When installing a heating system in your garage, it is important to insulate the space properly. Insulating the garage helps maintain a comfortable temperature and reduces energy costs. Although the insulation methods used in the garage are similar to those in the rest of your home, certain considerations make some insulation more suitable.
This blog will explore various garage insulation options, their benefits, and how to apply them effectively to different garage areas, including the garage door.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable garage environment and reducing energy costs. The most common insulation options include fibreglass, cellulose, rigid, spray, and garage door insulation.
- Fiberglass insulation is affordable, easy to install, and commonly used in unfinished garages. It’s available in pre-cut batts or rolls, but it must be covered to avoid exposure to fibres.
- Cellulose insulation, made from recycled materials, is great for retrofitting finished walls. It fills irregular spaces but requires installation from a blower machine.
- Rigid foam insulation offers a high R-value per inch, is easy to cut, and works well for confined spaces like garage doors. However, it can be expensive and might require a fire-resistant barrier.
- Spray foam insulation provides superior insulation and air sealing but is costly and best suited for converting garages into habitable spaces.
- Using insulation kits or rigid foam panels, garage door insulation prevents heat loss through metal garage doors.
Seal gaps and cracks, weatherstrip doors and windows, and use vapour barriers in humid climates for optimal efficiency. These steps improve overall insulation performance.
1. Fiberglass Insulation For Garage
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most commonly used types of insulation in homes and garages. It’s popular because it’s available, easy to use, and affordable.
Fibreglass is typically sold in pre-cut batts or rolls, designed to fit between wall studs, ceiling joists, and other framing members in the garage.
How Did Fiberglass Work?
Fiberglass insulation works by trapping air pockets between the fibres, reducing the heat transfer rate. This makes it an excellent option for garage walls and ceilings, especially if you want an easy, DIY-friendly insulation material.
Fibreglass roll insulation is the best choice for unfinished garages where the walls and ceilings are not covered with drywall or plywood. It can be easily unrolled and fitted between wall studs with the vapour barrier side facing the garage interior. Once placed correctly, it can be fastened using a staple gun, securing the insulation to prevent it from moving or falling over time.
Advantages Of Fiberglass Insulation:
- Affordable and widely available
- Easy to install, especially in unfinished garages
- Provides soundproofing benefits
- Available in pre-cut batts or rolls for convenient application
Disadvantages Of Fiberglass Insulation:
- It can lose effectiveness if compressed.
- Should be covered with drywall or another barrier to prevent exposure to fibres
- It could be better for garages that are already finished.
2. Cellulose Insulation For Garage
Cellulose insulation is another excellent option for insulating garages, especially for finished garages where the walls are already in place. It is made from recycled materials like newspaper, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice.
This loose-fill insulation is typically blown into wall and ceiling cavities using a specialised blower.
How Does Cellulose Work?
Cellulose works similarly to fibreglass insulation by trapping air between the small particles. However, since it is a loose-fill material, cellulose is better suited for filling large, irregular spaces and retrofitting existing walls.
If your garage is finished but lacks insulation, cellulose can be installed without removing the drywall. This is done by drilling small holes in the wall, blowing in the cellulose, and patching the holes afterwards.
Advantages Of Cellulose Insulation:
- Environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials
- Great for retrofitting finished walls and ceilings
- Can fill irregular and hard-to-reach areas
- Effective at preventing air leaks
Disadvantages Of Cellulose Insulation:
- Requires a blower machine for installation
- May settle over time, reducing its insulating effectiveness
- More expensive than fiberglass
3. Rigid Foam Insulation For Garage
Rigid foam insulation is a versatile and durable material that provides excellent garage insulation. It comes in large sheets, usually 4′ by 8′, and can range in thickness from 1/2 inch to 4 inches.
Rigid foam has three main types: polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene (EPS), and extruded polystyrene (XPS). Each type offers a high R-value per inch of thickness, providing excellent insulation even in thin spaces.
How Rigid Foam Works?
Rigid foam insulation is known for its versatility. It can insulate walls, ceilings, and garage floors. One key benefit of rigid foam insulation is its ease of installation. It can be cut to fit any space and is perfect for insulating areas without much room for thicker insulation materials.
Additionally, it can be used for garage door insulation, offering a simple way to add insulation to metal garage doors.
It’s important to note that some types of rigid foam are not fire-resistant, so check the fire rating before using it in your garage.
Advantages Of Rigid Foam Insulation:
- High R-value per inch of thickness
- Easy to cut and install
- Works well for garage doors and confined spaces
- Durable and moisture-resistant
Disadvantages Of Rigid Foam Insulation:
- More expensive than fiberglass or cellulose
- Some types may need to be fireproof.
- Requires covering with a fire-resistant barrier if used inside walls
4. Spray Foam Insulation For Garage
Spray foam insulation is a premium material for simultaneously insulating and sealing air leaks. Due to its high performance, it is often used in energy-efficient building projects.
