Should you choose an insulated or uninsulated steel garage door in Southern California? The warm weather may make you think insulation is an unnecessary option. But this isn't always true. If you're in the market for a new garage door, take a look at what you need to know about steel, insulation, and your options.
What Is an Insulated Steel Garage Door?
An insulated steel garage door is exactly what the name sounds like. This type of door is made from a steel material. But instead of solid steel, it has a layer of insulation in the middle or on one side. The specific type of insulating material inside of or on the door depends on the manufacturer. Common options include foam board, spray foam, cellulose, fiberglass, and reflective foil.
Why Choose a Steel Garage Door?
Steel is a popular building material for garage doors. If you want a durable door that requires little maintenance, steel is an option to seriously consider. Not only is this type of door sturdy and easy to care for, but steel is typically less expensive than other building materials. It is also customizable — giving you the option to select a door that has another type of designer texture or comes in a high-style color.
Why Are Some Steel Doors Insulated?
Even though steel doors come with benefits galore, this type of material is a poor insulator. This means an uninsulated door isn't likely to provide the energy efficiency or comfort level that you would find in another type of garage door product or with an insulated steel model. If you're still not sure why you might want to choose an insulated steel door, start at the beginning and ask — what are the benefits of insulation?
Again, insulated doors have an additional layer either in between the building material or on one side. The extra layer can reduce air transfer or reflect light, depending on the type you choose. This helps to reduce the amount of air conditioned or heated air that escapes your home, decrease the hot or cold outdoor air that flows into the garage and home, and may even stop or lower the warming effects of the sun's rays.
Garages are often uncooled or unheated spaces. If your home's HVAC system does extend to the garage, the constant opening and closing of the door can let the indoor air out and the outdoor air in. Combine this with radiant warming from the sun and no insulation and you have a recipe for unnecessary home energy use. This can strain your home's HVAC system, increase overall utility costs, and decrease the indoor air comfort level.
Why Choose an Insulated Steel Door in Southern California?
Insulated steel garage doors are popular picks across the country. In colder climates, these doors offer superior protection against the frigid winter temperatures and can help to keep a home space warm. This type of garage door product can also decrease home heating bills, making it an economical choice.
Unlike other areas of the country, Southern California has a warmer, summer-like climate. The higher temperatures mean you won't need to use a heater for the entire winter. While this is a bonus for many residents, the climate also increases your reliance on air conditioning for more than just the June through August summer season.
Given the warmer Southern California climate, why would a homeowner need to choose an insulated steel garage door? An insulated steel garage door can minimize air transfer and possibly even reflect the sun, depending on the type of insulation you choose and the door itself. Even though these doors can hold heated air in and keep cold winter air out, they can also combat warm-weather AC losses.
If your garage faces the sun, an insulated door can also reduce solar heat transfer. This decreases the need for air conditioning or lowers the force your AC system needs to cool your home, saving you money on utility bills.
Do Southern California Homeowners Need to Choose Insulated Steel Doors?
No. While insulated steel does have plenty of benefits, this is not always necessary. You may not need an insulated steel door if:
- You have a detached garage. If your garage isn't part of your home's main structure, you won't need to worry about heating, cooling, energy usage, and the related costs.
- You use the door constantly. The more you open and close the door, the more cooled or heated air you lose. If your garage door is the main entry and exit point, insulation may not significantly impact the overall energy efficiency or how much you pay to heat and cool your home.
- Your garage is extremely well insulated already. Do you have insulated walls, a floor, and a ceiling in your garage? This type of insulation can create a barrier that reduces air transfer and heat flow into the rest of your home.
If you're still not sure whether you need an insulated or uninsulated steel garage door, talk to a professional. A garage door contractor can evaluate your needs, assess your home, and help you to decide on the just-right model.
Are you ready to replace your garage door? Contact Edgemont Garage Doors for more information.
