Your decor is probably safe enough from the elements even if you have an uninsulated garage.
But what if you want to use your garage for more?
To a lot of people, the garage serves more than the basic functions, and it’s instead a sort of haven. There are man-caves, woman-caves, workshops, gaming rooms, and more popping up in garages everywhere, making the most of the home’s potential living space. To keep this area comfortable all year, insulating the garage door is a must.
Here are ten of the best garage door insulation kits for 1, 2, 3, and 4 car garages.
Benefits of Garage Door Insulation:
- Optimal temperature. Having insulation is the best way to stabilize your garage’s temperature: the more barriers from the outside the better.
- Humidity control. Particularly in regions that are humidity prone, garage door insulation helps ensure everything inside is protected from damp air.
- Sound insulation. Insulation prevents more than just elements coming inside. It also adds an extra layer of barrier against sound so however you utilize the space has the same protection against street noise as the rest of the home.
- Cheap and relatively easy installation. Most insulation kits are designed for DIY-installation, so if you know your way around basic tools you can easily insulate garage door yourself.
#1 DIY 1-Car Garage Insulation: US Energy Products Reflective Foam-Core
Some of the best and easiest DIY projects use materials for an off-brand purpose, and in this instance a multi-purpose material for a creative purpose. Reflective foam-core can insulate a plethora of personal buildings and objects, from an RV to a garage door.
Shipped in rolls, one roll of this reflective insulating material is just more than enough to insulate one standard sized garage door. Because it comes in rolls it can be cut to fit your garage door however you need it to, and the reflective material will repel direct heat from the sun while keeping out moisture. It can also be used as a heat barrier in the rest of the garage (behind walls and ceilings, etc.)
Best for simple DIY 1-car garage door insulation in hot climates.
The biggest advantage: Extremely affordable and entirely customizable, this method of insulation is foolproof.
Key parameters:
- Size: 48”x100’
- Material safety: fire rated, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber free, mildew repellent.
- Includes: duct tape and aluminum foil tape.
Pros:
- Multipurpose.
- Requires no skill.
- Affordable.
Keep in mind:
- Best for very hot climates.
- Measure your garage door to ensure how many rolls you need.
#2 DIY 2-Car Garage Door Insulation: NASA Tech Reflective Insulation Foam Kit
Designed especially for 2-car garage doors, this kit includes everything you need for all-weather insulation. Easy to understand and install, this white reflective insulation delivers affordable insulation in climates that experience mild to moderate hot and cold each year.
Truly intended for the DIY’ers out there, the material is simple to cut to size for your door and easily modified for customized garage doors. The panels can be cut to reveal windows, cut to fit into odd-sized doors, or cover windows altogether for extra insulation against the beating sun or creeping cold. This is do it yourself (DIY) garage door insulation for beginners.
Best for simple DIY 2-car garage door insulation.
The biggest advantage: Completing a DIY project isn’t always for the faint of heart, but this affordable option actually is easy and works great for mild climates.
Key parameters:
- R-Value: 8.0
- Size: 18’x8’
- Thickness: ¼”
Pros:
- Lightweight but effective.
- Includes double-sided tape.
- Sized adequately for overlay, but can also be cut for inlay.
Keep in mind:
- This isn’t best suited for extreme climates.
- Ensure your garage door surface is clean before installation using provided cleaning tools.
#3 DIY 3-Car Garage Door Insulation: Garage Door Insulation Panel Set
If you need to DIY garage insulation in a 3-car garage you’re looking at some pretty specific dimensions. You either have a double garage door and a single garage door, or you have three single doors, and it’s impossible to find a kit for all 3 cars together. That’s when individual panels come in handy.
Rather than trying to fit odd dimensions (3 is an odd number!) with a sheet-style kit, consider panels so you can order the total number of panels you need for all three garage spaces combined.
Best for DIY garage insulation on a 3-car garage.
The biggest advantage: This product allows for easy pop-in insulation on any size garage.
Key parameters:
- Quantity: 8 panels per pack.
- Instructions: Included.
- Dimensions: 80”x108”x1.25”
Pros:
- Comes in packs of eight so you can order as many as you need for your doors.
- Thick enough to be a heavy duty barrier against extreme cold.
Keep in mind:
- Make sure the dimensions fit your panels. They can be cut but other sizes are also available.
- Count your panels before ordering so you can ensure you have enough.
#4 DIY 4-Car Garage Door Insulation: US Energy Garage 2-Car Garage Door Insulation Kit, QTY- 2
Insulating a 4-car garage can be expensive and time consuming, which is why a cost-effective, easy, quick solution can be valuable. Most 4-car garages consist of two 2-car garage doors, so if that’s your situation consider purchasing two of these 2-door kits for simple, quick 4-car garage DIY insulation.
Including all the tools you need to install, this kit will provide moderate garage door insulation to a 4-car garage in just a couple hours time, and it’s appropriate for beginner DIY-ers.
Best for DIY beginners with a 4-car garage.
The biggest advantage: A 4-car garage means a lot of garage door space, and this DIY is quick to install on a large space.
Key parameters:
- R-Value: 7.0
- Depth: 5/16”
- Width: 2’
Pros:
- Simple installation.
- Fire-rated for extra protection.
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Keep in mind:
- Not made for oversized 2-car garage doors: intended for standard doors.
- Does more to protect against heat than cold.
#5 Garage Door Seal: M-D Building 30-foot Vinyl Weatherstrip
Because an uninsulated garage door is where most of the heat and cold air comes in from outside, it’s the most important space in the garage to insulate – and it just happens to be the easiest.
