Insulating a garage can save homeowners money on energy costs, keep it comfortable year round and help reduce noise that interferes with other household activities. Furthermore, insulation may increase home values.
Fiberglass insulation sold in long blanket rolls sized to fit between wall studs is both affordable and simple for DIYers to install, while loose-fill cellulose or mineral wool could also be considered alternatives.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most widely used types in garages, just as it is in homes. Available as precut batts or long blankets that fit between wall studs or ceiling joists, fiberglass can easily be installed as a DIY project with basic tools and materials. To add an attractive finish and prevent itchy patches due to exposed fiberglass fibers, paper-faced or encapsulated varieties may provide the best result.
Rigid foam insulation is also easy to install. Compatible with most walls, open or closed-cell spray foam is available to insulate ceilings - closed-cell needs to be taken down first though open cell allows you to keep it intact!
Insulating your garage ceiling is essential, since heat rises. Insulating it will prevent energy loss between your attached garage and living area above, as well as mitigate noise transference caused by loud power tools or traffic outside the door.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation has become an increasingly popular form of insulation in recent years. Composed largely of recycled newspapers that have been treated with fire retardants, this loose-fill insulation material can then be blown into walls and ceilings using special blowing machines. Cellulose is particularly suited to finished garage walls or ceilings due to its loose nature; additionally, some products contain borax for extra rodent control.
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most commonly used home insulation materials. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and effective at sealing gaps around windows, electrical, and plumbing penetrations. Fiberglass may cause skin irritation or lung irritants if installed improperly and should always be worn with protective gear during installation. Precut batts and long blanket rolls sized specifically to fit between wall studs or joists are readily available - it is even popular among garage attic insulation solutions!
Blown Insulation
Homeowners increasingly utilize their garages as more than vehicle storage spaces. By adding insulation, homeowners can enjoy these areas as workshops, hobby spaces or man caves - not to mention keeping cool temperatures during summer and warmth during winter as well as lessening exterior noise levels.
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most commonly used insulation materials in homes, typically sold in rolls or precut batts to fit between wall studs and ceiling joists. Installation is straightforward and costs very little; however, special precautions (such as wearing gloves or wearing a face mask) must be taken as fiberglass fibers can easily embed themselves in skin tissue or be inhaled.
Rigid foam board insulation offers higher R-Values at a higher price point and can be installed between joists on either sloped or vaulted ceilings. Spray foam insulation works wonders at air sealing but requires professional installers for proper installation. A vapor barrier should also be added over any insulation to protect joists and framing against excess moisture that can lead to wood rot, mold growth or structural damage.
Adhesives
Garage insulation prevents cold air from coming in while keeping hot air at bay; but for best results you need to address any air gaps left after insulation has been completed.
Rigid foam insulation is an excellent way to insulate a garage floor. Available in 4-by-8-foot sheets ranging in thickness from 1/2-inch to 4 inches, installation involves applying a vapor barrier then layering rigid foam over it and covering it with plywood then fastening it down securely on the floor.
Cellulose insulation consists of recycled newspaper with a fire retardant treatment, making it another viable choice for insulate garage walls. Because cellulose is loose-fill, you will require a blowing tool before applying to walls of your garage; also note that air flow cannot be prevented and over time may settle over time if this type of insulation is used; to protect its longevity when adhering to non-porous surfaces like garage doors it must use professional weather seal adhesives designed specifically to stick securely.
