Garages often go unappreciated and underutilized. These spaces are beneficial for storage and other things. Even if you don’t use the garage for your car, you likely still use it for some form of storage. When the summer or winter months arrive, you might find yourself going there less often. If you use your garage for keeping stuff like photographs or other things you might later need, you might come back someday and discover that these are damp and falling apart. If you keep tools in the garage, you might also find out they are rusting and going bad. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. A garage door insulation kit is just what you need!
Most people buy a garage door insulation kit in the hopes that it would make their garage space more comfortable in the summer or winter. However, a good number of them soon become frustrated and disappointed when winter or summer arrives. That’s because many of the products on the market do not offer the thermal protection required despite claiming otherwise. It is thus essential to find the best garage door insulation kit on the market.
To help you with this, we have spent time and effort reviewing the scores of these products. After hours of research and testing, we have compiled this review of the best garage door insulation kits on the market today. We have also provided a buyer’s guide to offer information on the factors to consider when buying a garage door installation kit.
- Features to Consider in Good Garage Door Insulation Kit
- Top 10 Best Garage Door Insulation Kit 2024
- 1. Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit
- 2. Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit
- 3. NASA TECH White Car Garage Door Insulation Kit
- 4. SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit
- 5. Reflectix BP24050 Bubble Pack Insulation
- 6. Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit
- 7. Cellofoam garage door insulation kit
- 8. Anco Garage Door Insulation Kit
- 9. US Energy Products Two Car Garage Door Insulation Kit
- 10. ADO Products GDIKS. Single Garage Door Insulation Kit
- Guide to Buying the Best Garage Door Insulation Kit
- Conclusion
Features to Consider in Good Garage Door Insulation Kit
When buying a garage door insulation kit, there are several factors to consider. In the main buyer’s guide, we will consider these features. For now, let us consider some of the benefits of buying a garage door insulation kit.
Benefits of Garage Door Insulation Kit
1. Energy Saver
Before installing anything in the home, one of the essential considerations is the effect it will have on energy costs. Well, installing a garage door insulation kit is a prudent course of action. Having a properly insulated home will lead to lower costs as a result of using heating or air-conditioning.
With proper insulation, you are less likely to use heating. Your home will become more energy-efficient and ultimately cut down costs.
2. Protects your garage door
The insulation kit serves as a layer of protection for your garage door. It protects it from the elements, moisture, and other harmful things. It makes the garage door more durable. Many of these insulation kits are solid and anti-dent.
Furthermore, with an insulation kit, you do not have to maintain the doors as often as usual. Additionally, the cold and heat variations will not warp your garage door via expansion and contraction.
3. Soundproofing
Some of the products we reviewed in this post are built to be soundproof. Hence, if the garage is where your teenager’s band practices or you engage in noisy activities there, using an insulation kit will ensure that your garage is soundproof.
By adding this layer, your garage door will absorb more sound. This results in lower noise emissions and will definitely improve relations with neighbors who have always complained about the noise.
4. Protecting your belongings
If the garage serves as a storage space, perhaps where you store photographs or tools, an insulation kit can keep them safe. Even your car will benefit from an insulation kit on your garage door. Cold weather is one of the common reasons why your car’s battery dies. By having the extra heat from the insulation kit, your battery will last longer. Thus, no more frustration due to dead batteries, no more late mornings, and no more shelling out hard-earned money for replacement batteries.
A garage door insulation kit will also keep your garage free from mold, which comes because of moisture.
5. Improves house value
A garage door insulation kit will make your garage more attractive, which can push up the price of your home.
These are just some of the benefits of having a garage door insulation kit. Now, let’s review ten of the best garage door insulation kits on the market today.
Top 10 Best Garage Door Insulation Kit 2024
1. Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Installation
Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit is created by Atlas, which is one of the top producers of similar products on the market. A main attraction of the Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit is the ease of installation. Due to how quickly and easy it is to install, the product is immensely popular with first-time users and those who have used it several times.
The installation is straightforward and can be done with basic tools. All that is required is to cut it to size and then fix it on the door rails.
Construction
The Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit is made from polystyrene, and it features a laminated panel. Hence, after installation, it delivers a clean, nice appearance.
