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Proof of Concept before Installation, Otherwise, may have to totally un-install if Door cannot lift the extra weight.
This video shows how I test the old garage door opener (30 years old Genie 1/2 HP to make sure it can handle the extra weight of insulation. I picked Corning but it will add about 11 lbs (8 Panels) to the up lift and put stress on springs and motor. I want to make sure the old motor & Springs can handle it.
I don't want to uninstall it or broke the springs and have burn out motor because I pick the wrong material (too heavy). I don't want a simple add insulation project but eventually have to get a new springs, new motor and even a new garage door panels.
3 basic insulation material in the market:
1) Fiberglass (11 lbs) Owen Corning R8 comes with 8 panels - each box weight 8-11 pounds (2 car garages will need 16 panels which will add 16-22 lbs of weight (about 2 gallons of water bottle). I like Corning has R-Valve of R8 and it is flexible and can insert into each panel (almost same side). Cutting is easier than Board but this is the heaviest due to material is heavier. Make sure you perform the test if you pick this one. 16-22 lbs (2 water bottle is a lot of extra weight to lift up). Also, the garage door do not have to be clean for double size tapes to hold except only 2 clips to hold it in the middle.
This may be the easiest and fastest because it is almost pre-cut, insert into each panel. Garage door do not need to be totally cleaned for tape to hold (only 2 clips).
2) Foam (8-10 lbs) - Foam Board has about R4.6/R4.8 but it need to be cut and since it is hard to bend, you may have to cut into 2 pieces and put together while inside the panel; however, it has gap in between and you may have to re-tape it back again avoid heat leaks. It still weights about 8-10 lbs (8 Panels) lbs or 16 lbs for 16 panels. Cutting Foam and cannot fully bend is disadvantage but since it is design to hold between panel, do not need to clean surface for double size tape.
3) Reflective (5 lbs) - Reflective bubble wrap with aluminum material front and back. Most product did not mention the R number but the design is to reflect the ray back and the bubble in between is to create to block the ray/heat. This can be cut easily and has the lightest weight. It weight about 5-8 lbs which should not create much issue on most garage door opener. However, the door need to be fully cleaned to hold the double size tapes but it can easily cut, bend, insert and has most light weight.
Basically, all the above has its advantage and disadvantage on method of installation, material, material cost, labor intensive and weight concern on installation. The material's weight also depends on company who made it but weights are similar +.1 or -1 lbs.
I pick Corning R8 due to easier to install (No cleaning for double size tape and has the best R number) and also, it past my weight test (my garage door able to handle the extra 16 lbs of weight - one bottle of water is 8 lbs) ), if not, I will pick the reflective bubble wrap because measure and cutting foam is time consuming job.
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