24/7 Emergency Garage Door Repair  •  Same-Day Service Nationwide
Call now: (888) 247-0922
(888) 247-0922
Home/Blog/Are Insulated Garage Doors Worth It? R-Value Explained
Garage Door Guide

Are Insulated Garage Doors Worth It? R-Value Explained

What R-value actually means for a garage door, when insulation pays for itself, and how to choose between polystyrene and polyurethane.

In this guide

  1. What R-value measures
  2. Polystyrene vs polyurethane
  3. When insulation pays off
  4. Do not forget the rest of the envelope
  5. Getting quotes

What R-value measures

R-value is resistance to heat flow. Garage doors range from about R-0 (single-layer steel) to R-18+ for thick polyurethane sandwich construction.

Polystyrene vs polyurethane

Polystyrene panels are cut foam boards slid into the door - affordable, R-6 to R-9. Polyurethane is injected and expands to fill every void, giving higher R-values, more rigidity and noticeably quieter operation.

When insulation pays off

If the garage is attached, has living space above, or is used as a gym, shop or office, insulation pays back in comfort and energy. Insulated doors are also stiffer and dent less.

Do not forget the rest of the envelope

A high R-value door on an uninsulated garage with bad weatherseal will disappoint. Perimeter stop moulding, bottom seal and threshold matter too.

Getting quotes

Ask for options at three insulation levels with the same hardware so the comparison is fair. Start on our installation page or call (888) 247-0922.

Need this handled today? Find your city on the service areas page or call (888) 247-0922 for 24/7 dispatch.

Get a Free United States Quote

Fast callback for garage door repair near me. No obligation.

Prefer to talk? Call (888) 247-0922 - lines open 24/7.

More Garage Door Guides

Get It Fixed Right the First Time

Free estimates from local garage door pros, 24 hours a day.

Call for Same-Day Service - (888) 247-0922
Call NowFree Quote