Do You Need an Insulated Garage Door?
When shopping for a garage door, you may notice that you have the option for an insulated garage door. Is this something you really need? That depends on a few factors.
First, you should look at what is in the garage. Is anything temperature sensitive? Would anything improve with properly managed temperatures? It will also be important to note if the garage is insulated throughout or has a heating system.
If you store food items in the garage, be aware that temperature fluctuations can cause food to lose its usefulness faster.
What is Garage Door Insulation?
Garage door insulation may not be quite what you look at when managing house insulation, but it involves adding insulating materials inside the door so that heat and cold will not transfer easily through the door. The most common options include:
Foam Board: This is something you can add yourself and it involves attaching pre-cut boards to the door. However, in some cases, the door will come with the insulation already installed.
Fibreglass: Fibreglass insulation generally has large panels that may be covered with vinyl backing. They are placed against the garage door with the vinyl side facing into the garage.
Cellulose: This is sprayed onto the door panels and it provides the best kind of protection. It is made from organic materials, but tends to be more costly, as well.
Spray Foam: This is the most commonly used with garage doors that come with pre-installed insulation. The spray foam is applied between two layers of steel or other materials to provide the best possible insulation within the doors. However, you can also apply spray foam yourself.
The Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors
There are a few reasons to consider insulating your garage door. If you’re interested in keeping the heat inside, this is a major benefit. However, here are some other advantages to having a good insulated garage door.
More Durable: Insulation helps your garage door withstand more damage if it’s knocked into. The increased strength can definitely be a bonus.
Increased Protection: The items inside the garage will tend to last longer, since they are better protected from temperature changes. While medicines and foods are some of the most susceptible products, most items will benefit from a steady temperature in the environment.
Improved Efficiency: If you heat your garage, an insulated door is a must to keep your energy bills lower. Otherwise, the heat will simply escape.
If you’re looking at installing a garage door, consider what you really need. You may want to talk to Cornwall Garage Doors to learn more about your garage door options before deciding. Contact us today with any questions.