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One of the largest uninsulated spaces in most homes is the garage door. An uninsulated garage can be uncomfortable and cause high energy costs during the hot summer and cold winter.
Insulating a garage door is an inexpensive and straightforward project you can DIY to conserve energy. You also have the option to hire a professional for garage door insulation and other garage door services.
“Whether you spend a lot of time in your garage or are concerned about losing energy, insulating your garage door is a small step toward making your home more comfortable and efficient.”
Why Does Garage Door Insulation Matter?
Insulation adds an extra layer of durability and protection to a garage door. Once insulated, a garage door will keep your garage at a consistent temperature, which may reduce your energy costs.
Whether you spend a lot of time in your garage or are concerned about losing energy, insulating your garage door is a small step toward making your home more comfortable and efficient.
Types of Garage Door Insulations
Manufacturers use R-values to measure the thermal efficiency of insulation materials. The R-value is the score that shows how much heat a material conducts. The higher the R-value, the better the material resists heat conduction (insulates).
The R-value range for garage insulation is between R4 and R8. Garages with active heating and cooling require an R-value higher than R9.
There are several types of garage door insulation:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a popular weather-stripping material that’s inexpensive, durable, and easy to install. It comes in preformed rolls that can be cut to fit a garage’s dimensions. This material is resistant to fire but susceptible to moisture.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Fire resistant
Cons:
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Irritates the eyes and lungs
Cellulose
Cellulose is another common material that’s made of recycled plant material that’s fire resistant. It’s easy to install and comes in a loose form that can fit anywhere, plus it’s resistant to moisture, fire, and pests.
Pros:
- Recyclable materials
- Fire, moisture, and pest resistant
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Loose fit
- Walls must be finished to install
Rigid Foam
insulation has a high R-value and insulation flexibility. Panels can be cut to fit the dimensions of virtually any garage, and the foam works with all materials. Rigid foam offers noise reduction and is one of the more affordable option, but insects and pests may be able to eat through it. Panels must be cut around pipes and wiring.
Pros:
- High R-value
- Insulation flexibility
- Fits any garage
- Noise reduction
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not insect resistant
- Panels must be cut around wiring and pipes
Spray Foam
Spray foam is a viscous fluid that hardens to create an airtight seal. It’s extremely light and has a high R-value compared to its weight. This material is highly resistant to moisture, fire, and pests, but may be too much for some garages. It’s also challenging to install.
Pros:
- Airtight seal
- Light
- High R-value
- Resistant to fire, moisture, and pests
Cons:
- Difficult to install
- Too much for some garages
Door Panels
There are premade insulation panels made for insulating garage doors. These panels are easy for beginners to install, since they adhere directly to metal garage door paneling, and can be cut to create air seals between the door and ground.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Attach directly to garage doors
Cons:
- Lower R-value
How to Insulate a Garage Door
Here’s how to insulate a garage door on your own using fiberglass or EPS panel foam insulation kits:
Step 1: Measure, Mark, and Install the Retainer Pins
Measure to find the spot 12 inches from each edge of the panel and midway between the horizontal rails. Mark the location, peel off the adhesive backing paper, and press the retainer pin base onto the panel. Install two retainer pins in each panel.
Step 2: Cut the Batting
Measure the height and width of the panels and add one inch, then cut the batting to size. Roll out the batting with the vinyl side down and mark the cutting lines. Place the batting on scrap plywood and cut the insulation with a utility knife.
Step 3: Lock Batting into Place
Center the insulation over the panel and push it into the retaining pin until it punctures the vinyl facing, then press the retaining cap over the pin until it snaps into place.
Fit the cut insulation into the panel with the vinyl side facing into the garage, then center the insulation panel and push it against the pin until it punctures. Push the retaining cap over the pin until it snaps into place.
Signs Your Insulation Needs Fixing
Here are some signs that your garage door insulation needs to be fixed:
- Light is coming through the door. Other than tiny glimmers where the door panels meet, you should not see any light through your garage door.
- Your weatherstripping is broken, dried out, discolored, or drooping.
- Your garage door’s seal has cracks in the rubber or gaps around the door.
- You can see the panel design of the garage door while you’re inside.
- You have high energy bills without an obvious cause.
- Your garage is excessively cold in winter and hot in summer, despite climate control.
Garage Door Services and Repairs at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors
Some garage door insulation is easy to do on your own, but you can make sure the job is done right with professional garage door services from Austin’s Greater Garage Doors. Whether you need to insulate garage doors or you’re looking for garage door installation in Austin or Pflugerville, we have you covered. Contact us today to discuss your project.
