Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: September 15, 2022
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Are you looking for a cheaper way to regulate the temperature in your garage? Or perhaps you want to block out street noise. Insulation is the product you’re looking for. That’s why we are giving you reviews on our top nine best insulation for garage door kits. There are many garage door insulation kits on the market but not all of them are the same. The reviews we’re giving you is a list of the best ones you can get.
In our review section, we’ll be discussing important features of garage insulators such as thickness, material, type, weight, size, and R-Value. Knowing what features these products have to offer will help you select the best one for your requirements. Additionally, the buyer’s guide below will give you more information on the best insulation for garage door kits. So if you want to insulate your garage continue reading so you can find a product that can assist you with everything you need. Based on that, the Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit takes our Editor’s Choice nomination.
More features: comes with a unique fastening system, suitable for doors up to 9 feet wide x 7 feet 8 inches tall, 20% noise reduction, cleanable surface
Owens is a well-known brand for garage door insulations. The Owens Corning garage door insulation kit has optimal weatherproofing. This means it’s the best garage door insulation for hot climates. Therefore you won’t need an expensive AC system in your garage.
The insulation kit is effortless to install and only requires basic tools to get the job done. It will only take you an hour to set up the installation. What’s more, the fiberglass vinyl is robust so the material can withstand any environment. You’ll also love that the insulators can block out 20% of noise coming from outside. It’s ideal when you have noisy neighbors or a busy street that you live on.
You may also appreciate that the Owens Corning insulators won’t change the structure of your garage door so it will still look clean and streamlined after installation.
The insulation for the garage door kit is designed for metal doors and it’s flexible so it won’t dent when you’re installing it.
Overall, the insulators are easy to keep clean. All you have to do is wipe them down with a clean cloth. The insulators stay in place so they won’t fall off when opening and closing your garage door.
More features: comes with 48 acrylic adhesive and 48 one inch square Stick’ms, blocks up to 95% of radiant heat, meets new ASTM fire code standards, no maintenance required, suitable for standard doors 8 feet x 8 feet
Reach Barrier 3009 is our budget pick on this list of reviews because it’s a highly cost effective product. This garage insulator kit comes with a few extras to assist you with the installation process such as adhesives and Stick’ms. The insulators are incredibly lightweight so it won’t add unnecessary pounds to your garage door. These insulation panels have two layers of 5/32″ Barrier Bubble that’s laminated between two sheets of Radiant Barrier. This means this is another product that’s the best garage door insulation kit for hot weather.
The only drawback to this product is that you can’t paint over it. So if you don’t like the look of the insulators it may change the look of your garage in a way you don’t like. On the other hand, it doesn’t stick out and it gives your garage a neat finish. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the aesthetics of your garage changing that much.
In short, this garage insulation kit is perfect for anyone who doesn’t know how to use power tools because it doesn’t require any equipment for installation. The insulators are robust, block out sound, keep your area cool and it fits perfectly onto any type of garage door.
More features: comes with 200 ft of tape, razor, knife, squeegee, made in the USA, suitable for extreme hot and cold climates
The NASA Tech white reflective foam is a 2 car garage door insulation kit. It’s another product that’s the best garage door insulation for heat. The foam board insulation for garage door kit is reflective so it reduces radiant heat gain. As a result, it saves on utility costs and you don’t have to use electric fans or AC systems to cool down your space.
What’s more, this product reduces the sound coming through from outside. So if you live in a busy area with noisy traffic it will block out those sounds.
The insulation kit has a Class 1 and Class A fire rating so it’s effective against severe fire exposure. It won’t spread flames if a fire breaks out in your garage, ensuring the safety of you and the protection of the rest of your house and car.
This is another lightweight insulator kit so it won’t add unnecessary pounds to your garage door. These insulators work well on manual sliding garage doors because of their lightweight design. As a result, the insulators won’t affect the function of your garage door.
To sum up, this double garage door insulation kit is highly durable so it can withstand harsh conditions and it doesn’t require any special tools to install it.
What are our favorite features?
