When it comes to garage door insulation, you have two choices: polystyrene and polyurethane. But which should you choose?
If you want to control the temperature in your garage, you need proper insulation. Otherwise, you’ll be sinking your money into growing energy bills as your HVAC system struggles to keep up. Let’s take a closer look at each material.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a synthetic plastic polymer typically made in large sheets made from monomer styrene (a.k.a. Styrofoam). When used to insulate garage doors, the sheets are cut to fit the door’s panels, then glued inside the panels.
Polystyrene offers a lot of advantages. For instance, it:
- Doesn’t deform or degrade
- Maintains its shape for long periods
- Is cheaper than polyurethane
- Is waterproof
- Is easy to install in any garage
However, it also has some drawbacks, including:
- A lower R-Value than polyurethane (meaning it’s less efficient)
- A lack of soundproofing properties
Overall, polystyrene is less desirable in garage door insulation than modern closed-cell polyurethane. That said, it’s still better than no insulation at all!
Polyurethane
Polyurethane starts as a liquid, which is sprayed into the door’s panels before solidifying into foam. This means there are few or no air gaps, resulting in superb insulation. As excellent an insulator as polyurethane is, it shouldn’t be used on thin steel garage door panels, as it can cause them to buckle.
Some of the benefits of polyurethane include:
- More effective insulation properties than polystyrene
- Excellent soundproofing
- Reduces vibration in moving garage door parts
- Provides structure and rigidity for the door
The only real downside of polyurethane is that it tends to be more expensive than polystyrene. But while polyurethane is the pricier option, it isn’t a big enough difference to outweigh its many benefits in the minds of most consumers.
Benefits of Garage Door Insulation
No matter which material you choose, being able to keep your garage cool or warm makes for a much more comfortable workspace. Plus, having an insulated garage can be a great selling point when it comes time to sell your home.
Turn to the Pros at Larry Myers Garage Doors
Your garage is an essential part of your home, so it just makes sense to select doors that will provide value and lasting curb appeal. Larry Myers Garage Doors is your trusted garage door authority, whether you’re looking for wood, simulated wood, steel, or a custom-made specialty style.
Contact us today and let us make your garage door your favorite part of the house!