Insulating your garage is vital to keep it at a comfortable temperature. Insulation can be either external or internal. Exterior wall insulation frees up inner floor space and gives additional weather protection, but tends to be more costly. Internal wall insulation tends to be more in demand because it is less expensive. In this article, we will answer the question ‘How to insulate a garage?’.
Insulating a garage
Firstly, we need to determine what the right product for the job would be. You can do this by speaking with a builder or architect, as your project may have bespoke requirements. In this example, we will go with the Celotex PL4000 insulated plasterboards, which are perfect for garage insulation applications. Celotex PL4000 and similar insulated plasterboards, such as the Kingspan K118, can be fixed directly to walls mechanically. This could be one way of achieving wall insulation in a garage.
Another method is to fix battens to hold the insulation. By doing this, we can create a small gap between the wall and the insulation, which helps stop any moisture that gets through the wall from reaching the insulation. It’s also a great option if the wall is quite uneven. Vertical and horizontal battens act as a frame in which insulation can be installed. If you create stud walls, you can also use fibreglass batts such as Dritherm by Knauf. This will also help improve acoustic performance. These are easy to install and simply need to be slotted in.
You can use a higher compression board to insulate the floor, such as a Recticel PIR board with a layer of screed or chipboard over the top.
As for the roof, the installation will differ depending on whether you have a flat roof or a pitched roof. For flat roofs, you can fix rigid insulation boards. If you have a pitched roof, then you can either install insulation boards between or over the rafters.
You can also use sealant to seal gaps to prevent draughts. Please note that for any garage insulation, we suggest you always speak to a building professional or architect before proceeding. They will be able to advise on the best method for your project.
Garages are not usually insulated in older or independent buildings. Although appearing harmless at first, poor insulation will create a list of problems:
- Uncontrollable temperatures: Garages are cold in winter and scorching hot in summer.
- Humidity and condensation: Water can spoil stored items, equipment, and tools.
- Increased energy bill: Temperature variance can impact adjoining rooms, especially if your residence and garage adjoin.
- Noise pollution: Insulation makes it less possible to transmit noises when using machinery or tools.
- Wasted space: In winter, a non-insulated garage tends to be unusable.
Garage Insulation Benefits
- Temperature regulation: Pleasurable in hot and cold climates
- Energy savings – lower heating bills, especially in attached garages, soundproofing—a quieter space for tool use, less chance for moisture or temperature damage and increased property value.
Top Tips: Install fire-rated insulation where necessary, check local building regulations if converting a room into a habitable one, establish a reasonable budget, and include all material and equipment expenses.
The importance of garage insulation
Garage insulation is a significant upgrade to make, especially if you want to increase comfort, reduce energy bills and your carbon footprint. Regardless of whether you keep your car, household goods, or use it as a workshop or utility area, insulating it correctly will make it a more valuable and efficient area.
Most garages, particularly in older houses, are not insulated and have poor temperature control. That is, they get very cold in winter and warm in summer, and they can let in drafts that affect the rest of the house, particularly if your garage is connected to the main house.
However, they both rely on the usage of proper materials and procedures. Wall, ceiling, and garage door insulation with top-grade materials offers long-term benefits. PIR insulation boards and mineral wool are favoured options, with the first offering good heat performance in a low-profile format and the second offering sound insulation along with heat insulation. Add these together with plasterboard for a neat finish and seal the space with tapes and vapour control membranes to prevent heat loss and moisture build-up.
Our Trade Insulations website supplies trustworthy brands to ensure your upgrade is the best it can be.
