Garage Door Insulation Tips
All homeowners share a collective goal of lowering their monthly overhead. However, not everyone is aware that it doesn’t always cost a lot of money. To reinforce the energy efficiency of homes across the Milwaukee area, GEIS Building Products is here to be your guide on how to insulate a garage door.
Discover Budget-Friendly Garage Door Upgrades
Elevated utility costs are a common nuisance, especially with the extreme temperature fluctuations we experience in the Milwaukee region. Fortunately, HVAC upgrades and costly renovations are not the only way to overcome these monthly challenges. There are many budget-friendly ways to insulate garage doors to mitigate uncomfortable indoor temperatures while reducing costs.
Benefits of Garage Door Insulation
While the advantages may not be immediately apparent, insulating garage doors is an impactful and sustainable investment. The key benefits include:
- Energy Efficiency – Improved temperature regulation, reducing HVAC strain and associated costs.
- Noise Reduction – Minimize indoor and outdoor noise to enhance your living environment.
- Enhanced Protection – Safeguard sensitive tools and belongings from extreme temperatures.
Types of Insulation Materials
There are several ways to insulate garage doors. Based on the characteristics of your garage doors and your project objectives, you can choose between several insulation materials, including:
- Reflective insulation
- Batt insulation
- Foam board insulation
Reflective Insulation
If your garage is exposed to excess sunlight, reflective insulation is an excellent investment. Reflective insulation is characterized by a layer of lightweight, reflective aluminum foil. Due to its reflective properties, this type of insulation naturally deflects sunlight absorption, allowing you to reduce your home’s radiant heat levels.
Batt Insulation
Traditionally crafted from fiberglass, batt insulation is among the most popular ways to insulate garage doors. Backed by a layer of foil or paper, this insulation is defined by flexibility, extended thermal resistance, and effective soundproofing. Batt insulation is recommended for those seeking an effective vapor and/or air barrier for their garage doors.
Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation is another great option for homeowners seeking to improve their indoor temperature control. Typically made from polyurethane or polystyrene, foam board insulation is lightweight and resilient, providing a thin yet effective weather barrier and an affordable alternative to heavier-weight materials.
Step-by-Step Garage Door Insulation Guide
Insulating garage doors is straightforward and can easily be done as a weekend DIY project. To set you up for success, GEIS Building Products is here to walk you through a step-by-step guide on insulating your garage doors, including the materials, tools, and techniques you will need.
If a customer does choose to add insulation to their existing door – it will change the weight of the door.
By doing this, they are taking their springs out of balance, and it may not operate correctly.
After adding insulation – the door should be weighed, and new springs installed to compensate for the additional weight added to the door.
Preparation & Planning
Before diving into the hands-on portion of insulating garage doors, it’s important to prepare. We recommend gathering the necessary tools and supplies, including:
- Your chosen insulation material
- Measuring tape
- Double-sided tape
- Protective safety glasses
- Utility knife and/or box cutter
- Markers, pens, or pencils
- Composite fasteners
- Garage door seal
Marking & Measurements
Once you’ve satisfied your inventory of supplies, it’s time to get to work. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the garage doors to eliminate any build-up or stuck-on debris. Next, measure the doors and make two marks 12 inches inward from each side for the fasteners. Verify that your measurements are centered before placing double-sided tape over each marking.
Retainer Clip Placement & Door Panel Measurements
Using the double-sided tape as your guide, unpeel the outer sticker and firmly place the retainer clips, ensuring they are precisely aligned with the position of the tape. Then, reach for your measuring tape to measure the width and height of each panel. Take note of each measurement, as they may vary slightly.
Cutting & Installing the Insulation Materials
Once you’ve secured all the necessary measurements, use your box cutter or utility knife to cut your selected material into the appropriate sizes. Be meticulous to ensure your insulation cut-outs sit snugly inside of the panel. If you are using reflective insulation, reinforce your installation with adhesive to eliminate the chance of air escaping.
Securing the Insulation
If you are happy with your results, the final step involves securing them in place. While some types of material are fitted with adhesive, it’s always best to apply extra adhesive spray or double-sided tape to your installation. Finish your project by inspecting the results to detect and correct any exposed gaps or visible edges.
Maintenance Tips
Insulating garage doors is a cost-effective and relatively low-maintenance investment. To encourage long-term weather protection and performance, we recommend the following maintenance strategies:
- Routine inspections to catch early signs of wear and prevent widespread damage
- Lubricate garage door springs and hinges to mitigate friction and premature wear
- Inspect and replace the bottom weather seal to combat drafts
- If you choose to add insulation to their existing door – it will change the weight of the door. By doing this, they are taking their springs out of balance, and it may not operate correctly.
- After adding insulation – the door should be weighed, and new springs installed to compensate for the additional weight added to the door.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Insulating Garage Doors
The Milwaukee area is no stranger to bitter winters and hot summers, raising the importance of properly insulating garage doors. To reinforce your home’s energy efficiency and keep high utility costs at bay, prioritize proactive insulation or opt for a garage door overhaul by partnering with GEIS Building Products.
Get Started with GEIS Building Products
Adding insulation to garage doors does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Experience efficiency without compromising on your indoor comfort by entrusting your home to GEIS Building Products for seasonal garage door maintenance or a complete door upgrade. Contact our team today to get started.