10 Best Insulation For Garage Door
The garage is an integral room in the house that serves many purposes. You can use it as a storage room or even as your workshop if you are a DIY enthusiast. However, there is a problem with garages; their doors. What do we mean? You might wonder. Well, garage doors can be a source of immense heat during the summer or cold during the winter. But there is good news; you can insulate the garage doors to keep the garage temperature regulated.
There are many insulation kits in the market which you can use to insulate your garage doors. If you want to know the best insulation kits for garage door, then read on!
Why Insulate Your Garage Door?
But first, let us look at the benefits of insulating your garage doors.
Practicability
- When you insulate your door, then you regulate the temperature inside you garage for you to work comfortably.
- When you regulate your garage temperature, the AC and heating units will be much more effective.
- You will save on your electric bills
- Insulation kits also complement the décor of your garage
They Are Easy To Install
There are a few reasons as to why insulations kits are easy to install
- They are made of light materials which you can handle without any difficulty.
- Installation instructions are also simple
- Insulation kits do not need complicated equipment to install.
Below are the top ten best kits for you;
Top 10 Best Insulation Kit For Garage Door
1. Reflectix BP24050
Reflectix BP24050 is usually packaged in 2 by 50 feet rolls. To help insulate the garage against high temperature, the insulation kit has aluminum foil on both sides. It provides an R- 14.3 insulation level in some cases. Another great feature of the insulation kit is that it is very safe since it is non- toxic and therefore does not cause health complications like cancer.
The Reflectix BP24050 is an insulation kit that reflects up to 97% of the heat away from your garage. It is also very easy to install. However, you need to purchase additional materials like an adhesive tape and fasteners to install the insulation kit.
The Reflectix BP24050 is a low-cost solution for insulating your door. As such, it is not the very best in the market but it works well in areas where the temperatures do not get very high.
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Pros
- Offers great insulation in areas where the temperatures are not very high
- It is very easy to install
- It offers R- 14 insulation
- It is safe to use since it is non-toxic
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Cons
- It is a bit thin
- Not suitable for extremely high temperatures
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2. Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit
When it comes to insulation kits, Owens has made a name for itself as one of the industry leaders. One of the features which make the insulation kit very popular is its ease of installation and its effectiveness when it comes to insulation.
More to that, it provides soundproof features. This means that even if you use your garage as a workshop, the noise will not disturb people inside the house. Additionally, if you use your garage as a study room, you will enjoy the quiet you need.
When it comes to rating, the insulation has a rating of R-8 which is a very high rating. It is very effective against cold and heat, allowing you to enjoy regulated temperature in your garage.
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Pros
- It is very easy to install
- It provides soundproof features
- It has a very high insulation rating
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Cons
- During very hot days, the tapes do come off
- You might need to buy additional attachment clips
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3. Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit
The insulation kit comes with 8 panels of bubble insulation and an insulation manual which explains step by step procedure of installing it. Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit fits perfectly on 8 feet wide doors which make it a very good choice for most garage doors.
Thanks to its lightweight and easy to install procedure, you do not need any help while installing the insulation kit. Another great feature is that it exceeds the fire codes. When it comes to cleaning the insulation kit, you will not have any problems since it is very easy to clean it.
Most importantly, it is made of aluminum layers that are found on both sides to reflect the heat so that the temperature in the garage remains constant.
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Pros
- Comes with an installation manual
- It is very easy to install the insulation kit
- It fits most garage doors perfectly
- It exceeds fire codes
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Cons
- Some panels are thin
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4. SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit 2
The SmartGarage insulation kit is very effective in providing the insulation that you need in your garage. It comes in rolls that fit 4-panel doors very well. To ensure that the insulation kit sticks perfectly, it comes with adhesion tapes.
Another great feature of the insulation kit is that it comes in four rolls as opposed to one roll as is the norm with other insulation kits. If you have the normal 4-panel garage door, then you will be done installing the insulation kit within an hour.
For best results, start the installation from the bottom as you go upwards. Cut out for the hinges and rolls as you continue with the installation process. The kit also comes with an R-6 rating.
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Pros
- It is easy to install
- Has aluminum sides which enhances its heat reflection property
- Comes with adhesive tape which holds it perfectly into place
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Cons
- Does not fit on 5-panel doors
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5. M-D Building Products Available 3822 Vinyl Garage Door Top and Sides Seal
This is another great remedy for your garage door insulation. It is a bit different from other door insulation kits since it has a seal to insulate your garage doors from Dust, cold air, and moisture. These factors can be a nuisance when they get into your garage.
Another cools feature of the insulator is that it offers shock-absorbing properties when you close your garage door. It also doesn’t freeze even on cold temperatures. This feature means that it will remain flexible throughout the year no matter the weather. To make sure that you have an easy time installing the insulator, it comes with fasteners.
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Pros
- Does not freeze even in cold temperatures
- Comes with fasteners to make sure that the installation process is very easy
- It provides shock absorbing properties to the garage doors
- It offers great insulation and stops cold air, dust, and other harmful elements from entering into your garage
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Cons
- The seal does not align well on the garage door
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6. NASA TECH White Reflective Foam Core 2 Car Garage Door Insulation Kit
Whenever the name NASA is mentioned, one immediately thinks of the aeronautical body which sends astronauts into space. However, it is worth noting that the body has nothing to do with this insulation kit.