Comes with 200 ft of tape, a razor, a knife and squeegee
More features: double sided, non toxic, non carcinogenic, non fiberglass, comes with tape, razor, knife, squeegee, made in the USA, fits 16 x 7, 16 x 8, 18 x 7, 18 x 8 feet doors, suitable for extreme hot and cold climates
The US Energy NASATECH foam insulation for garage door kit is a lightweight product that is suitable for homes in hot or cold climates. This installation kit can reflect heat energy between 95% and 97%.
Additionally, it’s perfect for large garage doors. In this kit, you’ll find four rolls of double sided foam and all the tools you need for a quick and easy installation. The insulation kit for garage doors is safe and it’s ASTM certified which means it meets and exceeds fire safety requirements.
You’ll also love that this has a vapor shield that reduces moisture and humidity levels. As a result, you won’t have to contend with mold growth so it’s suitable to use in tropical climates where humidity is high.
The foam, vinyl and foil materials are durable and the adhesive is strong so it won’t peel off the surface you’ve stuck it onto. Since they come in large sheets, you can cut them to size if they’re too big for your garage door.
Lastly, the adhesive tape sticks onto any surface such as wood, metal and glass. Consequently, if you have a garage door made from these materials the insulators will stick to it easily.
Material: high quality expanded polystyrene, high impact styrene
Thickness: 1.5 inch
Dimensions: 20 x 54 inch x 8
Weight: 8 lbs
More features: suitable for single car residential metal garage doors, noise reduction, easy installation
The Cellofoam garage door insulation kit (8-pieces) is the best foam product on our list. These insulators are lightweight and made from durable high quality polystyrene. This product is designed for single metal garage doors but you can buy another kit if you have double garage doors.
Installation is effortless because you don’t need power tools to fit the panels onto your garage door. All you need is a strong adhesive to attach these insulation panels and if they don’t fit you can cut them to size easily. Although, cutting Styrofoam can get messy, so make sure you have a dustpan and broom handy if you’re going to cut them to size.
You’ll love how streamlined the panels look once you’ve installed them and if they get dirty, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.
You can use the Cellofoam garage door insulation for winter to keep your space warm. Additionally, these panels are designed to block out the noise from outside. Furthermore, since these foam panels are lightweight they won’t weigh your garage door down or affect the way it functions. Overall, the foam panels are sleek and they don’t have foil coatings which many people prefer not to have. Instead, these foam panels are covered in vinyl so they’re easy to maintain.
What makes it special?
Easy installation
Noise reduction
Suitable for single car residential metal garage doors
Material: pure aluminum, closed cell polyethylene foam
Thickness: 15 inch
Dimensions: 21 1/4 inch x 18 ft x 4
Weight: 9.88 lbs
More features: double sided, non toxic, non carcinogenic, fits 18 x 7 feet doors, noise reduction, suitable for hot and cold climates, 65-80% heat reflection, 1-hour installation
The Smartgarage insulation panels for garage door equipment are made from the highest quality material. The coating is pure aluminum foil and the structure is closed cell polyethylene foam. These materials have a high reflective radiant heat percentage which means it will keep you warm during the winter months.
This insulation kit comes with double sided adhesive tape that’s extremely durable so it helps you attach the panels to your garage door easily. The adhesive can withstand hot and cold climates so it won’t peel off.
The Smartgarage insulation garage door kit comes with a vapor slider which is a shield against humidity. This vapor slide will reduce mold growth in your garage. It’s the best garage door insulation kit if you want to control the temperatures reducing the need for an air-conditioning system. Not using air cons has a positive impact on the environment and it lowers utility costs. So you can save a small fortune on your electricity bill each month.
The reflective foil may change the aesthetics of your garage slightly but the panels are streamlined so they sit neatly on the surface of the door.
To sum up, the Smartgarage insulation kit is lightweight, easy to install and the materials are highly durable. If they get dirty simply wipe them down with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
Why are we impressed?
1-hour installation
Suitable for hot and cold climates
65-80% heat reflection
Noise reduction
Made with heavy duty pure aluminum and closed cell polyethylene foam
More features: safe for children and pets, suitable for summer and winter, sound reduction
The Anco garage door insulation kit is made with heavy duty fiberglass and the panels are thick. This means the panels will retain heat when it’s cold and keep your area cool when it’s hot. You’ll also love how well these panels reduce the noise coming from outside.
