CRUCIAL Garage Door Insulation Step Everyone's Unknowingly Missing! How To Install Properly

In this video, I'll share the easiest way to insulate your garage door. It's also the most effective and uses the best materials for the money. We'll cover the tools you need and I will also cover a CRUCIAL step that almost everyone misses that will make any install up to 50% more effective!
🧰 Products In The Video 🧰
Garage Door Pre Cut Insulation Kit: amzn.to/3VDuSYW
Garage Door Pre Cut Insulation Kit X Large: amzn.to/3xvn3wA
Razor Knife: amzn.to/4cAyeD3
Putty Knife: amzn.to/4eCxleP
Reversible Tape Measure: amzn.to/3XDpDuX
Square/Straight Edge: amzn.to/3VI9z8S
Sharpie Markers: amzn.to/3zoOmJe
Infrared Thermometer: amzn.to/45DXk1G
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#garagedoorinsulation #DIYinsulation #garageimprovement

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Were you aware of the important tip I shared in the video? That alone can increase efficiency by up to 50% and it costs nothing! All of the tools and materials used in this video are in the video's description for your convenience!

[@4ziDahaka]

Have you done day temperature readings before and after? Curious how 10 degree less radiation heat translates to the overall garage temperature. Regardless, this is super helpful, thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@4ziDahaka well the main purpose of the insulation for me was because I added an air conditioner in my garage. So my readings now would be skewed.

[@qiajenaehamilton6397]

How can you not have over a million subscribers!?! These videos are saving me so much time, energy, etc... Thank you so much!

[@robertjohnson4401]

I added metal tape to all of the edges of the insulation panels. The panels do not fit tight and the metal tape helps seal the heat from passing into the garage. Insulating the garage ceiling from the attic will help

[@bigoranget]

My house has a bedroom above the garage. We replaced all the batt insulation in the walls and ceiling with spray foam and put the polystyrene insulation in our garage door. That bedroom is now 7-10 degrees cooler in the summer and about the same warmer in the winter. We also wrapped our duct work with insulation and sealed the joints. I remember before we had that work done, you could feel the heat radiating off the floor in the summer.

[@harrylumsdon6773]

I added reflective barrier. Gave me 15:degree diff.

[@majorburke9735]

I was unaware of these kits. I’m sure it would help as my garage door faces east. The comments helped me figure out what I wanted to do. Since my garage roof is not insulated, I have no exhaust fan, and bc my garage door has a lot of light on the edges, I think I’ll pass. Plus my garage door is old and may need replacing. I suggest people hang a 15-lb. weight on their door first; to know if it will have an issue.

[@dasfahrer8187]

Doing this is a waste of money if your door has a lot of light showing around the edges and/or underneath. Most garage doors installed in tract housing aren't installed properly as the builders don't really care about the garage getting hot/cold (which is also why the attic space above the garage often doesn't have insulation either), depending on the area of the country. Fix the gap issues first, then do this.

[@wayne9518]

Not for my door. Summer sun on the door, you can feel the heat radiating off the uninsulated panels three feet away. Anything that slows that is a big step. I have most of the garage attic insulated. When it gets cooler this fall, move some stuff and pull up the floor in spots to fit in some fiberglass batts.

[@stephenlea5765]

DIY install of both insulation and Vinyl Garage Door Stop Moulding was well worth the $ spent, especially down here in South Texas where the Summers are scorchers!

[@alittlemorepull]

I did this 22 years ago a few weeks after moving in. Mine faces west so I figured something was better than nothing. Mine looks very similar to yours. Maybe I was expecting too much but my garage still hits 99 on a 105 day. Didn't think to measure the actual garage temp for a few days before installing it so I really have no idea how well it works. But, it does look nice and is allot quieter than before. Many people have commented on how quiet it is and asked what I did. Typical Texas summer day so just took a quick measurement like you did - which I'd not tried before - didn't have the tool back then. The inside metal surface is 129 and the board surface is 109 - it's 5pm. So in theory it is working I guess 😁 I'm not ABOUT to remove the panels now just to find out!

