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20 Mar Pros and Cons: Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Garage Doors

Posted at 10:30h in Common Commercial Door Questions by Frontier Pacific

When you look at the average garage door, you may not be thinking much about what it’s made of. Garage doors can be constructed from many different materials for different purposes. One difference may be particularly out of sight—some garage doors are insulated while others are not. But while you might not know whether a garage door is insulated or not at first glance, the qualities of an insulated vs. a non-insulated garage door are vastly different. Here we look at the pros and cons of an insulated garage door.

Pros of Insulated Garage Doors

Insulated garage doors are typically constructed with two layers of steel surrounding a layer of insulation. Insulated garage doors are thick, energy-efficient and are recommended for most homes, especially in areas with climates that have extremely high or low temperatures. Garages generally have less insulation than a regular building. So, highs and lows of temperature will be felt more acutely. An insulated garage door can also make your garage more usable as a workspace for hobbies by maintaining a more stable and comfortable indoor temperature.

Cons of Insulated Garage Doors

The major drawback of an insulated garage door is that it will cost more. This is reasonable since they require an additional layer of steel and the interior layer of insulation. The added cost will vary. However, you may consider insulated garage doors a worthwhile investment for the added usability you can get out of your garage space.

Pros of Non-Insulated Garage Doors

Non-insulated garage doors are made with just one layer of steel. These are commonly used for detached garages and regional areas with mild climates. If your geographic location and situation allow it, a non-insulated garage door will save you money—usually a few hundred dollars in the initial cost.

Cons of Non-Insulated Garage Doors

A non-insulated door may be less expensive at the outset, but in the long run, it could cost you much more. This is because non-insulated doors are less energy efficient. In areas with temperature extremes, non-insulated doors can require a home or business to use more heating and cooling energy, as the garage is affected by outside temperatures.

Non-insulated garage doors render the garage area less usable, which could be disappointing if you want to do hobby work in your garage area. Non-insulated doors are also noisier to operate. The door insulation usually filters some of the noise created when the garage doors open and close.

Finally, non-insulated garage doors tend to look less attractive than insulated doors. This is because they look thinner and less sturdy. This can ultimately impact the appearance of your home or business by reducing curb appeal.

Insulated doors offer far more benefits than drawbacks, with the initial investment being worth the temperature efficiency, noise reduction, and improved appearance. However, non-insulated garage doors could be a cost-saving option for moderate climates where the garage isn’t used as much.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Insulated Garage Door for Commercial Use: Why is Insulation Essential?

In choosing a garage door for commercial or industrial establishments, many considerations come to mind. For some, insulation becomes an afterthought – which shouldn’t be the case. Now that we’ve already discussed the pros and cons of insulated garage door, we’ll take a closer look at why it’s an essential feature for a commercial establishment.

Consistent Indoor Temperature

For businesses that deal with perishable goods, maintaining a stable indoor temperature is critical. For instance, garage doors in warehouses and storage buildings should also prevent hot or cold air from entering. By insulating the garage door, you are not only protecting your property, but you’re also making sure that the working environment is ideal for your employees.

Insulation Acts as a Noise Barrier

Noise can be a significant problem for commercial and industrial buildings. As much as possible, you’ll want to reduce the noise produced during daily operations and avoid disturbing neighboring establishments. The good thing is, insulated garage doors tend to be quieter than non-insulated doors. Frequent opening and closing won’t cause as much disruption to the business or your neighbors.

Insulation Strengthens the Door

Commercial garage doors need to be durable. Flimsy construction without sufficient reinforcement will make it prone to damage. Since the insulation is in between two layers of steel, the resulting door is much stronger and ideal for commercial operation. Insulated doors are also more weather-resistant, secure, and long-lasting.

Better Security

Protecting your property is the main reason why you need garage doors installed in the first place. Therefore, it makes more sense to choose insulated doors than non-insulated doors because of the more robust construction. The extra layer of steel added to keep the insulation material in place makes the door sturdier and resistant to damage.

Indeed, insulation is a crucial consideration in choosing the right garage door for commercial use. But aside from this, there are other factors to consider in ensuring your insulated garage door meets all your needs.

How much will it cost? Sparing no expense is ideal when you’re looking to install a new garage door for a commercial establishment. But it’s always possible to get a good deal when you buy from the right supplier. Always take time to compare quotes and shop around first before settling on your choice.
Materials used in construction. Commercial garage doors are made with different materials that range in durability, function, and ease of use. Understanding the purpose of the garage door will help you determine what type of material is the best option for your establishment.
Door style. The style has a direct relation to the door’s function. For instance, if it’s for a warehouse, you’ll want a door that operates at high-speed for better efficiency.