Insulated Garage Doors versus Non-insulated Garage Doors

Published on October 21, 2018

The garage door on your home does more than just function as a door to keep your vehicle and items in your garage secure. While you garage door is the focal point of your home when viewed from the outside, it also can be a source of energy savings if insulated properly.

How are insulated garage doors different from non-insulated doors?

When it comes to selecting the right garage door, you do have the option to choose between insulated and non-insulated garage doors. Insulated garage doors are designed to help block the heat and cold from the outside. They help reduce heat and cold air loss transfer from around the door. This helps keep the indoor temperatures of your garage more consistent and comfortable year round.

With non-insulated doors, there is just the steel between your garage and the outside. Steel is prone to heat and cold air transfer loss. If you have non-insulated door, just touch it from inside the garage and a hot or cold day. The metal will feel hot or cold, just like the outdoor temperature.

What are some benefits of insulated garage doors?

Some of the benefits homeowners gain with insulated doors include:

• Quieter door operation.
• Durable and stronger door that lasts longer.
• Sound from the outside is reduced.
• Reduced energy bills.
• Better protection for their vehicles and belongings stored in the garage.

What is an R-value?

A door’s level of insulation is calculated using R-Value. An R-value is used as a rating for insulation and its effectiveness at stopping heat loss transfer. Ideally, you want to choose a garage door with the highest R-value possible for the best heat loss transfer protection.

What types of insulation available for garage doors?

There are generally two types of insulation used in garage doors: polystyrene (AKA Styrofoam) and polyurethane (spray foam). How each one functions and protects your garage does vary a little.

Benefits of Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Insulated Garage Doors

• Can be added to non-insulated garage doors aftermarket.
• Provides improved insulation to the garage.
• Offers better energy efficiency over non-insulated doors.

Drawbacks of Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Insulated Garage Doors

• Not as energy efficient as polyurethane insulated doors.
• Leaves gaps without insulation in small crevices and other areas, like the door joints.

Benefits of Polyurethane (Spray Foam) Garage Doors

• Superior insulation over polystyrene insulation.
• Fills in all gaps, crevices and other areas.
• The foam bonds to the frame as it is injected in between the door for a solid, air tight seal.
• Highest level of sound reduction.
• Highest level of climate control.
• Higher R-values.

Drawbacks of Polyurethane (Spray Foam) Garage Doors

• Not an option for aftermarket non-insulated doors.

Contact Richards-Wilcox to learn more about our environmentally-friendly polyurethane insulation, known as Neufoam™, at www.rwdoors.com and look for an authorized Richards-Wilcox dealer today!