[@foxtrottango8745]

A few years ago I had my ceiling insulation re-blown in and had them to cover the garage ceiling too which made a huge difference. I was going to cover the garage door but decided not to because we are selling soon.

[@scottjones9603]

Someone may already have mentioned this but NO need to draw a line on the foam, just lay the T Square or 90 on the piece that’s marked top and bottom and use that metal to cut against. Saves a step and gives a perfect line unlike eyeing it

[@daveedwards1257]

How about using reflectex . The bubble wrap that has tin foil on either side is something we were wondering about. Can you also do a vid on Reflectix ! Good helpful vid here thanks 💙☝️😇🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🤗

[@dwayne7356]

What's the fire rating or flame spread rating? Unprotected ‎polystyrene is flammable. Not something I would want in a shop where sparks or welding happens.

[@johnpicard4909]

Pretty much everything used for garage door insulation is flammable.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍 good job. Thanks.

[@WayneTDowdy3]

Thanks! ❤

[@10forthebigguy753]

That looks like the insulfoam kit I bought at Home Depot. About $63 each two years ago. It turned out perfect for me.

[@oldskule2091]

Great video again! Thx! Did this few years back. Also used white duct tape around edges to keep secure. Builder- DR Hor-ton- used cheap door & built door opening bigger than door- no kidding. Then had professional garage door guy come out to install more molding. He then discovered that builder used TWO DIFFERENT SPRINGS! Evidently they threw in what they had left on truck! He replaced with heavier duty springs & balanced them. Then I installed heavy duty belt drive opener & put up battery back up in case power out. Not cheap but glad it’s done.

[@vincentar850]

I used cello foam at Home depot. You will need to upgrade or adjust the spring.

[@UppsalaSal]

My garage faces due East so on summer mornings it becomes an oven. I installed foam insulation about 10 years ago and it seems it’s a bit cooler, and in winter retains the heat. I suspect the foam adds a bit of sound deadening. My doors are wood panels and don’t have the frame structure yours have, so I used fender washers and screws in the panel corners to tack the foam to the door interior.

[@gregmgm06]

Excellent job on this video! Have you ever seen two layers of insulation on a garage door, such as an additional layer of Reflectix ? Our door faces south and gets beat to death by the sun. Im assuming it would help.

[@firstdown80]

I installed NASA Tech White Reflective Foam Core. Definitely drops the temps in summer by 9 degrees. Unless some sort of ventilation for circulation, heat stays in after you park the car.

[@davebean2886]

Yep, once hot, garage stays hot. Any ideas for ventilation?

[@firstdown80]

@@davebean2886 When I installed the insulation, the product business owner suggested a ventilation fan out. I suppose it’s one of those shutter exhaust fan. Open to let the heat out and close it.

[@cindycato3252]

I had a low profile attic roof fan installed. I also have insulation in my garage attic. When it's Alabama HOT and I park my truck in the garage, I will leave the door open a while. I keep the removable attic door open and when the thermostat kicks the fan on after I close the door.. it helps pull the heat from my truck and garage out. I also have a 3 bank digital thermometer in my house. I have one monitor in the garage attic and one in the garage. I can see the temperature drop as it pulls and circulates. If I want it to drop more I may raise the garage door open about a foot to really get the air circulating. 😎

[@rickzwolinski]

Very impressive, cutting pieces of insulation and then, sticking them in your door.Very helpful video, never thought of that. Does it work in Australia?

[@cafemolido5459]

Please do a video on removing light bowing on a garage door

[@johnpicard4909]

You replace the garage door.

[@az55544]

I have boxes of denim insulation used for meal kits. Because they aren’t fire proof, i hesitate to use them as insulation. Because they contain bits of plastic, they can’t be recycled. Any recommendations on their reuse? (I have made a few cat beds from them)

[@Edward-xj4mp]

With all the added weight of insulation and struts on your door, you definitely need an operator reinforcement bracket.

