The garage is no longer that extra structure that keeps our vehicle protected from the elements or an extra storage area for old clothes and seasonal decorations. Today, the garage is becoming a more versatile and optional living space. Those changes have also been the primary reasons why you should insulate your garage and questions regarding the right types of insulation for your garage (aka man cave, lady shack, workshop, etc.).
It doesn’t matter if you spend time working on your vehicle in the garage, hold meetings or game nights, or use your garage as a workshop or crafting area. If you heat your garage, then you should insulate your garage. Insulation will not only provide comfort but will also make it easier to heat, resulting in less work for your heating sources.
Types of Insulation for Your Garage
Most of the same types of processes and types of insulation you use for your home, you can also use to insulate your garage. Choosing the right option for your garage will depend on many factors, but ultimately, it will be the option that best meets your needs and budget.
Fiberglass
The most widely used and easiest for DIY insulation projects, this is also the most affordable insulation option too. The one caution when using fiberglass is that it is susceptible to moisture, so that needs to be a consideration in planning your garage installation project.
Foam (Rigid Foam Board)
This insulation option is a popular choice for insulating garage doors. Rigid foam works well as a sound barrier too. This type of insulation is cut to fit, so it doesn’t offer some of the flexibility as other options.
Spray Foam
Another popular type of insulation spray foam is highly effective and offers mold and insect-resistant benefits. Spray foam is professionally installed and is one of the more expensive insulation options, although it is air-tight and energy efficient.
Other types of insulation options include garage door kits and cellulose (typically used for filling holes, gaps, etc.). Insulating your garage will not only make it a more comfortable area but can be an important step in transforming your garage into a living space.
Ace Insulation Inc.
Welcome to Ace Insulation Inc. At Ace Insulation Inc., we have provided our customers with professional and expert insulation services. Locally owned and operated, we take pride in our work and in delivering the highest quality products, installation, and services.
Whether you are building a new home or renovating your existing space, we can help. We have many materials to choose from, including fiberglass and spray foam. Contact us if you have any questions or to schedule a consultation today.
More and more homes are opting to become more energy-efficient. This not only saves money on the electric bill but also helps to reduce the home’s carbon footprint and thus aids in the fight against climate change. Insulation helps reduce the heat that leaves your home in cold winter months and prevents excessive heat from entering your home in hot, humid summer months.
For a home to be more energy efficient, it needs to be properly insulated. As a building contractor, it’s important to be informed about the best insulation options for new build homes and the benefits that each of these hold.
To measure insulation, the R-value is calculated. This refers to how resistant the specific insulation is to heat and its ability to either keep heat in or out.
Types of insulation you should know
1. Batt insulation
Batt insulation consists of fiberglass and mineral wool, also referred to as rock wool. This type of insulation was originally produced in large rolls, but today this insulation is pre-cut into standard industry sizes.
Batt insulation is the most widely used insulation to seal walls, attics, and ceilings. It is also one of the more cost-effective types of insulation that can make a great option for a DIY project. This type of insulation has an R-value of between R-2.9 and R-3.8 for every inch of thickness.
2. Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation is made from either liquid latex or polyurethane foam. Essentially, spray foam is sprayed on cracks and crevices in walls and other hard surfaces. The spray foam then expands and sets in the crack, filling it up perfectly. There are two types of spray foam:
Closed-cell foam
Open-cell foam
Between these two options, closed-cell foam is far denser. It has an R-value of 6.2.
3. Blown-in insulation
As the name implies, blown-in insulation is blown into an area that requires insulation, using a very specific machine. Another name for blown-in insulation is loose-fill insulation. The material is paper-like and is made of fiberglass, cellulose, or rock wool.
This type of insulation is ideal for areas that require additional insulation, tricky areas, or areas that require additional attention. The R-value depends on the material it is made of and ranges between R-2.2 and R-3.8.
4. Vapor barrier insulation
Vapor barriers are used to prevent moisture from entering your home, even if there is insulation. It is typically made of polythene and placed between the cavity and inner masonry skin, on the warmer side of the structure.
5. Foam board insulation
Foam board insulation is a firm structure. This type of insulation is used to reduce the heat that is conducted through wood or roofs. These foam boards are typically made from one of three types of material:
Polyisocyanurate
Polystyrene
Polyurethane
These insulation boards are ideal for interior or exterior insulation. The R-value of these foam boards ranges between R-4 and R-6.5.
