Should I Insulate My Detached Garage? What You Need to Know

Should I insulate my detached garage? If you have a detached garage that you plan to use for more than just vehicle storage, insulation is the first step. Whether you want an all-year workshop, a clubhouse, or to start the process of finishing the space as a living area, insulating your detached garage is an important step. Today, we're here to talk about what you need to know about garage insulation and how to make the best choices before you get started on insulating your detached garage.

Before insulating your detached garage, it may come to your mind: should I insulate my detached garage? There are several potential benefits to insulating your detached garage. A detached garage is a perfect place to build a personal space away from the main house. Insulation is the first step to making your garage welcoming any time of year for a variety of activities, such as:

• A comfortable workshop
• A home theater that won't wake the family
• A removed home office
• A clubhouse for teens
• Practice space for instruments
• A streaming studio for video production
• The baseline for a finished suite

Should I Insulate My Detached Garage? Considerations Before Insulating Your Garage 

Of course, before starting your garage insulation, you'll want to consider a few things. First, insulating a detached garage should always be paired with complete weatherproofing and sealing all the nooks and crannies to keep out moisture and insects. Second, consider proper ventilation if you will be spending lots of time there. Finally, make plans for the details of your project including budget and timeline.

5 Types of Insulation for Detached Garages

There are five types of insulation that you can choose from for a detached garage.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is fluffy and inexpensive but is vulnerable to moisture without sealing it between walls. Be sure to wear a mask when handling exposed fiberglass of any sort.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation can only be used between layers of drywall and is typically higher in price. It is also environmentally friendly and fire-resistant.

Rigid Foam Insulation

Rigid foam insulation is easy to install if you are comfortable with cut-to-fit projects. It is great for noise reduction, thin walls, and garage doors.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is very high quality, airtight, and resistant to mold and insects. It is also, understandably, higher in price and works best when applied by professionals. Too much spray foam before drywall can also expand to crack your drywall.

Garage Door Insulation

Garage door insulation adds durability, stability, and noise reduction, but can wear out an older garage door with added weight

The Cost and Time to Insulate a Detached Garage

The average cost to insulate a garage is between $2,000 and $6,000, with a total range of $600 to $8,000. Higher price quotes often include the cost to finish, seal, and ventilate your detached garage, while lower quotes often include only the insulation itself, and may relate to attached garages where one or two walls are already insulated.

Insulating your detached garage can take anywhere from one day of dedicated labor to several days, depending on the type of insulation you choose and the additional steps you choose to take. Remember to calculate steps like hanging drywall over the insulation and insulating the garage door. Professionals will also typically take care of the project faster than a DIY project.

Choosing the Right Insulation for Your Garage

What is the best insulation type for your garage? This depends on the existing structure and your purpose for the space. Spray foam is the best choice if you want to create a finished living area or home office, while rigid foam may be the best choice if you simply want to make your detached garage a little warmer with a few weekends of DIY.

Consider the moisture factor and how much sealing you are prepared to do, whether your insulation needs protection or should provide weatherproofing. You may want to get your space inspected and ask for a consultation on the best insulation for your plans.

DIY or Professional Installation – Which is Best For You

Insulating your detached garage could be a DIY project, but a finished garage should involve a professional team. If you are looking to create a home office, studio, theater, or bedroom suite, professional installation is best. If you are looking to warm up your garage workshop, DIY may be sufficient. Also, consider the need for DIY vs professional installation when it comes to adding proper ventilation and weatherproofing or drywall.

The Perfect Insulation Plan for Your Detached Garage

If you want to create a comfortable space by insulating your detached garage, the Insulation Pros are here to help. Have your heart set on DIY? We'll gladly give you a consultation and help you choose the right materials for your goal and skill level. Ready to build your detached garage into a ventilated and dry-walled interior space? Our pro teams can have your detached garage feeling like home in just a few days after the plans and materials are ready to go.

Contact us today for your detached garage insulation ideas and we'll help turn your insulated vision into a satisfying reality.