In the modern age, energy efficiency is the goal of any homeowner. While Canadians understand the value of having a well-insulated home, that kind of consideration doesn’t always extend to their garages. If your garage is attached to your house or if it has a living space above it, it can be one of the biggest sources of heat loss in your home.

In Canada, where winter temperatures in many parts of the country can drop to as low as -50°C, having an insulated garage door installed in your home can go a long way to keeping you and your family more comfortable year-round. 

U-factor: What Is It and Why Use It?

When it comes to evaluating the energy efficiency of insulation, R-value is the term that’s commonly used. R-value measures the thermal resistance of a given material (or how much temperature difference is required for a unit of heat to transfer through the object evaluated) and is a standard value in the construction industry. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

However, R-value is only one way to measure thermal performance. Another, more standardized way is known as U-factor. What is U-factor? The U-Factor, on the other hand, measures how much heat flow or heat loss occurs through a material, more specifically how much heat passes through an object (in this case, you garage door) per window unit area, divided by the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor environments. In short, a lower number is better. 

Why should you use U-factor when R-value is already established? U-factor is considered to be a more accurate and comprehensive measurement, accounting for factors that are not entirely captured by R-value, like frame conductivity, air leakage, or glazing efficiency and is standardized across the industry. U-factor also aligns with international standards, ensuring consistency across the industry. When you’re choosing a Wayne Dalton garage door, U-factor is an important number to consider if you want to gain the most energy efficiency benefits. 

Lowering Your Energy Costs

With the rising cost of utilities these days, everyone is trying to find ways to spend less to stay comfortable throughout the year. If your garage is attached to your home, insufficient insulation can make it more difficult to keep your home at a reasonable temperature during the frigid winters or sweltering summers, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to compensate. That kind of effort leads to costs piling up quickly. You’re spending more energy to achieve the same effect. Additionally, the extra work can lead to your HVAC system burning out, leading to premature repairs or replacements. 

An insulated garage door will help to improve thermal boundaries, so your heater won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable, consistent temperature. You’ll see great savings on your energy bills and your heating system will last longer. 

Maintain a More Consistent Temperature in Your Garage

Whether you use your garage as storage, a place to park your car, a workshop, as the living area for family pets, or even a recreational space, keeping a consistent temperature in your garage makes it much more comfortable to use.

Even if you’re just parking in it, the extreme cold temperatures that most provinces experience can lead to quicker deterioration in car battery life, tire pressure, oil efficiency, and more. A high-quality insulated garage door does wonders for keeping your garage at a consistent temperature throughout the year. 

Another benefit to keeping your garage at a more consistent temperature is that it causes less wear and tear on your garage door components. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to long-term warping of tracks or hinges, and the frost that comes with the cold may promote rust on metal components. You’ll end up needing to spend money on repairs well before you would otherwise need to.

Avoid Temperature Transfer for Rooms Above Garages

Many homes have rooms directly above the garage that may be used for storage, as an office, or even as a bedroom. In colder weather, an uninsulated garage can circulate frigid air beneath it, causing heat loss and making those rooms feel much chillier than the rest of the house. Fortunately, the solution is easy; install an insulated garage door! On average, insulated garage doors can add 10-12 degrees of warmth in the winter without even turning on any heating systems. That’s great for energy efficiency!

Noise Reduction

A bonus benefit of insulated garage doors is their sound-dampening properties. If you live in a noisy neighbourhood or near a busy arterial road, insulated garage doors could help you gain so much needed peace and quiet. The benefits aren’t just for you; whether you use your garage as a workshop or as a band rehearsal space, insulated garage doors can also keep noise complaints from neighbours at bay by reducing the levels of noise coming from your garage.

Improve Your Home’s Value

Another financial benefit that can come with installing an insulated garage door is the boost that it can give to your home’s value. If you’re considering selling at any point in the near future, installing a new, insulated garage door can add thousands of dollars to the resale value of your home. Modernizing your garage door is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to increasing the value of your house. 

What Insulated Garage Doors Are Available?

Now that you understand the benefits of an insulated garage door, the next step is learning more about what products are available to you. Fortunately, Creative Door Services are proud suppliers of Wayne Dalton products, offering a range of options for you to choose from. 

Some of the most popular models we offer include:

• Wayne Dalton Designer Fibreglass Model 8680: when you want a classic woodgrain look without the upkeep. This model features a U-factor of 0.15 and even offers insulated glass options for improved thermal performance.
• Wayne Dalton Classic Steel Garage Doors: 8300, 8300AG Woodgrain: for durability and resilience against harsh winter conditions. With a U-factor of 0.15, this model is designed to improve your home’s thermal efficiency.
• Wayne Dalton Classic Steel Garage Doors 8300-8500: two layers of steel and high-quality insulation give this model a U-factor of 0.15 and an R-value of 16.22, making it one of the best and most efficient models we offer. 

At Creative Door Services, we have a full line of residential garage doors to match your needs as well as your home’s style!

Call Creative Door Services for Insulated Garage Door Installation

To determine whether an insulated garage door is right for you, answer the following questions:

1. Do you have an attached garage?
2. Do you live in an area where temperatures vary drastically throughout the year?
3. Do you use your garage as a workspace or for hobbies?
4. Do you keep animals or pets in your garage?
5. Are you planning to sell your home within the next 10 years?

If you answered yes to at least two of those questions, an insulated garage door is a great option for your home. With over 55 years of experience installing insulated garage doors in houses just like yours, our experts at Creative Door Services can recommend and install the best product for your needs. 

To request an estimate on your garage door upgrade, contact the Creative Door Services location nearest you. We are proud to serve Western Canada with our eight convenient locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.