So if you’re reading this list and wondering, “Is it worth insulating a garage door?”, the answer becomes an even more resounding “YES!” if you go the extra mile to add a weatherstrip seal around the door. It prevents humidity from entering, and cold drafts don’t stand a chance around the door with a vinyl seal.
Best for an extra measure to add insulation around the garage door.
The biggest advantage: Adding this around an insulated garage door also prevents the elements from entering around the door.
Key parameters:
- Length: 30 feet.
- Material: Vinyl
- Includes: Weather strip and fasteners
Pros:
- Creates a weather barrier around the garage door.
- Also provides extra sound insulation and deadens the noise of the garage door moving up and down.
- Can be installed in just a couple of hours.
Keep in mind:
- Requires extra care to be pleasing to the eye. Tools like a heat gun to smooth bends and extra nails will create a more flush appearance.
- It will create permanent nail holes, so keep that in mind if this is a short-term solution.
#6 Insulation Paint: ThermaCels
Garage door insulation isn’t always the prettiest. If you’re after a finished look, can you paint garage door insulation? In short, the answer is yes. And it can enhance the insulation.
This paint is designed to add an extra layer of insulation, and when applied on the inside of the garage door insulation it will keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. Working double duty to add insulation while enhancing the aesthetic, this simple DIY is the finishing touch on your insulation.
Best for adding extra insulation while creating a finished look.
The biggest advantage: A lot of folks aren’t interested in an unfinished look, and this product allows your insulation to appear finished while adding an extra layer of protection.
Key parameters:
- Material: Ceramic.
- Fire retardant? Yes.
- Can be mixed into: Drywall mud, plaster, stucco, paint.
Pros:
- Can be added anywhere in the garage for added insulation.
- Can be painted on top of insulation for a finished look.
- Mix with other paints for a custom look.
Keep in mind:
- If you mix this paint with a custom paint color, apply extra layers to ensure a good level of insulation.
- You may need to thin the solution with water or another type of paint for smooth application.
#7 U-Ring Weatherstrip: TXBizzer 16-Foot Heavy Duty Rubber Seal
Don’t stop at temperature control when evaluating your garage door insulation. You also want to insulate against other weather, like pouring rain and standing snow.
Rubber is a great sealant against precipitation, and you can install this simple rubber seal design yourself.
Best for garage doors in wet climates – hot or cold.
The biggest advantage: This is the simplest, most effective solution to wet weather entering through the bottom of the garage door.
Key parameters:
- Length: 16 feet.
- Width: 3”.
- Temperature restrictions: -40 to 270 degrees F.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose, as it can also be installed on the door going into the house from the garage.
- Simple DIY installation.
Keep in mind:
- Recommended on steel or wood roll-up doors.
- Requires a drill for installation.
#8 Foam Seal Tape: MAGZO DIY Foam Tape Insulator
If you’re just interested in a small little DIY to add some extra insulation around your garage doors, you might want to consider this cheap and effective solution. It provides just that extra touch of insulation and barrier.
This works for both DIY-insulated and pre-insulated garage doors
Best for insulated garage doors that could use an extra layer of insulation around the edges.
The biggest advantage: This requires no tools, costs less than $10, and provides extra insulation. So, in a word: EASY.
Key parameters:
- Dimensions: ½” wide x ⅛” thick.
- Material: Closed cell foam.
- Temperature range: -50 – 150 degrees C.
Pros:
- Simple installation.
- Extremely affordable.
- Durable against hot and cold weather.
Keep in mind:
- Measure the length you need to install, because you might need to order more than one kit if you have multiple parking spaces.
- Install onto a clean surface so the adhesive lasts as long as possible.
BUYING GUIDE- What To Look for in Insulation Kits:
#1: Size Matters
When purchasing an insulation kit, size is one of the most important factors. Taking the time to unbox your materials, set up your space, and clean your surface takes a good chunk of the installation time.
How annoying would it be to have to go through this part of the process twice because you didn’t order enough material the first time? Also, think of the wasted material and money if you order a kit that includes entirely too much supply for your project. To save yourself these hassles, measure your space first and order the right amount of insulation for your situation.
#2: Consider your climate
You don’t want to purchase a thin, reflective material if your goal is to keep heat in and cold out, because reflective insulation is designed to protect against extreme heat. Instead, you’ll want a thick foam insulation. Likewise, a thick, foam insulation won’t be as effective in extreme summer heat as a reflective surface that can bounce heat back to the outside.
Before you even begin looking for insulation, identify your goal in how it relates to your climate. This way you can choose a solution – or system of solutions – optimized for your region.
#3: Is budget a concern?
If budget is a concern, you’ll want to spend some extra time evaluating each product and its price range. Be realistic, but don’t spend extra money you don’t have to because efficiency is key.
Would you benefit from a $20 fix that keeps water from entering beneath the door? If insulating against water and humidity are your main concern, don’t go overboard on insulation designed for extreme temperature. Instead, look for products that seal around the garage door. However, if you do live in a climate prone to extreme temperatures, forking up the extra money on the best-of-the-best insulation could save you money in your power bill in the long run.
It’s all about taking the extra time to be mindful of your unique situation so you’re putting your money where it matters the most.
#4: Consider the weight of the insulation
Your garage door is pre-fabricated and installed to handle a certain amount of weight. If you install a heavy insulation its operation could be impacted. Your garage door could lose some of its speed or even cease function altogether.
Check the weight of each insulation before purchase, and it’s a good idea to get a second opinion from a garage door technician before installation. If your garage door’s open/shut mechanism is impacted, that same technician can rebalance and readjust it for you.
