Garage Insulation – Everything You Need to Know

Garage Insulation is the process of adding thermal and acoustic insulation materials to the walls, ceiling, and sometimes the floor of the garage, with the aim of improving the comfort of the space and reducing heat loss (or heat gain).

1. Energy Efficiency Thermal insulation stops heat transfer between the garage shell and the outside environment, lowering heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. 2. Acoustic Comfort Acoustic insulation reduces external noise (street, neighbors) and blocks internal noise (machines, tools), making the space quieter and more pleasant. 3. Greater Versatility An insulated space is easier to convert into a workshop, home office, home gym, studio, or guest unit. 4. Structural Protection Insulation materials help prevent frost or extreme heat buildup on interior walls, reducing the risk of mold and structural damage.

Material Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Mineral Wool (Rockwool) Fire resistant Does not attract dust mites Requires skin & respiratory protection	Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation	Relatively expensive
Fiberglass Easy to install Can irritate skin if not protected	Inexpensive and widely available Good thermal insulation	Less effective acoustically
Spray Foam High R-value (high thermal resistance) Must be installed by professionals only	Fills cracks and cavities	High cost
Rigid Foam Boards (XPS/EPS) Water resistant Requires cutting and fitting	Lightweight Simple board installation	Moderate insulation value

1. Preparation
   Clean and remove dust and debris; check for moisture and inspect structural elements.
2. Material Selection & Placement
   Walls: fiberglass batts or Rockwool between studs; Ceiling: spray foam or XPS boards; Floor (optional): polystyrene boards or floating floor over spray foam.
3. Installation & Inspection
   Install a vapour barrier if needed; insert insulation, ensuring consistent thickness and full coverage; seal critical points.
4. Finishing
   Cover walls with drywall or OSB panels; paint, install flooring, and fit doors/windows.

• Average Cost: $5–$15 per m² (depending on material and professional installation requirements).
• Payback: Proper insulation can save up to 20–30% on heating and cooling bills and adds real estate value when translated into ROI.

• Check the R-value (thermal resistance) of the material – higher R-value = better insulation for a given thickness; ensure moisture-resistance and fire rating if needed.
• Consider acoustic sealing if noise reduction is a goal (e.g., photo studio, music room, workshop).
• For peace of mind and optimal results, consider professional installation, especially for spray foam.

Thermal and acoustic insulation transforms an inefficiently heated or cooled garage into a comfortable, energy-efficient, and versatile space with added functional and economic value. Each step from planning through finishing is crucial to achieving the best outcome.