Do You Really Need an Insulated Garage Door?

Do you really need an insulated garage door? We hear this question every week. It’s really not as simple as a “yes” or “no” answer. The fact is everyone has different needs, architectural layouts, garage environments and mini-climates, etc. What might be a yes for you might be a no for another person, and so forth. I can tell you the reasons why insulating your current door or installing a new insulated garage door might be a good option for you. Keep reading to learn more. For topnotch garage door repair in Raleigh, call Hanson Overhead today.

Benefits of Non-insulated Garage Doors

There is nothing wrong with having a garage without insulation, however, the only real benefit is the cost. These garage doors cost less when comparing apples to apples. Here are my top reasons for having a non-insulated garage door.

If you have a shed, or detached garage that’s only for storage and parking, spending extra money on insulated garage doors doesn’t really make sense. This is especially true if the walls and ceilings do not have insulation. On the other hand, if your shed or detached is your she-shed, mancave, hangout spot, family entertainment area, home gym, art studio, etc., insulation could make sense, especially if the walls and ceilings have insulation.

Non-insulated doors are good options for house flippers, remodelers, landlords, or other customers with budgets that do not allow for extra options. If you own rentals and want to extend your dollars, non-insulated doors are the way to go when replacing.

The Cons

Garage doors without insulation operate louder than their counterparts. The insulation acts as a noise dampener and absorbs much of it like a sponge as the door travels. Doors without insulation can also be less rigid as the backs of the panels are hollow. The picture above is a great example of the differences.

Hollow back doors, especially without support struts, can bow, flex, and sag over time, which can cause panel tearing and splitting. Once a panel starts to tear, it will need to be replaced. If not, it will fold in on itself when opening or closing, which is very dangerous.

Why Insulate?

There are lots of really good reasons for going with an insulated garage door. The biggest advantages are quietness, temperature control, and longevity.

If noise is a big concern for you then you will absolutely want to insulate. Like I mentioned above, there is a big difference in the loudness between non-insulated and insulated Raleigh garage doors. I often like to use my “can of soda” analogy. A full can of soda is very stout. However, after pouring the liquids out the hollow can now feels flimsy and weak. You can make the can pop and crackle by twisting it and squeezing it. The same can be said for a hollow back non-insulated garage door.

Is your garage space too hot or cold? An insulated garage door might help. Depending on the R-value, an insulated garage door can make a big difference in the temps you see inside the garage during both the winter and summer. You might be asking about what R-value means. We’ll get into that in a later post, but, it’s the insulative properties of the garage door. The higher the R-value number, the more insulation it provides.

Most insulated garage doors also have a longer life span. Insulated panels are more durable because the backs are not hollow. The insulation gives the panels support as the door travels up and down. This helps in preventing panels from tearing. Most insulated garage doors can also last roughly 20 – 30 years. Results vary.

Come back soon for more helpful and educational garage door repair in Raleigh tips. In the next installment, we’ll talk more about the different types of garage door insulation. Want to get your existing garage door fitted with an insulation kit? Contact Hanson Overhead today to discuss your options. These kits work for most non-insulated metal garage doors, however some limitations do apply. For more information about why Hanson Overhead is the number one garage door company in Raleigh, keep reading.

Garage Door Repair in Raleigh That You Can Trust!

Garage door repair in Raleigh NC gets no better than what you find with the pros at Hanson Overhead. We’re proud to offer the best prices, products, and warranties in the Triangle. General maintenance, repairs on all types of doors and motors, and new installs for replacement doors and new construction homes, Hanson can do it all.

Call us today at 919-829-0940 to learn more about all of the amazing services we provide. We also offer garage door repair in Clayton, Smithfield, Four Oaks, as well as other parts of Johnston and Wake Counties.