Insulating your garage
Insulating a garage can provide many benefits, including energy efficiency, comfort, and noise reduction. With the right materials and techniques, insulating a garage is a relatively easy DIY project that can be completed in a weekend. In this article, we’ll cover the steps you need to follow to insulate your garage.
The benefits of Insulating your garage
Below are some of the key benefits of installing insulation in your garage:
Energy efficiency: A properly insulated garage can help prevent heat from escaping during the winter and keep cool air inside during the summer. This can lead to significant energy savings on your heating and cooling bills.
Improved comfort: Insulating your garage can help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the year, making it a more comfortable space to work or spend time in. It can also help prevent cold drafts or hot spots, improving overall comfort.
Noise reduction: If your garage is attached to your home, insulation can help reduce noise levels from vehicles, power tools, or other activities. This can help create a more peaceful environment inside your home.
Increased storage space: A well-insulated garage can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a workshop or additional storage space. Insulation can help protect your belongings from extreme temperatures, moisture, and pests.
Improved air quality: Insulation can help prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and mildew growth. This can improve the air quality in your garage and prevent potential health issues.
Assess your garage:
Before you begin insulating your garage, you should assess the space and determine what areas need insulation. Start by inspecting the walls, ceiling, and door to identify any gaps, cracks, or other areas where heat or cold air can enter or escape. You should also check for any signs of moisture or water damage.
Choose the right materials:
When choosing insulation materials for your garage, you have several options. The most common types of insulation used in garages are fibreglass batts and PIR board insulation. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so you’ll need to choose the one that best suits your needs. If you are unsure, we suggest you reach out to an architect.
Fibreglass batts are affordable and easy to install, but they can be itchy and require proper protective equipment during installation. Foam board insulation is more expensive but provides excellent insulation value and can be installed without any special equipment.
Insulate the walls:
Once you have chosen your insulation material, it’s time to start insulating the walls. Begin by measuring the height and width of the walls to determine how much insulation you’ll need. Cut the insulation to the correct size, and then fit it between the studs in the walls.
For best results, make sure the insulation is snugly fit between the studs and completely covers the wall without any gaps. You can use a utility knife to trim any excess insulation, and then secure it in place with insulation hangers or adhesive.
Insulate the ceiling:
After insulating the walls, it’s time to insulate the ceiling. The process is similar to insulating the walls, but you’ll need to use insulation designed for overhead installation. Measure the length and width of the ceiling, and then cut the insulation to the correct size.
Lay the insulation between the ceiling joists, making sure it covers the entire ceiling without any gaps. You can use insulation hangers or adhesive to hold the insulation in place. We recommend that you use foil tape over any gaps.
Insulate the garage door:
The garage door is one of the most significant areas of heat loss in a garage, so it’s important to insulate it properly. You can use insulation kits specifically designed for garage doors, which typically consist of insulation panels that fit perfectly into the door’s panels.
To install the insulation boards, you’ll need to measure the size of each panel, and then cut the insulation to fit. Once the insulation is in place, secure it with adhesive or tape.
Seal air leaks:
In addition to insulating the garage, you’ll also want to seal any air leaks to prevent heat or cold air from escaping. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and other openings.
You can also use spray foam insulation to seal large gaps or holes in the walls or ceiling. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using spray foam insulation.
Consider additional insulation:
If you live in a particularly cold or hot climate, you may want to consider additional insulation to increase your garage’s energy efficiency. One option is to add insulation to the garage’s floor, which can help prevent cold air from entering from the ground.
You can also add insulation to the garage’s interior walls if you want to further increase its insulation value. This can be done by attaching foam board insulation to the walls using adhesive or hangers.
Enjoy the benefits of a well-insulated garage:
Once you have completed the insulation process, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-insulated garage. A properly insulated garage can help reduce your energy bills, increase your home’s comfort, and even reduce noise levels. It’s also a great way to increase the usable space in your home, as a well-insulated garage can be used for a variety of purposes.
