Best Garage Door Insulation Kit – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
A garage provides space for homeowners to undertake various woodwork projects, work on your car, or simply workout. However, when the sun is up in the sky in summer or the snow is falling in winter, the temperatures may be too high or too low, thus making it difficult to work efficiently.
As such, you need to get a garage door insulation kit to ensure the radiant heat is reflected rather than transferred and allowed to flow. This will allow you to cool the space when it’s hot and warm it when it’s cold. This will end up creating a super comfortable environment that is conducive to any kind of work.
Check out our list of the 7 best garage door insulation kits in the market. Our selection criteria included user reviews, ratings, unique features, performance, what is included in the kit, and the dimensions.
Top 7 Best Garage Door Insulation Kit in Nov, 2024
1. US Energy NASATECH 2 Car Garage Door Insulation Kit
This product is the upgraded version of the 5/16 foam core. It will fit a two-car garage door perfectly and will insulate your garage by creating an air pocket that can achieve the R-value of 8.
You do not need any special know-how or tools to install this insulation kit. You, therefore, can install it quickly during winter or summer to cut down on the heating and cooling costs respectively.
This insulation kit is 5/16-inch thick, making it the thickest reflective foam core insulation currently available in the market.
It has no fiberglass, carcinogenic, or toxic compounds so it is clean for use.
Features:
- Brand: US Energy Products
- Materials: Foam Core, foil
- R-Value: 8
- Size: 4 Rolls of 18ft x 24″
- Type: Pre-Cut Rolls
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- It has a clean finish
- Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic
Cons
- Some users argue that after just a few years of installation, the insulation loosened due to the poor quality tape.
2. Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit
The facing made is a robust white vinyl, which can be easily washed. Use a mild detergent when washing the vinyl surface to avoid damaging it.
Owens Corning 500824 Garage Door Insulation Kit includes 8 panels (22″ x 54″ for each). That makes it fits for an uninsulated standard garage door up to 9 ft (W) x 7ft (H). It gives a perfect fit to the protruding part of the door.
High thermal insulation properties of the material are an effective barrier against heating the garage in summer and heat loss in winter. Fiberglass absorbs sounds well, reducing the noise level entering from the street.
Based on the statistics of the standard human listening studies, this garage door insulation system will reduce the noise level emitted from the room by at least 20 percent when installed.
Pro tips:
- Fiberglass can cause itching in skin contact, so I recommend wearing Nitrile Gloves for material installation.
- For additional fixing of the panels, you can use Gorilla White Duct Tape or twine that is stretched crosswise around the bolts.
Owens Corning 500824 Garage Door Insulation Kit is highly recommended to users with uninsulated metal garage doors.
Features:
- Brand: Owens Corning
- Materials: Fiberglass, Vinyl
- R-Value: 8
- Size: 22″ x 54″ (8 Panels)
- Type: panels
Pros
- Super easy to install
- Speedy installation (at most 1 hour)
- Washable vinyl surface
Cons
- Panels cannot be painted
- Some users feel that the two pins for attaching the insulation material are inadequate and you may have to use glue
3. Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit
The kit only weighs 10 pounds so you can handle it with ease, especially when it comes to installation.
These insulation panels are ideal for all kinds of weather because they will warm the garage during the winter and cool it during the summer. As such, it is recommended for users looking to cut on their heating and cooling costs. At 75°F, the insulation material has a reflective value of 4.8.
If you want a garage door insulation kit that will help your garage space look stylish, then this is the right brand for you. It has an elegant finish that makes the garage attractive. The surface is made of a bright white material that is readily washable.
Before the installation process, you need to get a straight edge, a utility knife, a tape measure, work gloves, and safety goggles.
Features:
- Brand: Matador
- Materials: Polystyrene
- R-Value: 4.8
- Size: 23,25″ x 54″ x 1,25″
- Type: Panels
Pros
- For use on both single (8 x 9 feet) and double (16 x 8 feet) metal doors
- The bright white surface, easy washable
- Reduces the noise levels
Cons
- Some users feel that the styrofoam material used makes the insulation kit look cheap
- Need gloves to work
4. Reflectix Bubble Pack Insulation
It is ideal for use in crawl spaces in your home, the attic, wall, post, metal buildings as well as frame structures.