These panels come rolled up and you can measure the sizes you need and cut them to fit your garage door. Simply ensure that you measure them correctly before cutting so the panels fit perfectly on the door’s surface. You can use any fasteners to attach these panels to your door and it will stay in place.
What’s more, the fiberglass panels have a smooth surface so they’re easy to clean if they get dusty. The panels are white so it adds an elegant touch to your garage. The only downside to this product is that it is heavy but the product won’t reduce the speed of motorized garage doors.
The fiberglass panels are non-toxic so they’re safe to install on your garage door. This product is Greenguard and Children & SchoolsSM certified.
You don’t need any power tool so install the panels and it will take you between 30 minutes to an hour to insulate your door. These insulators won’t sag and they look sleek once they’re attached to the door’s surface.
More features: rugged metal pin installation system, 1-hour installation, fits 9 feet x 7 feet, 9 feet x 8 feet doors, sound reduction, made in the USA
Are you a beginner at garage door insulations? Then you’ll benefit from the ADO fiberglass panels because they’re incredibly easy to install. It will take you an hour to install the panels and you won’t need any tools to get the job done. That’s because it has a metal pin system that holds the panels firmly in place.
These panels are highly durable so they have a long service life. The vinyl coating won’t chip or crack over time. These ADO panels are on the heavy side but they won’t sag after installation or cause it to work ineffectively.
Some garage insulation panels aren’t easy to clean but since these sections have a vinyl coating you can clean them off with a damp cloth.
You’ll love that these panels have a bright white finish that will liven up your space, all while regulating the temperatures in your garage. These panels are suitable to use in summer and in winter so you won’t need expensive AC/HV systems. Not needing this system to regulate the temperature in your garage or home reduces your electricity bill. What’s more, it’s environmentally friendly.
To sum up, it can be used on any type of surface such as wood, metal, vinyl and more. Simply ensure it’s the correct dimensions for your garage door before you get started.
More features: fits most standard pan style 8-foot and 9-foot garage doors, easy installation, quiets vibrations from door panels, easily washable, suitable for hot climate and cold seasons
This is the Matador garage door insulation kit. The Matador product is on our list because of its high-quality construction and how easy it is to install. This insulation kit gives your garage door a professional finish so it won’t affect the aesthetics of the interior of your space.
What’s more, the insulation is easy to keep clean and it’s resistant to high impact. This kit is popular for first-time users because all that needs to be done is to cut it into the correct sizes. The door rails then keep the panels firmly in place. This installation gives it a streamlined finish so you don’t see any pieces protruding out. You don’t need any glue, pins or tape to keep it in place.
So if you want to turn your garage space into a workshop the installation can keep you warm in the wintertime and cool down the area during summer. The insulation process only takes one hour of your time. Additionally, the insulation is cost effective because of how durable it is and it helps you save on utility costs.
The Matador insulation kit blocks out noise from outside so if you live near a busy highway, the polystyrene laminate will soundproof your space.
Why are we impressed?
Easy to wash
Quiets vibrations from the door panels
Suitable for summer and winter
Fits most standard panel door garages
What negatives must you be aware of?
Low R-value rate
Too heavy
Things to Consider
We hope you found what you were looking for in our best garage door insulation kit reviews. On the other hand, if you’re still not sure which product to get, perhaps our buyer’s guide can assist you with your decision.
In this next section, we’ll be giving you more information on what the purpose of a garage door insulation kit is and what to consider before buying your panels. Read the buyer’s guide carefully because there might be a few features you may not have considered before.
How does insulation for a garage door work? Pros and cons
Insulators come in panels, sheets or blankets and they act as a barrier against sound. Also, they regulate temperatures. The insulators are designed to restrict and resist heat transfer using three systems:
Conduction: This system is how heat moves along or through materials by passing along one molecule to another. Conduction can take place through solid matter, liquids and gas. It depends on what insulators are made from which can increase or decrease the conduction process. Utilizing low conductivity gas in insulation rather than air can reduce conduction.
Convection: This system only takes place in liquids or gasses therefore it can’t form in solid matter. The molecules of a liquid or gas heat up which alters their densities. Therefore, warmer air will become less dense causing it to rise. Closed cell insulation with small cell sizes slows down convection which reduces their ability to infect adjacent cells.
