If your garage could talk, it would explain how spray foam insulation garage contributes to the durability of your car battery. Spray foam insulation creates an airtight environment in a garage, ending the problem of frequent dead car batteries in your garage. A well-insulated garage becomes useful for more than just housing cars; it can be transformed into an office, gym, or storage room.
In this post, we discuss the advantages of a spray foam insulation garage. This post highlights how to insulate a garage and the type of garage that should be insulated. Furthermore, we mentioned the cost to insulate a garage using spray foam insulation.
Should I Insulate My Garage?
Insulating your garage will transform it into a more conducive space for storing your cars and other items. Insulation is essential for attached garages. Garage insulation helps to regulate weather conditions that can affect car batteries. It reduces the impact of cold and heat on the garage.
Insulating an attached garage improves energy efficiency in your home. Attached garages often have insulated walls and ceilings that separate your living spaces from the garage. Therefore, insulating the garage will further slow down heat transfer in the building.
Insulating a garage makes it usable for other purposes other than car storage. Insulation provides soundproofing capabilities, creating an extra living space in your home. A properly insulated garage can be used as an office, storage, relaxation spot, etc.
How Can I 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 Types of Garages?
A garage is an important area in a building that serves the function of housing vehicles. They are used for other purposes, such as storage rooms for equipment or as a workshop. Garages are of different types and are classified based on their heating method or location. Each garage type has its benefits and attributes;
Types Based on Heating
The 2 types of garages based on heating are heated and unheated garages.
- Heated Garage: A heated garage is equipped with a heating system that helps maintain a warm temperature. Heated garages are comfortable and protect items in the garage from being affected by cold temperatures.
- Unheated Garage: This type of garage does not have a heating system. The main function of an unheated garage is to simply house cars and other items in the garage.
Types Based on Location
Garages are classified based on their location. The common types of garages based on location include;
- Attached Garage: This is a common type of garage built to the side of the building. It shares a common wall with your living area. They are built to the side or below your house. They are easily accessible to and from your living area. Noise and fumes from the garage can easily get into the main living area.
- Detached Garage: As the name implies, detached garages are built separately from the main building. The detached garage is an excellent choice for homes with no spot for garage doors.
- Semi-Detached Garage: This type of garage strikes a balance between an attached garage and an unattached garage. They are built separately from the main building but attached to it using a walkway. It is also known as a breezeway garage. They provide the same benefits as an attached garage without having to share a common wall with the main living area.
- Integral Garage: They have a door connecting to the house's main parameter. An integral garage shares at least one common wall with the main building. It resembles an attached garage and is often located on the ground floor.
- Basement garage: A basement garage is a type of garage located under the main living of a building. It is often located underground and has a driveway that leads to the main building. They provide better insulation against extreme temperature conditions than above-ground garages.
- Above-Ground Garage: This is the opposite of a basement garage. They are located above the ground floor and offer quicker accessibility for parking cars. Above-ground garages are common in commercial buildings.
Which Types of Garages Should Be Insulated?
Insulation is usually installed in heated and attached garages to improve energy efficiency. Insulating an attached garage will further slow heat transfer into the living area. Nevertheless, we recommend that insulation be added to all types of garages. Garage insulation reduces heat transfer, provides comfort, and improves energy efficiency in the building.
Pros and Cons of Popular Insulation Types for Garage Insulation
There are several insulation types suitable for garage insulation. The choice of insulation for homeowners usually depends on several factors. These factors include installation cost, thermal resistance, moisture resistance, or personal preference. We will highlight 4 common insulation types with their pros and cons.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is made from the reaction between chemical products. Spray foam insulation is sprayed as a liquid into wall studs, garage doors, and garage ceilings. It expands rapidly to 30 times its original volume during application to create an air seal.
Spray foam insulation offers better thermal and moisture resistance than other insulation types. The R-value of spray foam closed-cell is R6 - R7. The superior air-sealing properties of spray foam insulation make it an excellent barrier to garage pests and rodents.
The downside of spray foam insulation is the cost of installation. The cost to insulate a garage with spray foam insulation is expensive.
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.
| 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?
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is the best insulation for garage. 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.
Where and How Do You Insulate a Garage?
As a DIYer, the first step to installing spray foam garage insulation is knowing where and how to insulate a garage. Knowing the right location to start your insulation makes the job easier. We will highlight the important areas to insulate and how to go about it.
Where Do You Insulate a Garage?
The following areas in your garage that require insulation;
- Garage wall
- Garage ceiling
- Garage door
- Garage floor
- Garage windows
How Do You Insulate a Garage?
You can learn how to insulate a garage as a homeowner or DIYer. Spray foam garage insulation 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 are 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.
What R-Value Is Recommended for a Garage?
R-value is a number that represents the level of thermal resistance of an insulating material. The higher the value, the better the insulating material and its resistance to heat transfer. Now, how does R-value affect your spray foam garage insulation? A garage is made of different components. To achieve an optimal indoor temperature in your garage, it is important to install the right R-value for each area.
R-Value for Garage Walls
The wall makes up a large portion of the garage. Therefore, the recommended R-value for garage walls is R13 - R21. You can increase the R-value by adding insulation to the exterior walls.
R-Value for Garage Ceiling
The recommended insulation rating for garage ceiling insulation is high. This is because there is more space to add insulation. Garage ceilings have either deep joists or lead straight to the rafters. For the former, R30 is the recommended R-value. On the other hand, the R-value recommended when insulating the rafters is R35 - R40.
R-Value for Garage Door
The recommended R-value for garage door spray insulation is small. 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. Therefore, a R-value of R8 - R12 is recommended for garage doors.
What Is the Insulation Cost for Garage?
The cost to insulate a garage is $3000 - $8000. This figure varies based on factors such as type of garage, labor cost, and garage size. For instance, the cost of insulating a finished garage is more expensive than insulating an unfinished garage.
DIY vs. Professional Installation Costs
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.
Is It Worth Insulating a Garage Door?
The door in an attached garage is one of the major access points for heat transfer in the building. Thus, insulating the garage door helps keep the garage warmer and reduces heat loss or gain. Garage door insulation is essential in your home for the following reasons;
- Create an air seal and prevent air leakages in the garage.
- Save energy costs.
- Make the garage comfortable enough for purposes.
FAQs and Further Insights on Spray Foam Garage Insulation
What Is the Disadvantage of Spray Foam Insulation?
The major disadvantage of spray foam insulation is installation cost. Spray foam insulation is expensive when compared to other options.
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.
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Insulate a 24x24 Garage?
Garage size influences the cost of insulation. The cost to insulate a 24x24 garage is $3000 - $8000. Other factors that affect spray insulation costs are insulation types and type of garage.
Can You Insulate a Garage Door with Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam is ideal for garage door insulation, it provides better thermal resistance than other insulation options. Spray foam insulation is sprayed between the layers of the garage door.
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.