Winter is here! But how to insulate garage doors for winter? You can easily insulate your garage door with spray foam insulation or by attaching double reflective insulation, which is super quick and easy to install.
But there are other ways too when it comes to DIY garage door insulation. A Data Intelo report shows that most people prefer insulators with energy-saving benefits nowadays. So, which insulation will be the best for your garage door?
Fret not! In this blog post, we will show you 5 methods of garage door insulation, including the R-value considerations and efficiency. And yes, we have added some expert tips for you at the end of this blog. So, let’s dig in.
Considering R-Value Before Insulating Garage Doors
Before diving into the garage door insulation methods, let’s talk about R-value, also known as Thermal Resistance value—a critical factor in insulation.
The R-value indicates how well the material can resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. However, don’t confuse this with U-value, which is the vice versa.
For garage doors, an R-value of 10 or higher is recommended for colder climate regions where snowfall is acute. However, an R-value of around 6-9 is sufficient for milder colds.
So, when selecting an insulation material, always check its R-value to ensure the right level of warmth and energy efficiency as well.
5 Methods for How To Insulate Garage Doors For Winter
Well, after a long query of research, analysis, and consideration, we’ve come up with 5 methods that are effective and suitable for both residential and commercial garage door insulation. Here they’re-
1. Insulating Garage Door Using Rigid Foam Insulation
Rigid foam boards are a popular choice for garage door insulation. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy shows rigid foam insulation to be one of the most effective and energy efficient materials.
Key Consideration:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Easy to install
- R-value of 5.6 to 8.0 per inch of thickness
- Perfect for flat-panel doors
Materials Needed:
- Rigid foam boards (polystyrene or polyurethane with R-values of 4-6 per inch).
- Measuring tape.
- Utility knife.
- Adhesive or double-sided tape.
Steps to Install:
- Measure the dimensions of your garage door panels. Make sure to measure every panel, as not all the panels might be the same size.
- Cut the rigid foam boards according to the panel size so that they fit snugly into the panels.
- Attach double-sided taps or other adhesive on different points of the door panel.
- Now, attach the boards, pressing firmly over the area where the tap or adhesive is.
Read More: How to Install a Garage Door
2. Garage Door Insulation with Double Reflective Insulation
Double reflective insulation, such as Reflectix, is an affordable and versatile solution. Mostly this consists of two layers of polyethylene air bubbles sandwiched between reflective aluminum polyester film.
Research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory confirms that reflective insulation works by reflecting radiant heat, which makes it ideal for both winter and summer use.
Key Consideration:
- Quick & easy to install
- Highly efficient in preventing heat loss
- R-value of around 3.7 to 6
- Ideal for sectional and metal doors
Materials Needed:
- Reflectix double reflective insulation.
- Scissor or utility knife.
- Adhesive or double-sided tape.
Steps to Install:
- Measure and cut the reflective insulation to match the size of your garage door panels.
- Attach it using adhesive or double-sided tape facing the silver side outward.
- Ensure there are no air gaps between the insulation and door panels.
3. Using Garage Door Insulation Kit
Insulating garage door using any insulation kit makes the process pretty fast and easy, providing an all-in-one solution. These kits typically include pre-cut insulation panels, fasteners, and installation instructions.
Again, when we studied the consumer reports, we found that most of the people prefer DIY garage door insulation kits for hassle-free and quick installation.
Key Consideration:
- Quick & easy installation
- Noise dampening properties
- R-value of around 8 to 10 based on materials
- Best for workshop, storage or residential garage doors
Popular Insulation Kits:
- Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit.
- Home Depot Garage Door Insulation options like Cellofoam
Steps to Install:
- Just follow the instructions provided in the kit.
- Secure the panels to the door using the fasteners provided with the kit.
4. DIY Garage Door Insulation with Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation is best for sealing gaps, cracks, and uneven surfaces on your garage door. It gives your garage a tight seal along with stronger thermal resistance.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, spray foam is efficient in creating a continuous barrier that significantly reduces air leakage.
Key Consideration:
- Long Lasting
- Superior thermal resistance
- Energy efficient
- R-value of around 6 to 7 for closed cell and 3.5 to 3.6 per inch for open cell spray foam
- Best for different sizes and shapes of garage doors
Materials Needed:
- Spray foam insulation (low-expanding foam recommended)
- Protective gear (gloves, goggles, and mask)
Steps to Install:
- Clean and dry the garage door surface. (It’s a must for spray foam insulation.)
- Apply low-expanding spray foam in layers, focusing on seams and gaps.
- Let the foam cure and dry out.
- Finally, trim any excess foam from the door.
5. Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass batts are a traditional yet highly effective insulation option. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association recommends garage door insulation with fiberglass, as it can lead to energy savings of up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. Fiberglass batts are versatile to cut any size and shape of garage door.
Key Consideration:
- Traditional method
- Best for extreme colder regions
- Both energy and cost efficient
- R-value of around 11 or higher based on the fiberglass density
- Best for panel-style garage doors
Materials Needed:
- Fiberglass batt insulation
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Adhesive or brackets
- Protective gear (gloves, goggles, and mask)
Steps to Install:
- Cut the fiberglass batts to fit the size of each door panel. Make sure to measure every panel, as all the panels might not be the same size.
- Attach the batts using adhesive or brackets.
- Cover the batts with a vapor barrier if necessary.
Note:
- Wear protective gear to avoid skin irritation.
- Ensure the batts are tightly sealed to prevent sagging.
Expert Tips for Garage Door Insulation
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Before insulating, check for cracks or gaps and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping tape.
Weatherstrip the Edges: Add weatherstripping to the bottom and sides of the garage door to keep air out.
Choose Insulation Based on Climate: For cold winters, fiberglass or rigid foam is ideal, while reflective insulation suits warmer areas.
Final Wrap Up
We have reached the end of this guide now. And hopefully, you have got enough idea on how to insulate garage doors for winter, right? Whether you use rigid foam, spray foam, or a garage door insulation kit, knowing the R-value and choosing the right method are key to success in this.
However, I personally don’t prefer the spray foam method, as it seems to me time-consuming. I like the fiberglass batt, though a bit costlier but completely sealed.
Now, let us know in the comment section which method you find suitable according to your region and garage door.
FAQs:
1. How to insulate a garage door from cold?
To insulate a garage door from cold, consider your climate and choose the best insulation method considering R-value. Then follow any method from the 5 methods mentioned in this blog and make your garage door insulated for this winter.
2. What is the best insulator for a garage door?
The best insulator depends on your climate and garage door type. However, fiberglass batts are considered the best insulator for their high thermal resistance. For an affordable option, you can opt for rigid foam boards.
3. What is the cheapest way to insulate a garage?
Reflective insulation or DIY solutions like foam boards are the cheapest way to insulate garage doors. You can also purchase an affordable garage door insulation kit from stores like Home Depot or Walmart.
