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- Typical Range: $400 to $10,000
Many homeowners want to transform their garage into a workshop, yoga studio, or rehearsal space but are held back by the realization that the area is uninsulated. Others may be interested in replacing their existing garage door with an insulated option to lower their monthly energy bills. If the garage is attached to the home and shares a wall with the living space, the temperature of the garage can raise or lower the temperature of the home. Since they have insulation between two layers of construction material, insulated garage doors provide extra protection against extreme temperatures and minimize noise pollution. According to HomeAdvisor, insulated garage door cost ranges from $400 to $10,000, depending on the size, material, and design of the door; removal of the old door; manufacturer; local labor prices; and any additional features, such as extra insulation or windows. While an insulated garage door is more expensive than an uninsulated option, many homeowners weigh the up-front costs of an insulated garage door installation against the savings they will see in their heating and cooling bills. Whether they’re factoring an insulated garage door into the total cost to build a garage or replacing an older, inefficient garage door, homeowners can benefit from an insulated option. The cost difference between insulated and uninsulated garage doors can be manageable with the proper knowledge and information about what to consider when choosing an insulated garage door.
Another option is for homeowners to purchase a garage door insulation kit that includes instructions about how to insulate a garage door. These fiberglass and reflective kits cost from $50 to $100 and are a good DIY solution for moderate insulation and minimal sound dampening.
Labor costs to install a garage door average between $200 and $500, or about $65 to $85 per hour, not including materials. If the door area needs repairs or electrical work, those charges can increase the overall installation costs. Labor pricing varies from location to location, with many contractors in densely populated urban areas charging more to keep up with the cost of living. This guide will cover the factors that affect insulated garage door cost, the different types of insulated doors, the advantages of installing an insulated garage door, and some frequently asked questions about insulated garage doors and the installation process.
Factors in Calculating Insulated Garage Door Cost
How much does an insulated garage door cost? That depends on a few important factors. Pricing can differ from the national average due to the insulation material, the insulation R-value (which describes how well the insulation keeps heat from entering or leaving a space), door material, door style, and local labor costs.
Insulation R-Value
A material’s R-value is how its thermal resistance is measured. The better the material prevents heat from escaping or invading, the higher the R-value. Insulating materials with higher R-values are the most efficient. An R-value is based on material, density, and thickness. The most efficient insulating materials with the highest R-values are also the most expensive.
R-values for garage doors generally range from R-0 for detached garages to R-20 for doors on attached garages in frigid climates. In general, the higher the R-value of the garage door, the higher the cost.
Insulation Material
There are a few material options available to insulate a garage door. Some of the most common are rigid foam, fiberglass, and radiant barrier insulation. Below are the different insulation materials and the average cost of each.
- Rigid foam insulation. One of the most common types of garage door insulation, rigid foam comes in panel form and is usually included with insulation kits with enough panels to cover a standard-size garage door. Rigid foam panels, also called foam board, are a budget-friendly insulation option, and the cost of kits ranges from $55 to $125.
- Expanded polystyrene. As the least expensive and most common garage door insulating material, expanded polystyrene (EPS) has a low insulation R-value of R-3 or R-4.
- Extruded polystyrene. Extruded polystyrene (EXS) absorbs less water and is more rigid than EPS. With a higher R-value of R-5, it is also more expensive.
- Polyisocyanurate. Polyisocyanurate has the highest R-value of the rigid foam insulation options. With a value of just under R-7, it’s also the most expensive.
- Fiberglass insulation. The cost of a fiberglass insulation kit is around $100 for one garage door. Fiberglass insulation is a budget-friendly option, and it’s easy to work with for an insulation project. This material requires the use of proper safety equipment including a mask, gloves, and protective clothing. Fiberglass insulation is less effective if it gets wet, and it’s heavier than rigid foam insulation. The extra weight on a garage door can cause issues with the door hardware and motor, so be sure to check with the manufacturer guidelines before using fiberglass insulation.