Spray foam is available in two forms: open-cell and closed-cell. Both types use a spray gun that expands the foam as it is applied, easily filling gaps, cracks, and voids.
How Spray Foam Works?
When spray foam insulation is applied, it expands to fill any space it is sprayed into. This makes it incredibly effective at sealing air leaks and preventing heat transfer. While open-cell spray foam is softer and less dense, closed-cell spray foam is more rigid and has a higher R-value.
Spray foam is most commonly used in projects where energy efficiency is the top priority. It’s an excellent choice for insulating garages that will be converted into habitable spaces like living rooms, workshops, or home offices. However, the cost of spray foam is significantly higher than other types of insulation, so it may be optional for garages used for storage or vehicle parking.
Advantages Of Spray Foam Insulation:
- Provides both insulation and air sealing in one application
- High R-value, especially closed-cell spray foam
- Ideal for sealing hard-to-reach areas
- Prevents moisture buildup and mould growth
Disadvantages Of Spray Foam Insulation:
- Expensive compared to other insulation materials
- Requires professional installation in most cases
- Overkill for non-habitable garages
5. Garage Door Insulation
In addition to insulating the walls and ceiling of your garage, it’s essential to insulate the garage door itself. Most garage doors are made of metal, which conducts heat very well. This means that even if you have insulated the rest of the garage, an uninsulated garage door can still escape much heat.
How To Insulate Garage Doors?
Garage door insulation can be done in two main ways:
- Garage door insulation kits are designed for metal garage doors and include all the materials needed to insulate each door section. They are easy to install and offer an affordable solution for insulating your garage door.
- Rigid foam panels: Cut rigid foam insulation panels to fit each garage door section. This method can provide even better insulation than a kit but requires more effort and time to install.
In addition to installing insulation, it’s important to check the weatherstripping around the door. The edges of the door and the bottom seal should be tight and free of gaps to prevent drafts from entering the garage.
Installing a rubber gasket along the bottom of the door will ensure a weatherproof seal and help improve the door’s overall insulation performance.
Advantages Of Garage Door Insulation:
- Prevents heat loss through the garage door
- Affordable and easy to install
- Improves the overall insulation of the garage
Disadvantages Of Garage Door Insulation:
- Metal frames can still conduct heat.
- Requires proper sealing to maximise effectiveness
Maximising Insulation Efficiency
To get the best results from your garage insulation, it’s important to take additional steps to enhance its performance:
- Seal gaps and cracks: Use caulk or spray foam to seal any gaps around windows, doors, and other openings where air might leak in.
- Weatherstrip doors and windows: Ensure all exterior doors and windows are properly sealed with weatherstripping to prevent drafts and heat loss.
- Vapour barriers: If your garage is prone to humidity, consider using a vapour barrier to protect the insulation from moisture damage.
By taking these measures, you can improve the overall effectiveness of your garage insulation and create a more comfortable space.
Conclusion
Selecting the right type of insulation for your garage can significantly impact its energy efficiency and comfort. Whether you choose fibreglass, cellulose, rigid foam, or spray foam, each type of insulation has its benefits that can be tailored to your specific needs. Insulating your garage door is also essential to prevent heat loss and maintain a consistent temperature.
With the proper garage insulation and sealing techniques, you can transform your garage into a more comfortable and functional space, whether for storing vehicles, working on projects, or even creating a living.
FAQs About Garage Renovation
Should You Insulate An Unheated Garage?
Even if your detached garage does not have heating, adding insulation can make it a better space overall by enhancing its liveability and extending the lifespan of your automobile and other valuable possessions. You can do it yourself, and it won’t cost you very much money.
What Can I Use Instead Of Insulation?
The “batt and roll” or “blanket” insulation is the most common type used in residential construction. This type of insulation is also the least expensive to buy and install. Fiberglass is by far the most common material used for it, but if you’re looking for an alternative, consider using one of the following natural fibres: Wool made from minerals, Cotton (recycled denim)
Is It Worth Insulating Garage Ceiling?
Insulation is not necessarily required for a garage ceiling. If, on the other hand, you want to raise the temperature to a more comfortable level, blocking the vents and other openings in the ceiling will help keep warm air from vanishing into the night.
How Can I Insulate My Garage Without Drywall?
Panels made of cement board: Decorative fibre cement boards, such as HardieSoffit Panels, are available in a wide range of colours and textures, including raised textures that accurately represent wood. In addition to providing your garage with durability, strength, and an easy maintenance routine, they will also give it a stylish and rustic appearance.
What Is The Most Economical Way To Heat A Garage?
Because it warms a surface rather than the air in the surrounding area, in-surface radiant heating is one of the most effective ways to heat a garage, although it is also one of the most expensive.
