If there’s anything that we know about garages, it’s that they tend to become rather hot during summer and fairly cold during winter. Due to the large doors, a lot of heat tends to escape – or get in, depending on the season. This can easily cause your bills to go up, especially during the warm and cold seasons.
For this reason, you might want to invest in the best garage door insulation kit. Not only will it prevent the cold or warmth from seeping into the cracks, but it will also prevent the door from changing its temperature and affecting the rest of the room.
With so many good options going around, it might be difficult to narrow it down to one good product. For this reason, we have gathered some garage door insulation kit reviews so that you may pick the right one. Each garage is different – and you will have to choose accordingly.
See The Quick Comparison Chart
Why You Should Install Garage Door Insulation
We would not be installing garage door insulation unless it came with a few benefits. Here is why you might want to consider adding some insulation to your garage doors.
Less energy consumption
The hotter it is, the more you will want to turn your air conditioner on. Similarly, the colder it is, the more you’ll want to turn up the heating. With garages, this can be quite a costly action, as a lot of air goes in and out once those large doors are opened. Since this cannot be avoided, you will need to find a way to keep the temperature constant – without breaking through your utility bills.
Since insulation does not allow for air to escape through the gaps, it will be much easier for you to keep your garage warm once those doors are closed. The temperature will remain constant, which means that the items you placed in your garage will be much less subjected to damage.
Reduce the noise
When you have an old garage door, things tend to get rather noisy. From the tracking mechanism of the door along with the noise coming from outside, it can be very unnerving standing in your garage – for both you and your neighbors.
However, if you go for garage door insulation, the noise won’t be as easy to go through. This means that the sounds coming from outside will barely be heard – unless, of course, you open the door. Plus, that insulation often goes on the side and cracks of the garage door – which means there won’t be any squeaking sounds either. The garage should be quiet at all times – no matter if the doors are closed or in motion.
Increase door durability
When a garage door is not insulated, it is exposed to elements that may dent, crack – or simply cause the door to decay. However, if your garage door is insulated, any exterior factor will not directly impact your door. It will act as a coating – like the cover that you use for your phone, or your car.
Sure, if anything might slam into the door, the insulation may have to suffer and will need to have that section replaced. However, it is much easier (and definitely less expensive) to fix up an insulated section of the garage door than it is to replace the entire door.
Create more storage space
If the garage is too hot or too cold, the chances are very high that you will no longer want to step into your garage – to avoid that kind of discomfort. You just store the items wherever you can in your house, where the temperatures are just fine.
However, if the temperatures do not go to any extremes, it will no longer feel uncomfortable for you to step into the garage and leave your items there. These pieces will also be more protected from extreme temperatures – no matter if it’s a car, a bike, or a toolbox that you have at hand.
Increase comfort
Perhaps the most important reason of them all is that garage door insulation increases the comfort level. When it is too cold or too hot, it might feel uncomfortable for you to step into a certain environment – which might be rather troublesome if you turned your garage into, say, a workshop.
However, if you insulate your garage doors, the place will no longer get too cold or too hot. The temperatures should remain pleasant, even without you having to turn the heating or the air conditioning on.
Learning the Ins and Outs of Garage Door Insulation
Garage openings generally cause the most heat (or coolness) losses as compared to the rest of the house. Part of it is because when you open the door, the temperature inside will become influenced by the one outside. If it’s too hot outside, then opening the door might cause the cool air to go outside – and the warm air to come inside.
Similarly, when it’s cold, opening the door will cause the hot air to go out – and the cold air to come in. As we know from the laws of thermodynamics, the temperatures exchange until everything becomes leveled.
This can happen no matter if the doors are actually open or closed. With doors this large, there is a high chance that air will be leaking from the cracks in the door – which are bound to occur. This is why insulation works to stop the air from getting in and out of those cracks.
For instance, if you have a garage heater, then there is a high risk that the heat will get out through the cracks during winter if you go sans insulation. However, if you use insulation, that heat will be contained, and will not be lost through the cracks or wasted on a cold garage door. you may also want to have a look at our reviews on ceramic heaters.
Garage insulation also works by preventing the room from being influenced by the door temperature. Since most garage doors are made from metal, they tend to absorb and retain temperature. Therefore, if it is very cold or very hot outside, the door will also become very cold or hot – and that temperature will be projected inside your garage.