- Radiant barrier insulation. Radiant barriers reflect heat away from the garage door to prevent it from entering the garage. Also known as thermal barriers, this type of insulation is ideal for homes in warmer climates where cold temperatures are less of a concern. A radiant barrier garage door insulation kit costs between $50 and $115, depending on the type of reflective material.
Door Material
The garage door material will affect the average cost of insulated garage door installation. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that the door material will influence the energy efficiency, overall look, customization options, and maintenance costs. Some of the common materials for a garage door are steel, vinyl, composite, fiberglass, and wood. Each of these types of garage doors is discussed below.
Door Style
There is a variety of garage door styles to choose from when homeowners are budgeting for new insulated garage door cost. Many choose the style of the garage door based on their personal preference and what will work the best with the home design. From insulated roll-up garage doors to insulated garage doors with windows, there is a range of styles to choose from. Below are some of the most popular styles of garage doors and their average price ranges.
- Paneled garage doors. One of the most common garage door styles, paneled doors cost from $700 to $2,000. This type of garage door is broken up into sections instead of being just one large panel. It’s a door that is easy to customize, and it’s a popular choice with many homeowners.
- Carriage garage doors. Unlike traditional garage doors, carriage doors open outward instead of upward. This type of garage door is often made from wood or a wood-like material that features crossbeams, panels, an arched or curved top, or glass inserts. Preferred for their elegant appearance and their ability to enhance the curb appeal of a home, carriage garage doors cost an average of $1,100 to $3,900.
- French garage doors. French garage doors look and work like traditional French doors, but they are much bigger. Some styles of French garage doors have glass panels, and others do not. The glass option doesn’t insulate as well as the nonglass version, but either variety can boost the curb appeal of a home. The price for French garage doors ranges from $1,500 to $5,000.
Labor
The cost of labor to install an insulated garage door ranges from $200 to $500, or $65 to $85 per hour. Some contractors may charge a flat fee for garage door installation, with a single door being the least expensive and a double door costing more. Custom doors and more complex projects will add to the overall labor costs for the project. Additionally, specialized hardware can raise labor pricing, as can the installation of a garage door opener. Many contractors will include the cost of labor in with their installation estimate, but others may not. It’s recommended that homeowners check with their contractor about labor costs and how they’re calculated.
- Single garage door labor costs. The labor to install a single garage door ranges from $100 to $300. A large and heavy single door will cost more to install than a lighter, smaller option. Installation for a single garage door can take between 2 and 4 hours.
- Automatic garage door labor costs. The labor cost to install an automatic garage door runs from $150 to $725. Automatic garage doors come in a variety of styles and have a range of door openers. The type of garage door opener and the door style a homeowner chooses impacts the final cost of the installation.
- Double garage door labor costs.How much does an insulated double garage door cost? That depends on the material and how long it takes to install. The labor cost for a double garage door is between $375 and $575. Since the installation takes more time, requires more people, and is more complicated than the installation for a single door, the labor rates are higher. Depending on the type of double door, it can take between 4 and 8 hours of installation time.
Types of Insulated Garage Doors
Insulated garage doors are made from various types of materials, which influence the overall cost. Each garage door material has its own advantages, features, and costs, which homeowners will want to take into consideration when making their decision. Below are some popular material choices and the average price ranges for a single-car garage (8-foot by 7-foot) and for a double-car garage (16-foot by 7-foot).
| Garage Door Material | Material Cost for 8-foot by 7-foot Garage Door | Material Cost for 16-foot by 7-foot Garage Door |
| Steel | $450 to $1,500 | $700 to $3,500 |
| Vinyl | $700 to $1,500 | $950 to $2,500 |
| Composite | $750 to $1,600 | $900 to $5,000 |
| Fiberglass | $800 to $2,000 | $1,300 to $3,000 |
| Wood | $1,000 to $3,500 | $2,000 to $6,000 |
Steel
The cost for a steel garage door ranges from $450 to $3,500, with a 16×7 insulated garage door cost at the top of this range. This sturdy material is one of the most popular garage door materials, and many homeowners prefer a steel door because of the budget-friendly pricing. It’s rustproof, customizable, and easy to maintain. Steel is a material that doesn’t insulate as well as other types, so additional insulation may be needed.
