A garage is a big investment. It keeps your car safe from the elements and provides an extra layer of security for your home. That’s why it’s important to make sure it’s properly insulated. But can you insulate a garage door? Technically, yes – you can insulate anything you want. But it doesn’t always make sense to insulate a garage door. Here’s why – and what to do instead.
What You'll Learn Today
Does Adding Garage Door Insulation Do Anything?
If you’re thinking about adding insulation to your garage door, you may be wondering if it’s worth the investment. After all, garage doors are constantly being opened and closed, exposing the entire wall to outdoor air.
As a result, it can often be more expensive to adequately seal and insulate a garage than it’s worth in terms of energy savings.
However, if your garage is rarely used, you may be able to see some benefits from adding insulation. In general, though, adding insulation to your garage door is not likely to have a significant impact on your energy bills.
Will Insulating a Garage Door Keep Cold Out?
One way to make a garage more comfortable is to insulate the door. This will help to keep the cold out in the winter and the heat out in the summer.
However, it’s important to again note that insulating a garage door will only be effective if the door isn’t used that often.
If the door is opened frequently, then there will be a lot of cold air coming in and out, negating the benefits of insulation. Work on insulating the rest of the garage instead, where your money will be put to better use.
Can You Add Insulation to an Existing Garage Door?
Many people spend a lot of time in their garage working on projects, whether it’s building a new bookcase or fixing a broken lawnmower. And in the summer, that space can get pretty hot, making it uncomfortable to work in. The same goes for the winter.
So, can you add insulation to an existing garage door?
The short answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you start. Here’s a quick video that should recap the key points:
First, you need to determine what kind of garage door you have. If it’s a metal door, you’ll need to make sure the insulation doesn’t cause condensation issues.
Second, you need to decide what kind of insulation you want to use. There are several different types of insulation, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
And lastly, you need to take into account the R-value of the insulation. The higher the R-value, the better insulate your garage will be.
Here are a few options to consider.
Foam Board
Foam board insulation is one of the most popular types of insulation for garages because it’s easy to install and it doesn’t require any special tools or equipment.
Foam board comes in 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets and can be cut to fit any space. It’s also one of the more affordable options, making it a good choice for budget-minded DIYers.
One downside of foam board insulation is that it doesn’t have a very high R-value, so it might not be the best choice if you live in a climate with extreme temperatures.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation is another popular option for garages because it’s easy to install and it has a high R-value. Spray foam comes in two parts that are mixed together and then sprayed onto the surface using a special applicator gun.
The great thing about spray foam is that it expands as it dries, so it fills all the nooks and crannies around pipes and electrical wiring. The downside of spray foam is that it can be messy to work with and it’s one of the more expensive options.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products and is treated with fire retardants to make it safer to use in homes. It’s often used in attics and crawl spaces because it does a good job of controlling air flow.
Cellulose insulation can be blown into place using special equipment, or it can be placed in bags and dropped between the joists. One downside of cellulose insulation is that it absorbs moisture easily, so it needs to be protected from damp conditions.
Reflective Insulation
Reflective insulation consists of a reflective material—usually foil—that’s laminated to a backing material like compressed fiberglass or cardboard. Reflective insulation works by reflecting heat back towards its source, so it’s often used in warm climates where energy costs are high.
Reflective insulation is available in rolls or sheets and can be cut to size using scissors or a utility knife. One downside of reflective insulation is that it doesn’t have a very high R-value, so you might need to use multiple layers to get the desired level of protection from extreme temperatures.
Fiberglass Insulation Batts
Fiberglass insulation batts are one of the most common types of insulation for garages because they’re inexpensive and easy to install. Fiberglass batts come in pre-cut lengths that fit between standard 16-inch on center studs or 24-inch on center joists—no cutting required!
Fiberglass batts also have a fairly high R-value, making them a good choice for Extreme Temperatures areas . The only drawback of fiberglass batts is that they don’t provide much acoustic protection from outside noise.
Just Consider Purchasing an Already-Insulated Garage Door
A fiberglass door with a foam core is a good idea if you’re thinking about putting in a new garage door. It will cost more upfront, but over time, you will save money on your energy bills.
Also, it will be much easier than trying to add insulation yourself. Just make sure to purchase quality door from a reputable company
A Better Option – Insulate the Rest of the Garage Instead
If you’re planning on using your garage as a living space, then it’s definitely a good idea to insulate the door.
Otherwise, if you’re just using it for storage, there’s no need to go to the extra expense of insulating the door.
With that said, there are other advantages to insulating the other walls of your garage. For example, it will help to keep the temperature more consistent and reduce moisture buildup. In addition, insulation will also help to reduce noise levels from outside traffic and increase the overall energy efficiency of your home.
So, if you’re looking for ways to improve your garage, insulating the walls – rather than the door – is definitely the better option to consider.
Final Thoughts
A well-insulated garage door can save you money on your energy bills and help keep your home comfortable year-round – but only if the garage door isn’t used that often. Otherwise, focus your efforts elsewhere in the garage.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your garage door is doing its job properly.