Insulating steel garage doors?

[TNToy]

Anyone made any attempt to insulate the door? I figure my new heater will have a much better chance if I seal the gaps around the door with moulding and find a way to somewhat insulate that giant, sheet-metal wall.

Best thing I can come up with on the cheap is large pieces of blue extruded styrofoam sheet (like the use to insulate the outside of basements up north) cut to fit into the door sections, and painted white.

Anyone got a better idea for something lightweight, cheap, and that has a decent R-value?

 

[bmwpower]

Anyone made any attempt to insulate the door? I figure my new heater will have a much better chance if I seal the gaps around the door with moulding and find a way to somewhat insulate that giant, sheet-metal wall.

Best thing I can come up with on the cheap is large pieces of blue extruded styrofoam sheet (like the use to insulate the outside of basements up north) cut to fit into the door sections, and painted white.

Anyone got a better idea for something lightweight, cheap, and that has a decent R-value?

I think that is your best bet. Use the thickest, best R value you can.

 

[Sierra Stud]

I used 1" thick white styro-foam 4'x8' sheets from Home Depot and cut them into 2'x4' pices. I'm not sure how your door is made but mine had lips on each sectioned row, that I was able to cut the foam rectangle bigger so it would just pop into place. Once they poped into place, they kind of jiggled loosley until I cut small "shims" and jammed them into the channel of the door wedging the foam to the door.

I can get pic's if you need them.

It worked great, nice and warm now. Now when the temp out side gets below freezing, my garage door is the only one in the neighborhood that has frost on it

BTW, when cutting the foam board, its easier to scoar one side with a utility knife and bend the board the oppisite way. It will snap off exactly where the cut is.

Here's what I used (The back side of the foam board is plain white without any logo's or print):

 

[russlaferrera]

I have two 12X16 Raynor doors. I am in the process of insulating them. My way is to put the foam board, then cover it with wood paneling(to keep the foam from being damaged). I will then paint to match the wall color....russ

 

[Sierra Stud]

I have two 12X16 Raynor doors. I am in the process of insulating them. My way is to put the foam board, then cover it with wood paneling(to keep the foam from being damaged). I will then paint to match the wall color....russ

What thickness are you using?

 

[bens]

You guys have any pictures of your insulated doors?

 

[mulepackin]

I'm planning on using the foil faced 1 1/2" foam from Home Depot. I'm hoping the foil will be a little more durable than unfaced foam. (www.rmaxinc.com) I hope to just friction fit but a little construction adhesive won't hurt. You'll have to adjust your door springs.

 

[Junkman]

That foil will tear just by brushing by it with a shirt button. I believe that the foil is measured in thousands of an inch thick. Reminds me of the aluminum foil that my wife uses in the kitchen...

 

[mulepackin]

That foil will tear just by brushing by it with a shirt button. I believe that the foil is measured in thousands of an inch thick. Reminds me of the aluminum foil that my wife uses in the kitchen...

Will it dissolve when accidently sprayed with solvent, fuel, or spray paint? Try that with unfaced. I wasn't implying that it was sheet metal. Durability isn't just a matter of abrasion resistance. It is still what I plan to use. Just my $.02

 

[Raven1911]

I was thinking of cutting that bubble wrap with double aluminum and gluing it to the door? Anyone do this?? Its that same stuff you can put around a water heater. Its supposed to be pretty insulating and thin as well.

 

[RAYJAY]

That foil will tear just by brushing by it with a shirt button. I believe that the foil is measured in thousands of an inch thick. Reminds me of the aluminum foil that my wife uses in the kitchen...

the foil he's talking about is thicker you can peal it off of the foam and its bendable.

 

[MyDomain]

I would recommend:

http://www.genuinehotrod.com/PartDetail.asp?PartId=6551

http://www.garagedoorsupply.com/insulation.html

 

[astroracer]

Wow! Lots of questions about insulation! I will push the P2000 button again.
Check out the website:
www.p2000insulation.ca
They are out of Canada and this stuff WORKS!
I insulated the inside of my shop door three weeks ago with the 3/8ths inch white/reflective board. Here is a pic.

The thing here is that the P2000 3/8th inch foam is rated at an R14! Dow foam or R-techs Insulfoam are rated at only 2 or 3 R per 1/2 inch... The Dow 2" pink board is rated at only an R 10... And the prices are comparable! The 3/8th foam was installed in one piece over the whole door. I even covered the windows and hinges... Even after numerous openings and closeings the foam has yet to take a set or crack or split at the hinge points... It is doing the job also. I have taken numerous readings with my digital thermometer before and after the install and can report a dramatic difference in door temps. Before, the outside of the door was the same temp as the inside walls of the shop. After, the outside of the door is the same temp as the outside walls... I was impressed and it DID make a difference when working or standing next to the door. It is much warmer in that area with the insulation in place. This IS worth looking into guys. The insulation works and you get much more insulation "value" for your dollar.
Mark

 

[ron in sc]

I'd though of use the home depot foam too.

I was thinking it you glued laminate to the foam it would be quite durable.

 

[MarksM]

Wow! Lots of questions about insulation! I will push the P2000 button again.
Check out the website:
www.p2000insulation.ca
They are out of Canada and this stuff WORKS!
I insulated the inside of my shop door three weeks ago with the 3/8ths inch white/reflective board. Here is a pic.

What does this stuff cost. I looked over the site and it looks interesting.

 

[astroracer]

What does this stuff cost. I looked over the site and it looks interesting.

I was just talking to the guy I bought mine from and he said the most popular size is the 1". It has an R28 and he can sell it for about 21 dollars for a 4 x 8 sheet. In comparison the 1" Dow pink stuff has an R5 rating and it is 12 bucks a sheet around here. To get a comparible R value with the pink stuff you would have to run 6" (6 sheets) and that will cost you 72 bucks. The P2000 has a much better value per R for your dollar...
Mark

 

[SteveU]

Where do you get this from? Are there any local dealers in Michigan or does it have to be shipped in from Canada? Is there a minimum order?

 

[MarksM]

I emailed them and was quoted a .97 per square foot price for the 1". This does not include what would probably be very expensive shipping to TX.

 

[astroracer]

I emailed them and was quoted a .97 per square foot price for the 1". This does not include what would probably be very expensive shipping to TX.

There are dealers all over, actually. You should be able to find one in or around Texas.
The guy I bought from quoted me $21.00 a sheet for the 1", 4 x 8. That works out to .66 cents a square foot.
There are three or four dealers in Michigan that I know of. The guy I bought from for my garage door is a master distributer and he can get really good prices on this stuff. If anyone is interested PM me and I'll give you his number.
Mark

 

[BetterDays]

Is there a concern about the extra weight?