Winter in Chicago can be brutally cold, and homeowners know the importance of keeping the warmth in and the cool drafts out. When it comes to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home, making sure you have the best insulated garage door is a key factor.
Here, we’ll explain the importance of insulation for garage doors in Chicago and what to consider when selecting the most effective insulation for your needs.
Why Insulation Matters in the Windy City
Chicago experiences temperature extremes, from freezing winters to hot, humid summers. An insulated garage door helps regulate the temperature inside, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Insulated garage doors also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your home. They help reduce heat loss during winter, which can lead to lower heating bills and energy savings.
If you store items in the garage – whether it’s furniture, tools, or other belongings – insulation provides an added layer of defense against moisture damage.
Here are a few of the common factors that affect insulation properties:
- Door Thickness – The thickness of the garage door panels and insulation layer plays a role in how well-insulated your door is. Thicker doors with more substantial insulation tend to provide better thermal resistance.
- Material – Various materials, like wood or steel, offer insulation. Each has its advantages, and your choice depends on factors like budget and ideal maintenance requirements. Read more below!
- Insulation Type – Common garage door insulation materials include polyurethane and polystyrene. Polyurethane insulation tends to offer higher insulation values compared to polystyrene.
Thermal resistance (or R-value) is used to measure the effectiveness of insulation. Higher R-values indicate better insulation. Consider your climate and choose a garage door with an appropriate R-value for Chicago’s winter conditions.
Best Insulated Garage Door Materials
Wood
Wood garage doors give homes a classic charm and are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal. Real wood doors are usually very well-insulated, which makes them a popular choice for homeowners in colder climates. Wood requires more maintenance than other materials and can deteriorate if not properly cared for.
Steel
Steel is the most popular material due to its durability, customization choices (including wood overlay), and excellent insulation options. Steel garage doors come in a huge variety of styles that complement most architectural styles. At Precision, we install steel garage doors with either polystyrene or polyurethane insulation to suit your specific needs.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors are known for their resistance to corrosion and are suitable for humid climates. While fiberglass itself may not be the best insulator, most models feature insulation options. This material can mimic the look of real wood without the high maintenance requirements.
Where to Get the Best Insulated Garage Doors
We’re proud to install C.H.I. Overhead Doors® – their durability, energy efficiency, high-quality materials, and wide selection of styles make them an ideal choice for homeowners in the Chicago area.
You can select from doors with a range of R-values as high as 18.03 (6-12 is the average range for most residential garage doors).
A new garage door is one of the best investments you can make for your home. When you work with Precision to install an insulated garage door, you’ll also get expert workmanship and an industry-leading warranty.
Let’s Get Started
We’ll help you choose the best insulated garage door for your home. Call us today to schedule a
free new door estimate – we’re here 24/7!
