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How Much Does an Insulated Garage Door Cost? (2022) - Bob Vila

By Katie Flannery | Published Nov 23, 2022 4:49 PM

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How Much Does an Insulated Garage Door Cost? (2022) - Bob Vila

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Save on your energy bills with an insulated garage doorGet free, no-commitment project estimates from services near you. Find Local Pros +

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The construction of an insulated garage door makes it more durable and resistant to impacts and collisions.

An insulated garage door will prevent the outside air from coming inside and changing the temperature of the home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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How Much Does an Insulated Garage Door Cost? (2022) - Bob Vila

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