Insulating a garage ceiling has a lot of benefits, but the installation might end up costing you a small fortune.
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One of the cheapest ways to insulate the garage ceiling is to use fiberglass insulation – the cost of fiberglass batts starts at $0.30. You can also save up to $1 per square foot on installation costs, in case you decide to do the job on your own.
Is It Worth Insulating Garage Ceiling?
There are quite a few benefits of insulating the garage ceiling:
- Insulation helps regulate extreme temperature swings. If the temperature in your garage tends to fluctuate a lot, then insulating the ceiling might be worth it.
- Insulation helps protect the items stored in the garage. Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage any personal items (even your vehicle might suffer).
- Insulation offers protection against carbon monoxide poisoning. If you insulate the ceiling, you will keep the hazardous gas from seeping into the house.
- Ceiling insulation can help reduce energy costs on heating and cooling. That is especially true for detached garages.
- Insulation on the garage ceiling will have a soundproofing effect. If you tend to use the space for car repair, band practice, or carpentry work, then the other family members would appreciate the addition of a sound barrier.
Read: How To Choose A Garage HVAC Unit?
Should I Insulate an Unheated Garage?
Even if the garage is unheated, insulation will help make the space more livable and will moderate temperature extremes. This, in its turn, will prolong the life of your car and any other things that you have chosen to store in the garage.
What Is the Cheapest Form of Insulation?
The two different kinds of insulation groups include reflective and bulk insulation. The former is cheaper, but it’s usually used in warmer climates to keep the heat out.
When it comes to bulk insulation, fiberglass batts are typically the cheapest. The average cost per square foot ranges between $0.30 and $1.50.
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What Is the Cheapest Way to Insulate a Garage Ceiling?
Reflective insulation and fiberglass insulation are the cheapest types of insulation at the moment. The cost of the former starts at around $0.60 per square foot together with installation.
Fiberglass insulation is commonly chosen for insulating the garage ceiling. It is among the cheapest types and is relatively easy to install.
The insulation comes in loose and blanket form and can even be blown into hard-to-reach places.
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Do remember, however, that you should wear a mask and protective clothing when installing fiberglass insulation and that you’re going to need a vapor barrier to ensure that the material does not trap moisture.
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How Much Does It Cost to Insulate a Ceiling in Garage?
Be prepared to pay anywhere between $260 and $3,000 to insulate the ceiling in your garage which is around 400 square feet.
The exact cost is going to depend on:
- The size of the ceiling
- The type of insulation
- The cost of labor
- Whether the ceiling is finished or not
Read: Ceiling Vents Vs. Floor Vents. What’s The Difference And Efficiency?
Cost to Insulate a 24×24 Garage
For every square foot of insulation, you would have to pay between $0.30 and $2.00. Labor costs range from $0.80 to $1 per square foot.
That means that the insulation of a 24×24 garage is going to cost you from $172.8 to $1,152 if you decide to install the insulation yourself. If you are planning on inviting an expert to help you with the installation, then you might be paying $633.6-$1,728 per square foot.
The Best Way to Insulate a Garage Ceiling
The exact process is going to depend on your garage and the type of ceiling.
In case you have a detached garage, for example, then you would have to choose insulation with a higher R-value than that used for the walls.
What Insulation is Best for Ceilings?
The two types of insulation that are most commonly used for garage ceilings include fiberglass batts (rolls) and blown-in loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose.
Some homeowners also like to use spray foam insulation as it is relatively easy to work with and it’s great for filling in different gaps.
Insulation for 2×4 Garage Walls
If you live in an old house that was built before the 1950s, then you can use R-13 or, for example, R-15 fiberglass insulation as older homes have such studs that are actually 2 inches by 4 inches.
Modern 2×4 studs are not exactly 4 inches (the true depth is around 3.5 inches). So, in the majority of cases, you would have to go for R-13 or R-15 fiberglass insulation that is kraft-faced.
What Can I Use for Garage Ceiling?
Fiberglass batts and rigid foam are the types of insulation that tend to work best for garage ceilings. Cellulose or foam insulation is also a good choice, but some homeowners find it easier to work with foam boards and rolls.
Best R-Value for My Garage Ceiling?
The necessary value is going to depend not only on the area that you live in but also on whether or not there is a finished room over the garage.
Depending on the amount of space that you have left, you can try installing R-30 or R-38 insulation. The latter can be installed, if your ceiling simply goes straight up to the rafters.
How to Insulate a Garage Ceiling?
If you’re planning on installing garage insulation yourself, then you would have to:
- Seal any gaps and holes that batt insulation won’t cover. Don’t fill the vents though.
- Install baffle or roof vents to prevent moisture buildup. Foam baffles are the things that will help maintain air gaps and ventilation.
- If your garage ceiling is not finished, you would have to insulate it from the bottom and then finish the work up with drywall. If the ceiling is finished, you would have to insulate it from the top.
- Don’t forget to check the local codes (you might be required to staple the facing to the side every 8-12 inches, for example) and leave 3 or more inches around the light fixtures and the electrical box.
Does a Garage Ceiling Need Vapor Barrier?
The garage is not the type of space that has to deal with a lot of vapor – it is usually not occupied and the space is not used for cooking and bathing.
However, it is important to install a vapor barrier with your ceiling insulation. In general, you should install it facing the interior as insulated garages are warmer than the surrounding environment.
How Do You Insulate a Garage Ceiling Without Drywall?
Insulating a garage ceiling without drywall is not recommended as the majority of insulation types together with the vapor barrier are a significant fire hazard.
Insulating Garage Walls with Drywall
You can insulate a finished garage without removing the drywall. To do that, you would have to drill quite a few holes in the actual drywall and then fill them in either with blown-in insulation or injection foam insulation.
Insulate Garage Ceiling With Foam Board
Foam board is a firm type of insulation with high R-values. The main downside of this material is the price.
Moreover, you should know how to properly install rigid foam boards. Even though no special equipment is required, it might be a bit tricky.
Can I Spray Foam My Garage Ceiling?
You can certainly insulate the garage ceiling by using spray foam. It fills all the gaps and creates an airtight barrier.
Spray foam is also the best solution for adjusting the temperature of the above-garage room.
How to Insulate a Vaulted Garage Ceiling?
Contractors typically use batt insulation for vaulted ceilings. If the space is big enough, you might be able to install the batts on top of the rafters.Remember to leave at least 2 inches of space between the insulation and the sheathing for ventilation.
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