As temperatures drop and summer breezes turn into cold winds, your attention may turn to how best to keep your home warm without blowing up your utility bills. Adding an insulated garage door can help you reach your energy efficiency goals, but it’s not an ideal solution for all homes. Let’s take a look at the difference between insulated and non-insulated garage doors and help you determine what will work best for your garage.
At Overhead Door of Portland, we offer both types of garage doors, and we’re not partial to either. Our experts understand that where your home is situated and how you use your garage are key factors in determining whether you will benefit from an insulated door. We’re always happy to discuss the pros and cons to ensure you find a garage door that best meets your needs.
There are basically three types of garage doors:
- Single Layer Non-insulated-steel or aluminum
- Double Layer Insulated – steel with polystyrene insulation
- Triple Layer Insulated – two layers of steel with polyurethane insulation.
Overhead Door Company offers triple-layer protection with our popular Thermacore line, which is two layers of corrosion-resistant steel with foamed-in CFC-free polyurethane insulation.
Both non-insulated and insulated doors are available in a host of colors, panel designs, window options, and even hinge choices. The difference between insulated and non-insulated garage doors really comes down to your preference for temperature control, energy efficiency, durability, and noise reduction.
Non-Insulated Garage Doors
Non-insulated garage doors can be constructed of various materials, from Traditional Steel to Traditional Wood to modern glass, making it easy to capture your personal style and mimic the design of your home. Today’s doors run quietly compared to older models and can be paired with any garage door opener, even Smart openers.
However, non-insulated doors allow for the transfer of heat and cold, making them less energy-efficient and potentially increasing the workload on your HVAC. Outside noises also pass through these doors more easily than through insulated doors.
But if cost is a guiding factor, non-insulated doors are the more inexpensive option, allowing you to splurge more on the overall design, from short and long panels, numerous colors, and many glass options.
Insulated Garage Doors
Similar to non-insulated doors, insulated doors can be constructed from a variety of materials. The difference is that the main material is layered with insulation, such as polystyrene or polyurethane, to maintain a stable temperature inside your garage. By keeping warm and cold air from passing through, insulated garage doors help reduce heating and cooling costs of your home. They are typically a bit more rigid and impact-resistant than non-insulated ones and effectively block outdoor noises.
The upfront cost of an insulated door is higher, but there may be potential energy savings. Insulated doors are constructed of steel, which somewhat limits the design choices for those who would prefer wood or glass.
Whichever type of garage door you choose, Overhead Door Company of Portland offers endless design possibilities for a garage door that functions perfectly and instantly boosts your home’s curb appeal.
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AFTER
How to Choose the Right Garage Door
Choose non-insulated if:
- Your garage is detached and not climate-controlled.
- You rarely use the garage for anything beyond parking.
- You’re in a mild climate and don’t need temperature regulation.
- You’re looking for the most affordable option.
Choose insulated if:
- Your garage is attached to your home, especially near bedrooms or living areas.
- You use the garage for storage, a gym, a workshop, or other activities.
- You want better durability and quieter operation.
- You want to improve your home’s energy efficiency or reduce your utility bills.
Whether you choose an insulated or non-insulated garage door, turn to Overhead Door Company of Portland to help you find the door that matches your style and meets your needs. You can even visualize how a new door will look on your home by using our Door ViewⓇ Visualizer. If you have questions along the way, we have the answers. Contact us to assist you in your garage door purchase from initial design to final installation.
NON-INSULATED
INSULATED