Not all garage doors are the same. While it’s obvious that styles vary from traditional to carriage house to contemporary glass doors, there are many other factors that make garage doors different. 

One of the biggest differences in garage door construction is insulation. 

Uninsulated Versus Insulated Garage Doors

Uninsulated garage doors, or non-insulated garage doors, are plain and simply, uninsulated. The doors, whether they be roller, sectional, or panel, consist of one layer of wood or metal. Non-insulated garage doors are available in a variety of sizes and styles to secure your home or business.

Insulated garage doors consist of two, or even three, layers with a hollow space between them. This hollow space is filled with insulation. Insulated garage doors are also available in roller, sectional, or panel as well as wood, metal, and glass. 

R Value of Insulated Garage Doors

Insulated garage doors are measured by R values. The R value rating system is determined by:

• Material effectiveness 
• Material thickness
• Material composition 
  • Polystyrene is a styrofoam insulation that comes in solid sheets and is inserted between garage door layers.
  • Polyurethane is a foam that is sprayed into the hollow spaces. This insulation foam expands to fill all spaces and is the most effective garage door insulation. 

R Value Scale: 

• 0 – 6: This is best for detached garages where insulation is not a priority. Often, these garages are used primarily for vehicle or content storage. 
• 7 – 9: Customers who have attached garages where little insulation is needed due to mild temperature changes will consider this R value insulation. 
• 10 – 13: Insulated garage doors that meet this rating will be recommended to customers who have attached garages, who live in areas where there are four seasons of temperature variations, and who want to save on energy costs.  
• 14 and up: These garage doors are best for individuals who consistently use their garage as a work space, who have a living space above or beside their garage, and who live in regions of extreme temperature changes. Customers who have a garage that shares a wall with a home or business’s living space will see significant energy savings with these rated insulated garage doors. 

Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors

1. Save Energy: Insulated garage doors – just like entry doors and windows – save energy. Garages don’t have to meet the same requirements as homes and businesses, thus they are not constructed to be as energy efficient. Installing insulated garage doors will keep your garage warmer in the cooler months and cooler in the warmer months, which saves on overall utility bills. 
2. Durability: Double panel, insulated garage doors are more durable than single panel, uninsulated garage doors. They can withstand the rigorous conditions your business and family demands. Insulated garage doors aren’t dented or damaged as frequently as single panel doors. Environmental elements and the changing of seasons also affects garage doors. Insulated garage doors can withstand temperature changes, as well as sun, hail, and wind better than uninsulated garage doors. 
3. Noise Reduction: An insulated garage door reduces noise. Customers who use their garages as a workshop or who have a living space above or beside their garage appreciate insulated garage doors. Not only is noise from loud tools and machinery reduced but noises from shared living spaces are buffered with insulated garage doors. 

The professionals at Overhead Door Company of Toledo™ are your residential and commercial garage door experts. Our sales team invites you to browse our expansive showroom and we will guide you to the best insulated garage doors for your home or business. Stop in today to learn more about insulated garage doors.