

Insulated garage doors offer several benefits. They include: 

• Energy Savings: Energy savings are a major benefit for homes with attached garages. An uninsulated garage door will let cold air into your home during the winter and hot air into your home during the summer. It also lets the air that’s warming or cooling your home escape. Your heating and cooling systems will use more energy to maintain a comfortable interior environment and so an insulated garage door will take some of the strain off your heating and cooling systems while keeping your energy bills low. 
• Noise Reduction: Garage door sound insulation will make the home more peaceful. It will reduce outdoor noises so you can enjoy a more serene environment inside the home. It will also suppress loud nighttime noises so you sleep better. 
• Protection for Vehicles: Extreme temperatures can be tough on your car. They can damage the tires and engines and negatively affect fluids. Insulating a garage door helps regulate the climate in your garage so your car is not as affected by temperature changes. It will reduce car maintenance costs. 
• Comfortable Workspace: Many people work inside their garages. Garage door insulation makes garages about 12 degrees warmer in the winter and 25 degrees cooler in the summer. It provides a more comfortable work environment.
• Durability: Insulation strengthens a garage door against impact. It also protects it from wear and tear. It will lower repair and replacement costs. 

Types of Insulation

Any type of garage door insulation is better than no insulation. However, not all insulation materials are created equal. 

Polystyrene and polyurethane are the two most common garage insulation materials. Let's review both to find out what they have to offer. 

• Polystyrene: Polystyrene features a closed-cell structure that minimizes airflow. It also has low thermal conductivity which makes it a good insulator. It is moisture resistant. 
• Polyurethane: Polyurethane is also moisture resistant. It has lower thermal conductivity than polystyrene. It is also denser. Its foam-like material can expand to seal gaps and keep hot or cold air out. It also increases your door’s durability and makes it more resistant to vibrations.

Polyurethane is the more expensive option, but it may be a worthwhile investment for people who live in climates with extreme weather. 

Understanding R-value & STC Ratings

R values and STC ratings should also be considered when making your garage door insulation choice. 

• An R-value measures a garage door’s ability to block cold or hot air. A higher rating indicates better insulation properties. A decent garage door will have an R-value ranging from 6-8. 
• STC Rating: STC stands for Sound Transmission Class. It measures how effective your garage door is at blocking noise. The higher the rating, the better the noise reduction properties. 

Insulated vs. Non-insulated Garage Doors

Most people will choose insulated garage doors for their homes. They offer several benefits including: 

• Lower energy bills
• Increased garage door durability
• A more comfortable workspace
• Protects your car and other belongings in the garage from weather damage
• Enhanced noise reduction

However, an insulated garage door is typically more expensive than a non-insulated garage door. It may not be the best choice for people who live in temperate climates. It also may not offer benefits to someone with a detached garage. 

Ready to Insulate?

Garage door insulation can make a home quieter and more energy efficient. It’s a good choice for homeowners who live in extreme climates with attached garages. You may also consider insulating your garage door for durability benefits. 

Raynor is a top choice for insulated garage doors. We offer various door styles and several insulation options. We will help you find a solution that’s perfect for your home. 

Check our website or contact us to find your nearest location. We can assist you with all your garage door needs.