Performance
Users note that this insulation kit turns your garage into a more liveable space. Using other methods might be more expensive, but by using the Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit, you can make your garage space more comfortable without spending a fortune.
Other features
The Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit is available in a pair of sizes; hence, you can choose the size that you feel will serve your needs better. There is the standard size kit, which is excellent for 7 feet tall and8-9 feet wide doors. The larger size is great for 8 foot tall and 8-9 feet wide doors. It also has an installation value of R-4,8, which is excellent for comfort.
Pros
- Easy and quick to install
- Nice finish
- Affordable
Cons
- Low R-value compared to several options available
2. Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Installation
The Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit is an impressive insulation kit that is very straightforward to install. According to the manufacturer, it takes about an hour to set it up. During our testing, we were able to fix it in just over an hour. You do not require any specialized training or tools to install this insulation kit. All you need for proper installation is a measuring tape, a knife, a straight edge, and a marker.
Due to the fastening system and flexible nature, you will find it super-easy to set up. Additionally, all the things you require for smooth installation and use are contained in the box.
After installation, maintenance is essential to ensure the smooth operation and use of the Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit. Thankfully, maintenance is easy to do, as well. You can maintain the product by cleaning it with mild detergent.
Performance
The Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit works efficiently. For example, when compared with other insulated doors, we observed that it has a better thermal capacity. It also is noise absorbent and has a noise restriction level of up to 20%.
A metal-induced garage door setup, it is sturdy and will last for a long time.
It is made of fiberglass with an R-8 rating. Additionally, it is dent-resistant and ensures the quick securing method of your panels.
The downside of this insulation kit is that more precision is needed when setting it up.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Quick installation time
- The vinyl surface can be washed
Cons
- Might require glue or extra tape during installation
3. NASA TECH White Car Garage Door Insulation Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Design
Carrying the name NASA is sure to hold some weight. However, before getting all excited, it is important to note that although the NASA Tech kit is NASA tech, it is not actually provided by NASA themselves. With that out of the way, the NASA Tech kit is an excellently-made insulation kit. It is made of a thin, yet sturdy material.
After installation, the NASA Tech kit looks great and will add a certain allure to your garage space. It features a heavy-duty double-sided foam tape that ensures efficient holding. It is 5/16″ thick; hence, it is the thickest reflective foam core insulation you can find today.
Installation
You do not require specialized knowledge or skill; neither do you need special tools to install NASA Tech kit. No matter the weather, you can quickly install it and get respite from the heat or cold.
The material comes in rolls, and you need to make some preparations before setting it up. Apart from the preparations, the overall installation is a breeze.
Performance
The NASA Tech kit looks excellent and does not take up much space. As it features a reflective layer, it efficiently keeps out heat and moisture. Hence, if you despise the sweltering heat of summer that permeates your garage space, this option will serve you excellently.
It is a safe insulation kit as it contains no carcinogenic or toxic compounds. It also uses sound reduction technology to keep your garage relatively soundproof.
If you are looking for the best double door insulation kit on the market, you will be pleased with getting this product.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Safe and great for the environment
- Lightweight
Cons
- The tape is poor quality
4. SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Installation
According to the manufacturer, the SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit is easy to install and can be set up in less than an hour. During our testing, we discovered this claim to be true. It took less than an hour for one person to set it up. Therefore, when setting it up, you might not even need assistance from other people. As you set up the SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit, you will require double-sided tape to make your work much more manageable.
Design
The SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit has dimensions of 18 feet by 7 feet. Hence, it is just large enough for two-car garage doors.
After installation, you can rest assured of a clean, classy look on your garage door. It comes with a vapour slider that effectively acts as a shield from moisture and humidity.
The SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit can be found in three unique finishes. First, there is the standard finish. Then there are dark wood and white finishes. Thus, you have the chance to choose how you want the doors to appear.
The insulation kit is made of high quality, durable aluminum reflective material. Additionally, you will find four separate rolls of the insulation kit in the box.
Performance
The insulation performance is largely satisfactory. It has a unique way to maintain temperature. It is designed to create an air pocket that reduces heat loss in the cold months and reduces heat up to 8 degrees in the summer.
We also observed that the SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit is anti-moisture. Therefore, you can rest assured that you won’t have problems with mold.
It is a safe insulation kit as it is free from toxins and carcinogenic materials.
