3 Insulation Options for Garage Doors

Tired of your garage door causing higher electric bills? It might be time to consider insulating the door to limit the amount of outside air leaking into your home. Insulation has the potential to keep your garage 20 degrees cooler in the summer and 12 degrees warmer in the winter. Plus, it is also helps reduce noise in the home.

There are typically three options to insulate a garage door, and your decision depends on the type of door. A steel door can accommodate many different types of insulation. Rigid insulation, like foam boards, are best for wood doors, and you should try to use reflective insulation on flat garage doors without panels.

Batt Insulation

A flexible option is batt insulation. It is often found in exterior walls and made of fiberglass. While you might have an extra roll of batt insulation lying around in your attic somewhere, it is best to purchase a garage door insulation kit because the standard rolls are generally too thick for your door.

Foam board insulation

Relatively thin rigid foam panels are typically made from polystyrene. They are often faced with aluminum or vinyl and are great for wood garage doors. When you install this type of insulation, you will want to cut rectangles slightly larger than the panels. You do this because it will cause the foam board to slightly curve outward and create an air gap. This step is critical for foam board to be effective.

Reflective insulation

Another rigid option that is very effective in hot climates is reflective insulation. Aluminum foil is usually applied to one or both sides of the insulation material such as cardboard or polyethylene bubbles. It works to reflect heat away from the interior of your garage.

Pro Tips

If you decided it is time for insulation, here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Garage door insulation kits are a good option to ensuring you have the right tools and materials. They can be found at most hardware stores and online.

2. Know the requirements of the local building codes. Sometimes you must install fire safe materials over foam boards.

3. Replace the seals around the door to get the most out of your insulation efforts.

4. Ensure the new weight isn’t affecting the operator and belts.

While you can certainly complete an insulation project, sometimes you are short on time or tools. We have both, and can help you save on your utility bill during these hot summer days, and again later this year when the weather turns cold.

Call us for a free estimate at 405-579-DOOR.