One of the most common questions we receive is, “what are the quietest garage doors?”
Several factors go into what makes a garage door quiet, including the insulation values, manufacturer, how much you service and lubricate the garage door, as well as what type of operator you have installed.
Let’s go over these factors and how they impact the noise level of your garage door.
Garage Door Insulation Levels
Insulation not only provides R-value to help regulate the temperature inside your garage, but it also significantly reduces the noise during garage door operation. Below is a detailed overview of different types of garage door insulation, their noise-reducing benefits, and examples of each type.
Types of Insulated Garage Doors
1. Steel Back Insulated
Steel back insulated garage doors are constructed with two layers of steel with insulation sandwiched in between. This type of door is solid and heavy, leading to less vibration and quieter operation.
How it reduces noise:
- The weight of the steel minimizes vibrations.
- Insulation acts as a sound barrier, absorbing noise.
Examples:
2. Vinyl Back Insulated
Vinyl back insulated garage doors feature a layer of polystyrene insulation with a vinyl backing. While not as heavy-duty as steel, this type of door still provides effective noise reduction by dampening vibrations.
How it reduces noise:
- Polystyrene insulation absorbs sound.
- Vinyl backing reduces vibrations.
Examples:
3. Non-Insulated
Non-insulated garage doors are the most basic and cost-effective type. However, they provide no insulation between sections, resulting in the highest levels of noise and vibration during operation.
How it reduces noise:
- No insulation means higher vibrations and noise levels.
- Best suited for detached garages where noise is less of a concern.
Examples:
Comparison Table
| Insulation Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Back Insulated | – Solid and heavy, reduces vibrations – Excellent noise reduction – High durability | – More expensive – Heavier, may require stronger opener |
| Vinyl Back Insulated | – Good noise reduction – Cost-effective – Lighter than steel | – Less durable than steel – Moderate noise reduction |
| Non-Insulated | – Most affordable – Lightweight | – Highest noise level – Least durable – No temperature regulation |
Why and How Each Type Reduces Operating Noise
- Steel Back Insulated: The dual steel layers create a heavy structure that absorbs and minimizes vibrations. The insulation sandwiched between the steel layers further dampens noise, making these doors the quietest option available.
- Vinyl Back Insulated: The combination of polystyrene insulation and vinyl backing provides a moderate noise reduction by dampening vibrations and absorbing sound. While not as effective as steel back insulated doors, they offer a good balance between cost and performance.
- Non-Insulated: Without any insulation, these doors allow more noise and vibration to pass through. The lack of insulating material means there’s nothing to absorb or dampen the sounds of the door’s operation, making them the loudest option.
Which Garage Door Manufacturer is Quietest?
Which manufacturers are quietest depends on which manufacturers are sold in your region. In our area of North Carolina, the Triangle and the beaches, our preferred manufacturers of quality quiet doors are as follows. They are all made in the United States.
- CHI offers quality construction and neoprene rollers on all garage doors for the quietest operation. CHI also offers the longest warranty of the manufacturers on hardware and sections.
- Doorlink garage doors have been very reliable and offer modestly priced garage doors with a good warranty that stands behind their product.
- Amarr now also has some garage doors manufactured in NC. They offer warranties similar to CHI, but coverage is not as long on the hardware.
Garage Door Maintenance
Maintenance and upkeep make a big difference in both the life of your garage door and the noise level. When your garage door isn’t properly maintained, it will be louder and operate less smoothly.
Extreme temperatures, like those we sometimes experience in North Carolina, dry out the lubricant on the garage door and make it rust which in turn ages the parts quicker. Keeping the garage door lubricated, well adjusted and serviced helps the moving parts operate better. Maintenance will also help you get ahead of any issues before they have a chance to impact the function of your garage door.
Choosing the Right Operator
The operator plays a big part in a garage door’s noise level. You have two options: belt drive and chain drive. When talking about quiet operation, the clear winner is the belt drive. To take the silence to the next level opt for a DC motor on your belt drive operator, like the Liftmaster 84501. The direct power source moves in one constant direction allowing for smoother operation, and it’s more energy efficient.
FAQs About Quiet Garage Doors
Yes, quiet garage doors with insulation are typically more energy efficient. Insulated garage doors help maintain the temperature inside your garage, reducing energy costs associated with heating and cooling. This makes them a great option for attached garages or those used as additional living spaces.
In most cases, existing garage door openers are compatible with new garage doors, including quiet, insulated models. However, it’s important to ensure that the opener can handle the weight of the new door, especially if you’re upgrading to a heavier steel back insulated door. Consult with a professional installer to verify compatibility.
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and performance of quiet garage doors. This includes:
– Lubricating moving parts such as hinges, rollers, and tracks every six months.
– Checking and tightening any loose hardware.
– Inspecting the door balance and adjusting if necessary.
– Cleaning the door surface to prevent dirt buildup.
– Scheduling professional inspections annually to identify and address any potential issues early.
Upgrading to a quiet garage door offers several benefits:
Reduced Noise: Quieter operation enhances comfort, especially for attached garages.
Energy Efficiency: Insulated doors help maintain indoor temperatures, reducing energy bills.
Durability: High-quality materials increase the lifespan of the door.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Modern, insulated doors can improve the curb appeal of your home.
Need a Quieter Garage Door?
We always offer free onsite estimates to go over ways to quiet down your garage door or operator. We also offer garage door maintenance to ensure your door is always in tip top shape. And in the event that you need a new garage door or operator, we can help! With a variety of garage doors to choose from, you’ll find the perfect one for your home. Get started by scheduling your free consultation or give us a call at (919) 841-0030.