Radiation: This is the system of heat transfer across the space from one material to the next as energy. Radiation can transfer through liquids, gasses, solids and a vacuum. The rate of heat transfer through radiation is controlled by the distances and temperatures of surfaces. Additionally, radiation controls the emissivity (how shiny a coating is) of these surfaces and its ability to reflect thermal radiation. An example is a low emissivity foil coated panel.
Heat transfer can occur through these three systems and thermal insulation is designed to restrict them. In turn, it reduces the amount of heat lost or gained through a garage door. The benefits of these insulation panels are the following:
Saves energy: Since insulation is designed to regulate temperatures inside a space, it can help you save on energy costs. This is because you won’t need an AC/HV system, electric fans or heaters to cool or heat an area. You will save on electricity each month and you’re creating sustainable energy by insulating.
Creates a durable door: An insulation blanket for garage door kit creates a protective layer that makes your door more durable. For example, the Matador Garage Door insulation is a high impact product. Therefore the door won’t dent as easily with the insulation installed; a handy feature if you accidentally bump the door with your car.
Soundproof: As mentioned before, insulation is an excellent choice when it comes to soundproofing your garage. So if you live on a busy street, the insulation panels can block out the sound of traffic or noisy neighbors. If you want to soundproof your garage then take a look at the Owens Corning garage door insulation kit. This kit blocks out all noise coming from outside the garage door.
Even though there are pros to using these garage door insulators there are also a few cons. Let’s go through them here:
Aesthetics: There are some garage door insulators that don’t look appealing. It can alter the interior design of your garage. On the other hand, there are kits that can add to the aesthetics of your garage such as the Anco garage door insulation panels.
Adhesives: The advantage of insulator kits is that you don’t need power tools to install them. They come with adhesive tape that allows you to stick the panels to your door. However, these adhesive tapes are sometimes not strong enough so they tend to peel off especially in warmer climates. Try the NASA Tech white reflective foam panels on our review list because it comes with excellent quality tape that won’t lose its stickiness.
Toxic materials: Some insulation kits are made with highly toxic materials. Ensure you know what your insulation kit is made from especially if you have pets and children. You don’t want your loved ones to get sick from toxic materials.
Incorrect dimensions: It’s important to measure your garage door first before you buy a kit. Some people complain that there are kits that state they fit standard doors but the dimensions are incorrect. Check the size of the kit and your garage door to avoid this problem.
Door types
There are six types of garage doors:
Side hinged
Overhead door
Tilt up canopy
Roll-up
Tilt up retractable
Sectional
You must ensure that the insulation kit you pick doesn’t affect the operation of these doors. For example, a roll up garage door insulation kit is specifically designed for this type of door. An overhead garage door insulation kit is only meant for overhead doors.
The material of the door also plays an important role in which insulation kit you should pick. A wood garage door insulation kit comes with specialized equipment so the panels stick properly to the surface of the door. Any type of adhesive will stick well to glass, metal or vinyl door types.
Features to consider while choosing an insulation for a garage door
Now that you know a bit more about the purpose of garage door insulators it’s time to see what features to consider before buying your product. You must know the features of your product so you can select the correct insulation for your door size and type. Keep reading so you can find the right garage door insulators for your home.
Type
There are four types of insulator kits to pick from. Let’s go through these types to see the pros and cons of each:
Spray foam: This type of insulator comes in an aerosol can. All you have to do is spray the foam around the edges of your garage door and wait for it to harden. This type of insulator isn’t suitable for garage doors because it’s messy and has a low R-rating.
Panels: This is the most common type of insulator. Kits come with eight or more panels that can stick onto garage doors in sections. It’s perfect for garage doors that roll up or slide to the side. The Matador Garage Door insulation kit comes with panels that are easy to install.
Sheets: There are insulators that come in the form of a rolled up sheet. The advantage of these sheets is that you can cut them into the shapes and sizes you want to fit onto any garage door type. They can be made with any materials but fiberglass is the most common textile used to make insulator sheets.
