Make your garage more comfortable year-round and reduce household energy use with energy-efficient garage door upgrades.
B&D has solutions that combine performance, comfort, and style, regardless of whether you simply want to protect items from extreme temperatures, or plan on converting the space.
Energy Efficiency and Your Garage
Many homeowners have started investing in quality insulation and other measures to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. But garages are one of the biggest “leak points” in a home’s thermal envelope. And without proper insulation and sealing, they allow hot and cold air to pass through easily. Ultimately affecting comfort in connected rooms and increasing heating or cooling costs that you're actually trying to reduce.
Improving your garage door’s energy efficiency can:
- Help regulate temperature in both the garage and adjacent living areas.
- Reduce strain on your heating and cooling systems.
- Cut down on monthly energy bills.
- Minimise your household’s environmental footprint.
Understanding Insulation Ratings
Like other types of insulation, garage door insulation performance is measured using R-values, which indicate how well the door resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
| R-Value |
Insulation performance |
Best for |
| R1–R2 | Basic insulation | Detached garages in mild climates |
| R3–R5 | Moderate insulation | Attached garages in temperate areas |
| R6+ | High insulation | Living spaces or extreme climates |
While the R-value is important, it’s not the only factor. The panel design, material quality, and perimeter sealing also play roles in real-world performance.
B&D’s Insul-Shield® technology delivers an R-value of 1.4 W/m²K, providing a noticeable improvement in comfort for many Australian homes, especially where the garage is used as more than just vehicle storage.
How B&D Insul-Shield® Works
The Insul-Shield® system is built from three core layers:
- Steel outer layer – Offers strength, security, and a premium finish.
- Graphite EPS inner core – Provides thermal insulation and contributes to noise reduction.
- Polypropylene backing sheet – Gives a neat, finished interior look while adding durability.
This combination creates a barrier that:
- Reduces noise by up to 18dB¹ – That’s double the noise reduction of a standard non-insulated B&D Panelift® door.
- Keeps the space comfortable – Cooler in summer, warmer in winter.
- Improves visual appeal – Both inside and out, making the garage a more pleasant place to spend time.
¹ Acoustic Logic independent test (9/9/14).
When Insulation Is Worth the Investment
Not every garage needs insulation, but you should consider upgrading if:
- Your garage is attached to your home, allowing temperature changes to flow through.
- You use the garage as a living space, workshop, or home gym.
- You live in an area with seasonal extremes.
- You want to reduce traffic or neighbourhood noise.
Even if you mainly park your car inside, insulation helps protect it from extreme heat or cold, which can help preserve battery life, paintwork, and stored belongings.
Eco Garage Doors and Sustainability
Energy efficiency can make a big difference to your comfort and reduce household energy use. Choosing eco garage doors also supports sustainability. B&D doors are built for long-term performance, meaning fewer replacements and less impact on the environment.
Other Garage Door Upgrades That Improve Energy Performance
1. Weather Seals
Replacing worn or damaged perimeter seals stops drafts, dust, and moisture from entering, improving comfort and protecting stored items.
2. Smart Phone Control
B&D’s Smart Phone Control helps you manage energy use by ensuring the door isn’t left open unnecessarily—ideal for maintaining indoor temperatures.
3. Colour and Finish Selection
Lighter COLORBOND® shades can reflect more sunlight, helping reduce heat gain during summer months.
FAQs About Energy-Efficient Garage Door Upgrades
-
Will an insulated garage door help with noise?
Yes. B&D Insul-Shield® reduces external noise by up to 18dB, which is double the performance of a standard non-insulated Panelift® door. This makes the garage quieter for living, working, or recreational activities.
-
Can I add insulation to my existing B&D door?
No. B&D Insul-Shield® is only available as part of a new B&D garage door and can’t be retrofitted to an existing door. For the best performance, appearance, and fit, you’ll need to upgrade to a new factory-insulated model.
-
Does insulation affect the door’s appearance?
Not with B&D Insul-Shield®. The polypropylene backing sheet gives a neat, finished interior look that complements the exterior style.
Upgrading to a B&D Insul-Shield® garage door is a simple, effective way to make your garage more versatile, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Ready to explore your options?