How Much Does an Insulated Garage Door Cost?
I’m always on the lookout for ways to enhance home efficiency. So when it came time to replace my garage doors, I was sorely tempted to go with insulated ones. I use half the garage as a workshop and craft space, so I like it to be comfortably warm all year round.
I ended up going with wood French garage doors. Wood is a natural insulator that fit with the style of my property. Insulated doors offered a range of other benefits, like energy savings and noise reduction. But those advantages came with a higher price tag.
So how much more should you expect to shell out for upgrading to an insulated garage door, and is it worth it?
What Is an Insulated Garage Door And Is It Worth the Cost?
An insulated garage door reduces the transfer of heat or cold air into or out of your garage. This is especially beneficial for homes with attached garages because temperature fluctuations in the garage can affect the home’s internal temperature.
Unlike regular garage doors, insulated ones, as the name suggests, feature layers of insulating materials between the door panels. This ensures your garage remains at a consistent temperature, reducing the strain on your HVAC system and potentially lowering your energy bills.
I spoke to garage door pro Jon Russell for a cost/benefit analysis. “Insulated garage doors usually come with a higher initial price tag compared to standard non-insulated doors,” he says. “However, the potential energy savings over time can offset the advanced initial cost.” Get to know how much does a garage door cost.
Insulated Garage Door Pros and Cons
If you live in a particularly hot or cold climate, it’s definitely worth considering a garage door with insulation. Just be aware of some pros and cons before you decide.
Pros
- Energy savings: Insulated doors help maintain a consistent temperature in your garage, reducing the need for heating or cooling and potentially lowering energy bills.
- Noise reduction: These doors can also act as a sound barrier, reducing external noises.
- Durability: Insulated doors, especially those with polyurethane insulation, tend to be sturdier and more resistant to dents and damage.
Cons
- Cost: Insulated garage doors come with a higher upfront cost compared to non-insulated ones.
- Maintenance: Some materials, like wood, require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance and longevity.
- Installation: While it’s possible to DIY the installation, especially with polystyrene insulation, a poorly done job can negate the benefits.
How Much Does an Insulated Garage Door Cost?
It varies based on size, material, design and whether you’re upgrading an existing door or installing a new one.
On average, most people pay between $750 and $2,300 for a standard-size single insulated garage door. But you could pay anywhere from $350 for the door itself if you’re planning to DIY it to $4,500 or more with professional installation.
Insulated garage door cost by size
Take a look at the average price range for installing an insulated door by garage size, including parts and labor. Just remember to factor in an additional $100 for old garage door removal, and electrician costs of around $125 per hour if you need any electrical work completed.
- One-car: $700 to $1,550;
- Two-car: $2,400 to $2,900;
- Three-car: $3,800 to $4,300.
Insulated garage door cost by material
The material also impacts the cost. Some are heavier and/or more challenging to work with, thus requiring more labor. I’ve included the average labor costs of $100 to $500 in the following price ranges.
- Steel: $600 to $3,500;
- Aluminum: $800 to $2,500;
- Fiberglass: $1,100 to $2,600;
- Wood: $800 to $4,600.
R-Value and Insulation Material
The R-value measures the insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating properties. The choice of insulation material directly impacts the door’s R-value and, consequently, its cost. The prices below include labor.
Polystyrene
This type of rigid foam insulation comes in sheets. It’s inserted between the layers of the garage door, providing basic insulation.
Benefits:
- Lightweight: Makes it easier to install;
- Water-resistant: Ensures durability against moisture;
- R-value: R-4 to R-6;
- Price: $750 to $1,500.
Polyurethane
This is a foam insulation sprayed between the door panels, expanding to fill the entire space.
Benefits:
- Adds rigidity to the door: Enhances its strength and durability;
- Acts as a sound barrier: Reduces external noise;
- R-value: R-12 to R-18;
- Price: $1,000 to $3,500.
Reflective insulation
This consists of aluminum foil attached to polyethylene or bubble wrap. It reflects radiant heat, making it especially effective in hot climates.
Benefits:
- Reflects heat: Keeps the garage cooler in hot conditions;
- Lightweight: Easy to install;
- R-value: R-3 to R-6;
- Price: $800 to $2,000.
Fiberglass
Made from fine glass fibers, fiberglass is commonly used in residential insulation. For garage doors, it’s often sandwiched between two layers of door material.
Benefits:
- Lightweight: Relatively easy to install;
- Resists heat transfer: Also offers sound insulation;
- R-value: R-2.9 to R-3.8;
- Price: $800 to $2,500.
- To insulate an existing garage door with fiberglass, expect to pay around $100 for a DIY kit.
Rigid foam insulation
This dense material offers high insulating values with less thickness compared to other insulation types. It’s commonly made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyurethane.
Benefits:
- Moisture-resistant: Less susceptible to mold growth;
- Rigid: Adds structural strength to the door;
- R-value: R-4 to R-6.5;
- Price: $850 to $2,600.
- DIY foam board insulation kits are priced at $50 to $125.
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