How to Insulate Finished Garage Walls

The advantages of having a well-insulated garage space are numerous. By insulating your garage, you have opened up a wide array of possibilities for use of that space. If not serving as a space to park your vehicles, a garage could be turned into a separate room. Insulating the garage will reduce the amount of energy spent, since it holds the heat or the cold in. Moreover, the vehicles parked in it will be in better shape since they won't be subjected to cold or heat, thus reducing the cost at that end, as well.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Drill
• Hole saw
• Insulation blowing unit
• Fiberglass or cellulose insulation material
• Expanding foam filler
• Utility knife
• Drywall compound
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Locate the studs on the garage wall using a stud finder. You will install the insulation between the studs. Take a pencil and mark the middle of the area between the studs. Measure 16 inches from the ceiling and 24 inches off the floor and mark these spots.

2. Drill a 2 inch hole at the marked spots. Make the holes wider using a hole saw to allow the hose of the insulation blowing unit to fit in.

3. Fill the unit with insulation by inserting the hose of the insulation blowing unit into the bottom hole. Listen to the unit as it will change its noise when the cavity gets filled. Turn the unit off and insert the hose into the upper hole. Repeat these steps with all the holes until every one is filled.

4. Patch all the holes once you finish filling it with insulation. Fill each hole with expanding foam filler. Allow the foam to expand into a big glob and leave it to dry for an hour. Use a utility knife or a putty knife to saw off the excess foam from the wall.

5. Apply the first thin layer of the drywall compound onto the holes. This will give it a smooth finish. Wait for the first layer to dry off and then smooth the walls out using a wide putty knife. Apply the second layer of the mixture. Add layers until the coat layer is higher than the wall surface.

6. Use sandpaper and sand the walls with it. Take some paint and finish off the walls in a desired style.

Tips & Warnings

• Always start to fill in the insulation from the lower hole.

• Some insulating material causes allergic reactions so always wear protective gear when insulating your garage.

• Be careful when using the power blowing unit and always turn the hose away from you.

References

• Department of Energy: Fact Sheet Insulation
• Sierra Club Green Home: Eco Friendly Insulation