Converting a Non-Insulated Garage Door to An Insulated Garage Door

Regardless of the age of a non-insulated garage door, whether it is a 5-vertical stile, Broward County hurricane rated garage door or 7-vertical stile Dare County hurricane rated garage door, Amarr, Clopay, Wayne Dalton or whatever garage door brand, converting it to an insulated garage door is still a doable option as long as it is a single-layer steel door.

Single-layer steel doors are built with only one layer of steel, converting these non-insulated single-layer steel doors to an insulated one will enhance their thermal performance.
Converting a non-insulated single-layer steel garage door, is adding a second layer to the door and this additional layer consists of an insulating material.

Note: Wooden garage doors cannot be converted to an insulated type because they have different structural properties and insulating them involves replacing it with a new insulated door rather than adding insulation to the existing one. This is because the insulation materials and methods used for steel doors are not suitable for wooden doors.

The conversion of a non-insulated garage door to an insulated garage is a very practical and affordable option for customers looking to add air conditioning to their garage instead of doing full replacement of the garage door. Think about the difference between the cost of installing an entirely new insulated garage door versus converting an existing non-insulated but still in a good condition garage door is a lot. This conversion process transforms the garage door from a single-layer to a double-layer type, improving its ability to maintain temperature and reduce energy costs, most especially if the garage space is air conditioned. The added polystyrene insulating material traps the cool air from the AC inside the garage, and blocks out the hot temperature from the outside. This means keeping the garage cooler during the summer and warmer in the winter. 

When it comes to the highest-rated garage door insulation, polystyrene is the top choice. This is known for its high R-value, which measures thermal resistance. Polystyrene, also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS), offers a high R-value, which measures its effectiveness in insulating against heat transfer. EPS can have an R-value ranging from 3.6 to 4.0 per inch of thickness. A 1 ½ inch EPS has an R-value of R5.78, making it an excellent option for an air conditioned garage. Comparable to Amarr's 2-layer insulated garage door, the Amarr HR2000 model with an R-value of R6.64.

Here’s a breakdown list of how we install insulation to an existing non-insulated garage door as a professional garage door company:

Assessment and Preparation:

Inspecting the garage door to determine its type and taking precise measurements of each section of the garage door, including height, width, and depth. Accurate measurements are crucial for cutting the insulation material to fit perfectly and to avoid any issues during installation. Cleaning the surface thoroughly and removing any dust, dirt, or debris. This ensures that the insulation material adheres properly and creates a seamless barrier. 

Installation and Sealing:

As a garage door professional, we have the ability to safely remove and reinstall essential components such as struts, hinges, and other related parts. This enables us to perform insulation projects with precision, ensuring that insulation foam is installed accurately, rather than simply pushing it into place. We begin by removing the horizontal struts, hinges, and rollers from each section of the garage door, starting from the very top. Afterward, installing the insulation securely within that section. Once the insulation is in place, we reinstall and reinforce the struts, hinges, and rollers. This process continues with each section of the door until reaching the bottom section, at which point the door lifted slightly to make sure a perfect fit. This method ensures that the insulation is seamlessly integrated into the garage door. Then, using specialized insulated tape (ac tape) we seal any gaps around the edges of the insulation and the door frame. This tape enhances the thermal efficiency of the insulation and prevents any air leaks. 

After sealing, we conduct a final inspection to ensure that all gaps are properly sealed and that the insulation material is securely in place. In contrast to other companies, who often simply insert the insulation without proper integration, this conversion method treats the insulation as a part of the door itself. Our approach guarantees a thorough and professional result for best insulation performance.

The cost of insulating a garage door on a standard-sized (16x7, 8x7 or 9X7) typically falls between $600 and $1,100. This price may vary depending on the type of insulation used and the difficulty of the installation process. The high-rated EPS Foam Board Insulation, offers superior thermal performance compared to other materials like styrofoam. For most garage doors, a 1 ½ inch insulation thickness, measured as the space between the garage door and the hurricane-rated horizontal truss, offers the best effectiveness. This insulation helps keep cooler temperatures inside the garage while effectively resisting external heat.

The cost of converting a non-insulated garage door into an insulated garage door is definitely more affordable than purchasing a new insulated garage door, making it a worthwhile investment. To provide a comparison, the price of garage door insulation service (which is mentioned above) is much lower than the cost of a new two-layer garage door (which consists of one layer of steel and one layer of insulation).

For reference:
A 16x7 garage door costs $3,175
A 8x7 or 9x7 garage door costs $2,075

Converting your existing non-insulated garage door, while having your garage door air conditioned is a smart choice because the added insulation materials help maintain the garage space cool since it has the ability to avoid air/temperature leaks.

Unity Garage Door, garage door technicians are equipped with extensive years of experience, providing a wide range of garage door services including our garage door insulation service which is the best in the industry and will help with all your garage door needs. If you’re considering converting your non-insulated garage door or need more details, don’t hesitate to contact us, your local garage door company.