Insulating Your Garage

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 26 June 2019 10:01

Regardless of the outside weather, the temperature in your garage will often follow the same pattern. For most homeowners, this is an area where it can be challenging to control the heat due to constant fluctuations. Those conditions do not only damage your items and tools, but they can also wreak havoc on the electricity bills. So, what would you do? Adding a layer of insulation can be a simple yet effective solution. Keep reading to learn more about some possible options for insulating your garage.

Insulating Your Garage - Keeping Your Garage Cool

Insulating your garage soon? Choose from cellulose insulation, fiberglass, rigid foam and more for your garage

1. Cellulose Insulation 

Cellulose is loose-filled insulation which has been quickly becoming popular for many households. It is mainly made from recycled newspapers and specially treated with fire retardants. Cellulose is often blown into ceiling and wall cavities with a blowing unit that also helps to aerate and fluff up the cellulose. Blowers would be rent at any home center or tool rental store. In many cases, you can even loan the unit for free when you purchase cellulose from the store.

Keep in mind that cellulose is only ideal for finished garage ceilings and walls. This is because it is loose-filled. If the space is already finished yet uninsulated, you could set up cellulose insulation by cutting some strategic holes on the wall material and spraying the insulation to the cavities among framing members before patching those holes.

2. Fiberglass Insulation 

The most commonly used insulation options in most garages and homes is probably fiberglass. It is often available in long blankets and pre-cut batts which can fit between ceiling joists and wall studs. In addition, you would purchase loose-filled fiberglass that is great for blowing into your garage attic area above finished ceilings.

If the ceiling and walls still remain open or not covered with plywood or drywall, it is better to use encapsulated or paper-faced fiberglass batts wrapped in plastic films. By doing this, you can provide the walls with a more finished appearance. 

3. Rigid Foam

This type of insulation often comes in 4x8 foot sheets with thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 4 inches. There are many material options, including polyisocyanurate, extruded polystyrene, and expanded polystyrene. Rigid foam typically delivers a high R-value for each area of thickness. Also, you can easily cut it to fit nearly all spaces. 

Rigid foam can be a great option for garage doors and thin walls. If you are planning to transforming your garage into a full-time working space or a living space, then consider rigid foam for insulating the floor. Just cover it with plywood or some common subfloor materials. 

4. Spray Foam 

The last option on this list is spray foam. It is a great insulation option, for both air sealing and R-value. As a high-quality material often used in energy-efficient construction, you can use spray foam for nearly all garage projects and tasks. However, the best application might be to transform the garage into a living space. 

The Bottom Line

Insulating your garage would make sense if you want to save your utility bills each month and keep the best conditions for the space. While there are a variety of options available out there, not all of them are ideal for your needs. Thus, make sure to consider carefully the existing conditions, designs, and your purposes to make a better decision for your metal or wooden garage door. Before insulating your garage, be sure to clean it thoroughly regardless of what type of garage door you have.

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Rocky Degrenia

Small business owner; all types of flooring. #1 Rated Flooring Installer in Phoenix, AZ. Over 6 decades of experience and education. Residential and Commercial. Family man, father of three teenage girls.

www.knightflooringaz.com/

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