Blanket: An insulator blanket can be made with fiberglass or aluminum foil. It’s essentially a large blanket that can be fitted onto your garage door with clips. The downside to this type of insulator is that they’re sometimes too small or big. If you do buy a blanket insulator ensure you measure the size you need first before your purchase.
Cold vs hot climate
There are some factors that differentiate hot and cold insulation kits. Firstly, hot insulators don’t require a water vapor barrier that prevents metal corrosion over time.
In colder climates, condensation buildup occurs. Therefore flexible insulation is required to deal with the problem. Fiberglass, foam and foil insulators are more bendable than those found in hot insulators.
Another factor is that close cell systems are needed in cold insulators to reduce wicking. The insulation in hotter climates doesn’t have close cell systems. This allows moisture to enter the system so the heat can evaporate the dampness.
R-value
In building construction, R-value is a measurement of how well a layered construction such as insulators, walls, ceilings and windows can resist the conductive flow of heat. There are components that make an insulator resistant to changes in temperature such as:
Material
Thickness
Density
Aging
Moisture buildup
All these components will give you a single R-value which will give you an indication of which product is ideal for your requirements. There’s an R-value on every layer of insulation so you may have to add them up to get the total of the actual rating of the product.
Another aspect to keep in mind is that the way you install your insulation can affect the R-value. Poor installations can lower the R-value significantly.
To pick the best garage door insulation kit, find one with the highest R-value. The Anco garage door insulation kit has a high R-value of nine so this is an excellent choice.
U-factor
The U-factor is the thermal transmittance value of an insulation kit. It indicates how well an insulator conducts heat. An insulation kit with the lowest number on the U-factor will reduce the amount of heat that’s transferred. You want to select a kit that has a U-factor close to zero.
Material
The type of material your insulators are made of can make a huge impact on how well they work. Some products work better than others simply because they’re made with different types of material. Here are the most common types of material garage door insulators are made from:
Fiberglass: The fiberglass insulation kits are the most popular because they’re durable and provide the best results. Typically fiberglass insulators have a high R-value which means it works well to regulate the temperatures in your home. These fiberglass insulation panels come with vinyl coatings so they’re easy to clean. The panels are heavier than other types of insulators but they look the best and they don’t create a mess when installing them. You may like the Anco garage door insulation kit that’s made from heavy duty fiberglass.
Radiant Barrier: These insulators are generally made with highly reflective materials such as foil. The aluminum foil blocks the radiant heat energy instead of absorbing it. There are more layers to these panels such as air bubble material between the foil and barrier. The air bubble layer reduces condensation and humidity to prevent mold growth. Pick the Reach Barrier 3009 product on our review list if you want to reduce humidity in your garage.
Foam panels: Another popular type of insulation is foam because these panels come at an affordable price. The panels are made from Styrofoam which can get messy if you need to cut them to size. On the other hand, foam panels are lightweight and they tend to hold better on garage surfaces.
Cellulose: This type of insulator is made with plant fibers which makes is 100% organic. Many people say that cellulose is a better insulator than fiberglass products. The drawback on this type of material is that it’s expensive. But it’s environmentally friendly and these kits are easy to install.
Thickness
As mentioned before cold insulation materials must be flexible. Thicker insulators have a reduction in flexibility. However, the thickness doesn’t always mean improved insulation. There are thinner insulation panels that work exceptionally well to retain heat such as blankets.
Another factor to consider is, will the thickness stop the door from opening and closing? Don’t select an insulator that adds unnecessary dimensions to your garage door. Furthermore, it also depends on the material that’s used to make the insulators. Thick fiberglass insulators are more durable than thick polystyrene kits.
Thick fiberglass materials are better at soundproofing than thick Styrofoam products. If you don’t want bulky material on your garage door, perhaps the NASA Tech white reflective foam will be ideal for you. This kit has panels that are 0.25 inches thick but they’re still capable of soundproofing and regulating temperatures because of the material it’s made of.
Density
Dense insulators are highly effective and generally have a higher R-value. Insulators that are high in density tend to be more expensive because of its effectiveness to regulate temperatures, add a protective shield and soundproof a garage door.
What’s more, dense insulators help make your metal door more silent, especially the overhead kind.
