Insulated Garage Door Costs

The Costs 

• The average minimum cost of insulated garage doors is $821.
• The average maximum cost of insulated garage doors is $1,331.

In addition to the cost of the standard size 9 foot wide by 7 foot tall insulated garage door, homeowners starting on this home project will incur some additional costs. Supplies for the installation of the insulated garage door add an average of $120 to the cost of the project. If the homeowner requires a larger door such as one measuring 10 foot wide by 8 foot tall, the door will cost more, as the average minimum cost of a 10-foot by 8-foot insulated garage door is $1,155. A double-wide garage door will also add to the project cost as this type of door has an average minimum cost of $1,575. Installation costs for an insulated garage door average $40 per hour. The typical 9 foot wide by 7 foot tall insulated garage door takes 3.5 hours to install. Insulated garage doors do not come with an automatic garage door opener. If the homeowner wants to have one installed, there will be additional costs for materials and labor.

Materials

Insulated garage doors come in a wide range of styles and options. There are many different types of insulation that can be used in the construction of an insulated garage door. Each option has its own unique features and benefits. The primary types of insulation used for insulated garage doors include:

• Reflective Foil Insulation: This is also referred to as radiant barrier insulation. This type of insulation consists of many layers of foil, polyethylene plastic and bubble wrap to create a barrier against air. It is laid between layers of steel to construct the finished garage door. This is the most common insulation method used for garage doors because it is inexpensive for the manufacturer and adds minimal weight to the door.
• Fiberglass Panels: This fiberglass insulation comes in panels backed with vinyl. The vinyl faces the outside and attaches to the steel garage door through metal hooks mounted onto the door.
• Polystrene Foam: This is the same material used in foam cups and plates. It comes in pieces that are 1 inch thick or thicker and fits into place between the garage door frame's rails without any adhesives or fasteners. It can be backed with vinyl for aesthetic appeal.
• Spray Foam Insulation: This insulation consists of polyurethane foam that begins as a liquid and solidifies quickly upon exposure to air. It has a high R-value but is difficult to install. This type of insulation adds to the strength of the garage door because it chemically bonds to the inner and outer layers of the door.

In addition to the various insulation options available for garage doors, homeowners purchasing an insulated garage door can select from many different colors, finishes and styles. Insulated garage doors may have three to eight panels and can come with or without windows. The windows on insulated garage doors may be insulated for additional R-value and energy efficiency. The primary materials used to make insulated garage doors include:

• Steel Insulated Garage Doors: This is the most common style of insulated garage door. The door consists of a layer of outer steel, a layer of insulation and another layer of steel. One additional layer of insulation and steel can be added for a double-insulation effect. Steel is the least expensive option for an insulated garage door.
• Aluminum Insulated Garage Doors: Aluminum is the outer layer of material. The insulation for this type of door is usually made of polyurethane or polystyrene. Aluminum garage doors are the lightest type of insulated garage door.
• Fiberglass Insulated Garage Doors: A layer of fiberglass insulation is sandwiched by two layers of fiberglass sheeting affixed to a steel framework. The fiberglass exterior can be textured to create the look of wood.
• Wood Insulated Garage Doors: Although wood alone has high insulation properties, adding additional insulation further enhances this feature. The insulation is sandwiched between two layers of wood or one layer of wood and a layer of wood veneer. The wood doors come in many different types of wood and can be custom stained or sealed for added protection and visual appeal.

Homeowners may select from many different manufacturers of insulated garage doors. Each manufacturer may offer garage doors that use different types of insulation, depending on the size and style of the door. The most popular manufacturers of insulated garage doors in the U.S. include Clopay Building Products, DAB Garage Door Systems, General American Door Company, IDEAL Door Residential Garage Doors and Windsor Republic Doors.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Insulated Garage Doors

In residences with attached garages, an insulated garage door helps reduce the amount of outdoor noises that come in through the garage. The reduction of noise pollution can make for a more enjoyable indoor living environment. Insulated garage doors also act as an extra barrier against moisture, insects and vermin. An insulated garage door may help to reduce a home's energy consumption as hot air is kept out during the summer and cold air is kept out during the winter months. The insulation helps to moderate the temperature in the garage all year long, which reduces the burden on the household's heating and air conditioning system. Insulated garage doors are stronger than non-insulated doors. This can help to enhance the garage door's resistance to wind, denting and other types of damage. Steel insulated garage doors are affordable, and the energy savings can allow the door to pay for itself due to lower energy bills.

While there are many reasons why homeowners choose to purchase an insulated garage door, there are some drawbacks to this option. Insulated garage doors are costlier than non-insulated doors. Over time, some types of insulation begin to degrade and lose some of their R-value. Some types of insulation, such as radiant barrier, can easily be punctured and rendered less effective. In some cases, the cost of an insulated steel garage door are nearly the same as a standard wood garage door, which also has excellent insulation properties and considered by many to have a greater visual appeal. An insulated garage door does not fully prevent air leaks and drafts; homeowners must also ensure that the garage door has a seal and sufficient weatherstripping around the perimeter of the door. Polyurethane and polystyrene insulation are not considered to be green products because they are made from non-renewable petroleum products. Because insulated garage doors are considered to be a specialty product by most manufacturers, they are available in a limited number of colors and textures.

Last updated on May 19, 2016