Insulation is the biggest build difference between two garage doors that look alike. Here is how to decide.
An insulated garage door has a layer of foam or similar material between two sheets of steel, or inside a steel shell. A non-insulated door is a single layer of steel. The difference shows up in temperature, noise, stiffness and price.
What insulation does
Insulation slows the heat that moves through the door. In an attached garage that matters if the room above or next to it is lived in. It also makes the door stiffer and quieter, because the panel has more mass and does not flex as much. A thicker panel resists dents better than a single sheet of steel.
When it is worth it
- The garage is attached and shares a wall or ceiling with living space
- You use the garage as a workshop, gym or office
- The door faces afternoon sun
- You want a quieter door and opener
When a non-insulated door is enough
A detached garage used for storage or parking, in a mild climate, may not need insulation. It costs less and is lighter on the springs and opener. If you later convert the space, you can replace the door.
What else matters
Insulation is only part of the picture. Weatherstripping at the bottom and sides, the quality of the track and hardware, and a good fit all affect how well a door performs. Style, material and windows matter for looks: see new garage doors. In California, a replacement door cannot be connected to an older opener that lacks a battery backup, so plan for the opener as well. See opener installation.
Questions people ask
Do insulated garage doors keep the garage cooler?
They slow heat transfer, which helps in an attached garage. A garage is never as well insulated as a room, so expect an improvement and not a transformation.
Are insulated garage doors quieter?
Usually, because the panels are stiffer and absorb vibration. Good rollers and a belt-drive opener add to that.
Is insulation worth it in Southern California?
It helps if the garage is attached, faces the sun or is used as a workspace. For a detached storage garage it matters less.
Keep reading
- Why Your Garage Door Will Not Close (and What to Check First)
- How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last? Signs It Is Time to Replace
- Electric Gate Will Not Open: What to Check Before You Call
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