However, the insulation will act like a barrier that will keep the temperature from being projected into your garage. The special material from which the insulation was made will absorb and negate the heat/cold – or it will divert it back from where it came. In most cases, it will simply stop the extreme temperatures from progressing even further. In short, it is important to understand the pros and cons of insulated garage doors before making a decision.
Best Garage Door Insulation Kits Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit |
| View On Amazon | |
Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit |
| View On Amazon | |
SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit |
| View On Amazon | |
NASA TECH Garage Door Insulation Kit |
| View On Amazon | |
Reflectix BP24050 Bubble Pack Insulation |
| View On Amazon | |
Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit |
| View On Amazon |
Best Garage Door Insulation Kits – (Newest Models)
1. Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit
If you are looking for a garage insulation kit that is simple to install and has no complicated turnarounds, then you might want to go for the Matador kit. It is popular for a fairly good reason, and many people can vouch for its 4.8 R-value.
For one, you need no special tools to install it, and the entire process takes less than an hour. You may purchase it in two sizes, 7 x 8/9-foot doors, and 8 x 8/9-foot doors. This will ensure that each insulation kit will fit most standard doors.
The 8 panels are made from quality white polystyrene that gives off a clean look to your kitchen. In most cases, you won’t even know that you have insulation on your door – until you check your utility bill. When you see how little you have to pay, that’s how you will notice its presence.
Pros:
- Very easy to install (no extra tools needed)
- The sleek design gives your garage extra elegance
- Great insulation properties in both seasons
Cons:
- Rather messy if you have to cut it
- A bit more efficient for winter than summer use
2. Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit
If you are looking for garage insulation kits that are more suited for metal garage doors, then you might want to go for this product. It offers five times the thermal performance of a non-insulated door, and you should clearly see a reduction in your monthly energy bills.
Suitable for a nine-foot garage door, this kit should take less than an hour to be installed. Plus, you will only need a few tools to install it – and these are tape measure, some straight-edge, a marker, and a utility knife.
The material is flexible and highly resistant to denting, with an easily cleaned vinyl surface. Plus, it offers 20% noise reduction, making it a good choice for noisy neighborhoods.
Pros:
- Efficient when it comes to noise reduction
- Elegant aspect
- Takes little time and few tools to install
Cons:
- The adhesive tape needs to be purchased separately
- Some claim the surface is too soft
3. SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit
If you are looking for something with high insulating properties along a reflective surface, this kit should prove effective. With the ability to reflect heat up to 97%, this kit is perfect for keeping your garage at a cool temperature during summer.
Resistant to mold and moisture formation, this garage door insulation kit made from polyethylene foam is not only affordable, but it is also easy to maintain. Plus, it is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, making it very safe to install.
With an R-value rated at 6, this kit is very convenient for winters as well. The tape is also heavy-duty, which means that you are not likely to see the insulation peeling off of your garage door.
Pros:
- Very easy to install, with minimum tools
- Lightweight and won’t affect the use of your garage door
- Easily maintained for a long time
Cons:
- Not suitable for every door size (sizing may be confusing)
- Limited noise insulation power
4. NASA TECH Garage Door Insulation Kit
This kit is very efficient in terms of insulation, as it features a reflective insulation core that can keep both the garage cool during summer and warm during winter.
With an R-value rated at 8, this one has some fairly strong insulating properties that will not allow the warm air to slip through the cracks. The passage of radiant heat is also reduced by 95%, making it perfect for summer as well.
This insulation kit also features decent sound reduction technologies. This means that even if you live facing a very crowded street, you will not be bothered by incoming traffic.
Pros:
- Has a very elegant, neat, and clean aspect
- Delivers a very significant change in temperature
- Very efficient noise-reduction properties
Cons:
- Installation is fairly complicated and takes at least two people
5. Reflectix BP24050 Bubble Pack Insulation
If you want something that is very easy to install, cheap, and that can do a fairly good job at keeping the warmth in, then you might want to give this one a try. This bubble pack insulation adds great value to your home, as it protects your door and also prevents the heat from escaping through the cracks.
The product is fairly durable – and considering that it is for both summer and winter use, you may leave it on continuously. You won’t have to take it off as soon as a certain season hits, and the adhesive is strong enough to ensure it stays there.
The insulation kit is quite lightweight – which means that it will not compromise the use of your garage door in any way.
