When winter approaches, so do problems with garage doors. Don’t wait until it’s too late to consider the benefits of a well-insulated garage door! When the temperature drops, an insulated garage door can be a huge help in both big and small ways. Check out the main ways in which properly insulated garage doors are safer and more energy efficient than their non-insulated counterparts.
Reduced Energy Costs
One of the most important reasons for insulating a garage door is that it lowers energy costs. Whether your garage is heated or not, a well-insulated door helps to reduce airflow, which keeps the whole house more contained. For example, if you have a heated/cooled room above the garage, an insulated door will keep the air from escaping below and through the door. In addition to the benefit of lower household bills, a garage that doesn’t get too cold will allow you to jump in your car in the morning without having to warm it up, wasting gas. For that reason, from an energy cost savings perspective, insulated is the way to go.
The type of insulation in your garage door can also make a difference. The two most common types of insulation you’ll find for your garage door are polyurethane foam and polystyrene insulation. Polyurethane foam can make doors more rigid and dent resistant, which is perfect if you have kids who play in the driveway. It will also deliver twice the thermal performance of polystyrene insulation of the same thickness. This is particularly crucial for those with workshops or valuable equipment that can be damaged by the cold. Polystyrene insulation is a generally the most financially friendly option and has half the thermal performance of Polyurethane foam.The effectiveness of the insulation is expressed as an R-value*, which is a measure of thermal resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation in the door.
Noise Reduction
Another benefit of an insulated garage door is that it reduces noise penetration through the walls and ceiling. The insulation dampens any extraneous noise, allowing for a more peaceful, comfortable home. Two main noise sources that a well-insulated door will help reduce include:
- Outside Noise – quiet the noise of the streets and/or neighborhood.
- Reduces Opening/Closing Garage Door Noise – this is especially helpful if you have to leave early or come home late. A quieter door allows everyone in the home to rest undisturbed.
SEE ALSO: Why You Need An Insulated Garage Door
Increased Safety
An insulated door can even add a higher level of safety to your garage and home.
Be Careful About Over-Insulating!
While insulating your garage door has many benefits, as noted above, it’s important to keep in mind the safety concerns for over-insulating. One of the things about a garage door that is just too insulated is that it traps everything inside the garage. This can be a huge hazard if a car is left on with the door shut, or if you have any substances like gas cans or any other spirits with heavy fumes. Before insulating, be sure to take note of these items to determine how heavy the insulation should be and whether the garage the safest place for them at all.
SEE ALSO: Garage Repair Tips & Tricks
Visit Motor City Door for More Garage Door Winterizing Information, Today
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about insulating your garage door, visit Motor City Door, today. Motor City Door has a long history of serving the Metro Detroit area with any and everything garage door. For more questions or to set up an appointment, visit us or contact us at (586) 501-5874.
