Don’t Neglect Your Home’s Most Important Door

Posted on: 11 December 2020

With winter steadily marching on, it's the perfect time to consider ways to improve your home's energy efficiency. Reducing your heating losses can save you money on energy bills while also helping the environment. For most people, these steps usually include fixing drafts around doors and windows, but what about your garage door?

As it turns out, uninsulated garage doors can be a significant source of potential trouble. This article will help you decide if you should consider adding insulation to your existing door or even replace it with an insulated version.

Is Your Garage Heated?

When considering your garage door, your top concern should be whether or not your garage is part of your home's climate-controlled space. If you have a heated garage, then any leakage source is costing you money on your utility bills. Even if you typically keep your garage thermostat setpoint very low, you're still spending drastically more money to maintain that low temperature.

While it may seem evident that heated garages can benefit from door insulation, what about unconditioned garages? In this case, consider what else may be in the garage. If you have plumbing running through your garage, then insulating the door can help prevent these pipes from freezing in the winter, even without heating.

Is Your Garage Door Level and Sealed?

Before considering the cost of insulating or replacing your door, check for other problems that can allow heat to escape. A large gap along the floor can create more problems, even with a non-insulated garage door. An opening may be the result of an uneven floor, worn springs, or a damaged track. Investigate and repair these issues before considering a costly upgrade to your door.

Additionally, be sure to inspect the state of your weatherstripping. Weatherstripping helps to keep moisture out of your garage, but it also traps heat. Repair any weatherstripping that appears cracked, torn, or damaged. This small step can help to protect your garage from the cold before you move on to fully insulating the door.

Is Noise a Problem?

Cold weather isn't the only reason to add insulation to your garage doors. If your existing doors are thin, then you may get outdoor noise that transfers into your home through the garage. Thermal insulation doubles as acoustic insulation, so upgrading your garage door may help make your home a quieter place. Although this effect is rarely dramatic, it can be a small bonus on top of the other benefits.

Adding insulation to your garage door can be an effective way to save on heating, protect your plumbing, and even reduce noise levels in your home. Although you should address any pressing issues with your door before adding insulation, most houses can ultimately benefit from this simple upgrade.

For more information about insulating your garage doors, contact a local garage door professional.