Insulating Your Garage

Garage insulation is something that can be done by you even if you have little or no experience at all. Regardless if the garage is attached or separate, small or big, with a little planning, you will be able to insulate your garage considerably fast.

Why should you insulate your garage? Two reasons: cost and comfort. Garage insulation will make your garage warmer in winter and stay cool in summer. You will also be able to save on your energy bill. Insulating your garage will also reduce noise such as project noise from disturbing your family and neighbors.

Remember that every garage is as unique as its owner. The climate in your area plays a major role. Nevertheless, wherever you may be, you can take steps to properly insulate your garage. Make sure to use a method that complies with the local building codes in your area.

To insulate your garage, you would need the following:

1. Utility knife 
2. Staple gun 
3. Paper-backed fibreglass insulation 
4. Plastic sheeting 
5. Straight edge 
6. Caulk and caulk gun

Steps in insulating your garage:

1. When adding insulation to studs, use paper backed fibreglass cut into strips to the correct size. You need a utility knife and straight edge for this activity. For best insulation results, push the fibreglass into every opening and the paper side has to be facing downwards. Always use long sleeves and gloves when working with fibreglass since it can irritate your skin. Use a staple gun and fix the fibreglass to the studs.

2. After packing the insulation to the walls, you can now wrap it using tight plastic sheets. Begin from one corner and use a staple gun to fix it to the studs. The plastic strips have to overlap to ascertain full protection.

3. Next step is to trim the plastic that covered the walls and windows. You can use a utility knife for this. Carefully cut the plastic because it might tear apart. Attach the plastic sheet's edges to the studs using a staple gun. This will ensure a secure and tight seal.

4. If you have drywall, the first three steps will not apply. You need to use some blown insulation. This is available at your local hardware store or rent an insulation blower. You must make a few holes in the drywall and blow the insulation in between studs.

5. Use a heavy-duty caulk to seal doors and windows. When sealing the door, place under a rubber weather stripping. This keeps the air from coming in. If the garage is not insulated, you can purchase an insulation kit from the hardware store.

Anytime you deal with garage insulation, you must consider the R-value. It means how effective the insulation is. To be more specific, it is a measurement of the insulating material resistance to heat movement. In your garage, this means how much heat gets in from the outside as well as how much heat can go out from the inside. The higher the R-value, the more insulation is going to struggle the heat movement in or out the garage.

When it comes to garage insulating, it would be better not to go scanty on the R-value. Different products fit different applications. Most insulation packages contain a printed table that indicates which R-Value is recommended for your precise application as well as your climate and region.