Garages are an important part of every home. They provide a place to store our cars, bikes, and other valuable items.
However, garages can also be the most drafty area in the house when it’s cold outside! Insulating your garage door is not only easy but it will save you money on heating costs. If you’re looking for an easy way to insulate your garage door, here are 5 ways you can do so today.
Let’s get started.
Method 1: Use Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping is the most basic way to insulate your garage door. This method can be found in many homes, but it does not provide much protection against heat loss. Use weather stripping around the sides and top of the garage door for an easy fix.
If you have an older garage door, chances are there is no weather stripping around it. It helps prevent outside elements from entering your house and adding additional insulation will help reduce drafts.
Weatherstripping provides insulation by sealing off any drafts or cold air seeping through the gaps in your garage door. The toughest part about weatherstripping is getting the right size so make sure you measure carefully.
Use a carpenter’s rule to measure the distance between the door and the ground. Once you have the right size, apply weather stripping to seal off any gaps or drafts. Even if your garage door was just replaced recently it is still worth checking for air leaks.
Method 2: Attach a Garage Door Insulation Kit
If you are hesitant about the DIY approach, there are kits that can be purchased at your local hardware store. The garage door insulation kit consists of insulation that is sandwiched between two sheets of reflective aluminum.
One side should rest against the door and one sheet should be installed on each side of the opening. It’s recommended to use screws, nails, or double-sided tape.
This is about all you need in the way of materials if you are insulating a new garage door. If your current door already has insulation on it, simply purchase some more and add an additional layer on top of what is currently there. Be sure to measure how much insulation you need by measuring the width and height of your door.
Cut a piece of insulation to size, leaving an inch around all four sides for sealing purposes. Use self-adhesive spray foam or duct tape on each side if you want added protection from drafts.
It’s also important to ensure no gaps between pieces of insulation, so be sure to seal the edges properly.
You should also work on sealing off any other areas that could allow drafts into your garage such as electrical outlets, cracks in between door panels, and where the top of the door meets the frame. This will help keep cold air from seeping through during those really frigid days.
Using a stud finder to locate the wooden beam that runs across your garage door is a good idea. Drill holes through this beam and install weather stripping around it to ensure a tight seal where you don’t want air coming in or out of your garage space.
If you have an older style metal framed, roll-up door with side tracks running along each side, you can install insulation between the tracks and exterior wall. This will help reduce drafts and prevent your door from rattling excessively during those high winds.
Method 3: Install Flashing Tape
First, measure the height and width of your garage door. Purchase a roll of flashing tape. Peel off the backing from the flashing tape and place it around the perimeter of your garage door. Make sure to space the strips down your entire height and width evenly.
Trim any excess that has come up over the top of your door with a razor blade or utility knife. You will have to cut this part before peeling off the backing as it will not come off by just peeling it back.
From this point, continue cutting down all sides until you have a full sheet of flashing tape around your garage door.
Method 4: Install Plastic Sheeting
Purchase plastic sheeting to use for insulation. Measure the door, allowing an extra 20 inches on each side. Cut the plastic sheeting to size using a utility knife. The plastic will cut easily with one quick pass of the blade.
Using a metal tape measure, measure up from the bottom of the garage door and make a mark across the top of the opening, both widthwise and lengthwise. The marks should be spaced 1 inch apart, making sure not to measure over any metal framework or trim around the opening.
Tape it in place from top to bottom with duct tape, being careful not to leave any large bubbles or creases underneath. Cut off excess plastic so you have a clean edge all around.
Method 5: Install Reflective Foil
To insulate the door, you will need to buy reflective foil and duct tape. Clean the surface of your garage door. Measure the length and width of the door with a piece of string to ensure you cover all surfaces.
Attach one end of the foil to the backside, lining up the other end on the other side’s edge for an overlap. Lay down duct tape in strips across at least three panels.
Place another layer of foil on top, once again lining up with an overlap on either side so that it is smooth and airtight when you are finished taping it down with strips of duct tape. Repeat these steps for the other sides.
Cover your garage door in foil and tape it down so no air can get in.
Conclusion
You don’t want to be the one who has a drafty garage door in their home. Insulating your garage door can not only save you money on heating costs, but it will also make sure that all of the items stored inside are safe and sound during cold winter months.
