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10 Minute Read

How to Insulate Garage Doors: Price, Pros, and Cons

In this article, you'll find a step-by-step guide to garage-door insulation, including why you should, how to choose the right insulation, and how much it'll cost.

Garage Door Insulation Feature Image

Learning how to insulate garage doors is a smart decision. Insulating your garage plays a big role in keeping it comfortable year-round—they’re a major source of heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter.

Garage doors take up a significant portion of one garage wall. Insulating them can make a huge difference in your garage’s energy efficiency, leading to reduced energy bills and substantial energy savings.

In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to garage-door insulation, including why you should, how to choose the right insulation, and how much it’ll cost.

The Pros and Cons of Insulating Garage Doors

Insulation offers many benefits, like blocking heat transfer between the garage’s inside and the outside and reducing noise. However, like most things, it also has a few downsides. Here are a few for you to consider.

  • Improved energy efficiency.
  • Reduced energy costs if you have an AC unit or heater.
  • More comfortable garage temperature.
  • Enhanced soundproofing.
  • Improved protection for items stored in the garage.
  • It increases the lifespan of the garage door and garage door opener.
  • It helps regulate the temperature in your home.
  • Potential for reduced headroom (depending on the type of insulation).
  • Cost of materials and installation.
  • Possible voiding of garage door warranty (check with the manufacturer)
  • It may require specialized tools or equipment.
  • It makes the garage door heavier and harder to open manually.

Once you’ve thought about the pros and cons of insulating your garage door, there are some details you need to understand so you can make a final decision. 

Choosing the Right R-Value for Garage Door Insulation

The R-value is a material’s thermal resistance. It measures the quality of insulation. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

Choosing the right R-value for your project depends on your local climate. The following map from Energy Star classifies the US into different regions to help you choose the right level of insulation for walls, ceilings, and floors.

US map showing recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood-framed buildings
  • If you live in hot and humid regions like Zones 1 and 2, you’ll be fine with R-10 to R-15 insulation.
  • Zone 3 requires around R-20 to R-25.
  • Colder regions like zones 4–8 require R-25 to R-30.

Your garage typically needs less insulation than your home (especially if it’s a detached, non-heated garage). So, you can get away with lower R-values of R-6 to R-12.

Now let’s talk about the types of insulation you can use to meet your R-value needs. 

Choosing the Right Type of Garage Door Insulation

There are several insulation types you can use to get to those R-values. Let’s look at some of the most common. 

Rigid Foam Insulation

Rigid foam board insulation, often made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane, is a popular choice. It comes in panels of varying thicknesses, making it easy to customize the R-value.

  • Good thermal resistance.
  • Easy to install.
  • Relatively affordable.
  • It can be bulky, reducing headroom.
  • It may be less effective in extreme temperatures.
  • Being rigid, it won’t adapt to curved garage doors.
  • Less protection from severe weather

To achieve an R-value of R-6 to R-12, you’ll likely need one to two-inch thick rigid foam panels. Foam boards are the best option for wooden garage doors, and they’re also good for steel garage doors.

Double Bubble or Reflective Foil Insulation for Garage Doors

Reflective foil insulation, double bubble, or radiant barrier insulation is a popular and affordable option. It consists of two layers of polyethylene bubbles with a reflective foil layer in between or on top.

  • Cheap insulation.
  • Easy to install.
  • Lightweight.
  • Less effective for extreme temperatures than other types.
  • It can be easily damaged.
  • Loses effectiveness over time.
  • Low R-value per inch.

Reflective foil is one of the best options for metal garage doors.

Insulating Garage Doors with Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation is another common type of insulation and the cheapest option available.

A piece of fiberglass insulation

It comes in batts or rolls. It’s also relatively easy to work with.

  • Good thermal performance.
  • Affordable.
  • Readily available.
  • It can be irritating to the skin.
  • Must be protected from moisture to prevent mold.

Using Vacuum Protected Insulation Panels (VIPs)

Vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) offer a great solution if you need high R-values without the bulk. For example, if you’re wondering how to insulate a garage door for Winter in Alaska, VIPs are the answer.

