Garage Door Insulation for Warm/Hot Climates

[MSG C5]

I live in Florida and was curious whether or not garage door insulation will have any positive effect on helping to keep my garage cooler and less humid in the summer months.

I have a 3-car garage with no windows that open and the walls are painted masonary blocks with the drywall on the back wall connecting to the house.

Any recommendations and/or ideas?

 

[PassnThru]

Look at it this way - when the sun shines on the door the insulation will slow the heat transfer into the garage. Insulation will always help keep what is in the space isolated from the outside.

 

[yhprum]

also helps keep heat in from a hot vehicle. Might need to put in a exhaust fan in the ceiling to get the hot air out.

 

[Beaumont67]

Prodex Total Insulation 5mm (1/4 inch) closed cell polyethylene foam sandwiched between two 99% pure aluminum, low emissivity surfaces. Works great in hot and cold climates. Keeps your building and home cool in summer, warm in winter and dry all year. http://www.insulation4less.com/Default.aspx

* Cool - Radiant barrier: Reflects 97% of radiant heat (the primary source of heat flow).
* Warm - Reflective Insulation: R-value 15.67.
* Dry - Vapor barrier: 0.033 gr/m2hkPa. Eliminates condensation

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1965 Malibu S/S, 1966 Beaumont Custom original paint, 1967 Beaumont Custom, 1967 Beaumont Custom original paint, 1967 Beaumont 396-350HP Sport Deluxe M21-411's - SOLD 1970 Judge

 

[MSG C5]

Thanks for the replies. What makes matters worse is that my driveway/garage doors face south so the sun can be pretty intense. I have clear windows at the top of the doors/panels that let in light, however no windows that I can open.

The garage has vents built into the ceilings, however I would like to try and make some modifications to help reduce the heat. I've seen the door insulation kits that allow you to install the barrier material to the inside of the door, however I wasn't sure if it would be effective or not.

I agree that some type of exhaust fan would be useful.I don't want to air-condition the space since the kids leave the doors open, etc. when they are outside. Since I don't have a window, I can't install a window-based AC unit either.

 

[mastiff0]

You will definitely notice an improvement- I did here in Texas. But do be aware that insulation is only one part of process if you want a garage that isn't hot. You're garage will eventually get hot and you'll need some ventillation or air conditioning. But for the cost of the kits, the garage door insulation is worth it.

I did a lot of research about the various types of insulation- fiberglass, foam, radiant barrier. Its a pretty easy answer- the fiberglass is the cheapest and the best method. The radiant barrier method is intriguing, but if you look to see how radiant barriers work, they really are only effective if its insulating the roof/ceiling and there is good ventillation. Thats not your case. Those 3M kits work very well.

 

[Eagle Point]

I installed the foam panel kits from Lowes on 2 -16' garage doors and a 9' door at our new house. I noticed a big difference. Without it you could feel the heat radiating off the inside of the door when walking past it in the garage. It seems to be better at night too although it is usually pretty nice here. The afternoon sun was the big issue. Also the door seems quieter when operating. No issue with the little extra weight and the opener. The inside has a nice easy to clean finish. Easy to install with a sharp blade and a straight edge.

 

[JohnMcD348]

I have the same issue you have. I live in Lakeland and for the past couple of days it's been 100+* in the direct sun. My door also faces South and to make things even better I have a huge window facing East so I get the sun all day until late evening. When I first bought the house I was working in the garage and saw a few temps in the 130's. My door actually has some insulation on it and is a 110mph rated door. How old is your Garage? I have been seriously considering getting Limo Tint and putting it on my door windows. Adding insulation will help keep the heat on the outside only to a degree. We live in Florida, unless there's something in there to keep the air cooler and moving, it's going to warm up after our 2 days of Spring.

 

[ManCave]

I installed the foam panel kits from Lowes on 2 -16' garage doors and a 9' door at our new house. I noticed a big difference. Without it you could feel the heat radiating off the inside of the door when walking past it in the garage. It seems to be better at night too although it is usually pretty nice here. The afternoon sun was the big issue. Also the door seems quieter when operating. No issue with the little extra weight and the opener. The inside has a nice easy to clean finish. Easy to install with a sharp blade and a straight edge.

Eagle Point,

Those kits are for 9 foot doors. I also have 16 foot doors. Did you end up buying two kits for each door?