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FAQS ABOUT GARAGE-DOOR INSULATION

Why choose an insulated garage door—and what do you need to know about this exterior home upgrade option? You’re ready to replace your old, worn door with a brand-new model. But you’re not sure whether you need an insulated door or not. Take a look at the top questions homeowners have about insulated doors, the garage space, and this home improvement project.

ARE ALL GARAGE DOORS INSULATED?

No, not all garage doors come with insulation. This means you need to speak with a contractor about the options and learn about which doors have insulation. An uninsulated door is a single-layer panel that creates a physical barrier between the interior and exterior garage spaces. But this barrier may easily allow air to escape from your garage or enter the area from the outdoors.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN INSULATED GARAGE DOOR?

Your garage isn’t a finished living space. But this doesn’t mean it should stay cold and drafty in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. Not only will an insulated garage door help to regulate the space’s interior temperature, but it can also prevent heating/cooling losses. The air that leaks out of and into your garage will change the interior temperature. This can force your heater to work harder in the winter and increase home air conditioning use in the summer. A higher R-value insulated door is a more efficient choice. Along with this measure of thermal efficiency, you will also want to know the U-value. This is the measure of heat flow through the insulating material. A lower U-value will hold in heat better than a high U-value door. While energy efficiency is a primary benefit of an insulated garage door, it isn’t the only reason to choose this option. Insulated doors are quieter than non-insulated garage doors. The added layer or layers of material may also increase the door’s strength, making it more resistant to dents and other types of superficial damage.

WHAT TYPES OF GARAGE DOORS ARE INSULATED?

There isn’t just one type of insulated garage door. Instead, you can choose from one of many materials and styles. Wood, steel, and aluminum are popular options. The specific garage door you choose depends on factors such as:

  • Your personal preferences. Do you have a favorite material or aesthetic that you want to create? Given the wide variety of options, you can choose an insulated door in almost any style, texture, and color available.
  • Your home’s exterior. What does the rest of your home’s exterior look like? You want the garage door to coordinate with and complement the style — and not clash with it.
  • The type of insulation you want or your home needs. Common types of garage door insulation include foam board, spray foam, cellulose, reflective, and fiberglass.

Along with the outer material and the insulation, you also need to select an overall style. Some homeowners prefer a plain-front slab style door, while others like the look of a recessed panel design.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND AN INSULATED GARAGE DOOR?

More specifically, where can you buy this type of door, and who should install it? While you can find insulated products online or at many major home improvement stores, contact a specialized garage door contractor before you invest in any insulated option. If you’re not sure why you should hire a pro to help you select and install your door or why you may not save money with a DIY method, consider:

  • Safety. The extra insulation adds weight to an already heavy door. Installation mistakes could put you or your household members at risk for an unnecessary accident.
  • The insulation and its benefits. Why did you choose an insulated door? Energy efficiency is important. But without the right door or the right installation, you could decrease the overall energy efficiency that you expect.
  • The aesthetics. Do you need help choosing a door with the right look? A garage door contractor can help you to create the perfect pairing with your home. The pro can also install the door in a way that seamlessly blends with the rest of the exterior.
  • The warranty. Extra insulation may increase the initial price of a garage door. This means you want to protect your investment. DIY installation may negate your garage door’s warranty and leave you paying for potentially pricey repairs.

It’s likely that there are several garage door contractors in your town that specialize in or sell insulated doors. Ask friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors for referrals and references. You may need to interview or get estimates from a few different contractors before you choose one. Your contractor-of-choice should offer the insulation options and styles you want to explore. Do you want to learn more about the insulation options? Reach out to Shank Door today for more information.

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