How much does an insulated garage door cost?
How much does an insulated garage door cost?
$750 – $1,900 1-car insulated garage door cost installed
$1,500 – $3,700+ 2-car insulated garage door cost installed
Insulated garage door cost
An insulated garage door costs $750 to $1,900 installed for a single garage door or $1,500 to $3,700+ for a double garage door. Insulated garage door prices are $600 to $3,000+ for the door alone, depending on the size, style, brand, and insulation type.
| Size | Average door price | Average total cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car garage door | $600 – $1,400 | $750 – $1,900 |
| 2-car garage door | $1,200 – $3,000+ | $1,500 – $3,700+ |
| 3-car garage door | $1,800 – $4,400+ | $2,250 – $5,800+ |
Insulated garage door prices by thickness
Insulated garage doors come in double-layer or triple-layer, while non-insulated doors are single-layer:
Single-layer garage door prices are $300 to $1,200 for a non-insulated door without installation, depending on the size and style.
A double-layer garage door features a base layer of steel or fiberglass with a layer of polystyrene insulation and a vinyl backing to hold the insulation in place.
A triple-layer garage door features two layers of steel or fiberglass with a layer of insulation sandwiched between. Triple-layer doors often contain polyurethane insulation for the highest R-value and maximum thermal regulation.
Cost to insulate an existing garage door
Garage door insulation kits cost $50 to $200 to retrofit an existing door DIY. Insulation kits are easy-to-install but are less energy-efficient and have a lower R-value than pre-insulated garage doors.
Garage door insulation kits come in three types:
Polystyrene foam panels
Fiberglass batt rolls
Reflective or radiant barrier foil
Insulating the door will only improve energy efficiency if the rest of the garage walls are also insulated. Insulating a garage costs $800 to $5,100 on average.
Installation cost of insulated garage doors
The labor cost to install an insulated garage door is $150 to $500 for a single door or $300 to $700 for a double-wide door. Labor typically includes removing the old door, installing the new door and tracks, reconnecting the opener, and weather-sealing the new door.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Door, tracks, & hardware | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Installation labor | $150 – $700 |
| Old door removal (often included) | $50 – $250 |
| New opener (optional) | $300 – $900 |
| Resizing the opening (optional) | $200 – $1,000+ |
| Average total cost to replace* | $1,150 – $2,700 |
*Not including optional items.
Other considerations when installing an insulated garage door include:
Door type and style – Standard sectional garage doors are the most common style in the US. Tilt-up, side-hinged, Carriage House, or contemporary doors typically cost more.
Insulation type – Garage doors feature polystyrene or polyurethane insulation:
Polystyrene, also called Styrofoam, is cheaper but less insulating and has a lower R-value.
Polyurethane is denser, more durable, has a higher R-value, and reduces sound transmission and door vibrations.
Insulation thickness – Garage door insulation is typically 1 3/8", 1 7/8", or 2" thick. Thicker insulation increases the cost.
Door material – Insulated garage doors are made from steel, vinyl, fiberglass, or composite. Steel is the most common but conducts heat and cold easily, while fiberglass reduces some of the energy loss. Wood doors rarely include insulation.
R-value – R-value is the measure of how well the insulating material restricts the flow of heat. A higher R-value provides more insulation but increases the cost.
U-factor – U-factor, also called U-value, is the measure of heat transference of the whole door, not just the internal insulation. A lower U-factor is preferable as it means the garage will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
STC rating – The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating measures how much sound passes through the garage door. Look for a higher STC rating to block out more outdoor noise. Doors with higher insulation R-values typically have higher STC ratings because denser insulation blocks more sound transmission.
Brand – Garage doors from popular brands like Amarr and Raynor typically cost more.
Features – Optional features like windows, walk-through doors, or hurricane ratings and impact resistance increase the garage door price.
Old door removal – Removing and disposing of the old garage door costs $50 to $250 on its own. Installers typically include this service in their total fee for garage door replacement.
New opener – The cost to install a garage door opener is $300 to $900, including the installation labor and the opener itself.
Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to add a new outlet, circuit, or wiring for the opener.
Extras – Installers may charge extra for weatherstripping between door sections, weather-sealing the bottom of the door, or exterior perimeter weatherstripping.
Repairs – Garage door repairs cost $125 to $290 on average, including labor and materials.
Resizing the opening – Creating a custom door size or repairing a damaged door opening increases costs and may require other professionals:
Drywall repair contractors charge $40 to $100 per hour to fix interior drywall in a garage.
Siding repair costs $2 to $14 per square foot.
Stucco repair costs $8 to $50 per square foot.
Cost of insulated garage door vs. uninsulated
Garage door installation costs $550 to $1,800 for a non-insulated model, depending on the type and size. An insulated garage door costs more but is stronger, reduces noise from outdoors, increases energy efficiency, and opens and closes more quietly than a non-insulated door.
| Factor | Non-insulated garage door | Insulated garage door |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car garage door installed | $550 – $1,300 | $750 – $1,900 |
| 2-car garage door installed | $800 – $1,800 | $1,500 – $3,700+ |
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Are insulated garage doors worth it?
Insulated garage doors are only worth it if the garage walls and ceilings also have proper insulation and the door has weatherstripping. Consider installing an insulated door if converting an attached garage to a living space, keeping pets in the garage, or using the garage as a workshop year-round.
A new insulated garage door provides a 95% return on investment (ROI), compared to 90% for a non-insulated door. However, upgrading does not make financial sense if your current garage door is still in good shape as the energy savings are minimal.
Insulated garage doors FAQs
What is the R-value of an insulated garage door?
Insulated garage door R-values range from 6.3 to 20.4, depending on the type and brand. In comparison, non-insulated garage doors have R-values of 0 to 2. R-value is the measurement of the door's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating the garage.
R-6 to R-9 insulation is best for attached garages that are not climate-controlled.
R-9 to R-13 insulation is best for climate-controlled garages.
R-14 insulation and higher is best for garages converted into living spaces.
Who makes the best insulated garage door?
Reputable garage door brands like Wayne Dalton, Amarr, Clopay, Northwest Door, CHI, and Overhead Door make the best insulated garage doors.
Are glass garage doors insulated?
Some glass garage doors are made with insulated glass, but they are inefficient compared to steel or fiberglass doors.
Do insulated garage doors qualify for the energy tax credit?
No, insulated garage doors do not qualify for the energy tax credit.
Finding and hiring a garage door installer
When hiring a garage door installer near you, be sure to:
Get at least three quotes to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request references for past work.
Select a licensed, bonded, insured company that has been in business for at least five years.
Check your state's licensing requirements. In states where garage door installations are an unlicensed trade, ask installers more about their experience.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you charge for an on-site consultation?
Do you recommend a double-layer or triple-layer door for my garage?
Which insulated door brand do you recommend, and why?
What type of insulation will the door have?
Does the estimate include the door delivery?
Does the estimate include removal and disposal of the old garage door?
What other costs should I expect?
Will you reconnect the garage door opener?
Will the project require a permit, and if so, will you obtain it?
Are any door reinforcements necessary to meet current building codes?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it cover?