Which is better for a metal garage door, radiant barrier or insulation?

[FormFillingVexesMe]

Some say insulation will put your garage door mechanism out of balance and it might not close and open properly because of the added weight. There is an adjustment one can make, but over time will the added weight increase the chance you might have to repair the motor or other mechanical drive components?

Also, if you add insulation that helps in the summer, but decreases heat transfer in the winter, which is a bad thing. Radiant barrier can be installed in such a way that it can easily be added or removed as the seasons change.

The cost seems modest for either approach. Would be interested in learning what people have experienced one way or the other.

[Nords]

Some say insulation will put your garage door mechanism out of balance and it might not close and open properly because of the added weight. There is an adjustment one can make, but over time will the added weight increase the chance you might have to repair the motor or other mechanical drive components?

Also, if you add insulation that helps in the summer, but decreases heat transfer in the winter, which is a bad thing. Radiant barrier can be installed in such a way that it can easily be added or removed as the seasons change.

The cost seems modest for either approach. Would be interested in learning what people have experienced one way or the other.

Our 16'x7' solid-wood garage door weighs several hundred pounds.  We added about two pounds of radiant foil insulation to the inside, and I don't think the 20-year-old garage door motor can tell the difference.  If you're concerned about the weight, though, you could buy a motor with extra horsepower.

I'm not sure that winter sunshine on a door would make a significant difference to the garage temperature, either.  You'd have to gather data this winter before you started putting on the foil.