Garages have many functions and uses. You use them for parking your cars and bikes, for extra storage, and sometimes even to work in. However, you could run into some issues if your garage door isn’t insulated.
The biggest issue is energy. Uninsulated garage doors are not energy efficient and could cause you to lose money. If you are looking into insulating your garage door, you likely want to know: How much does it cost to insulate a garage door? Keep reading to find out!
How Much Does It Cost To Insulate A Garage Door?
Insulating a garage door yourself will usually cost between $50 to $500. However, a few factors will determine how much it will cost overall, such as the type of insulation, the style and size of the garage door, and the R-value of the insulation.
Different types of insulation will have different R-values. The higher the R-value, the more expensive the insulation. The R-value you need will depend on your location and the climate.
Keep in mind, however, that paying more money for a higher rating when you have an uninsulated garage may be counterproductive and a waste of money.
Different Types of Insulation
1. DIY Kits
You can also choose to buy a garage door insulation kit from your local home improvement store or buy all of the materials separately. Insulation kits are the cheapest option, especially if you have a small one-car garage.
However, if you have a two-car garage door, you will need at least two kits. If you have a three-car garage door or bigger, it may be best to buy the materials yourself or hire a professional contractor.
2. Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation, also known as rigid foam insulation, is a type of foam that has a thick middle. The board is usually laminated on both sides and offers continuous protection from extreme heat and cold.
There are three different types of foam board insulation: Expanded polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (EXS), and Polyisocyanurate.
It is one of the most economical types of insulation, even with a higher R-value of 3-7. This insulation works well with wooden frames, panels, and detached garage doors.
Garage doors with wooden door frames offer almost no insulation, so you will want to insulate them as soon as possible.
It is also very easy to install. Just measure each of the panels on your garage door and cut the boards to fit using a sharp utility knife.
You can find foam board installation kits between $55 and $125 depending on what type of foam board and how much you need.
If you choose to get the materials separately, the rigid boards have an average cost of $1.50 per sq. foot and are usually sold in boards that measure 4′ X 8′, around 32 sq. feet. Knowing this, you can estimate that a 4′ by 8′ board will cost roughly $48.
3. Batt Insulation
Batt insulation is the type of insulation you usually see on garage doors and in between drywall and usually comes in rolls or blankets. The most common type of batt insulation is fiberglass insulation, and it is also the most economical.
You can buy kits for around $100 each, which is likely the cheapest and easiest way to go. If you don’t buy a kit, there are a few things to take note of.
Standard batt insulation is sold in rolls that are 3 1/2 inches thick and is too thick for garage doors. You need to find rolls that are only 1 1/2 inches thick for the perfect fit, so you should be looking for foil-faced fiberglass batts.
These cost an average of $70 for a roll that’s 48′ in width and 25′ long. 1 1/2 inch thick fiberglass insulation has an r-value of 3-7, so it is great for non-heated garage doors and metal garage doors.
You will also need to buy clips and tape if you don’t purchase a kit; always cover yourself in clothing from head to toe, and wear appropriate safety gear like gloves, a mask, and glasses.
4. Spray foam insulation
Spray Foam insulation is sprayed onto the surface and dries to a thick solid foam once it’s dried. Although spray insulation may be a bit pricier than foam boards and fiberglass, it may be worth it in the long run.
It has a high insulating value of 6.5 to 7 per inch of thickness, and you really don’t need more than an inch!
Just keep in mind that spray foam insulation can be heavy if you spray too much and ruin your garage door mechanism from opening and closing more than it can handle, so use it sparingly.
You can either use spray insulation kits or hire a professional. Spray insulation kits cost between $80 and $200, depending on the brand and how much you need. Â 4lbs of spray foam covers approximately 16 board ft.
5. Cellulose
Cellulose is an insulation made from organic matter like cotton or recycled materials. It is low on the thermal scale and is also fire resistant, which may be very beneficial if you live in a wooded area.
Just like spray foam, cellulose is a liquid that you spray on the surface, and it turns solid when it dries.
It has an R-value of 3.5 per inch of thickness. However, cellulose insulation kits can be very costly.
6. Radiant Barrier
A radiant barrier is made using one or two layers of reflective material, like reflective foil, and has air space in between. Instead of absorbing the heat energy, like fiberglass and rigid foam, the radiant barrier blocks it altogether.
It is probably the least expensive method of insulating your garage doors, with an insulation kit only costing around $50
The radiant barrier doesn’t have a standard rating, so if you are needing a high level of insulation, this may not be the best option.
Factors affecting the Cost of insulation
1. Size Of The Door
This is pretty obvious, but the size of your garage door will probably be the most contributing factor to how much it will cost to insulate your home.
Bigger garage doors mean more materials which equal higher costs. To determine how much material you will need, it is wise to measure your garage door.
You should measure the width and the length and write them down, so you do not forget them. You should measure whether you are purchasing an installation kit or buying the materials outright.
2. Hiring A Professional
If you don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own, it is best to hire a professional to insulate your garage door for you.
Professional insulation costs range from $720 to $1150 on average, with prices as high as $2000.
Just like doing it yourself, how much you will pay a professional will be determined mainly by the size garage door you have and the type of insulation you want to be installed.
The good part about hiring a professional is that they do all the work for you, from measuring the area to installing the insulation. Most professionals work with you as well as your budget to find a material that works for your situation.
3. Replacing Your Garage Door
Insulated garage doors can be extremely costly, so if you are considering getting a new garage door just to save on energy costs, it probably isn’t worth it. You will be much better off insulating it yourself or hiring a professional, as it will be much cheaper.
Another reason you may choose to purchase an already insulated garage door is if you need higher-rated insulation, around 8-19. This is usually the case for heated garages and garages with living space above them.
Insulated garage doors have a layer of polyurethane foam between the panels, which can allow you to achieve a much higher insulation rating than foam boards, fiberglass bats, or spray foam.
An insulated garage door will run you around $1500 for an R-18 insulated garage door on a single-car garage, not including installation fees and labor costs, and that is on the low end.
Conclusion
There are plenty of garage installation options, and how much you pay for it is up to you. If you are tight on money, you can go with an insulation kit, or if you have a bit to spare, you can do it yourself or call a professional!
We hope you found this article helpful! If you have any questions or comments, please let us know! We love to hear from our readers.