Pros:
- Lightweight and perfect for any garage door
- Durable and protective
- Efficient at keeping the air cool in the garage during summer
Cons:
- Does not provide much noise reduction properties
6. Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit
If you live in an area that is considered a fire hazard, then you might want to consider this garage door insulation kit. Made from bubble-roll with reflective layers, this unit not only keeps the heat away from your garage but is also resistant to any fires that might break out.
This kit is very easy to install – all you have to do is to use the “stick’ems” that were provided in the package. The whole process should take less than an hour – and in most cases, you will not even need another person to help you do the job.
The kit is also very lightweight – which means that you will not see much of a difference when you are opening the door to your garage. This also adds to its ease of installation, making it simpler to cut as well.
Pros:
- Fire resistant
- Lightweight design
- Very easy to install
Cons:
- Not very efficient for winter use
- Some say the quality is not very high
7. Cellofoam Garage Door Insulation Kit
Going back to traditional polystyrene, this one is highly efficient in terms of insulation. Each panel is fairly thick, which means that this one is mostly suitable for winter use, in order to keep the heat in.
The panels have been laminated with a clean, white surface, which makes them very easy to clean. Moreover, the finish looks very nice – and it will offer quite an elegant style to your garage. For all intents and purposes, it should look like you got a new garage door.
The kit itself is fairly easy to install – and in most cases, it’s not even considered a two-person job. It is also very efficient at reducing noise, making it perfect if you live in a noisy neighborhood – or if you have neighbors that are easily bothered by noise.
Pros:
- The vinyl laminated surface is elegant and very easy to clean
- Very easy to install
- High insulating properties
Cons:
- Becomes very messy if you need to cut the pieces
- Rather heavy in weight
Garage Door Insulation Buying Guide
Main Tips You Should Consider
When you are buying your garage door insulation kit, there are a few things that you might want to keep in mind.
Weight
We know what you are thinking: the thicker, the better. Indeed, more insulation will ensure that the temperature inside will not be affected by the temperature outside – but at the same time, it is not quite recommended.
The logic behind that is quite simple: if the insulation is too heavy, then it might influence the way in which that garage door works. Depending on the insulation kit that you purchase, you may have to get the help of a professional in the domain. This will make sure that the weight does not become a problem when the insulation is installed.
R-Value
The R-value is also very important to consider since it determines the effectiveness of the insulation. The better the R-value, the more you can be sure that the garage will maintain a proper temperature. Most of the time, this should appear on the product description – but if it does not, then you might want to contact the manufacturer and make an inquiry.
Type
Not every kind of insulation is appropriate for garage doors. For example, while spray foam insulation might be a good choice for walls and roofs, it might not be such a suitable choice for garage doors. In this case, panel or other similar types of garage door insulation that you just “roll” over the door might actually be more appropriate.
Material
Garage door insulation may be made from a variety of materials. It can be made from fiberglass, it can be made from polystyrene, or it can be made from polyethylene. You choose the material based on your possibilities and personal preferences.
For instance, while fiberglass is commonly used and is among the most efficient options, it might cause skin irritation if not installed correctly. On the other hand, polystyrene is touch and eco-friendly – but it’s slightly thicker and a bit more difficult to handle.
Last but not least, polyethylene resembles foil bubble wrap, and it’s as easy to handle as it is to keep the temperatures constant. Since it works as a heat reflector, it keeps the sun out during summer and the warmth in during winter. The only issue with this material is that, unlike the other materials, it does not really do such a good job in terms of noise insulation.
U-Factor
Just like with the R-value, you also need to consider the U-factor of your garage floor insulation. It may be less commonly used, but nonetheless, it is something that you may want to keep in mind. It refers to the heat flow going through the material – and in most cases, a lower number tends to be a better one when garage door insulation is involved.
Kit Size
Not every garage door insulation kit will be suitable for any garage door size – which is why you need to make sure that the kit you purchase is actually enough for what you have in mind.
For instance, while you may think that you can cut those pieces to size, they might be hard to fit without professional help. This is why, ideally, you should look for a kit size that is approximately the same width and height of your garage door.
Cost
You do not have to pay an arm and a leg when garage door insulation is involved, as you can easily find a good-priced kit that can do a very good job at containing the heat or coolness (depending on the season) in your garage.
That being said, you should also try not to go for the cheapest kit that you can find, as you may end up with surprises. Granted, there are a few cheap kits out there that are very good – but in most cases, if a kit is more expensive, it probably is that way for a reason. Do not be afraid to pay a few extra bucks to get the quality that you need.
