The Many Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors

Winter in Toronto GTA can be brutal. Not only does it get incredibly cold and snow to beat the band but the winter season lasts far longer than it does in most large metropolitan areas. If you’re going to get through the winter without spending your life savings on the heat you need to make sure your home is properly insulated. That means double pane windows, plenty of insulation in the exterior walls and attic, and a garage door that isn’t an energy vacuum. Most folks don’t think about the garage door when they think about energy conservation, but they should.

5 Good Reasons to Consider Insulated Garage Doors

Old, loose, uninsulated Toronto garage doors are responsible for much of the heat that escapes from the average home. With that thought in mind here are 5 benefits of insulated garage doors.

1) Energy savings

– If you have an old, rickety sieve of a garage door you’re throwing money away every day you have the heat on. By replacing your old garage door with a fully insulated one you can raise the ambient temperature in the garage by as much as 25° F above the outdoor temperature and virtually eliminate drafts that pull air out of adjoining rooms. This will in turn make it cheaper to heat those rooms.

2) Fewer dead batteries 

– When the temperature in your garage is the same as it is outdoors your car’s battery is often the first casualty. Installing an insulated garage door can help keep your car battery sufficiently warm so that it will perform when you want it and expect it to. No more calling for jump starts or taking a cab to work.

3) Reduced street noise

– Most folks aren’t aware of just how much noise filters in through their old garage door until they replace it with a snug, insulated one. In addition, today’s garage doors run almost silently. So not only will your new door make your home quieter when it’s closed but it won’t wake up the neighborhood when it’s opening either.

4) Increased reliability

– When the arctic cold has settled in it’s not uncommon for folks to find their garage door frozen shut. This typically occurs when the temperature inside is essentially the same as the outdoor temperature. With insulated garage doors keeping your garage 20-25° warmer than outside you’ll eliminate the frozen garage door hassle once and for all.

5) Enhanced usage of the garage

– Most people turn their garage over to the elements during the winter months except when they’re going to or coming from the car. But with insulated garage doors, you open up possibilities for a garage that never existed before. Because it’s so much warmer you can store things there you never would have in the past. Or, you can create a workshop that will likely be warm enough to use even on the coldest days.

For years, garage doors have been the overlooked factor in home insulation projects. Homeowners would spend time and money winterizing their homes, only to see minimal savings—until they addressed their uninsulated garage door. Don’t let heat escape through a poorly insulated door and drive up your energy costs. Upgrade to a stylish, energy-efficient insulated garage door and keep more of your hard-earned money while enjoying a warmer, more comfortable space.

Which Is Right for You: Insulated or Non-Insulated Garage Doors?

The decision between insulated and non-insulated garage doors is based on your climate, garage usage, and energy saving goals. If your garage is adjacent to your house or serves as a workstation, an insulated door is a wise investment. For unattached garages in warm regions, a non-insulated alternative may suffice.

Insulated garage doors provide various advantages, including lower energy costs, quieter operation, increased durability, and year-round temperature stability, making them perfect for safeguarding vehicles and stored possessions from harsh weather conditions. However, they are more expensive up front and may be ineffective if left open regularly. Non-insulated garage doors, on the other hand, are a less expensive choice that works well in moderate regions and detached garages. While they are useful in some situations, they are inefficient, noisy, and less robust, making stored things susceptible to temperature variations.

Do you need an insulated garage door?

Consider a few crucial things before deciding on an insulated garage door. Is your garage tied to your home? Do you suffer harsh temps all year? Do you utilize your garage for purposes other than parking, such as a workshop or hobby area? Do you keep valuables or temperature-sensitive things indoors? Are you going to sell your house within the next 5-8 years? If you responded “yes” to two or more of these questions, investing in an insulated garage door is probably a good idea.

DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Insulation: Choosing the Right Approach

When it comes to insulating your garage door, you have three options: do it yourself, hire a professional, or buy new insulated garage doors, all of which have pros and disadvantages. DIY insulation is a low-cost choice for homeowners who prefer working on their own projects, allowing them to save money on labor while still feeling accomplished. However, it requires the necessary techniques, materials, and installation abilities to ensure efficiency—inadequate insulation can cause gaps, lowering its efficacy. Professional installation, on the other hand, ensures optimal performance since specialists have the knowledge and experience to ensure correct insulation, hence increasing energy efficiency and durability. While more expensive, professional installation saves time and reduces the possibility of mistakes that might affect insulation performance.

How Garage Door Material Impacts Insulation

The choice of material utilized in your garage door has a considerable impact on insulation performance. Each material has distinct thermal qualities, which influence how well it controls temperature and protects against external weather conditions.

Common Garage Door Materials:

• Steel is the most typical material for garage doors, providing moderate insulation, durability, and low maintenance.
• Aluminum is a lightweight and contemporary alternative to steel, but lacks insulating characteristics.
• Wood is visually beautiful with a traditional finish, but lacks insulation, making it less energy efficient.
• Composite wood, placed over steel and insulation, provides a wood-like look while increasing energy efficiency.

Choosing the proper garage door material has a considerable impact on insulation efficacy and long-term energy savings.

Smart Doors is an overhead garage door replacement company that more homeowners in Richmond hill, North York,  Markham, Thornhill and Vaughan trust for all their overhead door needs are always happy to take your call and answer any question you may have about insulated garage doors or garage door repair service.