How to Add Insulation to Garage Walls

Insulation lowers energy costs and cuts down on noise. Most homes have garages with insulation between only the garage and an exterior house wall. Today, more homeowners are choosing to insulate their garages and turn the extra space into a shop or office. When you decide to insulate your garage, follow some guidelines to provide an area that will be energy efficient.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• R-13 or higher, insulation batts
• Carpenter's stapler
• Utility knife

1. Remove any old sheetrock from the existing garage walls to expose the stud frame beneath. If you plan on adding electrical outlets or extra lights, this is the time to do it.

2. Purchase insulation by its R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. An average energy value for walls is R-13 but higher values will provide better efficiency. They also cost more.

3. Measure your stud space. This is the depth of the area where the insulation will go. If your wall was framed with traditional 2-inch by 4-inch studs, the space will be 3 ½-inches deep. Make sure you purchase insulation with the same thickness as the depth of your stud space.

4. Cut a piece of insulation that matches the length of your first stud space. Be careful not to cut it too long. Insulation should fit easily and not be crammed into the space.

5. Fold out the paper backers on a strip of insulation. These strips will extend over the stud, allowing you to fasten the insulation securely in the stud space. Use the carpenter's stapler and staple the backers every two feet apart on each stud.

6. Repeat the procedure for every stud space in the garage, taking care to cut out holes in the insulation for electrical outlet boxes or switches as you go.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't insulate a garage that has drainage problems until you fix them. Once insulation and sheetrock become wet, they can retain moisture, allowing mold to grow.