The Types of Garage Door Insulation Kits to Consider
When it comes to garage door insulation kits, there are quite a few options that you might want to consider – in most cases, involving the material, purpose, and their ease of application. To make sure that you choose the best option for your garage door, here is what each type entails.
Reflective Foil Garage Door Insulation
Reflective foil insulation one may not be the most visually-appealing option – but it is certainly very efficient in its purpose. This kind of insulation is particularly useful if you live in areas with very hot and sunny summers – with temperatures that cause your garage to boil up. When applied, reflective foil insulation will reflect the heat and keep your garage cool – practically sending the heat in a completely different direction.
You may buy this type of insulation in rolls, with its thickness somewhere around an inch and a half. Depending on your preferences, you may go for single foil or double-foil insulation. The single foil will have one layer of polyethylene foam between two aluminum foil layers.
On the other hand, double foil insulation will have two layers of insulation between the aluminum foils – making it the more appropriate choice for areas that experience harsh winters as well. This way, not only will your garage be kept cool during summer, but it will also stay warm during winter.
Polystyrene Foam Garage Door Insulation
Polystyrene foam insulation is among the least expensive options but at the same time, one cannot say that it’s less efficient. While reflective foil is mostly used during summer and to keep the heat out, polystyrene foam has the main purpose of keeping the heat in during winter.
It has better insulation properties in comparison to reflective foil, as it tends to be thicker and denser. For this reason, it is a particularly good option if you need to block out the sounds coming from the outside (i.e. if your garage opens up directly to a busy street).
The only drawback of this type of foam is that it has little – or pretty much no flexibility in comparison to reflective foil. You bend it, you crack it – and since the heat might escape through those cracks, a damaged sheet might have its insulation power compromised.
Plus, this type of insulation is generally sold in larger sheets which will have to be cut to size to fit the door. While this may be convenient for custom-sized doors, the process can be rather messy – and may require the help of a professional. It’s very easy to accidentally crack the polystyrene foam as you are attempting to cut it.
Panel Kits
Panel kits generally have a number of pre-cut panels (typically 8) made from plastic laminated polystyrene or fiberglass – all of which were made to fit inside your garage door’s channels.
In comparison to fiberglass, polystyrene tends to provide better insulation properties – but at the same time, fiberglass is more resistant to mold and water. However, panel kits look much better in general – so, if the aspect is very important to you, then you might want to go for this type of garage door insulation.
Bubble Wrap Insulation
Bubble wrap insulation provides some fair flexibility and is not as difficult to maneuver as it is with panel kits or polystyrene panels. You may purchase it with reflective foil or without it, depending on the season that you want to use it in (reflective foil, for instance, it is much more efficient to keep the sun out during summer).
The main issue with this type of insulation is that, while it may be efficient in terms of temperature insulation, it does not have the same properties in regards to noise insulation. Therefore, if noise is also an issue for you, then you might want to go for a different kind of insulation – as this might not block the traffic occurring outside your garage.
Compatibility of Insulation with Different Door Types
Not every type of garage door will work well with any kind of insulation, which is why you need to consider what you have at home before making the purchase. A certain type of door made from a particular material might benefit from a different type of insulation – and here are the combinations that are the most effective.
Steel Garage Doors
If you have a steel garage door, then you have more flexibility in this regard – mainly because you may install whichever type of door insulation that you want. Fiberglass tends to be the most popular option, but you might also go for bubble wrap if you need to install it without any additional trouble.
In the event that you are going with fiberglass, make sure that the only thing it touches is the door – and that it doesn’t extend outward. You may also cut the polystyrene strips into smaller pieces so that they may fit in the side panel of your garage door. The beauty of steel doors is that they allow you the flexibility to install whatever insulation you prefer.
Wood Garage Doors
When it comes to wood garage doors, sturdy polystyrene foam is a much better option, as it can more easily adjust to the wooden structure – without any further complications. Plus, like most custom wooden garage doors, you can easily cut them to size.
Garage Door with Windows
If you have a garage door with windows, then panel kits might be the most useful type of insulation, as it is much easier to affix. Polystyrene insulation might also be a good choice, as you might cut the sheets yourself – affixing them to the size of your windows.
Flat Garage Doors
Like steel doors, these are also compatible with many types of insulation. You can go for either polystyrene or polyethylene foam – and all you have to do is simply use a strong adhesive or some double-sized duct tape.
