Is It Worth It to Insulate a Non-Insulated Garage Door?

You’re wrapping up your garage renovation project – you’ve added insulation to the walls and the ceiling to help reduce heating and cooling loss and utility costs. Now you’re contemplating the garage door. It’s not insulated. Is it worth it to go ahead and cover it in insulation, or should you replace it with a new door?

You can insulate a non-insulated garage door, but there are a few things you should know. If you opt to move forward, there are at least two ways that you can achieve your goal.

Mineral Wool

One option is to use mineral wool blankets. You can pick these up at most any renovation or construction material store, and the kit includes both rolled sheets of mineral wool, as well as a plastic, reflective film. You’ll spend between $75 and $100 on materials with this option.

Polystyrene Panels

Another option is to use polystyrene insulating panels. You’ll find these available in most big box DIY stores, and the kit is usually designed for a single garage door that’s between eight and nine feet in width. Note that polystyrene panels are flammable, and you’ll need to cover it with an inflammable material to prevent the risk of fire.

So, as you can see, it is possible to insulate a non-insulated garage door. However, there are some downsides that you should be aware of. For one, adding insulation to the garage door isn’t going to stop cold from seeping through the door. Non-insulated garage doors lack thermal breaks between the interior and exterior sections. So, be prepared for this. Perhaps the only real upside to insulating a non-insulated garage door is that you’ll be able to deaden some of the sound made when opening or closing the door.

Be Aware

If you use something other than the two materials we listed above, beware of adding any additional weight to the door. The springs on the door, as well as the opening system, are designed to handle a specific amount of weight. If you exceed this amount, it can cause serious damage. If you exceed the weight allowance, you’ll need to invest in new springs designed to handle the additional weight.

Should You Do It?

In the end, insulating a non-insulated garage door isn’t really worth it unless you really only wanted a little noise reduction. If you wanted to reduce heat and cold transfer in your garage, it’s a better option to buy a new garage door. This is particularly true if your old door is worse for the wear, and showing signs of its age.

A Final Note

We invite you to get in touch with us at any time – call 705-721-7909. We understand that the reliability and temperature control you enjoy hinges directly on the quality of the garage door, opener system and other products you purchase. We can send you a custom quote by email if you prefer, as well. Of course, we’re also happy to visit you in your home for an in-person consultation on your garage door needs. We can explain the full range of products we offer and how they can fit your life. Make sure you visit our design center, and look over the options in our image gallery, as well.