Should I Buy An Insulated Garage Door?
When choosing a new garage door, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to go with an insulated or non-insulated model. While a non-insulated door is a budget-friendly option, upgrading to an insulated garage door provides a range of long-term benefits that far outweigh the initial cost.
If your garage is attached to your home or used as a workspace, insulation is essential for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency.
What is an Insulated Garage Door?
Insulation is a core part of energy-efficient home design. It reduces thermal bridging, providing resistance to heat flow. In the winter, it keeps warmth inside; in the summer, it prevents hot, humid air from entering your garage.
Types of Insulation
At Dodds Doors, we primarily offer two types of insulation:
Polystyrene (Styrofoam): Pre-formed panels are fitted into the door’s interior. It’s an affordable and effective option.
Polyurethane (Spray Foam): Injected directly into the door panels, polyurethane offers a higher R-value and greater structural rigidity.
6 Key Benefits of Insulation
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
An uninsulated door is thin, allowing outdoor temperatures to quickly impact your garage’s climate. If your garage is attached, this temperature shift forces your home’s HVAC system to work harder. An insulated door acts as a barrier, stabilizing the temperature and lowering your monthly energy bills.
2. Enhanced Durability
Insulated doors are much stronger than non-insulated models. The added layer of foam provides internal support to the steel or aluminum panels, making the door more resistant to dents from basketballs or minor car bumps. In Ontario’s harsh winters, this extra rigidity prevents the door from warping or twisting in heavy winds.
3. Quieter Operation
Because the insulation panels act as padding, insulated doors vibrate less and are generally much quieter than hollow, non-insulated doors. If you have a bedroom above or next to the garage, this noise reduction is a massive benefit.
4. Year-Round Comfort
Whether you’re using your garage for a workout, a hobby, or just to get into your car, a stable temperature makes the experience better. Insulation keeps your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
5. Protection for Your Vehicle and Belongings
Extreme cold can drain car batteries and lower tire pressure. A more stable environment provided by an insulated door helps protect your car’s mechanical components and any sensitive items stored in the garage.
6. Soundproofing
The dense materials used in insulation help dampen outside noise, like traffic or neighborhood activity, providing a quieter environment inside your garage and home.
How to Tell if Your Door is Insulated
Checking your existing door is simple:
Look at the Back: If you see the bare steel panel design on the inside, it is non-insulated. If the inside is a smooth, flat surface (often white or grey), it is likely insulated.
Temperature Test: On a cold day, touch the inside of the door. If it feels like ice, there is no insulation.
Is it Worth the Upgrade?
The cost to upgrade to an insulated model can be as little as an additional $100. When you consider the energy savings, improved durability, and increased comfort, the investment pays for itself quickly.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Kits: DIY insulation kits often add uneven weight to your door, which can strain your springs and motor. For the best results, it is always better to purchase a factory-engineered insulated unit.
Consult the Experts at Dodds Doors
Since 1958, Dodds has been the first choice for residential garage doors in the GTA. We can help you choose the right R-value for your home’s needs.
Ready to upgrade your home’s efficiency? Contact Dodds Doors today at 1-877-503-6337 to book your free in-home estimate.