[@tst7273]

Could you just use spacers between the door surface and the styrene sheets to ensure the air gap? I'm thinking about little cardboard shims, maybe...

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Absolutely! Cardboard, I think, would be a good choice!

[@hosgs14]

🔥 video! Learning alot from this channel.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Really glad to hear you are getting a lot of value out of the channel. Thanks a lot for taking the time to leave that feedback. I really appreciate it!

[@jimmykosko]

I refuse to let my wife watch his video’s anymore…. I can’t remember the last time I had a WEEKEND OFF. Dammit she saw this…

[@ryoung6725]

I did it like you said but I live in Illinois. The wind blew half of those frames out the garage and down the street, breaking into numerous unusable pieces. Oh well. Maybe I should have glued them in first?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

That should not happen if they are fitted into the channels tight. I had to try and removed on and I almost had to break it to get it out. So not sure what happened with yours. I wouldn't glue them unless it is just around the border of them. You really want to have that air gap between the door and the insulation

[@jeffpaulwilson]

My garage door openings are 24" tall, but this product is only 20" tall. Will it still work, or do I need a different product?

[@walterandrews3077]

A similar kit is available at Lowe’s for under $60.

[@frankmckinnis]

What would you use for a roll up door?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

So as far as I know there is really only one choice for those. I’ve really only seen it done with an adhesion kit that uses something like 3M tape. If you put in roll up door insulation in an Amazon search you should see examples of what I’m talking about. I think Blue Tex is one you will see.

Unfaced polyiso board in warm climates?

[@cafemolido5459]

Why not the board with the reflective liner? I did pretty much same thing to my garage door.

[@johnpicard4909]

Ugly

[@RJ-sr5dv]

The link to Amazon site says the panel is 54” X 20.25” at $155.00 -- assuming g what they mean to say that the package includes enough to do a single car garage it’s not too expensive The big box stores sell a vinal faced fiberglass insulation kit with precut to size pieces for about $110.00. I did this but the plastic retaining clips that come with don’t do a very good job

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I never wanted fiberglass insulation. It’s not the most efficient, will weigh the door down more, and I doing think it looks very good. But totally up to you.

[@JahongirHaitov]

So what was that crucial mistake and the important tip? I missed it

[@johnpicard4909]

I think it is where he talks about making sure there is an air pocket. Pretty much everyone misses that.

[@JahongirHaitov]

@@johnpicard4909 Think it is not sustainable, in a moving structure, the foam board will be moving all over the place by itself. I would suggest gluing small "feet" to the board before installing so the gap is hard-enforced.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@JahongirHaitov mine haven’t moved at all. In fact, I have to give them some force to get them to move towards the door. If you cut them to where they fit tight like they should, there will be no issue.

[@paulsccna2964]

A real problem with a garage door is the edges. Often when the wind blows the door is pushed back, just enough to for small air leaks, to allow cold air into the garage. Thus, all that insulation is a waste, as the door leaks air around the edges.

[@CJ-ty8sv]

7:50 use the straight edge as a guide for the blade rather than trying to free-hand following a drawn line.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yeah, very good tip!

[@rthomashouse6140]

Also, how do you ensure the air gap between the panels and the door will persist? The insulation isn't secured by anything other than friction, so I bet they move.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

They haven’t moved at all in the month or so they’ve been installed.

[@gregmize01]

cut em' on a band saw!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I don't have one but that would definitely work.

[@CaptainRamius]

What did I 'unknowingly' miss? I watched the entire video. I've already insulated my garage door. No problem.

[@johnpicard4909]

Pretty sure he’s referring to making sure there is an air pocket.

