G’day! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably realised that every home improvement decision, including the kind of garage door to install, comes with a bunch of questions. One of the big ones? Deciding between an insulated or non-insulated garage door. If you’re scratching your head right now, trying to figure out which one is best for your home, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done the research and put it all together for you.
Differences Between Insulated and Non-Insulated Garage Doors
Construction
First up, let’s talk construction. Insulated garage doors have multiple layers. Typically, they’re constructed with steel or wood panels with some kind of insulation material stuffed in the middle—like a sandwich. This insulation could be EPS foam, polyurethane, or even fiberglass. The goal? Slow down the heat transfer between the inside of your garage and the great Aussie outdoors.
On the other hand, non-insulated garage doors are a bit more straightforward. They’re made of a single layer of steel or wood, without any fancy insulation. They do a basic job keeping the elements out, but don’t expect them to offer a great deal of thermal protection.
Thermal Protection
If you’ve ever stepped into a sauna-like garage on a summer day, you’ll know the importance of thermal protection. Insulated doors create a buffer, maintaining a steadier temperature inside. Depending on where you live, you could see a 10 to 20-degree difference compared to the outside.
Meanwhile, non-insulated doors let heat transfer more freely. So, if it’s stinking hot or freezing out, your garage will pretty much match that temperature. This could make things a bit uncomfortable if you plan to spend any time in there.
Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors
Energy Efficiency
Insulated doors are the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to energy efficiency. By keeping your garage at a stable temperature, they ease the burden on your home’s heating and cooling systems, which can mean lower energy bills. Now that’s a bonus!
Temperature Regulation
With insulated garage doors, it’s all about year-round comfort. They’re warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer. Perfect if you intend your garage to be more than just a place to park the car – think home gym or workshop.
Noise Reduction
Bonus point for insulated doors—they’re quieter. Thanks to the insulation that acts as a sound barrier, fewer outside noises will breach your kingdom. If your garage is near a living space, your TV watching, or sleeping kids won’t be disturbed.
Enhanced Durability
Insulated doors are tough cookies. Their additional thickness makes them less susceptible to damage. We’re talking less chances of dents, scratches, and better defense against the unpredictable Aussie weather.
Better Storage Conditions
If you’re storing items that dislike extreme temps and dampness, insulated doors are your best bet. They keep the internal environment more stable, protecting your goods from the elements and lowering moisture levels, which helps prevent mold.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Though insulated doors can cost more upfront, they’re a wise long-term investment with savings on energy bills and reduced need for repairs. The durability also means they’ll likely outlast their non-insulated cousins.
Benefits of Non-Insulated Garage Doors
Affordability
Need to stick to a budget? Non-insulated doors are generally cheaper to buy and install. They’re an economical choice if energy efficiency isn’t high on your list or if your garage is detached from your house.
Simplicity and Flexibility
Non-insulated doors are simple in design and operation. They’re often lighter and easier to manage, which is great if you’re looking for no-fuss installations. Plus, you get a little more flexibility in design choices.
Basic Protection
Despite lacking fancy insulation, non-insulated doors still provide a basic barrier against moisture, bugs, and debris. If you live somewhere with a milder climate or use your garage purely for parking, this might be all you need.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Climate
In the cooler winter months, consider how much thermal protection you need. If you’re in a place with extreme weather, investing in an insulated door could mean big savings on energy costs. But in milder climates, a non-insulated door can be more than adequate.
Usage of the Garage
If your garage is more than just a car park—perhaps home to your tools, gym equipment, or a creative workspace—insulated doors are probably the better choice. For basic storage and parking, non-insulated doors do the job just fine.
Budget
Think about what’s financially feasible right now versus what might pay off in the future. Insulated doors cost more upfront, but if they save on energy costs in the long run, they could be worth the investment. Conversely, if keeping costs down is crucial, non-insulated options are easier on the wallet.
Attached vs. Detached Garage
An attached garage usually benefits more from insulation as it helps maintain the efficiency of your home’s thermal boundary. A detached garage, however, has less impact on home energy usage, so a non-insulated door could be just right.
How to Insulate a Garage Door
If you already have a door and want to give it a bit of insulation, it’s a straightforward DIY task.
Materials Needed
- EPS foam insulation panels
- Tape measure
- Straight edge
- Utility knife
Steps
- Measure the Garage Door: Start by measuring the width of your garage door from the vertical rail to the center. This will help you determine the right size of insulation panels.
- Cut the Insulation Panels: Mark the EPS foam boards based on your measurements, then carefully cut them using a utility knife.
- Install the Insulation Panels: Press the cut foam boards into the garage door’s panels. Ensure they fit snugly and are evenly distributed to maximise effectiveness.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the decision between an insulated vs a non-insulated garage door depends on a variety of factors. If year-round comfort, energy savings, noise reduction, and durability are priorities, an insulated garage door could be the way to go. However, if cost and simplicity are more important, and you’d only use the garage for basic storage, a non-insulated option might be more fitting.
By taking into account your specific needs, climate conditions, and budget, you’re in a strong position to make the right choice for you. Whatever you decide, make sure it suits your lifestyle and enhances your home effectively. Best of luck with your garage exploration, mate!
