What Is the Best Type of Insulation to Use in My Garage?

Winter is coming, and the season can be especially brutal in northern Illinois. While your house is insulated when it is built to keep it warm, not all garages have insulation put in them when they are constructed. It is likely that you and your family have been using your garage more since the COVID-19 pandemic began, so you may want to consider ways to keep it warmer so you can continue utilizing this space even in the cold months.

Keeping the Cold Out

When choosing which materials to use for insulating your garage, you may want to use the same types of insulation that is in the rest of the house. However, depending on whether the garage is finished or not, it may require a different type of insulation. In addition, if you are considering insulating the garage door, it may need a different insulation material than walls or ceilings.

It is important to note that insulation does not necessarily add warmth. In actuality, insulation slows the transfer of heat through an insulated barrier (wall, ceiling, floor). The R-value of insulation is its resistance to conductive heat flow, which is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation is.

Garages typically have many gaps that can let in outside air. Even if you insulate the walls, ceiling, and door of the garage, you will still lose a lot of heat if you do not fill in those gaps. This can be solved by using an expanding spray foam to seal any gaps and cracks. Make sure the weatherstripping along the bottom of the garage door and window and door frames is intact to protect against drafts.

A few of the most common types of insulation that can be used for a garage include:

• Fiberglass: The most commonly used type of insulation in houses and garages, fiberglass is sold in pre-cut batts that fit between wall studs and ceiling joists.
• Cellulose: Made from recycled newspapers and treated to be fire retardant, cellulose is a loose-fill insulation that is blown into wall and ceiling cavities.
• Spray foam: Considered a high-end material; often used in energy-efficient construction
• Rigid foam: Similar to Styrofoam, rigid foam offers a high R-value and can be cut to fit almost any space. It is ideal for insulating thin walls and garage doors.

Contact a Downers Grove Garage Specialist

It is important to protect your property against the elements, such as the harsh winters in the Chicagoland area. This includes safeguarding not only your home but your garage from inclement weather. The proper insulation can help your garage withstand wind, sleet, ice, and snowy conditions. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our skilled team of professionals has over 40 years of experience building and renovating custom garages of all shapes and sizes. Our dedicated DuPage County garage professionals will assist you with insulating your garage so it stays nice and cozy through a long winter. To schedule a free estimate, call us today at 630-852-8485.