Converting your garage into living space is a great way to gain new square footage from your existing home. If you decide to use your garage this way, it’s helpful to install some insulation. At Neighborhood Garage Door Service of San Jose, CA, we’ve put together some tips for insulating your entire garage.
Should I Insulate the Entire Garage?
The more insulating you can do in your garage, the better it will be for your new living space, and even the whole house. This is especially true if your area is subject to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. There are lots of ways to insulate your garage, so consider all the options and choose the best one for you.
Where Do I Put the Insulation?
The obvious place to start is with an insulated garage door. You can purchase a new garage door with insulation, or even add insulation yourself. Either way, insulating your door should be the top priority.
Another common place to insulate is the walls of your garage. If you have bare stud walls that you plan to finish out, place insulation before proceeding. If you already have completed walls, you may need to cut a hole to blow in insulation.
Less Common Insulation
If your garage has an attic or crawl space above it, you need to consider placing some insulation here as well. Many people don’t think about the space above their garage, but it is a spot that can drastically affect the temperature. We’ll discuss below what options you have for insulating this important area.
A cold concrete slab doesn’t really make for a good floor for a comfortable living area. To really lock in your garage temperature, and provide a comfortable surface, consider insulating your garage floor too. It will also give you the flexibility to put down a wide range of flooring materials.
What Kinds of Insulation Do I Need?
If you’re insulating your entire garage, you’re going to need a variety of types of insulation. Your garage door can be insulated with either foam board, or for a more air-tight fit, you can use spray foam. The easiest solution for the walls is roll-out batted fiberglass insulation or even blown-in cellulose insulation.
Attics and crawl spaces can be insulated with the same rolled or blown insulation as the walls. Blow-in cellulose will allow you to get the depth that you really need in the attic. Floors will, of course, need rigid foam board insulation between a vapor barrier and the plywood subfloor.
Call Us for a New Insulated Garage Door
Neighborhood Garage Door Service of San Jose, California is available for you 24/7 if you’re insulating your entire garage. When you aren’t sure if you need a new garage door or just some insulation, we are your source. Call us anytime and we’ll set up an appointment for a consultation with one of our technicians. They’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best option for your needs and your budget.