Insulating a Garage Door

tweedbean · 8 Nov 2017 at 11:54

Hi all, just wondered if anyone had insulated the inside of their garage door and if so what they used.

We have a single up and over manual door, made of metal. Looking at lots of different options, some more expensive than others. I was thinking some sort of polystyrene type material on the back of the door as I have read the foil type materials are better suited for warmer climates.

Any thoughts?

robj20 · 8 Nov 2017 at 12:43

Plan to do mine with spray on expanding foam.

HeX · 8 Nov 2017 at 15:43

I did this when we first moved into our new place. Grabbed some huge sheets of 2" thick polystyrene. Cut it to shape to fit inside the garage panels. Then covered the whole lot with that silver insulating bubble wrap stuff. Works a treat, keeps the garage much warmer and barely cost anything.

Looks like this on the inside now:

Puzzled · 8 Nov 2017 at 15:59

HeX said:
I did this when we first moved into our new place. Grabbed some huge sheets of 2" thick polystyrene. Cut it to shape to fit inside the garage panels. Then covered the whole lot with that silver insulating bubble wrap stuff. Works a treat, keeps the garage much warmer and barely cost anything.

Looks like this on the inside now:

That looks great, where did you get the materials from and any movement over time from opening the door?

HeX · 8 Nov 2017 at 23:45

Grabbed it all from B&Q, big sheets of polystyrene are dirt cheap, stuck it to the door with spray on adhesive, hasn't moved an inch since I put it up.

DXP55 · 9 Nov 2017 at 09:18

I used 25mm polystyrene sheets cut to the panels - used mastic gun glue but I think spray on would be better - I had to watch weight as I have an electric door opener.

tweedbean · 9 Nov 2017 at 09:25

Good to hear, I will have to pop to B&Q this weekend to get some supplies.

Abyss · 9 Nov 2017 at 12:58

I'd use 25mm kingspan / Celotex which already has the foil finish. Key is making sure the joints are properly taped and any airgaps around the door have brush strips or similar.

tweedbean · 9 Nov 2017 at 15:58

Abyss said:
I'd use 25mm kingspan / Celotex which already has the foil finish. Key is making sure the joints are properly taped and any airgaps around the door have brush strips or similar.

Yeah I need to get some of that brush strip type stuff. I have a seal at the bottom of the door but not along the sides.

Street · 9 Nov 2017 at 23:06

I just ended up replacing mine with double skinned insulated sectional door! After working out in the garage last winter in freezing temperatures, something had to be done. It seems to have made quite a difference already.

Nathan · 10 Nov 2017 at 04:01

Street said:
I just ended up replacing mine with double skinned insulated sectional door! After working out in the garage last winter in freezing temperatures, something had to be done. It seems to have made quite a difference already.

Get mine installed in 3 weeks, currently being made in Germany. 2k price tag mind !

tweedbean · 11 Nov 2017 at 20:35

Job started, take a look at here for what I've done: https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/tweedbeans-garage-makeover.18798684/

hornetstinger · 11 Nov 2017 at 20:59

FYI gold is not a good thermal insulator, so don't line your garage with 24k gold bars.

Street · 12 Nov 2017 at 01:37

Nathan said:
Get mine installed in 3 weeks, currently being made in Germany. 2k price tag mind !

Worth every penny!

Puzzled · 15 Nov 2017 at 23:57

Spent a bit of time cleaning out the garage and trying to seal up the frame before looking at insulating the door.

Used this acoustic foam tape to fill the gaps around the door

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Acoustic-Soundproofing-Resilient-Tape-Joist-Stud-work-Isolation-10-mm-THICK/142444873075?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&var=441447742228&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Nice thickness to it and cheap compared to draught excluder foam roll.

Still got a bit of gap on the bottom of the door but not enough room to fit more of this foam in. I see in your other thread you used pipe insulation foam, how's that holding up with the garage door opening / closing?

tweedbean · 16 Nov 2017 at 13:43

MonkeyMan said:
Still got a bit of gap on the bottom of the door but not enough room to fit more of this foam in. I see in your other thread you used pipe insulation foam, how's that holding up with the garage door opening / closing?

It hasn't budged, still in place. Due to the direction the door moves inwards when opening and it being fitted on the inside means when you open the door it pushes it on more. Then when closing, it compresses slightly rather than being pushed off so a nice fit.

I noticed quite a gap above the garage door yesterday letting in loads of light that I need to resolve. Will take a look this weekend if it needs sealant or something like that tape you recommended.