Vacuum insulated panels for garage door insulation

These panels have a core material sealed in an airtight envelope, creating a vacuum that significantly reduces heat transfer.

  • Extremely high R-value (R-25 or more per inch).
  • Thin profile.
  • The most expensive option.
  • It can be damaged if punctured.
  • You can’t cut them to size.
  • Not readily available.

According to Building Green, the R-value of a 1-inch-thick VIP can reach an astonishing R-25. That’s 4X higher than the R-value of high-quality polyisocyanurate insulation (R-6.2, according to IKO).

VIPs are a relatively new technology and may be harder to find than other types of insulation. Furthermore, you can’t cut them like normal panels, so you usually have to purchase custom-made pieces for each garage door panel.

Garage Door Insulation Kits

If you’re looking for a convenient way to insulate your garage door, consider using a garage door insulation kit. These kits contain everything you need, including insulation panels, retention clips, and adhesive tape.

  • Convenience: Everything you need in one box.
  • Easy installation: Designed for DIYers.
  • Pre-cut panels: No need for measuring or cutting.
  • Limited customization: It may not fit all doors perfectly.
  • May be more expensive than buying materials separately.

How to Insulate Garage Doors in Five Steps

Insulating your garage door is a manageable DIY project, whether using a kit or custom-made materials. Just follow this step-by-step guide on how to insulate garage doors.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the tools and materials you’ll need:

Category Item
Tools Measuring tape.Utility knife or scissors.Ladder.
Materials Insulation (rigid foam, reflective foil, fiberglass, etc.).Retainer pins or retention clips.Adhesive (adhesive tape, industrial or spray adhesive, etc.).Weatherstripping (optional)
Protective Gear Work gloves.Safety glasses.Dust mask.

Most garage door insulation kits include all the materials, so you don’t have to buy them separately. However, you’ll still need the protective gear and tools.

Step 1. Clean and Measure Your Garage Door

First, clean your garage door with mild detergent and water to help the adhesive stick better.

A recently-cleaned garage door ready for insulation

Next, you’ll need to measure your garage door panels. Write down the size of each panel, as the individual sizes may vary.

Step 2. Cut Insulation to Size

Now, it’s time to cut your insulation to fit snugly inside each door panel, resulting in a perfectly insulated garage door.

A man cutting insulation for garage door

If you’re using an insulation kit, the pieces might be pre-cut, which is convenient. If not, follow the instructions below to safely cut your insulation.

  • You can cut rigid foam, fiberglass batts, and double bubble insulation with a sharp utility knife.
  • You can also cut reflective foil insulation and fiberglass batts with scissors.

It’s best to cut the insulation before working with retainers or adhesives. That ensures a good fit before permanent placement.

Step 3. Mark the Fasteners’ Positions on Each Door Panel

If you’re using retainer clips or pins to hold the insulation in place, you’ll need to mark where you’ll put them. Most garage door panels have horizontal rails that you can use to attach the fasteners. Use a pencil to mark the spots where you’ll install the clips or pins.

Tape measure and marking tools

You can skip this step if you plan to stick the insulation directly to the door with adhesive.

Step 4. Attach Retainer Clips or Add Adhesive

If you’re using retainer clips, you can attach them to the door panels now. Some clips already come with adhesive, but if yours don’t, you can use double-sided tape.

Metal retainer pins for garage door insulation

You can also stick the insulation directly onto the door panel using an industrial-strength or spray-on adhesive.

Sticking the insulation directly to the door can give it a cleaner look, but getting it positioned just right can be harder. Be careful not to use too much adhesive to avoid a mess.

Step 5. Tuck in the Insulation

Now, carefully tuck the insulation into each panel. Ensure it’s snug against the door and has no gaps.

A man installing insulation in a garage door

If you use retainer pins, push them through the insulation and into the door panel to hold it in place.

Optional Extra Steps

  • Seal the edges of the panels with tape. Doing so will help prevent air from leaking around the edges.
  • Cover the insulation with cardboard or another material. This can help protect the insulation and give it a more finished look.