[@harvey66616]

I see at least a couple of advantages to using the kit. But it's hardly the best option insulation-wise. Polystyrene's not bad, but you can get almost R-6 from 1" of polyisocyanurate (usually just called "polyiso" or even just "iso"), i.e. more insulation from less thickness. And at such low R values, the difference between e.g. R-5 of 1-1/4" polystyrene vs R-7 of 1-1/4" polyiso is significant (almost 50% extra insulation value). Alternatively, you'll add less weight using just 1" of polyiso vs 1-1/4" of polystyrene (roughly 20% less weight, since the two materials are around the same density).

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I disagree. iso board does not offer a higher R value at that thickness. Also, I don’t know if you’ve ever handled iso, but it’s much heavier than polystyrene. I spent well over a decade working with iso board and one of the main reason we used it is because it is dense and rigid which in turn makes it weigh more.

[@harvey66616]

@@HowToHomeDIY If you want to dispute facts that one can easily research, I guess that's your prerogative. Whatever.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@harvey66616 I do because when it’s researched that will also be found.

[@rthomashouse6140]

Why did your infrared thermometer read over 100 degrees if your garage door faces north and would be in the shade?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Well it’s very hot here and while it’s in the shade we have vehicles on the other side that reflect the sun. I don’t know exactly why but that difference I showed is nothing compared to someone whose garage door is in direct sunlight. Those temperatures can be 130-140+

[@chrisforker7487]

Garage door springs are definitely not for the amateur! Extremely dangerous, hire someone that knows what they’re doing.

[@philshock3805]

Lots of DIY activity can be dangerous. After watching a few videos, I was able to replace both garage door torsion springs after one of them broke. Sure, it's dangerous but a little education and common sense goes a long way.

[@dmbsituation]

I’ve replaced springs on 5 separate occasions. It’s no more dangerous than using a table saw, in my opinion. Both require awareness of tool and risks involved, but definitely a DIY item.

[@chrisforker7487]

@@dmbsituation i make custom furniture, table saws, you are in control. A spring breaks due to too much tension is, to me, way too dangerous for so little benefit.

[@YOUZTUBE2000]

@@dmbsituationjust curious, how many doors did you change the springs on?

When I was a kid, a one-piece garage door extension spring failed from fatigue while I was home. Shrapnel rocketed into the ceiling of the garage and hit the inside of the roof. Torsion springs are far safer in fatigue failure. Don't mess around with large amounts of stored mechanical potential energy.

[@donaldbingham8990]

That looks like a fire hazard. that could void your insurance.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

😂 no.

[@danoberste8146]

Please determine the flammability and toxic smoke generating properties of any material you install in a garage, or any other areas of your house. There are forms of styrene that do have fire resistive properties, so MAY be safe, but I know there are others that firefighters refer to as solid gasoline because of how fast they ignite and burn, There may be kits for this, that use approved materials, but I'll bet the cheapest you can find at a big box hardware store WON'T be that kind. Saving a few dollars on your energy bill isn't worth asphyxiating and/or burning your family to death.

[@johnpicard4909]

🤦‍♂️ are you serious guy? You realize that just about anything used will be flammable right? Installing this on your garage door is not going to be an issue. Over dramatize much?

[@evox786]

What is the thumb nail comment "This will lose air" referring to? Also, I have to say, I would have thought that those panels would have reduced the temperature by a little more than 10 degrees.

[@johnpicard4909]

He said it faces north so it should be mostly shaded. 10 degrees would be a lot then.

[@fZionists78]

Foam is sufficiently useless unless it’s air tight. Foam friendly caulk or something is crucial. A temp gun does not measure the air escaping, the foam never fits perfectly, and foam degrades.

[@JK-dp3lp]

The best way wouldnhave been if the person who had it installed hadnt been too cheap to buy and insulated door

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I came out way more money ahead doing this myself as opposed to having an already insulated door installed.

[@VRGamingTherapy]

Another click bait video.. Where's the mistake? God damn KZbinrs.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It was in there, I talked about how important it was for a good bit.

[@johnpicard4909]

@VRGamingTherepy shut up. You obviously didn’t pay attention.