An insulated garage can have a number of benefits, one of which you expect to be more energy efficient. While on the outside, insulated garage doors appear the same as a regular door, there are some key differences that set these two apart. Thermal breaks coupled with top-performance weather seals will be the biggest difference. A quality door with these features just may mean you’re losing cool air or heat through your garage, which in turn, increases your electric bill.
If you are in the market for a new garage door then arming yourself with the necessary knowledge to reduce energy costs will help in ensuring you make a great choice. In this article we are going to be reviewing the types of features you are going to want in your next insulated garage door.
Wooden End Blocks
High-quality garage doors will have section end blocks that come in either a wood or steel material. End blocks are intended to help keep insulation material where it belongs, while also assisting in securing hinges to the garage door. You’re going to want to ensure there are wood end blocks, finished off with either a weatherstripping seal or a glue join to help merge both interior and exterior metal sheets. The use of steel end blocks tend to encourage thermal bridging, which basically means the metal will move heat in or out of the garage, and in the Flordia heat, if you are aiming to keep a cool garage, this will be counterproductive.
Garage Door Section Joints
An additional thermal bridge is the section joints. The material used at each attachment point for the exterior and interior sheets will greatly affect the amount of heat that is transferred between the interior of your garage and the exterior. The use of metal, for instance, will encourage a thermal bridge.
Garage Door Sheets
Wood, aluminum, metal, and vinyl are the most commonly used materials when it comes to garage doors. The insulated door options right here at Straight Up Garage offer you variety of material and design options for the optimal insulated garage door.
Weatherstripping Is Key
When it comes to garage doors, we know they are not 100% sealed. This is where weatherstripping installation comes in to help block out the heat and other elements. A high-quality weatherstripping material will go a long way in preventing the thermal barrier. Low-quality weatherstrippings will not only have a shorter lifespan but may not be as effective in blocking out heat and weather.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to your garage, there is a lot more involved when it comes to energy efficiency. The purchase of an insulated garage door is only the first step. You will want to do an appropriate amount of research and ask questions to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need for your home.
If you are in the market for an insulated garage door then be sure to take a look at our selection right here at Straight Up Garage. Our professional team will help you find just what you need and provide installation and maintenance.
