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An uninsulated garage can be unbearable as temperatures rise in the summer and drop in the winter. While the best garage insulation kits won’t create or keep heat trapped, they can retain and dispel it. A layer of high-quality, properly installed insulation will keep heat in and block the cold from penetrating. However, not all garage door insulation kits are great. Some work better than others, while some are easier to install. To make the best decision, we did the research, so check out our top picks for the best options available.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Matador Garage Door Insulation
- Best Value: US Energy Products Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation
- Best Foam: NASA TECH White Reflective Foam Core 2 Car Garage Door Insulation Kit
- Best Reflective: SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation
- Also Consider: Reach Barrier Garage Door Insulation Kit
Our Methodology
I took several factors into consideration when compiling this list of the best garage door insulation kits. First, I looked for products that were made from well-known brands, such as US Energy Products, a Florida-based company that produces insulation for home and commercial purposes. Equally as important, I chose kits that create a noticeable difference in temperature between the inside of the garage and the outside. After all, the purpose of these kits is to increase comfort levels for those who spend time inside them.
I looked at consumer feedback to see how these kits perform in real-world situations. I also considered the amount of effort it takes to install these kits and avoided those that were more difficult to use and lower quality in nature. Finally, I included kits in a range of prices to accommodate a variety of budgets. For more information on our methodology, check here.
Best Garage Door Insulation Kit Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Matador Garage Door Insulation
Best Overall
Pros
- Produces notable change in garage temperature
- No tape or clips required
- Washable
- Installation takes about one hour
Cons
- Messy when cutting
- If you cut a panel incorrectly, there are no spare panels in the kit to replace it
The Matador garage door insulation kit is a great option because it’s easy to install. Simply cut the pieces to the correct dimensions and place them into the door. The panels are durable and aren’t prone to breaking as you bend them and manipulate them to put them in place. They provide a clean, finished look, and they do a good job of keeping the heat out or keeping it in, depending on the temperature outside.
The panels are sold in packages designed to fit a standard-sized garage door. So if you cut one of the panels incorrectly, you won’t have any extra leftover to cover the entire area. It can also get a bit messy when you’re cutting the panels, and depending on the type of door you have it can be challenging to remove the cross beams/horizontal braces for installation.
Best Value: US Energy Products Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation
Best Value
Pros
- Versatile
- Nontoxic, non-carcinogenic
- Simple to cut
- Effective
Cons
- Requires tape or other methods to stay in place
- Requires good measuring skills
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider the Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation by US Energy Products. This is a versatile product that can be installed in a variety of places, including garage doors, windows, ducts, attics, and RVs. It’s easy to cut and install and doesn’t contain any fiberglass, so it’s safe to touch and you don’t need to wear a respirator. The waterproof foil makes garages cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and is mold- and mildew-resistant.
The nontoxic, non-carcinogenic product is made of material that reflects 97 percent of radiant heat. It is lightweight but durable and designed not to tear, compress, or deteriorate. While it’s simple to cut, you will need to use tape or another method to keep it in place. Also, since it’s not pre-cut like some other insulation kits, you have to make sure to measure accurately during installation.
Best Foam: NASA TECH White Reflective Foam Core 2 Car Garage Door Insulation Kit
Honorable Mention
Pros
- Efficient
- No tape or clips required
- Includes everything needed for installation
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Can be time consuming to install on some doors
- May require extra tape
With a name like NASA TECH, it has to be good, right? This insulation kit creates a significant difference in temperature in summer and winter. It comes with everything you need for insulation, including the tape, razor, and squeegee, and creates professional results. The company’s customer service is also top-notch, according to many DIYers, some of whom ran out of tape and received additional tape at no extra cost.
However, if you have hurricane braces on the garage door, it can be time consuming to install this insulation. Also, you may run out of tape before completing the installation. The manufacturer also recommends you cover the windows for optimal results, which may not be desirable to certain users.
Best Reflective: SmartGARAGE- Reflective Garage Door Insulation
Best Reflective
Pros
- Creates noticeable temperature difference
- Clean-looking
- Nontoxic and non-carcinogenic
- Moisture- and mildew-resistant
Cons
- Takes a couple of hours to install
- May rip
Another product that will lower the temperature in the garage in the summer and raise it in the winter is the SmartGARAGE Reflective Garage Door Insulation Kit. While it may take a little longer to install compared to some rival options, it isn’t difficult to do as long as you take your time. It creates a noticeable temperature difference and creates a clean, finished look.
The polyethylene foam and aluminum insulation features two reflective surfaces and is nontoxic and non-carcinogenic. Heavy-duty, double-sided tape is included for installation. The vapor barrier is moisture- and mold-resistant, and it also acts as a sound barrier. One downside is that the insulation can rip easily if you’re not careful when handling it. Also, it may make a little noise when you open and close the garage door.
Also Consider: Reach Barrier Garage Door Insulation Kit
Best for One-Car Garages
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Lightweight construction
- Effective
Cons
- Included tape is not the best quality
- Two kits required for a two-car garage
The Reach Barrier Garage Door Insulation Kit is one of the more affordable options on our list. It’s easy to use and should take between two to three hours to install. It works best if there’s a gap between the foil and the door surface area that you can fill with foam (that must be purchased separately).
The lightweight insulation panels create a cooler atmosphere in the summer and a warmer one in the winter. Unfortunately, the kit’s adhesive tape may not work that well, so you may need to use another type of tape for the best adhesion. Also, if you have a larger, two-car garage, you will need more than one kit.
Our Verdict
My pick for the top garage door insulation kit is from Matador. The best feature of this kit is that there’s no glue or tape needed for the installation. Each of the panels is well built and designed to last. The panels also create a nice look and effectively keep heat in or out, depending on the season. For a more affordable option, consider the US Energy Products Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Garage Door Insulation Kit
Key Features
Size
Garage door insulation kits typically come in standard sizes to accommodate single or two-car garages. However, you will also find products like our Best Value pick, the US Energy Products Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation, that is more versatile and can be used for other purposes. As such, you will need to measure your garage door to ensure you order enough of the insulation to get the job done properly.
Ease of Installation
Most garage door insulation kits are fairly simple to use. For example, some products are specially designed for metal garage doors and don’t require any tape, glue, or clips for installation. Kits that do require tape or other types of adhesion can vary regarding the quality, quantity, and effectiveness of the tape included. You may need to purchase extra tape because sometimes the tape that comes with the insulation kit is not as effective as it could be.
Garage Door Insulation Kit Pricing
Some garage door insulation kits cost less than $50. These kits or general-purpose rolls of insulation generally accommodate one-car garages. If you have a two-car garage, you will likely have to spend twice as much, or over $100. While these kits may seem a little pricey, they have the potential to provide energy savings and may save you money on utility bills in the long run.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: There are essentially three types of kits you can use: radiant barrier, fiberglass, and foam, and they all work well to insulate a garage. Radiant barrier insulation usually has reflective material along with a layer of air that keeps heat in or out. Fiberglass insulation provides the same type of protection. Still, you have to be careful when handling it because it can irritate your skin and requires the use of personal protective equipment during installation. Another option is foam core insulation, which is lightweight and inexpensive.
A: Thicker insulation will provide a higher R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will perform when transmitting heat or cold. Look for products that have an R-value of at least 4 to 8.
A: Every kit is different. Most include insulation panels and some type of tape, fastener, or pins. They also usually include instructions for installation.
