Laying Insulation in a Garage Attic
The garage has evolved into more of a utility building than just a place to park your vehicles. Some homeowners use it as an extra storage area. Others may have their work benches in the garage. Laying insulation in your garage ceiling lowers heat loss and gives you more productive space. Does this Spark an idea?
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R-Value
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The measurement of the resistance of the insulating material to the movement of heat is known as the R-value; the higher the R-value, the better the resistance. When working with a garage, the R-value pertains to the movement of heat both in and out of the garage. When purchasing insulation check the labeling; generally a table is supplied with suggested R-values for different regions and climates.
Types of Insulation
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Insulation is available is four different types: loose-fill, rigid, batts and reflective. There are also different forms of insulation, such as fiberglass, polyurethane foam and rock wool. The most common type used in garage attics or ceilings is the fiberglass batts that typically come in rolls. Loose-fill insulation is blown or sprayed in and is used more often in homes and attics.
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Laying the Insulation
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The insulation is affixed to a paper backing that extends slightly beyond the fiberglass to allow for installation. Measure and cut the rolls in workable lengths such as 12 feet. Place the insulation between the ceiling joists with the paper side facing toward the open garage area. Unfold the flaps at the edges of the paper facing and staple through the flaps into the joists using 1/2-inch staples. Continue in this manner until the entire garage attic is done.
Safety
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Working with rock wool and fiberglass requires safety measures. Fiberglass is essentially minute pieces of crushed glass and will cut you. Always wear gloves when handling insulation. Breathing in these particles in also a health hazard, so wear a dust mask at all times that you are exposed to insulation.
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