Insulating your garage is an essential step in reducing your heating and cooling bills. It can also increase the value of your home.
Choosing the right type of insulation can make a big difference in how well your garage stays insulated. Here’s a look at some of the most common types and their benefits.
Improves comfort
If you’re using your garage insulation for other purposes than storing cars, insulation can help ensure the space is comfortable even on cold winter nights or hot summer days. It can also make a huge difference in how you feel when working on projects or spending time there.
Reduces energy usage
Depending on your specific climate, you may need to insulate the ceiling of your garage as well as the walls and floor. Ideally, you want to choose a product with a high R-value to maximize your insulation investment.
Consider blown fiberglass, cellulose or spray foam.
Blown fiberglass insulation is the most popular choice for most garages, as it’s easy to install and relatively inexpensive. It’s sold in long blankets or batts that fit between the wall studs and the ceiling joists of your garage.
If you have a finished ceiling in your garage, rolled fiberglass is another good option. It can be used for both the ceiling and the walls, but it’s more suitable for vaulted ceilings that don’t have drywall installed above them.
It can also be used to insulate a crawl space that runs above the garage, but it’s easier to cover with drywall once the insulation is installed.
Cellulose is a loose-fill insulation that can be sprayed or blown in through holes cut in the wall material. It’s made from recycled newspaper and treated with a fire retardant, and is a growing favorite among homeowners for its R-value and energy efficiency.
For the most part, it’s easy to do yourself; just buy a few rolls and a blower and you’re ready to go. If you have a big job, hire an experienced contractor to handle it for you.
Benefits #1: Lower energy costs
When your garage is insulated properly, it’ll keep the temperature more consistent. This means you won’t have to worry about adjusting your thermostat or running your air conditioning unit as often, which can save you money on utility bills.
Benefit #2: Reduces moisture damage to your belongings. If you store a lot of temperature-sensitive materials in your garage, they’re more likely to last longer if they’re insulated.
It’s also less likely that things like paint, motor oil and cleaning chemicals will have an adverse effect on your belongings if they are stored in an insulated garage.
Lastly, if you’re planning to sell your house in the near future, a well-insulated garage can help attract a higher price. You might be able to secure an income-based rebate for insulating your garage if you’re on a tight budget, so it’s worth checking with your local utilities.