How to Insulate a Garage Door

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Nov 14, 2024 7:00 AM ET

If your garage door is letting the heat in during summer or allowing all the warmth to escape in the winter, it’s time to consider insulation. Whether you’re turning your garage into a workshop, using it for storage, or just want to reduce your energy costs, properly insulating the garage door can make a world of difference. It's one of those home projects that gives you fast, tangible results—more comfort and better energy efficiency!

Why Garage Door Insulation Matters

Most standard garage doors are designed for function, not comfort. They let in drafts, heat, and cold, making your garage an uncomfortable space. If your garage is attached to your home, an uninsulated door can also affect the indoor temperature in adjacent rooms and increase your energy bill. Adding the right type of insulation can help with heat retention and prevent energy loss. They will even act as a sound barrier and cut down on outside noise. Plus, it can extend the life of your door by reducing wear caused by extreme temperatures.

Types of Garage Door Insulation

1. Foam Board

This insulation option is a rigid foam material made from polystyrene or polyurethane, and known for its high insulating power. The light weight of insulation makes it relatively easy to install as a DIY project.

Pros:

High insulation value for its thickness
Lightweight, doesn’t add too much strain on the door’s operation
Affordable and widely available

Cons:

Not flexible— cutting these rigid boards to fit around garage door panels can be a bit tricky, use a sharp utility knife.
May need adhesive tapes or fasteners to keep in place, which could be time-consuming to install

2. Reflective Foil Insulation

Reflective foil insulation works by reflecting radiant heat away from the garage. It’s essentially a thin sheet of insulation with a reflective surface, and it’s often paired with a layer of foam for added insulation.

Pros:

Excellent for moderate climates, reflects heat away during the summer
Lightweight and easy to cut to size
Often comes with an adhesive backing, making installation simple

Cons:

Provides less insulation in colder climates
Doesn’t offer as much soundproofing as other materials

3. Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is the fluffy insulation material you’ve likely seen in attics and walls. It’s an affordable and effective way to insulate a garage door, though it requires a bit more work to install properly.

Pros:

Great thermal insulation properties, especially for colder climates
A relatively affordable option that is carried at most hardware stores
Can also reduce noise from outside

Cons:

Can be difficult to work with, as fiberglass can irritate the skin and eyes (gloves and safety glasses are recommended)
Requires an additional facing material to keep the insulation in place and prevent it from sagging over time
Adds more bulk, which could interfere with the door’s mechanics

4. Spray Foam Insulation

This foam spray insulation offers a flexible, customizable option since it expands to fill every crack and crevice. It’s typically more expensive but can be the most effective, especially for older or oddly shaped garage doors.

Pros:

Just a bit of foam expands to fill gaps, providing superior sealing against air leaks
Offers great insulation for both hot and cold climates
Long-lasting and durable

Cons:

More expensive than other insulation types
Messy to apply, tricky to control the air space gap.
Adds weight to the door, possibly requiring adjustments to the garage door opener

5. Garage Door Insulation Kits

If DIY home improvement projects are more your style, a garage insulation kits might be the perfect solution. These kits come with pre-cut pieces of insulation panels or rolls and everything you need to install them.

Pros:

Convenient, all-in-one package
Designed specifically for garage doors, so less guesswork is involved
Many kits use polystyrene or fiberglass for effective insulation

Cons:

Can be pricier than buying materials separately
Limited design options based on standard panel measurements, so may not fit custom or irregular garage doors perfectly

Is buying a new, insulated garage door worth it?

Sometimes, despite all your best insulation efforts, an older garage door just can't lend itself to a comfortable space. If your door is old, warped, or simply inefficient, buying a new, insulated garage door could be a worthwhile investment to combat the outdoor temperatures with an energy efficiency improvement. The common types of insulated doors are designed to be energy-efficient, quiet, and durable which will protect your this indoor space from heat loss (or keep the heat out if you're in a hot climate). While it’s more expensive upfront, a new door can make a huge difference in your long term savings by reducing your energy bills and extending the life of your HVAC system.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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