This kit uses NASA technology with reflective foam to provide the insulation that you require in your garage, this is to keep the heat in or out depending on the weather conditions. The kit has a very high insulation rating of R-8 which is a testament to its effectiveness.
Not to forget, it’s made of very a very durable material which means that you will not back to the shops any time soon. Another great feature of the insulation kit is that it is visually appealing and will add décor to your garage. It comes with high-quality adhesive which will make the kit stick well and stay long on the garage door.
It is also very easy to install the kit.
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Pros
- It is very easy to install
- It is very sturdy that durable
- It is lightweight
- It is very safe
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Cons
- Might not fit well into some garage doors
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7. Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit
The Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit is manufactured by Atlas which a trusted company when it comes to the production of insulation kits and other similar products. One of the greatest features which set this product apart is its ease of installation. Thanks to this, the kit is very popular with people who have never fixed an installation kit before. All you need is to cut the insulation kit to the required size and fix it on the garage door.
The kit is made of polystyrene which ensures its quality. It also compliments the décor of your garage. Another great pro is its availability in different sizes. The standard size perfectly fits garage doors which are 8 to 9 feet wide doors and are 7 feet in height. If your garage door is 8 feet tall and 8 to 9 feet wide, then you can get a large size.
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Pros
- Comes in standard and large sizes which makes the insulation kit versatile
- It is easy and very fast to install
- It complements the décor of your garage
- It is very affordable
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Cons
- It has a low R rating
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8. ADO Products GDIKS. Single Garage Door Insulation Kit
Another great product when it comes to garage door insulation kits is the ADO Products GDIKS, Single Garage Door Insulation Kit. The product fits perfectly on the standard size garage door since it measures 9 by 7 feet. It is 37 feet in length and has a rating of R-8. Another great feature of the product is that it comes with an installation manual which makes the installation process very easy.
The installation process takes less than one hour to complete. Unlike other insulation kits, with ADO Products GDIKS, you use rugged metal pins to attach the kit to the door. You, therefore, do not need glue or tape to fix the kit. It comes with 18 caps and pins to make the installation process much easier.
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Pros
- It offers great insulation
- It is easy to install
- It uses pins for fastening
- Its cover keeps it clean and shiny
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Cons
- The pins become loose if they are not well fastened
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9. Garage Door Insulation Kit- DIY
This is another ideal insulation solution for your garage door. It comes in a roll that is normally accompanied by fasteners. The fasteners makes it easy to fix on your garage door. You must not also use the fasteners; you can opt to use glue or tape to fix the insulation kit.
Another great feature of the Garage Door Insulation Kit is that it is made from fiberglass which offers very high insulation to keep your garage’s temperature constant whether it is during the summer or winter. It is well suited for 9-inch wide garage doors and has a very high R rating of 9. The high rating means that the kit will keep the heat or cold out or in depending on the prevailing temperature.
The Garage Door Insulation Kit- DIY—- R-9 Complete Garage Insulation Kit does not emit any toxins which make it safe for children and pets alike.
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Pros
- Offers very high levels of insulation
- Does not emit any toxins so it is safe to use
- It is extremely easy to install
- Adds décor to your garage
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Cons
- It is on the heavier sides
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10. Garage Door Insulation Kit (8-Piece)
When it comes to ease of installation, then the Garage Door Insulation Kit (8-Piece) takes the first place. It requires easily accessible materials to install. All you need is a knife and the protective gear. As if that not enough, this kit will not take more than one hour to install the kit. The insulation kit comes in panels. Each panel measures 20 by 54 by 1 ½ inch and weighs 0.3 pounds.
Another great feature of the insulation kit is that it has kerfing which makes it fit easily into the garage door tracks. The kit is very sturdy which guarantees durability. To make the insulation kit presentable, it has a vinyl laminate on the outer side.
In addition, it offers very high levels of insulation. This only means that your garage will become an oven during the summer neither wills it becomes a fridge during winter. It is also safe since it does not emit any toxins.
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Pros
- Adds décor to your garage
- Offers great insulation properties
- It is very easy to install
- It does not emit any toxins therefore it is very safe to both people and pets
- Comes with kerfings, which fits into the garage door tracks
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Cons
- The door needs to have horizontal railings
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Factors to Consider While Choosing an Insulation Kit
Now that you know the top ten insulation kits in the market, it is important to know the factors that you should consider while buying them.
Below are the factors that you should put into consideration before settling on any particular insulation kit.
Ease of Installation
Generally, the installation of insulation kits is easy but some kits are easier to install than others. With most kits, you only need a handful of equipment like screwdrivers, tape, and scissors. It also does not take a lot of time to get the job done even if you are by yourself.
But, it is worth noting that some insulation kits are more difficult to cut and fit on the garage doors. One of the materials that can be a bit difficult to handle is fiberglass. In the case of fiberglass, you need to wear personal protective gear to avoid developing complications when you inhale the fibers.
