Insulating your garage with spray foam insulation is one of the best ways to enhance the energy efficiency of your home while adding extra functionality to the space. Whether you're looking to reduce energy costs, protect your car battery, or create a comfortable environment for a home gym or office, spray foam insulation garage offers a range of benefits.
In this post, you'll learn how to insulate a garage effectively, determine if your garage needs insulation, and understand which types of garages benefit the most from insulation.
We will also dive into the cost to insulate a garage with spray foam, comparing DIY and professional installation options.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to make an informed decision and avoid common mistakes when insulating your garage.
How To Determine If My Garage Needs Insulation?
Several pointers will make you realize the need for garage insulation in your home. If you’ve noticed any of the following signals, then you need a proper garage insulation installation;
- Discomfort in garage
- Bad odor
- Mold issues
- Frequent dead car battery
- Drafts
- Unbearable temperatures during summer and winter.
What Are the Benefits of Insulating a Garage with Spray Foam?
Insulating a garage with spray foam provides multiple benefits that enhance both the comfort of your home and its overall value. Here are the key 7 benefits:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Insulation reduces heat transfer between your garage and home, which can lower your heating and cooling bills. This is particularly important for attached garages.
- Temperature Regulation: Insulated garages maintain a more stable temperature, protecting your car batteries and stored items from extreme heat or cold. This makes the garage more usable year-round, whether for parking, storage, or as a workspace.
- Enhanced Soundproofing: Spray foam insulation also offers soundproofing benefits, making your garage a quieter place for activities like DIY projects, workouts, or even use as an office.
- Increased Versatility: A well-insulated garage can be repurposed for various uses, such as a home office, gym, or extra storage, increasing the functionality of your home.
- Improved Return on Investment (ROI): Insulating your garage can increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a house with energy-efficient features and additional functional spaces like a well-insulated garage.
- Protection Against Drafts, Moisture, and Pests: Spray foam insulation creates an airtight seal that prevents drafts, moisture infiltration, and pest problems, which can help preserve the structural integrity of your garage.
- Better Overall Home Comfort: By insulating the garage, you reduce temperature fluctuations and drafts in the house, particularly if your garage is attached, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
What Types of Garages Benefit Most from Insulation?
While insulation is commonly installed in heated and attached garages to improve energy efficiency, it can be beneficial for nearly all types of garages. Insulating an attached garage, for example, helps reduce heat transfer between the garage and your living spaces, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
However, even unheated and detached garages can benefit from insulation. Insulating these garages can help regulate temperature, protect stored items from extreme weather, and create a more comfortable environment if you use the garage for activities beyond car storage.
What Are the Different Types of Garage Insulation?
There are several insulation types suitable for garages, such as fiberglass, rigid foam and cellulose. The choice of insulation for homeowners usually depends on several factors. These factors include installation cost, thermal resistance, moisture resistance, or personal preference. Here are 3 common insulation types for garages with their pros and cons.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is a popular insulating material for garage insulation. Fiberglass insulation uses fine glass fibers and is compressed into batts or rolls. The rolls are cut to fit perfectly into wall studs, ceilings, or floors. They provide thermal resistance by providing a layer of protection in your building. Fiberglass R-value per inch is R2.5, which is low compared to other insulation options.
Fiberglass insulation is cheap and easy to install. The cost of fiberglass insulation is relatively more affordable than other insulation options. Fiberglass insulation can be installed as a DIY project without hiring a professional.
One major disadvantage of fiberglass insulation for garages is its poor moisture resistance and low R-value. It causes irritation when in contact with the skin, eyes, and nose. There is also the possibility of airflow through fiberglass insulation when the batts don’t fit properly.
Rigid Foam Insulation (Foam Board)
Rigid foam insulation involves the use of foam boards to create a thermal barrier. The boards are made with styrofoam-type material like polystyrene. They are readily available in different thicknesses and sizes. Similar to fiberglass insulation, rigid foam boards are cut into sizes to fit walls, ceilings, and floors.
The r-value of foam board is higher than that of fiberglass insulation. It provides a good resistance against moisture. Rigid foam insulation is easy to install.
Foam board cost is expensive and it is to insects and pests. It is not the ideal insulation to slow the spread of fire in buildings.
Cellulose Insulation
It is made using recycled paper and treated with a fire retardant. It is one of the oldest insulation types for garages. It is applied by blowing the insulation material into spaces and wall cavities using a machine.
Cellulose insulation r-value is R3.5 - R4 per inch thickness. It is an eco-friendly option for garage insulation. Since cellulose insulation is treated with fire retardant, it offers increased resistance against fire and insects in a garage.
Cellulose insulation cost is expensive as it requires the use of a particular blowing machine. It provides poor moisture resistance properties. Cellulose insulation becomes prone to mold and rot after a while. It involves the installation of vapor barriers as it absorbs water easily.
The table below compares different types of garage insulation, highlighting their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
| Insulation Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spray Foam Insulation | - High R-value (R6 - R7) - Excellent air sealing - Moisture-resistant |
- Expensive |
| Fiberglass Insulation | - Affordable - Easy DIY installation |
- Low R-value (R2.5) - Poor moisture resistance - Can cause skin irritation |
| Rigid Foam Insulation (Foam Board) | - High R-value - Good moisture resistance - Easy to install |
- Expensive - Vulnerable to pests - Not fire-resistant |
| Cellulose Insulation | - Eco-friendly - Fire and pest-resistant - R-value: R3.5 - R4 |
- Expensive - Poor moisture resistance - Prone to mold and rot over time |
Which Insulation Is the Best for Garages?
