Energy Efficiency

Here at Simpson, we are constantly striving to supply our customers with the most beautiful and efficient doors possible. Our research and engineering efforts have been a major reason why our doors continue to perform well while retaining the classic beauty that has become synonymous with the Simpson name.

Over the years, we have received questions from many of our customers regarding energy-efficiency. Here are answers to some of the most common questions, as well as a summary of the most recent testing resulfts for many of Simpson's doors.

Is wood an energy-efficient building material?

According to the Temperate Forest Foundation, wood is 16 times more efficient as an insulator than concrete, 415 times as efficient as steel and 2,000 times as efficient as aluminum. And wood is the only truly sustainable resource as forests are able to regenerate themselves within our lifetimes.

What can I do to make my entryways more energy-efficient?

The majority of heat loss in an entryway occurs around the door rather than through the door. Therefore the most important considerations for energy-efficiency are how well the door has been hung and the quality of the application of the weatherstripping. Take great care during these steps or hire a professional to do the work for you.

Does Simpson offer special glazing options for doors with glass?

Simpson offers insulated glass (I.G) units and SoftCoat Low-E Argon options for nearly all door designs that include glass. A Simpson Authorized Dealer will be able to assist you in determining what options work best for your specific needs.

What is U-Factor?

U-Factor is the measurement of how well a building material--typically windows and doors--keeps heat inside of a building or home. The lower the U-Factor, the greater the door's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating factor.

What is SHGC?

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat by sunlight. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat is transmitted.

To view a list of U-Factors and SHGC for Simpson doors, simply click on the link at the top of the page.