There are many factors to consider when choosing a garage door, including the material, design, and color. However, one of the most important factors to consider is also one of the most often overlooked: whether your new garage door has any kind of insulation and, if so, what type it has and how effective it is likely to be. If you are planning a new garage door installation in Littleton (or any other part of the USA) and you want to know if you should worry about insulation or not, you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to explore the differences between insulated and non-insulated garage doors to help you make a more informed decision when you order a replacement.
Insulated and Non-Insulated Garage Doors: The Basics
Before we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of insulated and non-insulated overhead doors, we will start with a brief description of each type, just to make sure that we are all on the same page:
- Insulated- Insulated garage doors are constructed with multiple layers of materials designed to reduce heat transfer and noise pollution, with the primary aim of helping you to keep your garage warm during cold weather. These doors are typically made with a steel or aluminum frame, with the cavities being filled with insulating material such as polyurethane foam. This insulation provides a barrier that makes it easier for you to control the temperature inside your garage, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Non-Insulated- Non-insulated garage doors are made with a single layer of material, usually steel or aluminum. These doors are typically less expensive than insulated doors but offer little in terms of insulation and noise reduction.
Now we know exactly what we are talking about, let us take a look an in-depth look at the pros and cons associated with each type of garage door installation.
The Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors
Insulated garage doors have a number of benefits to offer, which is why they are very popular, both here in Littleton and in most other areas of the USA.
- Energy Efficiency– As we mentioned earlier, insulated garage doors are designed specifically to help keep your garage warm during the winter and cool during the summer, lowering the amount of energy that will be required to heat and cool your entire home. Fitting one could enable you to make significant savings on your energy bills during the course of each year.
- Noise Reduction- The insulation in a modern insulated garage door helps to reduce noise pollution from both outside and inside the garage. This is especially useful if you use your garage as a workspace or as an additional living space. Non-insulated doors are almost always a poor choice for converted garages, whatever their purpose.
- Durability- Insulated garage doors are usually a little more durable than their non-insulated equivalents, due to the added layers of material used in the construction of each one.
If these benefits are important to you, we recommend asking your local garage door sales team to show you their range of insulated doors. Now let us move on to non-insulated garage doors.
The Benefits of Non-Insulated Garage Doors
They may be less durable and offer little in the way of weather protection but non-insulated garage doors still have their fans. Among the reasons that some people prefer to install non-insulated doors are the following:
- Affordability- Non-insulated garage doors are generally less expensive than insulated doors, thanks to their simpler construction.
- Lightweight Design- Because non-insulated doors are normally made with a single layer of material, they are generally lighter than comparable insulated doors. Lighter garage doors are likely to put less strain on door opening mechanisms and they are easier to operate manually, both qualities that are prized by some homeowners.
- Low Maintenance- Non-insulated doors generally require less maintenance than insulated doors, due to their simpler construction. In the event they are damaged, they can normally be fixed by a garage door repair technician or replaced, at a lower cost than their insulated equivalents.
As you can see, non-insulated garage doors are not without their plus points. If you are still not sure which type to install, you will find the next section a great help.
Which Type of Garage Door Should You Choose?
Whether an insulated or non-insulated garage door is the best choice for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you live in an area with extreme seasonal temperatures, an insulated door may prove to be a better choice as it will make it easier for you to control the temperature inside your garage. Additionally, if you use your garage as a workspace or an additional living space, an insulated door could help to reduce noise pollution.
On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget and live in an area with mild temperature swings from one season to the next, a non-insulated garage door may be the most suitable option. It is likely to be less expensive and should still provide adequate security.
If you live in Littleton and you would like to request a quotation for a new garage door installation (insulated or non-insulated), please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be delighted to provide you with a competitive proposal, along with any further information you may require.