Phoenix Garage Door Installation: Which Is Better - Insulated or Standard?

Gilbert, AZ - Mastercraft Garage Door Service, a veteran-owned garage door company near you serving the Phoenix East Valley, is helping Arizona homeowners understand the impact of garage door insulation on energy costs and home comfort during extreme desert temperatures.

Phoenix Garage Door Installation: Insulated or Standard?

With Phoenix summer temperatures regularly exceeding 115 degrees, many homeowners overlook how their garage door affects overall home energy efficiency. Mastercraft owner Stuart Eisler Jr, a US Air Force veteran with over 10 years of experience in garage door installation and repair, explains that door positioning and insulation type play a bigger role than most people realize.

How Door Position Affects Temperature

Garage door positioning determines how much heat your home absorbs during Arizona summers. West-facing doors experience the worst conditions, receiving direct afternoon sun from 1 PM to 6 PM during the hottest part of the day. The door surface heats up beyond ambient temperature, creating a radiating heat source that can make garages 10 to 15 degrees hotter than outside air.

North-facing garages that never receive direct sunlight stay close to ambient temperature without the same heat buildup. This positioning factor often matters more than insulation type when homeowners choose between garage door options.

Understanding Insulation Materials

Two primary materials dominate garage door insulation: polystyrene and polyurethane. Polystyrene consists of pre-cut foam panels with R-values ranging from 4 to 10, depending on door construction. Polyurethane uses injected foam that expands to fill every gap, delivering R-values between 14 and 19.

According to industry experts, replacing an older garage door with a new energy-efficient model can reduce energy loss through the garage by up to 71%. This reduction translates to lower cooling costs for homes with attached garages sharing walls with living spaces.

Buildings with proper garage door insulation can experience up to 20% reduction in energy usage, according to energy efficiency research. The savings come from reducing thermal load on home cooling systems during Phoenix's extended summer season.

Door Layer Construction Explained

Garage doors come in three construction types. One-layer doors are non-insulated single panels. Two-layer doors include polystyrene insulation with vinyl backing. Three-layer doors feature steel on both sides with insulation sandwiched between, creating the highest R-values and structural strength.

The steel backing in three-layer doors reflects heat rather than absorbing it, adding an extra barrier beyond foam insulation alone. This construction matters most for west and south-facing garages receiving direct afternoon sun exposure.

When Non-Insulated Doors Make Sense

Non-insulated garage doors work well for specific situations. North-facing garages used only for parking vehicles don't see the dramatic heat buildup that requires insulation. Detached garages separated from the home don't affect house temperature, making insulation less valuable unless the space serves as a workshop or hobby area.

Budget-conscious homeowners can save money with non-insulated doors when positioning and usage don't require temperature control. Some homeowners start with basic doors and add insulation later if needs change.

Professional Garage Door Installation Matters

Mastercraft emphasizes the importance of proper spring sizing when installing insulated doors. The added weight from insulation materials requires heavier springs to maintain smooth operation. Incorrect spring tension leads to premature wear on door components and opener systems.

The company offers free on-site consultations where technicians evaluate garage positioning, sun exposure, and usage patterns before recommending specific door models. This personalized approach helps homeowners choose garage door and installation options that match their actual needs rather than generic recommendations.

For more information about garage door insulation options or to schedule a free consultation, contact Mastercraft Garage Door Service at (480) 264-0648 or email stuartjr@mc-doors.com.

About Mastercraft Garage Door Service

Mastercraft Garage Door Service LLC is a family-owned, veteran-operated business based in Gilbert, Arizona. The company provides garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services throughout the Phoenix East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Licensed and insured, Mastercraft offers same-day service and carries major brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, and Anozira.

Contact Information:

Mastercraft Garage Door Service LLC

1440 W Houston Ave #6
Gilbert, AZ
United States

Stuart Esier
https://mastercraftgaragedoorservice.com/