What’s the Difference: Insulated vs Non-Insulated Garage Doors

The benefits of insulated garage doors for Canadian homeowners living through harsh winters are undeniable. That’s why many are ditching their old, uninsulated steel doors in favor of an insulated one to keep their garages warm and useful year-round. Insulated garage doors come with a variety of benefits, most notably for energy efficiency. 

The insulated garage doors keep your home protected from temperature fluctuations and drafts. Another top-selling point for insulated garage doors is their soundproofing qualities, which can make the garage another living space.

Why Insulated Garage Doors are Ideal for Canadian Homeowners

Canadians live in a climate of extreme temperature changes throughout the year, as well as howling winds and heavy snowfall. It’s important to have a well-insulated garage door that’s durable and minimizes the effects of the elements.

Insulated steel doors are preferred over insulated vinyl doors that warp and crack over time. Manufacturing innovations have improved the most common issues with vinyl garage doors, but the high cost means they’re a less favorable choice for many. 

The Benefits of an Insulated Garage Door

 The idea behind an insulated garage door is that it prevents drafts altogether and minimizes sound, while the temperature inside the garage will be stable.

A non-insulated garage door provides the essentials and performs as designed. However, without insulation, the garage door can’t protect the interior from temperature fluctuations caused by humidity and winter weather.

 There is no soundproofing in a non-insulated door and will allow all sounds into the garage, and possibly into your home. Also, temperature fluctuations will harm items stored inside the garage. 

Refrigerators struggle to regulate cold temperatures in hot garages. They tend to condensate because of cool air leaking from the door seals, causing the fridge to run continuously and waste energy. 

Insulated vs Non-Insulated Garage Doors

Insulated and non-insulated doors have several differences. The most significant difference between the two is that insulated doors provide better sound and energy efficiency which means that quieter and makes the area more comfortable spending time in.

Insulated doors also help decrease your heating and cooling bills because they limit heat transfer going in or out of your home. 

Garage door insulation is typically a double or triple layer of material with opposite sheets of polystyrene or denser polyurethane. In contrast to insulated doors, non-insulated doors have only one sheet of material.

Soundproofing

Insulated garage doors are much quieter when in motion. This is because the insulation helps to reduce the reverberation which can cause a loud banging noise when in motion. This also reduces the sound transmission.

 Non-insulated doors, on the other hand, are more likely to make a noise when opening and closing due to the lack of insulation. The insulation prevents this noise by acting as a sound barrier between the metal parts of the door.

Insulation

The benefit of having the garage interior temperature regulated helps keep the entire home more comfortable and lowers utility costs. Another important benefit of an insulated door is the added durability against normal wear and tear, making them last longer than non-insulated doors.

 When deciding the correct insulation for your door, cold climates demand insulation with a higher R-value rating to maximize its effectiveness. 

Cost

 You will see a significant price difference between insulated and non-insulated doors. The price you pay determines the quality, and garage doors are no different. 

A non-insulated garage door will cost less initially, but the downside is long-term durability. The door won’t last as long and you will replace this type of door more often. 

Insulated doors are made more durable and will last longer due to their higher quality but expect to pay upwards of a few hundred dollars or more for the upgrade.

Appearance

 As you consider which type of door fits your home best, consider the garage door style and how well it adds to your home’s exterior. Insulated doors will offer savings in energy costs but shouldn’t detract from the overall look and feel of your home. 

 Non-insulated doors don’t present particularly well and look less attractive and sturdy. However, insulated doors have the opposite effect. They immediately appear stronger, and better suited for the Canadian climate.

If you’re in need of a new garage door, then contact Dodds Garage Doors today.