Dimensions and weight
Garage doors have different measurements so you will need to pick one that will fit the size of your door. Select a 16ft garage door insulation kit that comes with a sheet that can be cut into the dimensions you want if you’re unsure of the sizes you need.
You must also consider the weight of the product because it can add pounds onto your door that can affect how it opens and closes. Pick a lightweight product that works well in cold and hot climates such as the Reach Barrier 3009 with a weight of 3.32lbs
Ease of application
All the products on our review list are easy to install and don’t require power tools or mounting equipment. These kits come with all the items you need to fit your insulation. Adhesive tape is used to stick the panels onto your door. Or pick a kit that comes with clips instead of adhesive products if you’re worried about glue coming undone. Some kits even come with knives so you can alter the dimensions of the insulators.
To help you further with the insulation process, each kit comes with an instruction manual. Follow the instructions if you’re unsure how to insulate your garage door.
Care and safety features
Most garage door insulation panels have a coating on them or a smooth finish so you can wipe the panels down with a cloth when they get dirty. It’s difficult to clean polystyrene because it doesn’t wipe down easily so ensure you pick a product that’s not a hassle to maintain.
Safety is a feature you must never compromise on when selecting your insulation kit. Buy a kit that’s made with non-toxic materials such as the US Energy NASATECH foam insulation kit. This kit is especially important to use if you have kids or pets around.
Another safety feature that you want to look at is whether it’s fireproof. If a fire breaks out you want to use materials that won’t help flames spread. Select a garage insulation kit that has a Class 1 and Class A fire rating ensuring the safety of your family, car and house. If you’re looking for a product that has an excellent fire prevention rating then select the NASA Tech white reflective foam kit.
Price
The price for garage door insulation kits ranges between $51 and $74 so there are cheaper alternatives than getting internal door installation done. The price of these kits may increase depending on the types of materials they’re made from and their R-value.
Installation tips
As mentioned before, installing a garage insulation kit is straightforward but there are some factors you must remember before you start. Here are a few tips you can follow when installing your kit:
Make sure your garage door is clean before you start. Vacuum up dust and wipe the door down with a damp cloth. Wait for it to dry before you begin.
Consider what material your door is made from so you can pick the best mounting options such as clips or adhesive tape.
If you’re using adhesive tape, make sure it can withstand all weather conditions so it doesn’t lose its stickiness.
Consider getting two kits in case you need more panels for your door.
Lay the sheets or panels down so they can straighten out before you start mounting them.
Make markings on your garage door where each of the clips will go.
Most insulation kits will tell you how much the product weighs. This is the amount of weight that will be added to your door. Insulation kits are generally light in weight so they won’t add significant pounds to your structure. If you’re worried about weight, then select the air reflective garage door insulation kit from Barrier Reach because it’s very light.
Some people may opt to use an electric water heater. This is different from the thermal option available in most solar water heaters. In this case, it becomes necessary to connect the heater with solar panels. This type of water heater can also work if you hook it up directly with the electricity in your house.
The reason why insulator kits for garage doors are so popular is that they help save on utility costs. An AC/HV system uses about 3500w per three hours a day which costs about $0.10 per kWh. That’s $350 every three hours that you’ll be saving.
Yes, because the purpose of an insulation kit is to regulate temperatures inside your garage. In humid climates, an insulation kit can reduce the moisture in your garage. Regulating the humidity in your garage can reduce the effects of rust on your car and metal tools such as hammers and spanners. It’s important that mechanics in humid climates have the proper insulation for their garage doors to protect their equipment. Additionally, garage insulation panels can prevent mold from growing on your floors walls and ceilings. Use the Matador Garage Door insulation kit because it can work in humid, hot and cold climates.
Our Verdict
To sum up, our Editor’s Choice is the Owens Corning garage door insulation kit. It has an R-value of 8 and it comes with unique mounting equipment to make installation easier for you.
Some people are on a budget and can’t commit to kits that are high in price. Fortunately, we’ve included a budget pick on our review list which is the Reach Barrier 3009. It’s a lightweight product and reduces humidity levels in your garage.
We hope our product reviews and buyer’s guide helped you find the best insulator for garage door kit that meets your requirements. Now you can upgrade and enjoy the results.