Some rolls are also thicker than others and therefore much more difficult to cut or place into position on the door that you want to insulate. Some insulation kits come with an insulation manual that guides you through the process. Additionally, some kits come with fasteners like pins, glue, and tapes which make the fixing process easier.
Density
The higher the density of an insulation kit, the better the insulation properties. Usually, high-density materials are better at providing the needed insulation and also offer some soundproof properties which might come in handy in some instances.
If you are to make a choice between two insulation kits made of the same material, then comparing the density should help you make a decision. The thicker the density of the insulation kit, the better the insulation properties.
You should note though that some thinner insulation kits offer better insulation depending on the material. A good example is bubble wrap.
Color
Another great factor that you should consider when choosing an insulation kit is the color. Some insulation kits are dark and opaque while others are brightly colored. Depending on your preference, you might choose the color that that best suits your needs. But if your garage is to look lively and bright, you should go for the bright colors.
A bright color reflects light and makes your garage have more light. However, some materials reflect light too much which might cause glare. Therefore it is important to go for a color that is just perfect for the lighting of your garage.
Washable
Is the material of the insulation kit washable? It is natural for garage doors to attract dirt and other types of particles. As such, the insulation material on the door is bound to get dirty. Some kits also attract dust more than others. For this reason, it is important to check the washability of the insulating material.
Thankfully, most kits nowadays have an outer layer of foil or vinyl which makes them nonstick. This makes it easier to clean. To clean, pass a dump cloth over the surface of the kit. Make sure that the outer layer of the insulation kit is water-resistant.
Fire resistance
Another very important factor to consider is its fire resistance level. During summer, temperatures of the garage door can get very high. Before you buy an insulation kit, make sure that you check the temperature of your garage door during one of the days with the highest temperatures.
Check the level of fire-resistive of the kit that you intend to buy. When you find out that the temperature is close to the one you recorded on your door, do not buy the insulating kit. When some insulating kits burn, they release toxins that are harmful to your health.
Price
Another very important factor that you should consider before making a purchase decision is the price. It is important to compare prices of different insulating kits. It is good to make a physical visit to various outlets so that you can have a feel of the different products.
When you compare different insulation kits, you will know the average value of various kits. You can then decide on how much money you want to spend on a particular kit. Please note that not all products which are expensive are of high quality. Some products have an exaggerated price. Similarly, not all products that have a low price are of poor quality. Some high-quality products are very competitively priced. Therefore, it is important to do your due diligence before spending your hard-earned cash.
Materials That Make Insulating Kits
There are four main types of materials that make insulating kits. They include:
- Radiant barrier
- Foam
- Fiberglass
- Cellulose
Radiant Barrier
The first material that insulation kits are made from is a radiant barrier. The feature that sets this material apart is its highly reflective nature. Insulation kits made from radiant barriers block the heat instead of absorbing it.
Foam
The second type of insulation material is foam. In fact, it is a very common material when it comes to making insulation kits. One type is the spray foam where you spray it on the door and give it time to dry. Spray foam is very rigid and for this reason, is not the best option when it comes to garage door insulation. The best foam to use on a garage door is known as Styrofoam since is it lightweight.
Fiberglass
One of the greatest advantages of fiberglass is its high resistance or R-value. This means that if you live in an area that experiences high temperatures, then you should go for an insulation kit made from fiberglass. However, fiberglass requires you to have personal protective equipment so that you do not breathe in the fiber when installing the insulating kit.
Cellulose
Cellulose is a new entrant as a material that is used to make an insulation kit. What sets the material apart is that it is completely organic. Its installation process is easier than that of fiberglass, it also offers better insulation according to experts. Its disadvantage though is that it is more expensive than other materials.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What does R-value mean in an insulation kit?
R-value is the measure of the level of fire or heat resistance on an insulation kit. The higher the R-value an insulation kit has, the better its insulation properties.
Is it worth it to insulate garage doors?
Yes, the insulation of garage doors is a wise and crucial investment. Once you insulate your garage door, then the AC unit will work much better and you will make savings on electricity costs.
Is it difficult to insulate a garage door?
A garage door insulation process is a fairly simple task. It should not take you more than 1 hour especially if you are performing the task as a pair.
Which material is the best for insulating garage doors?
The best material to insulate a garage door is the one with a high R- rating especially if you live in an area that records high temperatures.
Is insulating a garage worth it?
If you are hoping to cut down your energy costs while you use an electric heater, the best way to insulating the attic space of your garage. These help you keep the temperature in that part of your garage.
Final Recap
Proper insulation is very crucial if you are to enjoy the right temperatures in your garage and in your house as a whole. With proper insulation, you can comfortably work in your garage. Additionally, proper insulation protects your vehicles or tools in the garage from extreme heat or cold. However, there are many insulation kits in the market. Before making a purchasing decision, it is important to consider some factors. You should check the R-rating of the insulation kit, the price, the installation procedure among other similar factors.
We are confident that you are now knowledgeable on the best garage door insulation kits and you will make an informed purchasing decision.