A garage door is so much more than an entry point to the place you store your car. It can protect your home from noise and thieves. It can also reduce airflow throughout your home to lower energy bills and maintain a comfortable interior climate.
Your garage door will be much better at keeping your home comfortable if insulated. You can insulate your door yourself, but buying a preinsulated garage door is a more convenient option. It will prevent you from taking on the task of installing insulation yourself and risking errors that can lead to bigger problems.
This article will discuss the benefits of an insulated garage door and why you need one in your home.
What is an Insulated Garage Door?
An insulated garage door is a garage door with built-in insulation. The door typically features an insulating material, such as polystyrene, AKA Styrofoam, between its metal panels. It may also feature rubber weather stripping to keep out the outside air and pests.
Benefits of Insulated Garage Door
There are several benefits to insulated garage doors. Here are some to consider:
More Energy Efficient
An insulated garage door will prevent airflow in the garage and throughout the home. It will keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. You will save money on your heating and air conditioning bills and help the environment. Your home’s interior will also be more comfortable.
More Durable
The insulated garage door panels make the door more durable. They enforce the door so it is not as prone to dents and scratches. It will also hold up better to external factors like wind, rain, and pests. The door will last a long time and require less maintenance.
Minimizes Noise Pollution
The thickness of the door will keep noises out. It will make your home quieter so you sleep better at night and concentrate better during the day. These benefits will boost health and productivity.
Eliminates DIY Installation
Some people may choose to save money and insulate their garage doors themselves. However, a door with DIY insulation will not be as sturdy and effective. You may have to insulate it repeatedly each year. You may also make mistakes that make the task dangerous and excessively time-consuming.
Boosts Home Value
An insulated garage door will pay off when it’s time to sell your home. Buyers will pay more knowing they are getting a home with a garage door that’s durable and saves energy. It’s an excellent selling point.
Insulated Garage Door Cost
The cost of an insulated garage door varies depending on the material, the style, and whether you require a one or two-car garage door. Here are some price points to consider:
- One-car garage door non-insulated: $550 to $1300
- One-car garage insulated: $750 to $1900
- Two-car garage non-insulated: $800-$1800
- Two-car garage insulated: $1500-$3700
The price differences are not that crazy between non-insulated and insulated garage doors. Additionally, when you consider the money you will save on your energy bills, maintenance and replacement fees, you will come out ahead. Some insurance companies will even discount premiums for homeowners with insulated garage doors!
How to Choose an Insulated Garage Door for Your Home
There are several factors to consider when purchasing an insulated garage door. They include:
- R-value: The R- value refers to your garage door’s thermal resistance. It measures how well the door will keep heat in and cold air out.
- U-Factor: The U-Factor will tell you how much heat is lost or gained through radiation and conduction. The lower this number is, the better. U-factor generally refers to garage door windows, but it can also be used for roll-up doors.
- STC Rating: The STC rating tells you how well your garage door resists sound. Doors with high R-values will have high STC ratings.
Insulated Garage Door Installation and Maintenance
You can DIY your garage door installation. However, this task is best handled by a professional. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could hurt yourself or run into other costly issues.
Insulated garage door maintenance isn’t very different from other types of garage door maintenance. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Inspect the door regularly to ensure it is operating safely
- Perform safety tests to ensure its autoreverse feature is functioning
- Examine the hardware, tighten loose components, look for signs of damage
- Adjust the chain or belt if necessary
- Service the seals and springs if necessary
- Keep the door clean
- Replace batteries and bulbs
- Adjust the opening and closing speed if necessary
Trust a Raynor Garage Door
Raynor is your source for quality garage doors. We have been in the industry for over 40 years. We have a proven track record for serving our community.
We can assist with maintenance, repairs, and replacements. We offer a comprehensive selection ensuring you will find a garage door that suits your needs. We provide efficient, prompt, reasonably priced services.
Contact us to schedule your insulated garage door installation today.