Understanding Cold vs. Warm Temperature Garage Door Insulation
We have slightly gone into discussing winter and summer insulation – but we haven’t actually gone into detail. While every kind of insulation works decently well in every season, some are more suited for a particular season. Here are the differences between them and how to pick the good kind.
Warm Climate Garage Doors
When you live in a warm climate that tends to experience frequent heat waves, you might want to go for radiant shield insulation. This insulation type will have two sheets of reflection, along with a bubble or cardboard core.
For better ventilation, you may want to leave half an inch between the garage doors so that you can have a breathable, more constant temperature. Purchasing a top-notch garage fan would also help with ventilation. Also, the layering should not be very thick – and instead of focusing on heat retention, you have to focus on ventilation and heat reflection. This way, you will know that your garage remains nice and cool.
Cold Temperature Climate
When you are living in a climate that often experiences cold temperatures, the last thing you want is for your garage to remain cool – which is why you will have no use for reflective sheets or thin insulating layers. You will need to bring the big bosses here – the kind that can draw and keep the heat in rather than draw it out.
In this case, you will need something with an R-value of at least 6 or above. Polystyrene may be effective, but when cold environments are involved, then you might be safer to go with fiberglass. Add some extra stripping on the sides for extra protection, and your garage should be fully insulated throughout the entire winter.
Steps for Installing Garage Door Insulation
If possible, you might want to hire a professional to install your garage door insulation. However, if you do intend to go without hired help, here is how you should be able to do it.
Prep the Surface
Garage door insulation is installed on the inner side of your door, which is why you do not have to concern yourself with the outer surface. However, in order for the adhesive of the insulation to stick, you must ensure that the surface is as clean a possible.
Use acetone (if possible) or a degreaser to give your garage door a deep clean. However, you may want to test the detergent on a corner of the garage door that is less visible, to ensure that it is not too strong. Once you have cleaned everything, rinse with some warm water and then leave it to dry.
Apply the Adhesive
Regardless of the type of garage door insulation that you use, you will need some kind of adhesive. Double-sided tape is generally the most common kind of adhesive, but you may also find kits that use Velcro adhesive to attach the insulation.
Read the instruction manual that comes with the kit at all times, as different kits might have different instructions. Tab insulation, for example, should be installed differently in comparison to fiberglass insulation.
Test Fit Some of the Panels
Before you remove the protective layers of the adhesive bands, check if the panels fit first. Place them over the surface, and see whether or not they need some extra adjustments. If the panels need trimming, proceed to do so carefully. You must ensure that in the end, those panels will fit just perfectly.
Apply the Insulation
Now that everything has been properly trimmed, you may expose the top row of the adhesive and install the insulation – panel by panel. Make sure that you push it properly into the adhesive tabs, to ensure that no air is leaking out. Depending on the type of insulation that you use, you may want to stretch it to remove any wrinkles. Ideally, you might want to have someone helping you out in this stage.
Garage Door Insulation FAQs
- Do I need to insulate the sides of the garage as well?
This depends on the season when you are insulating – or what you are insulating it for. If you are insulating to keep the warmth in and to add an extra kick to your window insulation kit, then you might want to insulate the sides as well. This will keep the heat from going out during winter.
However, during summer, you might want to leave the sides alone for extra ventilation – and only isolate the door. This should actually keep the heat in – and will also keep the sun from overheating the door.
- Is garage door insulation flammable?
This depends. Some insulation types were treated to be fire retardant – and actually stop the fire from progressing upon contact. Other types of insulation are highly flammable – and may also release toxic gas when they are burning. This is why you should carefully read the fine print of the product – particularly if you live in an area where you are predisposed to going through fire hazards.
- Can I install the garage door insulation myself?
Technically, there is nothing that can stop you from insulating the garage door yourself. However, unless you’ve done this before, there is a high chance that you don’t do the insulation properly. In most cases, this is a two-man job – which is why you might want to inquire for some professional help.
Wrap Up
As you can see, finding the best garage door insulation kit is not really that difficult, if you know what to look for. You will have to consider the right factors such as your door, your possibilities, the general temperature – and many more. However, with a little bit of research, it can certainly be done.
We hope that our garage door insulation kit reviews have proven useful to you. These products have obtained fairly good ratings from previous customers – and this means that they are very efficient. May your garage never be too cold or too hot again.
We have more product reviews on our web site from top-rated HVAC refrigerant leak detectors to the best AC unit pads.