Garage Door Installation
Since most of us don’t heat or cool our garages, it seems like a silly notion to insulate a garage door. After all, the walls between the home and the structure are already insulated, so why do the garage also? The answer may not be as easy as it seems. There are a number of different factors why insulating a garage door can be a good idea, regardless of whether or not the space is temperature controlled.
Jim Norman of Overhead Door Company of Central Jersey has this to say about well insulated garage doors “Good, Insulated doors generally are stronger and quieter in addition to being very energy efficient. Many manufacturers give extended warranties on their better insulated doors as well."
Strength
Inherent strength is derived from the use of strong rigid foam insulation. This strengthens the inner core of the door, while providing a protective layer of insulation against the cold and heat. These super strong doors get longer warranty coverage because the manufacturers know they’ll last much longer than a conventional steel garage door.
Noise Pollution
And all of that added insulation is good, not just for keeping Mother Nature outside of the garage, but also for noise mitigation. People who live on busy streets where noise pollution is a problem will surely benefit from the installation of an insulated garage door panel.
More Energy Efficient
Thermal Imaging Reveals Heat Loss through Garage Door
While providing a quieter environment, insulated garage doors are also energy efficient. With an insulated door, you can turn your workshop or laundry room into a well-conditioned space. A small space heater works wonders in the winter, while a portable air conditioner can help keep the space nice and cool, even on the hottest days.
Lightweight
It seems uncanny how all of those extra benefits actually make the door a little lighter. Composites and lightweight aluminum makes the door easier to open and close, allowing for a tighter fit around the seams. Some insulated garage doors employ the use of fiberglass, making these doors some of the lightest and most durable in their class.
Less Maintenance
Best of all, a well-insulated door requires less maintenance. Fatigue from heating and cooling can stress the steel skins of a non-insulated garage door. This makes the weather coating less durable over time. A well-insulated garage door can help keep the daily metal expansion down to a minimum, so less maintenance is needed in the long run.
Life Expectancy
A well-insulated garage door is designed to last longer than a conventionally made steel door. That’s why the manufacturer’s warranties are longer for the latter. In fact, some insulated garage doors carry a lifetime warranty, ensuring you that once you install their insulated garage door; you’ll never need to pay for another.
Retrofitting
When budgets are tight, it’s not possible to swap out your old garage door for a new insulted garage door. That’s where retrofitting your existing garage door can come in handy. There are numerous kits that can be purchased and many garage door companies will retrofit your old garage door with new insulation. However, retrofitting is probably best left to a pro as the added weight of insulation may damage or disable your garage door motor unless the counterbalance is upgraded to handle the additional weight.
All in all, choosing an insulated garage door is really down to personal preference and how you use your garage. It’s a good investment for most homeowners looking to install a new door as it can help to increase your comfort of living, without the need to increase your mortgage payments.
