Insulated vs. Uninsulated Garage Doors: What Homeowners Should Know

While uninsulated garage doors are typically constructed of a single layer of material, insulated garage doors incorporate an extra layer of insulation within their construction.

In addition to regulating temperature, this design also reinforces the structural integrity of the door while adding other advantages, too.

If you want to prevent heat loss and gains and spend less to maintain comfortable temperatures within your home, an insulated garage door can make all the difference.

Two Common Garage Door Insulation Materials

Insulation materials used in garage doors vary, but the two most common options are polyurethane and polystyrene.

Here’s a breakdown of each:

Polyurethane

The platinum standard of garage door insulation, polyurethane provides the highest levels of climate control.

Polyurethane involves the injection of liquid foam between two steel layers. The foam expands to fill the cavity before hardening completely. The result is a rigid, durable, and quiet door.

Because of its unbeatable thermal performance, polyurethane insulation is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in extreme climates, as well as for those whose garage doors are their homes’ primary entrances.

Not surprisingly, these benefits do come at a higher cost.

Choosing the Right Motor

While polystyrene falls short of polyurethane in terms of density and performance, it boasts improved energy efficiency and quieter operation over uninsulated garage doors—and at a more affordable price point.

With polystyrene garage door insulation, a polystyrene panel is inserted between the two steel “skins.” Alternatively, polystyrene may be part of a single-layer design featuring a vinyl back.

Depending on where you live and your goals, polystyrene may meet your needs—especially if you’re working with a limited budget.

What are R & U Values and Why are they Important?

Two metrics are used to gauge insulation’s thermal efficiency:

• R-value measures the material's resistance to heat flow, with higher values indicating better insulation.
• U-value represents the rate of heat transfer through the material with lower values signifying higher thermal resistance.



The takeaway? Insulated garage doors with higher R and lower U values offer superior energy efficiency and temperature control.

Are Insulated Garages Energy Efficient? 

With more and more homeowners aiming to improve the energy efficiency of their living environments, the powerful role of insulated garages cannot be overstated. In addition to minimizing heat loss during colder months, they also counter heat gain in warmer climates. This translates to reduced reliance on heating and cooling systems, lower utility bills, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Additionally, maintaining a stable garage temperature safeguards stored items during extreme weather conditions.

However, all insulated garage doors aren’t created equal.

In addition to the type of insulation materials used in the door’s construction, other factors also come into play, including proper installation, weather sealing, and overall quality of insulation materials.

Factors that Affect Energy Efficiency

Finally, many homeowners overlook garage door use (and overuse) as a factor in energy efficiency. Every time you open and close your insulated garage door, you risk compromising its performance. However, there are some garage insulation tips you can follow to mitigate this issue.

5 Benefits of an Insulated Garage

While improved energy efficiency may be the primary driver for insulating your garage door, there are other reasons to make this popular home enhancement, including the following five benefits:

1. Raise the Value of Your Home

Installing an insulated garage door adds value to your property. Today’s prospective buyers prioritize energy-efficient features, making an insulated garage door a desirable asset.

2. Help You Save Money (Energy Efficient)

By reducing energy consumption and lowering your heating and cooling costs, insulated garage doors offer long-term savings. Over time, the initial investment pays for itself.

3. Dampen Outside Noise

Insulated garage doors reduce the transmission of external noise into your home. Particularly beneficial for homes located in noisy neighborhoods or near busy streets, this creates a quieter and more comfortable living environment.

4. More Durable Than Uninsulated 

The added layer of insulation not only improves thermal efficiency but also fortifies the door itself. Because they’re better equipped to withstand harsh weather conditions and daily wear and tear, this results in longer lifespans and reduced maintenance requirements.

5. Protect Your Belongings Inside the Garage

Because insulated garage doors provide weatherproofing that helps maintain a stable indoor climate, they protect and preserve your belongings from exposure to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and other potentially detrimental exposures that can lead to damage and deterioration.

Considering an Insulated Garage? Get in Touch with Us!

If you're ready to reap the benefits of an insulated garage door in the Western suburbs of Chicago and surrounding areas, Uplift is here to help.

Our friendly and experienced team specializes in providing high-quality insulated garage doors tailored to your specific needs. From garage door replacements to garage door maintenance, we'll work with you to find the perfect garage door solution for your home.

To request a complimentary estimate and take the first step towards a more comfortable and efficient garage space, contact us today.