How To Insulate A Garage Door
Insulating your garage door might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering adding insulation to your home. Still, it’s one of the biggest offenders when letting out precious heat. A garage door without proper insulation allows heat to escape in colder months and traps excessive warmth during warmer seasons.
Properly insulating all areas of your home can save you plenty of pennies in the long run. By investing in some insulation when you buy your garage doors, you’ll be able to start saving as soon as it’s installed. Follow our guide on insulating your garage door with tips and advice from our experts.
Benefits of insulating a garage door
Energy efficiency
Insulating your garage door reduces heat loss, keeping the space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Noise reduction
If your garage is attached, insulation helps dampen outside noise, making your garage and your home quieter.
Improved durability
Insulation protects your door, preventing damage from temperature fluctuations.
Protects stored items
Insulation helps maintain a stable climate, preventing extreme temperatures from affecting tools, electronics, and other stored items.
How to choose the best insulation material
Selecting the right material when insulating your garage door depends on your needs.
Types of insulation
Polystyrene foam
Rigid panels made of polystyrene or polyurethane offer a high R-value (thermal resistance) with minimal thickness.
- Best for: Excellent thermal resistance and cost-effectiveness.
- Pros: Easy to install, lightweight, and available in various thicknesses.
- Cons: It doesn’t offer as much noise reduction as other types.
Reflective foil insulation
Made of aluminium foil and foam layers, it is lightweight and easy to install.
- Best for: Blocks radiant heat from the door keeping garages cooler in summer.
- Pros: Great at preventing heat buildup inside the garage.
- Cons: It can be less effective for insulating against drafts in the cold.
Fibreglass insulation
Flexible rolls or batts of fibreglass material that provide effective thermal and sound insulation.
- Best for: Soundproofing and thermal control.
- Pros: High R-value and a good option for noise reduction.
- Cons: It can be trickier to install than foam boards or reflective materials and can sag over time.
Best insulation for garage door type
Steel doors: Foam board insulation works well for steel doors, as it adheres easily to the metal surface. Reflective insulation is also a good option.
Wooden doors: Fibreglass insulation is a good fit for wood, as it can be easily stapled to the door panels.
We’ve seen plenty of other garage insulation tricks over the years, so if you’re not ready to invest in an insulation kit, you can try anything from layers of tin foil, bubble wrap and even a thick pair of curtains to add more insulation to your garage.
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Understanding R-value R-value is a measure of how well a material insulates. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating. |
How to insulate a garage door
Tools you’ll need
- Measuring tape to ensure accurate cuts.
- Utility knife or scissors for cutting insulation.
- Heavy-duty adhesive or double-sided tape for sticking insulation panels in place.
- Gloves to protect your hands during installation.
- Safety goggles to protect your eyes, especially when cutting materials.
Before you start
If you have an automatic garage door opener, disconnect it to prevent accidents while working on the door. Lift the door manually to ensure it is working correctly and in good condition before beginning installation.
Clean the surface
Dust, dirt, and debris can prevent the insulation from sticking. Wipe down the surface of your garage door using a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
Step 1: Measure the garage door panels
Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of each panel on the garage door to ensure the insulation fits properly.
- Accurate measurements are crucial for cutting the insulation to fit properly.
- Use a measuring tape to measure the width and height of each door section. Most garage doors are divided into panels, and each must be insulated separately.
- Note down the dimensions of each panel.
Step 2: Cut the insulation panels
Cut the material according to the panel measurements using a utility knife or scissors, depending on your chosen insulation.
Step 3: Attach the insulation to the door
Secure the insulation using adhesive, double-sided tape or staples, ensuring a snug fit.
Foam boards: Use heavy-duty adhesive to stick the foam board panels to the door. Apply a thin adhesive layer to the back of the foam board and press it firmly against the door.
Reflective insulation: Either use adhesive or double-sided tape to attach it. Ensure the reflective side is facing outward to maximise heat reflection.
Fibreglass insulation: Staple the material to the door panel frame. Make sure the fibreglass is tucked into the edges and secured tightly.
Step 4: Add weatherstripping to seal the gaps
Apply weatherstripping around the edges of the garage door to prevent drafts and improve insulation. Weather strips prevent the cold air from getting in and can be applied to any internal doors that lead to the garage.
A good way to test and see if your garage door has weatherstripping is to flick on the light switch, close the door and take a look from the outside. If you can see any light around the edges of the door, that’s a gap that needs filling with weatherstripping.
You can also use spray foam to seal any small gaps or cracks.
Step 5: Test the door
After you have installed the insulation, open and close the garage door to ensure it opens easily and the insulation isn’t blocking the mechanism.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong insulation type: Ensure your chosen insulation matches your needs.
- Blocking garage door mechanisms: Avoid interfering with the door’s moving parts.
- Neglecting to seal edges: Even the best insulation won’t be effective if there are gaps.
Shop for garage doors at Leader Online
Insulating your garage door is a worthwhile DIY project with long-term benefits. Proper insulation makes a significant difference whether you’re looking to save on energy costs or reduce noise.
If your garage door is too worn, you should consider replacing it with a new one. It makes financial sense in the long term, protects the contents of your garage and can even add value to your home.
Have you thought about a wooden garage door? Browse our garage doors at Leader Online to learn more.
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