What R value should I use to insulate my garage ceiling?

If the joists are 10 inches deep, the cavity can take high-density R-30 insulation, which is 8 1/2 inches thick, more than enough for floor insulation. If the garage is open to the rafters, the boards that support the roof, use R-38 insulation between the rafters at the roof, if they are 10 inches deep.

Regarding this, what insulation should I use in my garage ceiling?

The most common materials include expanded polystyrene (similar to Styrofoam), extruded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate. Rigid foam offers a high R-value per inch of thickness and can be cut to fit almost any space. It's a good choice for thin walls and for insulating garage doors.

Similarly, what is the best R value for ceiling insulation? Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

Simply so, should I insulate my garage ceiling?

It isn't important to insulate the ceiling between the attic and the garage because those areas are not affected by a home's heating and cooling system. It is important to insulate any walls that separate the garage from air-conditioned rooms in the house.

What is the best material for a garage ceiling?

There are several options for garage ceilings.

Drywall. For a basic garage ceiling, drywall is a simple, cheap material option.
Wood. Wood is an option for a garage ceiling if you're seeking a warm, luxurious feel for the space.
Plywood.
House Siding.
Metal Tiles.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Should I insulate an unheated garage?

Yes, insulation is always worth doing no matter if you heat the garage or not. My detatched garage is well insulated. In the summer, it stays 20 or more degrees below outside temperature just by keeping the doors closed. In the winter, the garage stays 30-40 degrees above outside temperature with no heat added.

Does insulating a garage make a difference?

Unfortunately, insulating your garage will not make much of a difference with your energy bills. You do not need to insulate the entire garage, you could actually do fine insulating just the internal wall of the garage.

Is r13 insulation good for ceilings?

Insulation in your walls and ceilings slows down this heat transfer. Any good insulation material, such as fiberglass, foam board, spray foam, etc., all act to slow down heat transfer out of your home. So R19 is better insulation than R13, and R30 is better than R19.

Do I need vapor barrier in unheated garage?

Re: Use vapor barrier when insulating unheated garage? If it is an attached garage and we are talking about the wall between the garage and the living space then no, you do not need a vapor barrier. The house side of the wall will be warmer than the garage and any vapor will stay in the garage.

Where should you not use expanding foam?

Spray Foam Around Windows and Doors is A-Ok

But it can actually push the jamb inward, making them impossible to open. Avoid this by using minimal expanding foam. It's formulated to fill the space around windows and doors without excess expansion. Look for cans labeled for use on windows and doors.

Is it worth insulating a garage?

While insulating your garage walls and ceiling will help, don't forget about the garage door. It forms a fourth wall, and insulation will help you save energy, maintain temperature and further reduce unwanted sound. If you insulate the garage, but not the garage door, you're only doing half the job.

How can I insulate my garage cheaply?

Unroll the insulation between the wall studs with the vapor barrier facing the inside of the garage. Use a staple gun to set 1/2-inch staples every 2 feet along the edge of the insulation into the studs so that it stays snug.

How do you insulate an open truss ceiling?

If your structure does not need to be well insulated, you can simply sandwich a layer of aluminum foil insulation or rigid foam between your finish ceiling and a layer of sheathing. Place the sheathing layer on top of the insulation and secure it with nails that pass through the insulation into the rafters.

Which insulation is best for garage ceiling?

The best insulation options for your garage will depend on whether the space has existing drywall or if the walls and ceiling are exposed. The most common insulations used in garages include fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, and injection foam.

Will insulating my garage ceiling keep it cooler?

Insulation isn't just for keeping heat in over the winter — it also keeps heat from the sun out in the summer. Adding attic insulation and garage door insulation will also work wonders to keep your garage cool. This energy-saving job will make any cooling solution more efficient and effective.

Do I need a vapor barrier in my garage ceiling?

First of all a garage is not a signicant source of vapor as it is not occupied that much and you don't cook or bath in in it. And the ceiling acts as a enough of a vapor retarder. Specially with good ventalation in the attic space. The ground here is frozen until the middle of May, then it starts to warm up.

What type of insulation is best for ceilings?

INSULATION TYPE: Foam Board or Rigid Foam Panels

Foam boards work well to insulate everything from foundation walls and basement walls to unfinished floors and ceilings.

Should I use faced or unfaced insulation in garage?

You can use either faced insulation or unfaced insulation. However, if you use an unfaced insulation you will need to add a plastic vapor barrier over the garage walls after installing the insulation. If you used faced insulation the paper side should face the interior of the garage.

What R value insulation should I use in my garage?

Most garage-door insulation has an R-value of between R-8 and R-12, because it is so thin to fit the space. This adds insulation to the garage door without impeding its functionality. The other option is purchasing a pre-insulated garage door that may have a higher R-value.

Should I drywall my garage ceiling?

Drywall is the easiest and most economical covering for your garage ceiling. Use 5/8-in. -thick drywall if your trusses or rafters are spaced 24 in. Before you install the drywall, temporarily remove the brackets that support the garage door tracks and opener.

How do I keep my garage warm in the winter?

Install an Infrared Heater

A low-intensity infrared tube heater can be one of the best ways to heat up your garage. (Not the kind that glows red, since that could be a potential fire hazard.) Instead of blowing air like a forced-air unit, a tube heater radiates heat throughout your space.

Can you put too much insulation in your attic?

There's really no such thing as "too much insulation." It is more likely that your attic is not ventilating properly, resulting in warmer air on the 2nd floor and an overheated attic. Every home should have some kind of insulation to prevent heat loss and prevent too much heat gain in the summer.