Pros
- High R-value of 8.0
- Heavy-duty double-sided tape
- Can be used in all kinds of weathers
- Lightweight and durable construction
Cons
- There are no instructions in the box
- Only decent in the winter
5. Reflectix BP24050 Bubble Pack Insulation
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The Reflectix BP24050 Bubble Pack Insulation kit is uniquely designed and stands apart from many of its contemporaries. It is made of a fiberglass free material. The benefit of this is that the insulation kit is lightweight. During installation and use, you will find the lightweight nature quite handy.
Additionally, this insulation kit is designed to provide safe and convenient use. It is made of seven layers. The two outer layers are made of aluminum foil to dispel heat. Aside from these two outer layers, every layer is mixed with polyethylene. Polyethylene grants the kit strength and toughness.
As pointed out earlier, it comes in a bubble pack. The bubble lies between two inner layers and serves as a heat-repellent.
Installation
Since there are no fibers in the insulation kit, and since it is very thin, installation is straightforward. Using a pair of scissors, you can cut the insulation kit into manageable parts. This convenience massively cuts down on installation time.
Performance
It offers decent all-round performance, but perhaps where it shines brightest is in its heat-repellent nature. It keeps heat away from the garage space and is a wonderful addition in summer.
Thus, it is an excellent choice for crawl spaces in the attic, metal buildings, and in the home. It comes with a reflective value of 14,3, which translates to 97% reflection.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy installation
- Reflective value of 14,8
Cons
- Not particularly effective in cold weather
6. Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Installation
The Reach Barrier 3009 doesn’t feature any fibers and lacks a bulky construction. Thus, installation is easy, quick, and straightforward. It is easy to cut the parts up to form an insulation kit. Since it doesn’t come in roll-up format but panels, you can set it up easily. You should be careful to avoid wastage as trimming and chopping parts can make you lose some parts.
To install these parts, you will need tape or glue. Fortunately, the manufacturer has included Stick’ ems in the pack. It also weighs just 3,32 pounds. Hence, you can get the installation done in a jiffy without any mess.
Design
The Reach Barrier 3009 is designed in a similar way to the Reflectix that we reviewed above. Thus, it doesn’t have any fiberglass. Rather, it is made of lightweight and durable material.
The outer layers of the insulation kit are made of aluminum foil to keep heat away. The layers all have polyethylene embedded in them, which in turn makes them durable, tough, and reliable.
There is a bubble barrier that serves to keep heat out. This barrier grants the Reach Barrier 3009 95% reflectivity. Hence, it saves you on energy and utility bills. Unlike the Reflectix, it comes with eight panels. The Barrier Bubble lies between two layers of the reflective polyethylene.
Performance
The Reach Barrier 3009 comes with Acrylic Adhesive and polyethylene material that mainly improves the reflective capabilities of the kit.
Pros
- Reflective polyethylene
- Durable and simple to install
Cons
- Panels don't come in equal sizes
7. Cellofoam garage door insulation kit
Editor’s Rating:
Installation
The Cellofoam garage door insulation kit is arguably the easiest insulation kit to install that we tested. To get this kit installed, all you require are a knife and safety gear. The panel size of 20″ x 54″ x 1 1/2″, and weight of 0,3 pounds each, makes it very comfortable to install.
During our testing, we discovered that it takes less than 1 hour to install it up. It comes with kerfing at the back. The kerfing makes it flexible, and you can fit it into the tracks.
Design
The Cellofoam garage door insulation kit comes with rigid panels that are robust and sturdy. It also features a vinyl laminate on one side. Thus, after installation, you will likely love what you see on the garage door.
Performance
It works well in all weather but shines when you seek to keep heat out of the garage space. The vinyl laminate on the body is not only to make it look good but also to reflect heat away. The Cellofoam garage door insulation kit features a reflective value of 4,5 at 75 degrees. If you are concerned about keeping your garage space cool despite the heat, you will find the Cellofoam garage door insulation kit convenient.
It does not have any harmful toxins or components; hence, you can use it without any worries about its effect on your health.