Unlike most of its counterparts, this insulation kit is designed with fiber-free material. This renders it lightweight for portability and handling when installing. To be specific, this insulation kit weighs about 5 pounds for convenience. It features a reflective value of 14.3, which makes it 97 percent reflective.
It is made of 7 layers with two outer layers made of aluminum foil that reflects and hits the heats. Every foil layer is further blended with polyethylene, a material known for its toughness and ability to strengthen the boards. The insulation material has two inner layers with a bubble so that it can resist the passage of heat.
The core layer of this kit is made of polyethylene for extra strength for durability. Two inner layers of bubble pack resist heat flow, while a center layer of polyethylene gives additional strength.
Features:
- Brand: Reflectix
- Materials: Polyethylene, foil
- R-Value: 3.5-4
- Size: 24″ x 50′
- Type: Roll
- Made in China
Pros
- Lasting and flexible material
- Double-sided, easy to install
- Reflects 97% of the heat radiated
Cons
- Double-sided tape may be required to install
5. Reach Barrier Garage Door Insulation Kit
You will get 8 panels that are precut and easy to install. These panels are constructed of 5/32 inch Barrier Bubble sandwiched between 2 layers of Reflective Polyethylene.
The polyethylene material is used to enhance the reflective ability of the kit besides improving its durability. This kit is designed as per the new ASTM fire code standards.
It also comes with Acrylic Adhesive one-inch square Stick’s that is easy to use thanks to the simple instructions included. While installing this product you do not need any tools or protective gear.
This garage door insulation kit only weighs 3.32 pounds so it is easy to carry, handle, and install.
Features:
- Brand: Reach Barrier
- Materials: Polyethylene
- Size: 24″ x 48″
- Type: Pre-Cut Panels
- Made in USA
Pros
- New fire codes
- Reflective polyethylene
- It is durable and easy to use
Cons
- Some users say that the bubble wrap may come partly deflated
- Some panels are not the same size
Cellofoam Garage Door Insulation Kit – 8 Foam Panels
Design
This door insulation kit measures 20 * 54 * 1.5 inches and wide enough to completely fit a one-sided garage door. This is important for optimum insulation and a real value for your investment.
However, if you have a double door garage, you will need to get two packages of cell foam insulation kit—each for each side of the door.
Since it is 1.5 inches thick, you’re guaranteed insulation efficiency. Therefore, the kit will help keep your garage room well insulated.
Besides, the insulation kit is white in color and will blend well with your garage interior design. White shades don’t absorb much heat energy, thereby making the kit effective during hot weather.
Material of manufacture
Cellofoam insulation kit is made of expanded polystyrene that’s of high quality and with an R-value of 4.8. This, in addition to its thickness, will ensure your garage is kept warm during winter.
Besides, it has an extra finish of high-impact styrene (HIPs) on the exposed surface. HIPs reinforce its agility, making the kit durable. Thus you won’t need to budget for a replacement after a short while.
HIPs adds aesthetics to the insulation kit thereby improving the appearance of your garage interior. But that’s not all… cleaning the insulation kit is easy and you’ll find it fun.
Usability
You require less than an hour to set this insulation kit on your garage door. This is possible because the installation process is DIY. Furthermore, you won’t require any special set of tools to have the work done.
Also, the kit is versatile and will help you with noise reduction. If you live in a noisy neighborhood, Cellofoam will help you concentrate in your garage by keeping external noise at bay.
And if the law requires that you keep your noise levels in the check, this insulation kit will help you stay on the right side of the law. Therefore, you can instead focus on what you’re doing in the garage.
Pros
- Guaranteed high performance.
- Versatile and can insulate from noise and temperatures.
- Made of sturdy materials thus durable.
- It’s easy to install.
- Adds aesthetic value to your garage interior.
Cons
- You have to get two sets if you have a double door garage.
SmartGARAGE – Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit
More precisely, the insulation kit will reduce your garage temperatures by 8 degrees in summer. And the big picture is that you’ll end up saving more on cooling and heating costs.
Design
The insulation kit is suitable for a 4-panel door measuring 18 feet in the width and 7 feet in the height. The best part is that it fits completely, thereby facilitating better insulation of your garage room.
Besides, it’s white and has a reflective surface that radiates excess heat. During summer, this will help in keeping your garage room cool and a comfortable working environment.
