How to Properly Insulate a Garage

Insulating your garage can turn it into great extra living space.

Many people look at the garage as an extra living space when they are outgrowing their homes. The garage can make a great converted workshop or office. Unfortunately, most garages do not have insulation, making them a poor place to work in times of extreme weather. With proper insulation, your garage can be comfortable the entire year and in any climate. .

Things You'll Need

• Insulation
• Staple gun
• Straightedge
• Plastic sheeting
• Power drill
• Insulation blower
• Blown insulation
• Window caulk
• Caulk gun

Instructions

Exposed Walls

1. Put insulation in between the studs of the walls. The insulation paper will be facing toward you. Staple the paper edges to the studs.

2. Cut the insulation with your knife and a straightedge. You do not want any insulation outside of the studs or overlapping other insulation, yet you do not want any gaps in your insulation either.

3. Pull plastic sheeting over the insulation and secure by stapling it onto the studs. Make sure to start at the top corner of one wall of the garage and to continue along the wall. When the plastic sheet ends, make sure to overlap the next plastic sheet and then continue around the room.

4. Cut the plastic around any windows, doors, plugs, or electrical boxes. The plastic sheeting acts as a vapor seal on the insulation.

5. Caulk around windows and door frames. Wipe off any excess caulk with a damp sponge.

Drywall Insulation

1. Drill a hole at the top of a wall in between studs The hole should be approximately a quarter inch wide, or large enough for the insulation blower's tip to fit into.

2. Read the manufacture'rs instructions for installation of the insulation that you choose. Each brand and type will have different procedures and different times to wait for curing (drying).

3. Blow insulation into the hole using blown insulation available at your local home improvement store in either foam or fiberglass.

References

• JM Homeowner: Garage Insulation