Pros
- Nice insulation properties
- Nice-looking appearance
Cons
- Needs horizontal rails in the door
8. Anco Garage Door Insulation Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Installation
Unlike some of the insulation kits reviewed, it comes in a roll and not panels. Installation is straightforward and easy, as with all the products we have reviewed so far. You do not need to use clips; rather, you can fit it to your garage door using any pair of fasteners available. If you do not want fasteners, you can opt for a strong adhesive to keep it glued to the door.
It comes with all the plates and tools required for smooth and quick installation.
Design
The past two products we have reviewed do not feature fiberglass, however, the Anco Garage Door Insulation Kit marks a return of fiberglass to the line-up of the best garage door insulation kits. Produced by Anco, a company known for top-quality products, it is an excellent insulation kit that leaves your garage door looking good.
Performance
The Anco Garage Door Insulation Kit uses 2″ thick panels for a 9′ wide garage door. It has a reflective value of 9, which is higher than that found on several insulation kits on the market. For folks looking for an insulation kit that offers superb protection from the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter, then this is an excellent choice.
Additionally, it is safe for all, including kids and pets, as it is free from any toxic substances.
Pros
- Impressive thermal protection
- Safe for use
- Easy to install
- Looks good on doors
Cons
- Relatively heavy
9. US Energy Products Two Car Garage Door Insulation Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Installation
The US Energy Products Two Car Garage Door Insulation Kit comes with four rolls of dual-sided foam. These 16 feet long rolls come with all you need for installation. In the box, you will find a double tape, razor, and squeegee. Hence, you do not require any special knowledge or skill to install. Furthermore, you don’t have to source tools elsewhere as everything you need is in the box.
Design
The US Energy Products Two Car Garage Door Insulation Kit comes with a nice design that makes it one of the best insulation kits you can buy today.
Performance
First of all, the whole package is safe to use as it doesn’t come with any harmful toxins or carcinogenic parts. Additionally, it is ASTM certified. Thus, in cases of fire, you can rest assured that it will not burn.
The build and construction mean it is highly heat-reflective. It can reflect heat energy to up to 95%.
As we mentioned earlier, it has a unique design. It comes with air pockets that transmit and conduct the heat flow efficiently.
The reflective value, therefore, is higher than the average reflective value found in several insulation kits.
One other performance feature we like is the vapor shield. The effect of this shield is that it prevents moisture and humidity.
Whether in winter or in summer, the insulation kit is sure to keep the ambiance comfortable enough to work in.
Pros
- Rapid temperature control and can be installed quickly
- The duct tapes can be strong enough to withstand warm temperatures
- Superior materials
Cons
- Few consumers have said the heat difference was negligible in winters.
- The duct tapes at times were not as sticky as expected.
10. ADO Products GDIKS. Single Garage Door Insulation Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Installation
The ADO Products Garage Door Insulation Kit is an easily installed insulation kit. It can be set up in less than one hour and features a rugged metal pin installation system. Hence, unlike others that require tape or glue, you just need somewhere to pin this model.
Design
This product comes with a bright white cover to keep the inside light and clean. The kit is made up of a roll of vinyl faced insulation that is 22″ x 37″ and has 18 retainer pins and caps.
Performance
It is a beautiful insulation kit that has a reflective value of 8, which is higher than several others on the market.
Pros
- Quick installation
- Nice temperature control
Cons
- The metal holder keeps coming loose
- Not a good-looking insulation kit
Guide to Buying the Best Garage Door Insulation Kit
The ten products reviewed above will help you to narrow your choice and assist you in selecting the right garage door insulation kit. In this section, we have provided a guide that discusses some of the features to consider before you make a buying decision.
Type of Garage Door Insulation Kit
There are different types of materials used in making an insulation kit. However, there are four main types. These are spray foam, rigid foam, cellulose, and fiberglass.
Fiberglass
This material comes in either rolls or pre-cut panels. The panel style usually has part of it made with aluminum or paper. The importance of these materials is that they prevent vapors and moisture from penetrating the kit and attacking the fiberglass material. It is generally less expensive than the other options available on the market.
Rigid Foam
The rigid foam type is made of large sheets of polystyrene. If you prefer to cut your kit yourself, you will find this type of insulation kit an excellent choice. When done correctly, it offers some of the best insulation performances. However, it is rather difficult to cut into perfect pieces and requires a great deal of precision.