The insulation kit comes with a reliable double-sided tape that you can use in extreme weather. Whether in summer or winter, the tape is heavy duty and works well to ensure the insulation kit serves its purposes.
Material of manufacture
This insulation kit is made of polyethylene foam and has an R-value of 6. This makes the insulation kit adequately effective in regulating your garage room temperature.
Besides, it has a reflective layer that is 99% aluminum and radiates off excess heat during summers.
The reflective layer offers a vapor barrier thereby making the insulation kit moisture resistant. This will prevent molds from forming on your garage door.
Apart from temperature regulation, the insulation kit doubles as a sound barrier, thereby protecting you from excessive noise from the neighborhood.
If you need a piece of mind while in the garage, the insulation kit will enable you to realize that while helping you to maintain focus.
Usability
Setting this insulation kit is simple and doesn’t take much time. Besides, you don’t require special tools to carry out the exercise. And in about an hour you should be able to install it on your garage door.
Moreover, it’s versatile and works well in both summer and winter. Therefore, you don’t need to acquire two different insulators for the two seasons. One is already enough.
More importantly, it doesn’t have environmentally harmful substances that can affect your health. Thus, you can use it for as long as you’d want to without worrying about long-term health effects.
Pros
- High performance is guaranteed.
- It’s made of sturdy material hence durable.
- It works well in both summer and winter.
- It’s easy to set up.
- It’s environmentally friendly thus doesn’t pose health threats.
Cons
- It’s only ideal for the specific garage door size.
Comparison Table
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
| US Energy NASATECH |
|
| Owens Corning 500824 |
|
| Matador |
|
| Reflectix BP24050 |
|
| Reach Barrier 3009 |
|
| Cellofoam |
|
| SmartGARAGE |
|
Garage Door Insulation Kit – Buyer’s Guide
If you’re thinking about replacing your garage door with an insulated model — or adding insulation to an existing door — you’re making a great investment. While insulating a secondary structure like a garage might seem like an unnecessary venture on the surface, doing so can save you money in more ways than one.
If you enter your home directly through the unheated garage, you’re losing heat every time you open the door. Even if your garage isn’t attached to the house, colder temperatures translate into more wear and tear on vehicles. Other things that are commonly stored in garages, such as paint and cleaning products, will also suffer from long-term exposure to extreme cold.
So now that you’ve decided to invest in garage door insulation, where do you begin? That’s where we come in. This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about the different types of insulation available, including which materials work best in various climates, which perform best during the winter months, and how the results differ based on varying door types.
Types of Insulation
Fiberglass
You’re likely already familiar with this type of insulation, even if you don’t realize it. Fiberglass insulation is made up of minuscule glass fibers and is often sold in rolls (also known as “blankets”) or as loose-fill. The material bears a resemblance to cotton candy but is highly irritating to the skin. It works by trapping pockets of air around the fibers, thereby keeping out extreme cold or heat. When used in a garage, fiberglass installation also works as a buffer against street noise.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene foam is made of recycled matter, making it a “green” insulation alternative. The foam is usually sold in large sheets that can be cut to fit the dimensions of your garage door. It’s more rigid than fiberglass and polyethylene foil (see below), and can, therefore, be somewhat difficult to work with. However, it’s also long-lasting, waterproof, and provides a decent sound barrier as well as protection from extreme temperatures.
Polyethylene
This type of insulation is composed of highly flexible foil bubble wrap that works to trap and reflect heat, keeping it outside during the warmer months and inside when it’s cold. Sold by the roll, it’s typically about an inch and a half thick and easy to cut to your desired specifications. Unlike fiberglass and polystyrene foil, though, polyethylene does little to keep out street noise.
Understanding R‑Value
When you’re shopping for insulation, you’re bound to hear the term “R-Value” a lot. The “R” stands for “resistance,” and the term refers to the material’s ability to prevent temperature flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation will be.
If you have a detached garage, and it already has insulated walls, then you should look for an R-value of 10 or higher. If it isn’t insulated, an R-value of six should get the job done. For attached garages, seek out an R-value of at least 12, especially if the rest of the space has insulation already in place.
