Choosing the garage door that is right for you is an intimidating process. There are so many different types of garage doors, materials, styles, colors, and designs to choose from. Yet, you must make the decision not based on looks alone, but on function. There are features and builds that may suit your home best. For residents of Akron, Canton and the surrounding areas, one of the biggest considerations you must make is whether you want an insulated garage door.
The fact is, insulation provides many benefits, especially during the cold winter months. Still, it is important to remember that insulation does not come standard on every garage door. You want to do your due diligence before making a decision. Or, you can consult with the professionals here at Prestige Door!
Why Should You Choose an Insulated Garage Door?
Northeastern Ohio residents know this: It gets cold in our neck of the woods! And since temperature can be transmitted into your house through the garage, your garage door is the first line of defense in keeping your home’s interior warm during winter and cool during summer. If your garage stays at a steady temperature, so will your home. Another consideration when it comes to selecting an insulated garage door is a lower energy bill. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can influence the temperature of rooms in your home, especially if there are rooms over the garage.
Here’s another consideration: You can turn your garage into a recreational or living space. Many people want to keep the look of the garage in case they sell their home, but perhaps they don’t want to park a car in there. They may just want to turn it into a pool room or additional bedroom. An insulated garage door allows you to turn your garage into more than a garage without the outside world knowing it. And, to be honest, even if you use your garage for storage, insulation keeps out humidity and extreme temperatures that may damage items in it.
Another benefit? Noise cancellation. You might be surprised at how well an insulated garage door keeps out noise. This is also an important consideration if you have rooms above the garage. What if you come home late at night? Opening and closing the garage door might wake up your kids, husband or wife. You may also want to consider outside noise. If you live on a street with lots of traffic, insulation prevents that traffic noise from transferring into your home.
Different Types of Garage Door Insulation
What are these words and why are we asking about them? Well, to be honest, polystyrene and polyurethane are the most common types of garage door insulation out there. So, as you do your due diligence, it is critical that you know the difference.
Polystyrene Garage Door Insulation. Polystyrene is in most aftermarket garage door insulation kits. It is a rigid material that’s inserted between the steel layers of your garage door panels. It can also be placed inside a single-layer garage door and is generally backed by vinyl. So, what are the benefits of polystyrene? Quite frankly, polystyrene sandwiched between steel layers are quiet and energy efficient. But how energy efficient are they?
Polyurethane Garage Door Insulation. Foam-injected polyurethane garage door insulation is an energy-efficient material the expands into the nooks and crannies of the garage door as it is injected. Not only does this provide a great form of temperature and noise control, but it helps to strengthen the garage door and make it less susceptible to dents and breakage.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation. Fiberglass is the most common type of garage door insulation, only because you can purchase it in rolls or pre-cut batts. This type of insulation is usually backed with foil paper, which also acts as a barrier for moisture and vapor. While fiberglass insulation is the most affordable option, it is also easiest to install.
Cellulose Insulation. What is cellulose? Well, you will probably laugh. It is mostly made from recycled newspaper! And while it is sprayed with frame retardant, it is generally environmentally friendly. One thing to note, however, is that cellulose insulation can generally only be used in walls and ceilings.
Your Final Insulation Considerations
Whether you are hiring someone or considering a self-install, you want to ask yourself a series of questions:
- Does the garage door insulation of your choice fit your budget?
- Based on your home’s configuration, is it worth it?
- What are the measurements of your garage door?
- Do you have the appropriate gear?
- Have you finalized the setup?
Investing in an insulated garage door has many benefits, especially if you live in Northeastern Ohio. Yet, if you make the right choice, you will transform your home into something that is both energy efficient and looks good.
Still, no matter what you choose, you want to make sure it is installed properly. Are you considering a DIY option? That is totally fine, but you would do well to consult with a professional, especially if the insulation you consider involves spraying foam into the nooks and crannies of your home. Not sure who to turn to? Turn to Prestige Door.