Pan garage doors are standard, non-insulated doors with only one layer of steel sections. Because they have no insulation backing to give them support, they are more prone to damage. If you have a pan garage door, denting and folding of the steel sections is a concern. Stray balls, kid’s bicycles, and even thrown rocks from mowing the lawn can easily dent the exterior of a pan door. This means garage door panel replacements are often necessary so that the door can operate properly.
Folding or bowing of the door is also a concern either from lightly backing into the garage door or from the weight of the door over time. Because of bowing from the weight of the door as it rests overhead, pan garage doors are especially not recommended for wide garage openings. Although the proper garage door struts can help with this issue, pan doors still wear out faster on a two-car garage door.
Insulated garage doors are also known as sandwich doors. This is because manufacturers build them, well, like a sandwich. A layer of steel on the front and back act as the “bread,” while the insulated inserted between is the filling. These three layers of insulation work to give you a garage door that is durable and long lasting. Instead of the oftentimes flimsy single layer of steel that makes up a pan garage door, the three layers ensure that your garage door holds up against weather and minor accidents. This means denting from balls or bowing of the door over time aren’t an issue. It also lessens the need for garage door panel replacement, saving you money in the long run.
So we can say that sandwich garage doors hold up better than pan doors long term, but are insulated garage doors worth it? After all, pan garage doors are a more affordable option for garage door replacement. But we think, yes, an insulated garage door is worth the additional cost upfront for the following benefits.
With insulation providing a buffer between your garage space and the hot California sun, you can increase the energy efficiency of your garage. This means keeping your cooling costs down through the summer months. After all, every little bit helps when you live in a California climate.
During the summer, the temperature in your garage can reach upwards of 90 degrees and be stifling with the door closed. This can become especially uncomfortable if you use your garage as a workshop or studio. But with an insulated garage door, you can regulate these temperatures more effectively, maintaining a more comfortable environment for your garage.
The insulation also works as a noise buffer to make the operation of your garage door quieter. This is because of reduced vibrations as the insulation prevents the metal parts from clanging together. A quietly operating insulated garage door can be especially beneficial if you have a room above or beside the garage.
Manufacturers build insulated doors with heavy duty steel on the front and back with thick insulation between. This gives your new garage door much better durability and longevity. In terms of durability, your door is less prone to accidental damage like denting and scratching. For longevity, you can get 20-30 years out of your garage door, especially with the proper maintenance.
For three layer insulated garage doors, most manufacturers offer polystyrene or polyurethane insulation. Polystyrene insulation is rigid panels inserted between the steel layers. This type of insulation is also what’s used in two-layer insulated doors, where you have exposed insulation on the interior of the door. On the other hand, polyurethane insulation is foam injected between the layers to fill all corners of the door. The foam bonds to the door and hardens which prevents damage easily. Either of these options are great, but polyurethane offers the most energy efficiency and noise control.
If want to learn more about why a sandwich garage door is the best choice for your new garage door, contact us! We would love to set up a consultation to show you all your options your non-insulated and insulated garage doors. We are garage door installation and repair experts in the Anaheim Hills, CA area.
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