Insulation for Different Door Types
Steel
With their unyielding construct, steel garage doors can handle just about any kind of insulation. Flexible fiberglass insulation and foil bubble wrap can be inserted into the frames. Note that if you opt for the former, the fiberglass side should be touching the door, not facing outward. Similarly, you can cut polystyrene boards to fit into the different-sized panels.
Wood
The rigidity of polystyrene foam works better with wood-paneled garage doors. Cut the foam boards to fit into the recesses between the door frames. To create an even more effective barrier, use two layers instead of one.
If your garage door has windows
If there are windows in your garage door, it’s a good idea to add a layer of sealant around the edges once the insulation is in place. Polystyrene foam is typically a better choice for this type of door, but this depends on the shape and location of the windows. If you have a typical row of rectangular windows at eye level, the foam boards should work well. Otherwise, you might prefer one of the more flexible options.
If the garage door is flat
Polystyrene foam and polyethylene insulation are the best options here. They can easily be affixed to the interior of the door using double-sided tape or strong glue.
If you have a garage door opener
In these cases, you’ll want to err on the side of flexibility. Opt for polyethylene or fiberglass—the latter if you’re also trying to create a sound barrier. Make sure that the insulation is installed properly, so it doesn’t get caught on the machinery when the door opens and closes.
Garage Door Insulation for Hot Climates
When you’re trying to insulate against heat, your best option is radiant barrier insulation. This consists of two reflective sheets (typically Mylar, the material used in those shiny balloons found at the supermarket) on either side of a bubbling core. Alternatively, you can just use cardboard, but this method is not as effective, and can even pose a fire hazard if the material gets too dry.
When installing radiant barrier insulation to protect against heat, make sure to leave an air gap between the door and the insulation. This can be achieved by cutting off a few strips of the insulation, making sure they’re long enough to reach from the top of the garage door to the floor, plus several inches. Affix these strips to either end of the door, with at least one in the middle (two, if the door is extremely wide).
When you add the main layer of insulation, make sure there’s at least a half-inch of space between it and the garage door.
Garage Door Insulation for Winter
Insulating a garage for winter can save you money on vehicle wear and tear, as well as heating costs. Since the job can typically be done within two hours, it’s an investment worth considering, especially if you live in a region that sees particularly harsh winters.
When insulating against cold temperatures, choose a material with an R-value of at least 6. Fiberglass insulation is usually a good choice here, as long as it’s at least two inches thick—the material carries a typical rating of R-3 to R-4 per inch.
It’s also a good idea to apply additional weatherstripping to the top, bottom, and sides of your garage door in preparation for winter. If your garage door is made of wood, you can invest in a nail-on weather seal.
Metal doors usually have an existing track at the bottom, where you can slide the product directly. Now is also the perfect time to add caulking to windows and fill in any cracks in the areas around the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Good R-Value for Garage Door?
R-value varies in every insulation kit and it determines how effective the kit is at insulating your garage. The higher the value the more effective the kit will be. While an R-value of 9 is ideal for best results, you can still go by any value that’s 5 and above. All these are determined by your budget and preference.
What are The Benefits of an Insulated Garage Door?
An insulated garage door has both health and financial benefits. Insulating your garage door during winter helps in preventing external heat loss to the environment. This, in turn, keeps you warm while you’re saving on utility bills. The same is true for hot weather where you need to keep the house cool. Thus, an insulated garage door will keep excess external heat at bay.
What Is the Best Type of Garage Door Insulation?
This is subjective and depends on the type of weather. During summer or hot weather, you need to stay cool and the best insulation kit for this is made of reflective material.
However, during winter or cold weather you need to keep warm. The best insulation kit that can facilitate this is made of fiberglass or polystyrene.
Do I need to purchase a garage door insulation kit?
If you’ve already purchased the insulation itself, a kit is not necessary. However, if you’re new to home improvement projects and would feel more comfortable with additional instructions, feel free to invest in one. They generally cost between $50 to $75 and contain sufficient material to insulate a single 9-foot garage door.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about replacing your existing garage door with an insulated model, first consider whether a total replacement is really necessary. It’s neither particularly expensive nor time-consuming to perform the installation yourself, and the rewards will be well worth it. As long as you’ve gained some basic knowledge of the materials, and understand how the methods differ based on climate and construct, you’re already several steps ahead of the game.