6. Radiant barrier insulation
Radiant barrier insulation reflects heat away from the home. It is made from one of three types of material, including:
Polyethylene
Kraft paper
Foam board
This material is further covered by a reflective material such as aluminum foil. This type of insulation is both budget-friendly and ideal for DIY projects.
When you want to improve your home, investing in new insulation is always a good idea. When deciding between various insulation options, radiant barrier insulation should always be considered. This is a unique form of insulation that offers various benefits but can also come with drawbacks. It is essential to evaluate all of the pros and cons of radiant insulation barriers to determine whether they are worth it or not.
Pro – Effective at Preventing Radiant Heat
One of the benefits of radiant barrier insulation is that it is an effective way of getting rid of radiant heat. As the name of the insulation would suggest, radiant barrier insulation is designed to get rid of and reduce radiant heat. This is heat that is directly created by the sun, and it can quickly heat your home, particularly if you are located in an area that gets a lot of hot sun. Due to this, it is an ideal way to keep your home cool and reduce air conditioning costs in southern and sunny cities.
Pro – Insulation Prevents Moisture and Pests
One of the challenges you can have with other forms of insulation is that it can be damaged by pests and insects or mold growth if it gets wet. This type of insulation is made of materials that will make it much more difficult for mold to grow and allow pests or insects to make a nest. This can help to ensure the insulation remains in good condition for much longer.
Con – Less Effective in Cold Climates
While radiant barrier insulation is a great option if you live in a hot and sunny climate, it might not be as effective in a colder area with less sun. Convective and conductive heat can cause your home to get hotter than you want, and radiant barrier insulation is less effective than thermal insulation when preventing this type of heat.
Con – More Expensive
Another issue that you may have with radiant barrier insulation is that it can be more expensive. While it effectively reduces radiant heat, the cost of purchasing and installing the insulation will be higher. Further, this type of insulation can accumulate dust and debris and may require some cleaning and other forms of care over the years to ensure it continues to be as effective as possible.
If you are looking for new insulation for your home, you will find there are various options to consider. Radiant barrier insulation has continued to be a popular option as it can help to insulate and protect your home. There are various factors to consider when deciding are radiant barriers worth it.
One of the most important parts of any home is the garage, where you will typically park your cars, store outdoor sports equipment, and other lawn care tools, and even use the space as a workshop. Due to the importance of your garage, you will want to ensure it is properly cared for and protected at all times. One of the ways that you can improve your garage is by investing in new insulation for it. There are various benefits of insulating your garage that can make it well worth the investment.
Keeps Garage and Comfortable Temperature
One of the reasons you should insulate your garage is that it can help keep it at a comfortable temperature. If you live in an area that gets very cold in the winter, your garage and all of its contents can quickly get quite cold during this time of the year. This could also mean that your car will be very cold as well when you get in it. When you have an insulated garage, it can be easier to keep it warm throughout the year.
Reduce Energy Bills
With the rising costs of gas and other energy, finding ways to reduce your bills should always be a priority. One of the benefits of insulating your garage is that it can help to reduce your costs to heat and cool your home. Whether you have HVAC units connected to your garage or not, the lack of insulation will result in the loss of heated or cooled air. When you have the right insulation, the loss of air will be less, and your utility bills will reflect it.
Protects Contents of Garage
An added benefit of having your garage insulated is that it can help to protect the contents that you store within it. Most people will store cars, outdoor yard equipment, large tools, and other items in their garages. Over the years, the variability in the temperature of the garage will start to take its toll on your belongings, which can lead to damage due to excess wear and tear. An insulated garage will not have the same fluctuations in temperature, which will help protect your car and your belongings.
Prevent Insects
The use of insulation can also help you get rid of insects and pests. Having a pest or insect infestation in your garage can be frustrating, lead to damage and mess, and even be a health and safety hazard. The right inflation today will help reduce the number of pests and insects that can get into your garage.
Insulating your garage can be a great option when you are looking to make an investment and improve your property. The added benefits of insulation in your garage can make it a more secure and safe place to store your vehicles and other personal belongings. This could prove to make it a great long-term investment and a beneficial upgrade.
Areas Served
Proudly providing residential and commercial insulation installation to Petaluma, CA and the surrounding areas including:
Certificate of Approved Applicator from SWD, approved to install quik-shield polyurethane foam and coating products in residential and commercial applications according to the standards and guidelines as set forth by SWD Urethane
