How to Insulate the Attic Space Above a Garage

Insulating an attic over a garage can make it more comfortable for you if you like to tinker on projects. How you insulate depends on if the garage is heated in the winter or air conditioned in the summer. If the garage has no heat and air, there will be no energy benefits to insulating it. There is also the question of the attic space getting enough ventilation. Without it you can end up rotting the wood and roof.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• R-30 Batt insulation Gloves Mask Utility knife Measuring tape

1. Check to make sure that there is ventilation in the attic. Ridge vents will be fine but if you have vents in the overhang, make sure that you do not cover them with the insulation.

2. Carry the insulation up into the attic. Measure the length of the runs along the floor joists. Cut the insulation just short of that measurement.

3. Lay the insulation in between the floor joists. Use a Batt with a vapor barrier attached if you have heat and/or air in the garage. Use a Batt with no vapor barrier if there is no heat and/or air in the garage.

4. Keep the insulation lengths from touching the edges of the roof. This can cause moisture to stay in these areas and rot out wood and roof decking.