Tips for Effective Garage Door Insulation

Here are a few extra tips to help you control energy loss and get a comfy indoor temperature in your garage:

Tip #1. Seal the Outer Edges

Adding a vinyl strip to the outside edges of your garage door can help seal it up tight. These strips keep cold air from sneaking in during the winter and hot air from getting in during the summer.

Tip #2. Seal the Bottom of the Garage Door

Cold air can seep in underneath the bottom of the garage door, so it’s important to seal that up, too. You can use a garage door threshold plate, a bottom weather sealer, or some weatherstripping to help keep the cold air out and the warm air in. 

Sealing the bottom can also help keep water from blowing in under the door when it rains or there are strong winds.

Tip #3. Use a Strong, High-Quality Adhesive

If you’re using adhesive to hold your insulation in place, use a strong one. Your garage door constantly goes up and down, and you want the insulation to stay on. Insulation kits usually come with their own adhesive, but sometimes it’s not the best quality. You might want to replace it with some premium double-sided tape or use a stronger adhesive like construction or spray adhesive. Remember to always follow the instructions on the label.

Garage Door Insulation Costs

Insulating your garage door doesn’t have to break the bank. The cost will depend on several factors, including your door size, the type of insulation you choose, the style and cost of your garage door, and whether you use a kit or buy everything separately.

Garage Door Sizes

The bigger your garage door, the more insulation you’ll need. Here’s a table with the most common garage door sizes and their surface area:

Type of Door Size (Ft) Area (Sq Ft) Number of Door Panels
1-car Garage Door 9’ x 7’ 63’ 16
2-car Garage Door 16’ x 7’ 112’ 32

So, whether you’re using a kit or not, you’ll need around 16 insulation panels for a 1-car garage and twice as many for a 2-car garage.

Cost of Insulation

Here’s a table showing the estimated cost of different types of insulation for a standard 8-foot-high 1-car garage door and a 2-car garage door:

Insulation Type Cost per Square Foot Estimated Cost for 1-Car Garage Estimated Cost for 2-Car Garage
Reflective Foil $1.50 $90.00 $170.00
Fiberglass Batts $0.65 – $2.00 $80.00 $150.00
Rigid Foam $2.40 – $3.75 $190.00 $340.00
VPI $8.00 – $12.00 $630.00 $1,120.00

How Much Do Garage Door Insulation Kits Cost?

Garage insulation kits can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on the size of your door and the type of insulation included. On average, you can expect to pay around $1.00–$2.00 per square foot for a kit.

Ready to Warm Up Your Garage?

Insulating your garage door is a great way to make your garage more comfortable, keep outdoor temperatures outside, and control cooling and heating bills. It’s a project you can do yourself and doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Just choose the right type of insulation for your needs and follow the steps in this simple step-by-step guide on how to insulate garage doors. You’ll be glad you did!

Learn more expert garage tips and tricks on our blog. 

FAQs

Still have some questions about insulating your garage door? You’re not the only one. So we’ve got answers!

What is the best insulation for garage doors?

If you’re looking for the best insulation money can buy, Vacuum-Protected Insulation Panels (VIPs) are the way to go. They’re super thin but offer excellent insulation. However, they can be pricey and hard to find. Rigid foam is a good choice for balancing performance and price. It’s easy to install and offers good thermal resistance.

Can I insulate my garage door myself?

Absolutely! Insulating your garage door is a pretty straightforward DIY project. You can usually knock it out on a weekend, especially if you use an insulation kit.

How much does it cost to insulate garage doors?

The cost varies depending on the size of your door, the type of insulation you use, and whether you buy a kit or get everything separately. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to as much as $400.

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Alan Bernau Jr

Alan Bernau Jr is the founder and owner of Alan’s Factory Outlet. For over 21 years, he has helped more than 100,000 homeowners and businesses design and install custom carports, garages and metal buildings. His mission is to provide high quality, durable solutions that fit each customers needs.

Alan Bernau Jr is the founder and owner of Alan’s Factory Outlet. For over 21 years, he has helped more than 100,000 homeowners and businesses design and install custom carports, garages and metal buildings. His mission is to provide high quality, durable solutions that fit each customers needs.

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