Vinyl
Vinyl garage doors cost from $700 to $2,500 and are popular with homeowners who prefer the look of a wood door without the cost. Vinyl doors typically have a foam core with a steel frame that results in a lightweight and low-maintenance garage door. This material is preferred for use in moderate climates since vinyl can crack at low temperatures and warp in high temperatures.
Fiberglass or Composite
Faux wood or composite garage doors cost from $750 and $5,000 and are a low-maintenance alternative to wood garage doors. Made with a blend of resins and fibers, composite garage doors can mimic the look of natural wood grain without the involved maintenance that wood doors need.
Fiberglass garage doors range from $800 and $3,000 on average. Depending on the style of a home’s exterior, fiberglass doors can be painted to match or styled to look like a wood garage door. Rust- and dent-resistant, these doors are a lightweight and low-maintenance option. Cold temperatures can cause fiberglass to crack, however, and homeowners should know there are few custom options for this material.
Wood
The cost for wood garage doors runs from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on the number of customizations. Wood needs a lot of maintenance to keep it looking good throughout the seasons. However, many homeowners prefer this natural material to improve the curb appeal of their home, and they appreciate the wide variety of wood species that are available for garage doors.
Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors
Insulated garage doors have many benefits over uninsulated doors. Having an insulated door regulates the temperature inside the garage, which makes a garage heater more effective and able to run more efficiently. It protects the items inside the garage, improves the energy efficiency of the home, reduces noise pollution, and increases the durability of the garage door.
Pipe and Utility Protection
Leaving pipes or utilities without insulation can cause them to burst, freeze, or be damaged. Having an insulated garage door can protect the pipes and keep the temperature inside the garage more even.
Vehicle Protection
An uninsulated garage during the winter months can get very cold. For people who live in extremely cold climates, having an uninsulated garage can cause several issues with a car, such as a short battery life, thick fluids, and low tire pressure. Installing an insulated garage door can help protect the vehicles inside.
Energy Efficiency
Installing an insulated garage door can save energy and money. When air enters and escapes through an uninsulated door, it can affect the temperature inside the home. Poor insulation in the garage can lead to high energy bills; an insulated door can save money and ensure a more comfortable temperature inside the home.
Noise Reduction
An insulated garage door can cut down on the amount of noise pollution that enters the home. For those who live on a busy street or experience excessive noise in their neighborhoods, an insulated garage door can reduce noise pollution and the sound of the door opening and closing to maintain a peaceful atmosphere inside the home.
Durability
Many insulated garage doors are constructed with a sturdy steel frame that’s filled with the insulating material instead of thin sheets of material wrapped around the frame. An insulated door is more durable and can withstand impacts or collisions.
Insulated Garage Door Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
It’s not recommended that homeowners attempt to install insulated garage doors as a DIY job unless they have prior experience with this type of project. Garage doors and their operating mechanisms are heavy and can be dangerous if they’re improperly installed—especially the springs. There is a risk of serious personal injury if a garage door isn’t installed correctly; therefore, installation is a job that’s best left to the professionals. If a homeowner is interested in using an insulation kit to give their existing garage door a boost of insulation, this is typically a good DIY project for moderate insulation and some sound dampening. However, the benefits of a garage door that’s been insulated with a DIY kit are minimal compared with those of a professionally installed insulated garage door.
How to Save Money on Insulated Garage Door Cost
Installing an insulated garage door can save money on energy bills, but the cost of installation can quickly add up. Below are a few tips about how to save money on insulated garage door cost.
- Get multiple estimates. Get at least three estimates from reputable garage door contractors in your area to find a price that works with your budget.
