Pros And Cons Of Insulating Your Garage

When it comes to creating more space within your home and making more use out of forgotten areas, insulating your garage can be a great solution. It can add to the value of your house overall, and allow you to make better use of the area. You could use an insulated garage as additional storage, a home office, or a studio. The possibilities are endless, and it is worth thinking about how you can see yourself using the garage once it has been insulated.

However, there are some drawbacks to be aware of when insulating your garage. This is a complete guide to help you make the most appropriate decision for your home and garage.

Types Of Home Insulation

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that there are different methods of insulating certain areas of the home. While it can seem appropriate to install the same type of insulation everywhere in your home, different types and materials will be less effective in certain areas. For example, spray foam insulation is best for areas without wall cavities. It can, however, release toxic fumes when exposed to fire. Because of this, it is worth considering the different types of insulating materials, and speaking with a contractor about what would be the best choice for your home. While there are different types of insulating materials recommended for different types of homes depending on when they were built, most garages within the home are insulated by adding fiberglass padding into wall cavities. These can be fitted between wall studs and covered using plywood panels or drywall.

Pros

Creates A Usable Space

One of the main benefits of insulating your garage is that it will become a part of your home that is multipurpose. The garage is so frequently used as dead space, that it is easy to forget the range of uses that it can have. Once you have insulated your garage, you can easily use it as a studio, play room, or home office. It could even be made into another bedroom or study if you make appropriate plans to change the garage door.

More Control Of Utility Costs

Another interesting quality that you will experience when you insulate your garage is that your utility bill is likely to go down. This is because of the reduced amount of cold air that will be let in, and the reduced amount of warm air that will be let out through the garage. On the whole, this means that your home will be easier to keep at a consistent temperature, and require less heating to do so. This can help save you money on the cost of utilities such as heating in the long run.

Storage

Additionally, an insulated garage is more suitable for storing household items for longer periods of time. Things such as clothing isn’t usually ideal to be kept in the garage because it is more exposed to cold temperatures and even moisture build up, which can cause damage to certain items of clothing. When a garage is insulated, the temperature is more consistent in general. This makes it ideal for keeping a range of items stored safely when needed. These include spare furniture, luggage, winter clothing, or sports equipment.

Noise Control

Any type of insulation will absorb noise. Installing it to the walls of your garage can reduce the noise from outdoors if you live in a busy neighborhood, or near a road with heavy traffic. This could be a great way of creating a peaceful environment within your home and letting your family rest without interruption. Another use for the addition of insulation is that you could use it as soundproofing. Consider hosting band practice in your garage to see how much noise the insulation absorbs. It could be a useful way to keep the peace between neighbors if you enjoy making or playing music at home.

Prevent Moisture Buildup

Most garages can get moisture buildup over time, as they are less protected from the elements than other areas of the home. Insulated garages can significantly reduce the amount of moisture buildup because of the additional protection that it provides. This can significantly reduce the chances of damp and mold causing damage to your home over time. Consider installing insulation where possible in order to make your home as healthy as possible over time.

Cons

Limitations Of Your Garage Door

On the other hand, insulating your garage is less effective if you do not focus your attention on the garage door. These let a lot of heat escape and cold air enter the home, even when the walls of the garage have been insulated. Make sure you consider garage door insulation when you are making the steps towards a better insulated home overall. Most garage doors are large pieces of metal that are difficult to insulate correctly. This is due to the way in which the doors move, and the shape that they need to be.

Less Useful In Warmer Climates

Additionally, it can be less effective to insulate your garage if you live in warmer climates. This is because many insulating materials, including fiberglass, are less effective when it comes to letting warm air escape and cooling down a room. Insulation is typically only effective to install in the garage when you want to raise the average temperature, rather than decrease it. For some, it can be useful to have a garage without insulation. This can be a colder space to cool down in during very hot temperatures.

Initial Expenses

It is also worth noting that it can be expensive to get your garage insulated to a high standard. This can take a while to see the value of the insulation pay off. Because of this, many people are hesitant when it comes to choosing to insulate their garage. Installation can also be a little challenging, and it is worth adding the cost of this to the budget overall if you are looking to save up for the process. Make sure you are contacting an experienced contractor beforehand to see if there are any issues with the structure of your garage.

Appearance

Another disadvantage of insulating your garage is that it may not look great once it has all been installed. Many people choose to cover the insulating material with wood paneling, but it can make the room feel smaller as a result. Because of this, it is worth thinking about how you will use the space ahead of time. It is also important to consider your decoration ideas, and whether the paneling will need to be painted over once the project is completed.

Summary

Insulating your garage can create a more functional space within the home. In turn, it can allow you and your family to use the garage to its fullest potential. This could be a music studio that has added soundproofing, a home office, or even a bedroom if the door is replaced. There are many possibilities that come with adding insulation to your garage. However, it is not always advantageous to everybody. Homes in warmer climates are less likely to experience as much temperature regulation. Insulation is far less effective at removing warm air from a space. Make sure you have weighed out the pros and cons of garage insulation beforehand. This can allow you to understand whether it would be an appropriate project for you and your home. Consider how you would use the space and whether you have the initial funds available.