There are several reasons choosing a garage door is an important decision. It protects the contents of your garage from prying eyes, adds to the look and appeal of your house, and keeps the weather outside where it belongs. Another important factor that you might not consider is the effect that your choice in garage door can have on the heating and cooling of your home. When you’re choosing a garage door for your home, there are a few advantages an insulated residential garage door has over a non-insulated residential garage door.
The Buffer Effect
You may not think about it often, but your garage is more than a place to store your car, bikes and lawn equipment. It actually acts as a buffer to the rest of your home, and can have a positive effect all year round. For example:
- In the winter, your garage will be warmer than the outside. As a result, your furnace won’t have to work as hard to heat your home.
- In the summer, your garage acts as a buffer against hot, humid outside temperatures. This can make a noticeable difference on your A/C bill.
The next time you’re shopping, take a look at the entrance to many shopping malls and large stores. They usually include a buffer area or vestibule with one set of doors outside, and another set inside. This buffer space is almost always kept at a temperature somewhere between the inside and outside temperatures. This is the ‘buffer’ effect you want to create with your garage.
However, none of these tips are helpful if your garage door isn’t insulated. A non-insulated garage door allows heat to escape in the winter, and heat to enter during the summer. As a result, your garage is the same temperature as the outside, and the buffer effect is lost. Adding an insulated garage door is an easy way to take advantage of your garage and control your home’s temperature, as well as your heating and cooling bills.
Other Advantages
On top of the money-saving advantage, there are other reasons to choose an insulated residential door over a non-insulated residential door:
- Noise — An insulated garage door helps remove noise from outside that enters your garage and home. The additional layers of steel and insulation act as a barrier between the inside and outside. A non-insulated garage door also tends to make more noise when it’s being opened and closed. This is because it’s lighter and less solid, and tends to rattle and vibrate more than the insulated version.
- Longevity — Thanks to the extra layers of steel and insulation that go into an insulated residential garage door, you can expect less trouble and a longer life. More solid and robust than the non-insulated alternative, your insulated garage door will resist dents and damage better.
The Best Choice in All Climates
An insulated residential garage door makes sense no matter where you live. When you consider the savings on your heating and cooling bills and the benefits of decreased noise and longer door life, the decision is an easy one! To choose the insulated garage door that makes the most sense for your home, contact Custom Door & Gate today.