- Choose the right R-value for your climate. Choosing the lowest R-value can save money on up-front costs, but it will result in an insufficiently insulated garage. Knowing the best R-value material for the average temperatures in your area can ensure a properly insulated garage door.
- Opt for a basic style. Adding custom elements to an insulated garage door can increase the installation costs significantly. Opting for a basic design can help you stay within your budget.
- Buy directly from the manufacturer. Buying an insulated garage door directly from the manufacturer can save money.
- Decide on must-have add-ons. If you can’t live without an automatic garage door opener, be sure to include that in the overall installation budget.
- Don’t forget the warranty. Buy an insulated door with a manufacturer’s warranty to keep the cost of garage door repairs down in the future.
- Keep up with maintenance. Keeping up with regular maintenance can help you avoid paying the garage door replacement cost before your current garage door’s lifespan is up.
Questions to Ask About Insulated Garage Door Installation
Asking the right questions about insulated garage door installation costs can help homeowners save money and cut down on miscommunication. Below are some questions homeowners can ask contractors about insulated garage doors and the installation process.
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you adhere to all state and federal guidelines for safety?
- How much experience do your employees have installing insulated garage doors?
- What is the cost of an insulated garage door vs. uninsulated?
- What types of insulated garage doors do you have for sale?
- What manufacturers do you carry?
- What is the installation process?
- What does a 2-car insulated garage door cost?
- How much do insulated glass garage doors cost?
- What does an insulated roll-up garage door cost?
- What type of insulated garage door do you recommend for the climate?
- What types of customizations are available?
- How long will my insulated garage door last?
- Do you hire subcontractors for the insulated garage door installation process?
- What kind of mounting hardware do you use?
- Do you offer garage door maintenance or repairs?
- What kinds of warranties or guarantees do you provide?
- How can I leave a review?
FAQs
Before homeowners decide on an insulated garage door, it’s important for them to have all the information they need to choose one of the best garage door installation companies. Below are some frequently asked questions about insulated garage door cost and the installation process.
Q. Are insulated garage doors worth the cost?
If the price of an insulated garage door falls within a homeowner’s budget, it’s a good long-term investment. Installing an insulated garage door can help homeowners save on utility bills, and it allows for year-round use of the garage.
Q. Is an insulated garage door stronger?
The construction of an insulated garage door makes it more durable and resistant to impacts and collisions.
Q. Will insulating the garage keep the house warmer?
An insulated garage door will prevent the outside air from coming inside and changing the temperature of the home.
Q. What is the cheapest way to insulate a garage door?
The cheapest way to insulate a garage door is by using one of the best DIY garage door insulation kits. These kits are a good DIY project, and they cost considerably less than purchasing an insulated garage door.
Q. Can any garage door be insulated?
Each type of garage door material lends itself to insulation with specific materials better than others. Metal garage doors can use any type of insulating material, and wooden frame and panel doors should use a rigid foam board.
Q. What is the average R-value for a garage door?
It’s common for a detached garage to have an R-value between 0 and R-6. Attached garages without heating or cooling should have a garage door with an R-value between R-6 and R-9, while garages that have heating or cooling units or are under a living space should have an R-value of R-13 or higher.
Q. How cold does an insulated garage get?
A garage with an insulated door can prevent the temperature from getting below freezing on the inside. If the outside temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit, a garage with an uninsulated door would record a temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, while an insulated door would boost the internal temperature to about 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. How do I keep my garage warm in the winter?
There are many choices available to homeowners when they want to keep their garage area warm during the cold winter months. Garage heater installation costs are relatively affordable, depending on the type of heater chosen. Some options include the use of a ductless mini-split heat pump, a window heat pump, or portable heat pump. Radiant floor heating or electric ceiling panels are more expensive options compared to using some space heaters. Wall-mounted electric heaters, convection heaters, forced-air heaters, infrared heaters, propane heaters, and wood stoves are other options that homeowners use.
Sources: HomeAdvisor (1 and 2), Angi, Fixr, Garage Transformed, Remodeling