One of the most common questions we get from customers who are looking to purchase a new garage door is about the insulation. Homeowners want to know if an insulated door is actually worth the extra money. The answer in most cases is yes! An insulated door is money well spent on your home. In Toronto and the GTA we get a wide range of temperatures, from extreme cold in the winter to intense heat waves in the summer. An insulated garage door will be largely beneficial in keeping out the cold or hot air which can have a positive effect on your home’s energy efficiency. Even if the rest of your garage is uninsulated you will notice a huge difference.

If you use your garage as a workshop, home gym or another usable living space, it is best to invest in an insulated door. This will help to keep the temperature regulated inside the garage. Also, if your garage is attached to your home, it will help keep the temperature inside warmer/colder. Even if your garage only shares one common wall with your home, the air from outside can seep through the wall affecting the air temperature within your home. If you have a frequently used room such as a bedroom over the top of your garage that gets very cold in the winter or warm in the summer, an insulated door will be well worth the money.

What types of garage door insulation is available and what is the difference?

There are two main types of insulation used for garage doors. The first is called polystyrene which is Styrofoam. It is normally glued in between the front and back steel panels of the door. It will hold up very well over the years without degrading or losing R-value. However, it may not fit tightly at the end corners of the panels, leading to some small air pockets which can result in a lower R-value. This option is still much better than having no insulation and can offer a decent R-value.

The second type of insulation is called Polyurethane. Polyurethane is a spray foam that is sprayed into the panels of the door. It provides a tight fit within the panels which will give you a higher R-value than the polystyrene option. It is the more expensive door insulation however it normally is not too much of a price difference.

So, what is R-Value?

You may be wondering what exactly the R-value is. It is important to understand R-value when discussing garage door insulation. R-value is short for Resistance value and is the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow or how well it can prevent heat from entering or leaving your home. The higher the R-value, the better it will perform in climate control and energy efficiency. R-value will vary depending on the type, thickness, and density of the insulation.

The bottom line is that having an insulated door is worth the extra money. If your garage is used as an additional living space, it will keep your garage at a more desirable temperature. It will also help you keep your energy costs down for heating and cooling your home. ONC Doors can help you pick the right type of insulated door for your home based on your needs. Contact us for a free quotation within Toronto and the GTA.