Garage Door Insulation Types
As you look at the curb appeal of your home, you naturally include the garage door's appearance. What you may forget is the fact that you lose a lot of heat out of that door if your insulated garage doesn't include insulation on the door. You can purchase doors with insulation already installed or you can install it yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
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Fiberglass Panels
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One popular type of garage door insulation is fiberglass panels. Much like the familiar fiberglass insulation used in attic insulation, these panels provide an excellent R-value to stop air leaks from your garage. The fiberglass insulation slips in each panel of the door. Hooks provided with the fiberglass insulation kit secure the insulation panels to the garage door. Because each panel has vinyl covering over it, your door has a finished look to it. Plus you have the added advantage of not having to touch the fiberglass material which can be scratchy.
Reflective Foil
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Reflective foil kits feature two layers of air-filled bubble wrap encased in heavy-duty foil. These kits provide a high R-value for your door and are easy to install. The foil acts as both a moisture barrier and heat reflector. To install, cut the reflective foil to fit each panel of your door. Secure the insulation to the door with tape. If you prefer a white interior color rather than the aluminum look, reflective foil packages are available with white vinyl coating as well.
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Polystyrene Foam
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Polystyrene foam is a good insulating material. You can purchase polystyrene door insulation kits made of varying thicknesses of this material depending on the R-value you need to achieve to keep your garage warm in winter and cool in summer. The kits have panels that slide in the door frame rails. Thicker polystyrene foam generally fits snugly enough that you don't have to hold it in place with tape or fasteners. If you choose a package with thinner foam insulation pieces, tape it in position to secure it. Most polystyrene door panels have a protective coating of vinyl that makes them easy to wipe clean.
Spray Foam
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Spray foam provides another way to insulate your garage door. This method is more difficult to install than the others listed here but offers excellent insulation. You first install a solid panel between the channels of each section of the door. A special tool injects spray foam between this panel and the exterior door forming an insulating barrier. Once the foam sets up, it bonds to the wood or metal of the exterior door as well as to the inside panel you installed.
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References
- Photo Credit brown and white house image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
