For many households, the garage is a workshop, gym, utility space, or storage area. If you use your garage a lot, you’re familiar with the freezing cold, draughty conditions in the winter. The garage door is usually the main culprit. Choosing garage doors with insulation can make a huge difference. Insulated garage doors make conditions more comfortable and practical.
Why Garage Doors Lose So Much Heat
Because older garage doors are typically made from thin steel or wood, and often have uninsulated panels, they make for good radiant barriers and transfer the outdoor temperature right into the garage. Add to that poor weather stripping that allows cold air to come in around the edges, and you have a bad situation for any wall that shares space with the garage, especially if that wall is shared with living space in the house.
An insulated door solves this issue in two ways. The panels contain a layer of insulating material and the seals around the frame reduce draughts. With both features working together, the door reduces temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
The Everyday Benefits
The first benefit is comfort. If you use your garage as a workshop, or if you exercise there, a warmer environment makes the space more comfortable. Also, tools and bikes stored in the garage are better protected from damp and extreme temperatures.
Insulation helps reduce noise. Whether it’s outside traffic or a noisy garage machine, a thicker door can help reduce the noise. This can be useful if your garage is attached to your house and you use the garage at night.
Other advantages include:
- A more reliable temperature for stored items
- Less condensation in the garage
- More solid feeling door when opened and closed
- Ways your home's energy efficiency could improve
Choosing the Right Style
Insulated doors are available in a number of styles and which one you choose depends on your situation. If you are lucky enough to have a period property, a side-hinged door will complement the style, and can look very attractive. A side-hinged door opens outwards like a traditional door, giving easier access to the garage. It does require space in front of the garage to open into, so having a large driveway would help.
There are other types of designs available. For example, you could have sectional doors that lift up vertically. Alternatively, you could have roll doors that coil up above the opening. Each has their own advantages when space is at a premium. Consider the opening, the headroom and if you want electric operation.
Materials and Finishes
Most insulated doors are made from steel, timber or composite materials. Steel is good as it is relatively maintenance free and has a wide selection of colours. Timber has warmth and character but needs treatment from time to time to look its best. Composite materials can be made to look like timber but offer a better durability.
The finish is also important. Doors that match your front door and windows can improve your homes appearance. Many homeowners decide to go with a woodgrain finish to give off a more classic feel, or opt for a smooth colour to represent more of a modern look.
Measuring and Installation
Measurement is critical. A door that is not the right size will let in draughts. The more insulation a door has, the less it will let in draughts, but it will never completely stop it. Measure the width and height of the opening at many different spots, and look around the opening for headroom and side room.
Some companies, such as Igloo and ecoHouse, offer an installation service. However, installation may well be a DIY job, especially for smaller doors, as long as you are confident with home DIY. Larger and more complex designs probably need a professional touch. The most important aspect of a good fit is the seals, as if not fitted properly they will not work as intended.
Security and Safety
Insulation is only one part of the picture. A quality garage door should also provide a secure fit. Make sure the doors have good locks, hinges and other hardware. This is especially important if the garage connects to your house or contains expensive tools or other equipment.
Choose a door with safety features like obstruction detection if you opt for an electric door. It’s also useful to have a manual release in case of a power outage.
Maintenance Tips
Insulated doors are relatively low maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild soapy water is all that is required. Replacing door seals can be done relatively easily if required. Hinges, rollers and other moving parts should be lubricated once or twice a year to maintain efficient and quiet operation.
Look for warning signs, such as damage seals or loose fittings, and address them quickly. Tackling small repairs helps stave off larger, more critical repairs down the road.
Is It Worth the Investment?
The cost of an insulated door varies by size, style, and materials, but the benefits are immense. You get a warmer, quieter, and more protected garage.
Using your garage for something other than parking means that the door that you use to access it needs to be improved. Compare options carefully, and think about how you use the garage to choose the door that has the right insulation and security features, and looks good.