Insulating the garage door is the best way to conserve energy and maintain efficiency. It helps safeguard the garage door from extreme temperatures. Also, insulation blocks loud noises and street sounds.
You can easily insulate the door at home using DIY kits and fiberglass. Other materials like foil, foam, or spray can also be used for the same.
Based on the model of the garage door, you can select the most suitable material. This will help in improving the functionality of your garage and also protect the vehicles inside.
Why is Insulating Garage Door Important?
It is beneficial to insulate a garage door due to several reasons. It not only reduces energy bills but also positively impacts the environment. A few more reasons to insulate garage doors include:
1. Promotes Energy Efficiency
Insulation reduces heat transfer, thus keeping the garage warm in winter and cool in summer.
- This minimizes the energy needed to maintain moderate temperatures.
- Overall, the electricity and power costs will be reduced.
- Especially in winter, insulation can be beneficial for retaining the heat.
2. Increased Comfort
Due to the effect of moderate temperatures, the garage area offers a comfortable environment.
- Such an environment enables you to use the garage for a longer duration.
- One can also use it as an extension to their house.
3. Noise Regulation
If you install insulation to your garage door, it will help in absorbing sound waves and loud noises from the surrounding areas.
- This is especially beneficial if the garage is located in an industrial or city area.
- It helps in making the operation of the door quieter and calmer.
- Also, insulation acts as a sound barrier, especially when the garage is attached to your home.
4. Better Protection
Proper insulation protects the automobiles and other items stored inside the garage from high temperatures, humidity, and moisture.
- It keeps the items safe from any damage due to outside conditions.
- Hence, all the equipment and the tools can be maintained in proper condition.
- Metal garage door insulation further provides additional security.
Note: If there is any damage to the garage door even after insulation, you can call your local garage door repair services for assistance.
5. Increased Strength
Insulated garage doors are better In terms of the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, wind, and sun.
- Such doors do not rust quickly as compared to the standard non-insulated frames.
- These are more sturdy and resistant to dents and deterioration.
6. Improved Structure
As insulation provides extra support, it improves the structure of the garage door as well.
- It helps in improving the durability of the door by increasing its firmness.
- Mainly, old and lightweight doors benefit from this type of added insulation.
7. Better Appeal
Not only for the strength and sturdiness, insulation also helps in making the door more appealing from the outside.
- There are different styles in which you can insulate your garage door, based on your color and preference.
- Thus, it enhances the outer look as well.
What are the Different Ways to Insulate Garage Doors?
Adding insulation to garage doors can be done using a variety of materials like fiberglass, foam, and cellulose among others. Before choosing a certain material, it is important to analyze the features of each one of them:
1. Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the most commonly used type of insulation material. It is fire-resistant but not water-proof.
- It is usually sold in rolls therefore you can easily fit it to the side of the garage door.
- The roofs and attics of the garage can also be insulated with loose fiberglass.
- This is one of the most durable insulation materials.
- However, persons with eye or skin allergies should be careful around fiberglass.
2. Foam Board
Insulating garage door with foam board is a plausible choice as it has a high R-value, thus, providing better protection.
- You can use either styrofoam or polystyrene foam.
- It not only provides good insulation but also absorbs noise to a considerable extent.
- The rigidity of this foam makes it easy to install.
- A major demerit is that it can be easily invaded by pests and insects.
3. Spray Foam
Though not commonly used, spray foam is a flexible insulation material with a high R-value. It is especially suitable for age-old garage doors.
- It is first applied in the form of a liquid which later hardens.
- Spray foam helps in airtight insulation.
- This is both fire and water-resistant.
- The chances of pest infestation are also less.
Note: It can become hard to install spray foam insulation without professional assistance, hence, you can call your Local Garage Door Repair services to avoid hassle.
4. Cellulose
Cellulose is also a loose form of insulation that is made of out plant material. Once the garage door is completely installed, the cellulose can be applied anywhere.
- Its application procedure is almost similar to that of spray foam,
- Cellulose is not susceptible to heat or water or pests.
- Usually, it is more expensive than the other insulation materials.
How to Insulate a Garage Door?
You can undertake this process on your own by following a series of a few simple steps. It is the best way to insulate garage doors for winter and summer to keep the heat out by using a DIY kit and the material of your choice.
Step 1: Collect all the Necessary Items
The first step to install insulation is to gather all the required items based on the size and design of the garage door. These can include:
- The required insulation materials can be fiberglass, spray foam, or rigid foam.
- You will also require other items like:
- Fasteners
- Retainers
- Double-sided tape
- Knife
- Measuring tape
- Glasses and Gloves
Step 2: Clean the Garage Door
Before insulating, you will have to make sure that the door is clean and free from any debris, mainly in the winter season.
- Take a dry cloth and clean the surface which has to be insulated.
- In case there are any dents in the door, fix them beforehand to ensure a hassle-free procedure.
Step 3: Measure the Door
Next, measure the length of the door and estimate how much insulation material is required. Also, locate the right length at which you have to install the fasteners.
- Put down a mark at 12 inches from both sides of the edge. It should be in the center when looked at vertically.
- Now, apply double-sided tape or any other adhesive on the marked areas.
- The same measurement technique can be followed for metal garage doors.
Step 4: Attach Retainers
You can now attach the retainer clips or pins to the areas where you have applied the tape.
- In case you are using retainer pins and a base, two in each panel will suffice.
- Follow the same procedure on each panel of the garage door.
Step 5: Measure and Cut the Insulation Material
After you have put the retainer clips in place, measure the size of one panel of the door and estimate the size of the insulation material required.
- Accordingly, cut the insulation batting/ foam rolls to fit the size of the panel.
- Make sure to leave 2-3 inches extra while cutting the insulation.
- Use a sharp knife, and wear gloves and glasses to ensure safety.
Step 6: Put Insulation In the Panel
Once your material is cut to the required size, you will have to carefully place it in the door panel.
- While tucking the insulation, make sure that the vinyl side is upward-facing.
- If any excess material is left after stuffing the panel, you can cut it out.
Step 7: Close the Retainer Pins
To secure the insulation, you will have to close the retainer pins.
- Cut a small slit in the insulation where there is a clip.
- Secure the pin or the clip as it passes through the insulation.
Note: If your garage door is damaged, it might prove difficult to add insulation. Therefore, you can seek garage door repair and replacement advice from experts.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Insulating a Garage Door
Although insulation has numerous benefits, it entails certain disadvantages as well. Hence, you must carefully consider whether is garage door insulation worth it in terms of your budget, the model, and other related factors.
A few such things to consider before you decide to insulate your garage door include:
- It can become expensive to insulate your garage door. Hence, the upfront costs will be increased.
- In case you do not have the right tools or the expertise to undertake this DIY project, it might lead to faulty installation. Under such circumstances, it is preferable to consult professional assistance.
- If you decide to insulate the top panels as well, the overall available space will be reduced. This can be problematic if your garage is for tall vehicles.
- There are certain heavy insulation materials that add extra weight to the garage door. Due to this, the door can suffer from early wear and tear and consequent damage.
Garage door heat insulation offers efficient protection from changing weather conditions. It also provides increased protection to the items inside. Besides, insulating a garage door is a simple process that can be completed at home. However, there can be certain demerits that you will have to overcome by taking effective measures.
FAQs
Yes, garage door insulation is quite helpful in ensuring safety and durability.
Based on the model of the garage door, its insulation can cost anywhere between USD 300 and 900.
You can insulate garage door sides by using insulation strips and tucking them in.
To weatherproof garage door, you can add insulation to the panels.
Generally, garage doors made out of steel are better insulated compared to those made with wood.
