People often use their garage space for storing cars and extra or occasional items. However, nowadays, garage spaces have become an extension of houses. It has become a haven for some people and spends an ample amount of time in that part of the house.
5 Best-Selling Garage Door Insulation
To make the garage conducive for long hours of work or play, people insulate their garage doors because steel garage doors welcome intense heat and extreme cold. Installing an insulator is easy and quick, just follow these 3 simple steps and you will have the best garage space you can ask for.
But before we go to the procedure, you will have to consider some tips and reminders to make sure you do an excellent job in blocking the summer heat, preserving the warmth for winter, and muting the noise both inside and out.
Contents
1. Identifying The Right Materials
Before buying your materials, you need to know what types of insulation are available. Some types of insulation might not work for garage doors because of its permanency. Here are the two most common types of insulation best used for garage doors:
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
This flexible material is often sold in rolls or pre-cut batts. This is the most affordable the most commonly used insulation. It’s made up of paper or foil that acts as a barrier for vapor and air. It costs around 30 – 90 cents per square foot depending on the R-value.
Foam Board Insulation
This is made of polystyrene and is sold in large rigid sheets. It provides high insulation although it’s relatively thin. It’s easy to cut and reshape based on your requirements. It costs around $20 per 100 sq. ft. for 0.5-inch thickness.
After knowing the types of insulation best for garage doors, you also need to know the material of your garage door is made of. Each material has an insulation type that best suits them. Steel garage doors can house any type of insulation. Wood frame-and-panel doors are perfect for rigid foam boards. On the other hand, Flat garage doors are best for foam boards and reflective insulation (reflective aluminum foil on one side).
Having the perfect combination will maximize the quality of the insulation. Don’t just buy whatever you see in the hardware or online, know what’s best for what.
Once you have your insulation panel, prepare the other tools and materials that will be needed:
- Insulation Panels
- Retainer Clips
- Double-stick adhesive
- Cutting Knife/Blade
- Measuring tape or metal yardstick
- Pencil/Marker
- Rubber Gloves
- Respiratory Mask
2. Measure The Door Frame and Attach The Retainer Clips
Measure the height and the width of each door panel and mark the center the use of the pencil or marker. Put a double-stick adhesive on the mark and attach the retainer clip.
Repeat the process until all the door panels are measured, marked, and with retainer clips. For bigger panels, make sure to use two retainer clips.
3. Measure and Cut The Insulation Panel
After measuring and attaching retainers, use the same measurements of the panels you previously got. However, you need to add a few extra inches before cutting. You will be tucking the panels in so you need a few extra inches for the panel to fit perfectly in the frame. Wear the rubber glove and a respirator mask when cutting. Use your cutting knife and the metal yardstick to accurately cut through the edges.
4. Tuck and Secure The Insulation Panel
Now, tuck the insulation panel into the panel frame. Make sure to start on the edge to fit the insulation panel properly. After securing the insulation panel in place, find the retainer clip you previously attached to the center of the panel frame. Use a knife to cut a small hole for the retainers to slip through. Press the lock of the retainer clip until you hear a click. Continue this process for all the other panels and you’re done!
Simple right? With just three easy steps, you will be able to have a well-insulated garage! But that’s not all. If measuring and cutting seem difficult and taxing, there’s a quick fix that will surely solve your problems! There are insulation kits that been out in the market. It’s pricier than the other insulation materials mentioned above but it’s worth it if you’re not that much of a DIY type of person. Also, you don’t need to worry about finding the right material because they have one that is customized for garage doors.
5. Insulation Kits
These kits have everything that you will need when installing garage door insulation. It contains insulation panels sized in approximation to a garage door and adhesives to secure the insulation panels in place. More expensive insulation kits include gloves and utility knives.
Insulation kits usually cost around $50 – $70 depending on the size and other add-ons. Not bad for good quality and easy insulation!
How to Choose the Right Insulation for Garage
1. Material
When it comes to effective insulators for your garage door, the materials used were of the utmost importance. It must be good quality material and is guaranteed to be very durable.
The ideal foam board insulators are those that have a polyethylene core and is packed with pure aluminum on both sides. This design is strong and very durable. It is also guaranteed to be very effective.
2. Barrier Properties
What’s the point of having insulations when the product you installed is very ineffective. The qualities of a good insulator are a good reflective barrier against all forms of radiant energy. The next quality is effective waterproofing.
A good barrier is effectively waterproof and does not absorb moisture and humidity. It does not mold as well so you do not have to worry if you splash water on your barrier. This also makes cleaning an easy task.
3. Ease of Installation
Installation should not be an issue when buying insulation for your garage door. Choose those that can be installed immediately through double-sided adhesives and staples to make your job easier.
Conclusion
Insulation of garage doors is unnecessary if your garage’s sole purpose is storage for cars, supplies, or other items. It would be a waste since no one will stay to experience its amazing benefits. Better to insulate other parts of the house to not waste money. However, the insulation of garage doors is ideal for a multifunctional garage like those turned into a comfortable living space, a workshop, an indoor gym, a lounge area, or an indoor playground. Keep in mind that once you attached any type of insulation material, it will weigh on the garage door. A stable garage door is when you open it mid-way and once you let go, the door will still stay in its place. If it falls, it means there’s a problem with the opening mechanism and you might need to have its spring tension adjusted. Safety is your priority so it’s better to hire a professional to do this for you to make sure that everything is in place.
Have an amazing stay in your revamped garage!
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