Failure to cut correctly will allow air and moisture to seep through the material.
Spray Foam
Spray foam is a high-quality type of insulation kit. Thus, it is more expensive than the other types on the market. There are two types of spray foam: closed-cell form and open-cell form.
The closed-cell form is more expensive and has a higher reflective value, while the open cell is cheaper but offers a lower reflective value.
It is an excellent insulation kit that offers better thermal control and keeps moisture out better than others.
Cellulose
If you are deeply concerned about the environment, then the cellulose insulation kit is just right for you. It is made from recycled paper and treated to make it fire-resistant.
The efficiency of the kit
Not all garage door insulation kits are made equal. Therefore, some are more efficient than others. A significant consideration that determines the effectiveness of the garage door insulation kit is the R-value. In short terms, the R-Value of a garage door insulation kit refers to the effectiveness of the kit.
A garage door insulation kit with a higher R-Value will be more effective than one with a lower R-Value.
Cost of Installation
Installation is essential when choosing a garage door insulation kit. Depending on whether you want to install the garage door insulation kit yourself or will require the services of a professional, you will have to factor in the cost of installation.
For most of the products we reviewed above, installation is rather straightforward and easy to do. Most of them come with instruction manuals and even the hardware needed to safely and effectively install the garage door insulation kit.
Weight of the garage door insulation kit
If your garage door is an electric model, you have to consider the weight of the garage door insulation kit. A heavy garage door insulation kit will add weight to the garage door and might stress the mechanism of the garage door. To avoid damages, ensure that your opening mechanism is capable of handling the extra weight.
If you notice it would be unable to handle the extra weight, you might have to select another garage door insulation kit, or you can upgrade the opener before installing the garage door insulation kit.
Understand your garage door
Some garage doors are so well-made that they already have all the protection they need. Hence, buying a garage door insulation kit would be a waste of money.
Type of garage door
Garage doors come in different styles and are made of different materials. Hence, you should choose a garage door insulation kit that would complement the door.
Steel garage doors
If your garage door is made of steel, you can rest assured that it can handle almost every type of garage door insulation kit on the market. Fiberglass and foil bubble wrap garage door insulation kit can be inserted into the frames of these types of garage doors. You can also use polystyrene insulation kits on them.
Wood garage doors
For wood garage doors, it might be smarter to have a polystyrene foam style of garage door insulation kit installed. That is because polystyrene foam kits are quite rigid. To create an excellent insulation cover, you can opt to use two layers of foam instead of a single layer.
Garage doors with windows
For garage doors designed with windows, it is smart move adding a layer of sealant and applying around the edges. The sealant will prevent the penetration of moisture. We recommend using polystyrene foam for these types of doors; however, you can choose other types of garage door insulation kits depending on the placement and design of the windows.
Best Garage Door Insulation FAQs
Q. How does the insulation work?
There are several explanations for how garage door insulation kit works. However, these are necessary information on how they function.
Garage door insulation kits add a layer of protection between your garage door and the elements. This barrier prevents stuff from coming through as it is made of different layers. These layers insulate the area and serve to maintain the temperature in the garage.
Q. Why is the R-Value important?
The R-value refers to the thermal resistance of the material. This value is obtained from a consideration of several factors. The factors considered include; type of insulation, density, temperature, moisture accumulation, and others.
All these factors come together to form the R-value rating. A high R-value means that the garage door insulation kit is thermally resistant, while a lower value indicates that it is not as thermally resistant.
Another vital consideration that affects the R-value in the installation. A shoddy or faulty installation will mean that your R-value has been compromised. Hence, always follow instructions during installation. If in doubt of your abilities, then you should engage the services of a professional.
Q. How much does insulating my garage door cost?
Installing an insulation kit is relatively cheap and should cost probably around $100. If you are doing it yourself, it might cost you even slightly lower. However, if you are hiring the services of a professional, you will have to pay more.
Q. Should I be worried about weight added?
If your garage has a large door, adding an insulation kit will add weight to the door and might stress the opening mechanism. Hence, it might be smart asking for a professional opinion before installation.
Conclusion
A garage kit insulation kit can make your garage more comfortable and save you costs. There are many products on the market today, but the ten that we have considered are our top picks. Use this review and guide to select the best one for you.