The best insulation for the garages is closed cell spray foam insulation. It creates a better air seal and reduces energy costs in the building. Closed-cell expanding foam offers better thermal and moisture resistance. The R-value for closed-spray foam is R6 - R7 per inch thickness. Its dense structure helps block leaks, pests, and noise from entering your living area through the garage.
Spray foam insulation is highly durable; it can maintain efficiency for a long period without a replacement. The versatility of spray foam insulation makes it suitable for garage floor insulation and garage attic insulation. It is a one-time investment without significant returns in energy savings.
In contrast, open-cell spray foam insulation is a good insulation for garage. However, it offers a lower R-value for garage insulation but absorbs sound better than closed-cell. It is also a cheaper option.
What Is the Insulation Cost for Garage with Closed Cell Spray Foam?
The cost to insulate a garage with closed cell spray foam is $3000 - $8000. This figure varies based on factors such as type of garage, labor cost, and garage size. In terms of garage size, for a 12x20’ garage, which is approximately 240 square feet, the cost ranges from $1500 to $5000. The cost of insulating a finished garage is more expensive than insulating an unfinished one because of labor costs.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Installation
Spray foam garage insulation makes your garage comfortable and more valuable. The cost of a spray foam garage is influenced significantly by labor costs. Professional installation costs are more expensive than DIY installation. DIY garage insulation is a cost-effective option. As a homeowner, equipping yourself with a detailed DIY insulation guide is one way to eliminate labor costs.
On the other hand, professional contractors are highly experienced. Installing spray foam insulation requires experience, and mistakes can be costly. Contractors must be knowledgeable about the safety precautions and health hazards associated with installing spray foam. Therefore, hiring a contractor guarantees a successful insulation job.
How to Insulate a Garage with Spray Foam
Insulating a garage with spray foam requires preparation before execution. The best way to insulate a garage is to choose the right spray foam insulation product for the job. SPRAYMAN Spray Foam Product is the best product for all home insulation jobs. Other essential equipment includes DIY spray foam insulation kits, protective equipment, a utility knife, and garage door insulation kits.
The first step is to prepare the garage for insulation. After preparing the garage for insulation, start with garage wall insulation. Next, you begin with garage ceiling insulation before garage door insulation. Lastly, garage floor insulation should be carried out.
For a step-by-step process on how to properly prepare and execute garage insulation, you can refer to our DIY garage insulation guide, which covers everything from preparation to final touches.
What Are the Key Areas to Insulate in a Garage?
5 key areas to insulate in a garage, which are crucial for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort, are:
- Garage wall
- Garage ceiling
- Garage attic
- Garage door
- Garage floor
What R-Value Is Recommended For a Garage?
To achieve an optimal indoor temperature in your garage for DIY projects, it is important to install the right R-value for each area. Each section of your garage, from the walls to the ceiling and door, requires a specific R-value to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort.
R-Value For Garage Walls
The recommended R-value for garage walls is R13 - R21. The wall makes up a large portion of the garage. You can increase the R-value by adding insulation to the exterior walls.
R-Value For Garage Ceiling & Attic
The recommended insulation rating for garage ceiling and attic insulation is generally high due to the larger surface area and the potential for significant heat loss. For garage ceilings, especially those with deep joists, an R-value of R30 is typically recommended. If you’re insulating the rafters or an attic space above the garage, aim for an R-value between R35 and R40, or even higher, depending on your climate zone.
R-Value For Garage Door
The recommended R-value for garage door spray insulation is R8 - R12. This is a result of the limited space available at the back of the door. Applying thick insulation will only limit the performance of the door.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Insulating Your Garage
When insulating your garage with spray foam, it's important to avoid 5 common mistakes to ensure the best results:
- Skipping Preparation
- Using the Wrong Spray Foam
- Over- or Under-Application
- Ignoring Safety Precautions
- Neglecting R-Value Considerations
FAQs And Further Insights On Spray Foam Garage Insulation
Is Spray Foam Insulation Safe for Garages?
Yes, spray foam insulation helps maintain a stable temperature in a garage all year. It also reduces energy costs in a building by creating an air-sealed garage.
Is It Worth Insulating a Garage Door?
Yes, insulating a garage door is essential as it helps improve energy efficiency, reduces heat loss, and creates a more comfortable space.
Is Spray Foam Insulation Waterproof?
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is waterproof. It has a dense structure that repels water easily. They protect flood-prone areas from moisture problems such as mold growth or mildew.
How Much Does It Cost to Insulate a 24x24 Garage with Closed Cell Spray Foam?
The cost to insulate a 24x24 garage with closed cell spray foam is $3000 - $8000. For a detailed breakdown of factors that influence these costs, such as insulation types and garage design, check out our comprehensive guide on garage insulation costs.
How Long Does Spray Foam Insulation Last in a Garage?
Spray foam insulation is highly durable. When done right, it can last more than a decade in your garage without replacement.
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