How To Insulate A Garage Ceiling

If you have insulated garage walls and doors, you also need to insulate your ceiling. Otherwise, the warm air from the heater or cold from the air conditioner will just escape upwards. If you're wondering if you can DIY garage ceiling insulation, we've got the answer right here. We've researched the best methods to help you insulate a garage ceiling yourself.

Here are the steps to insulate your garage ceiling:

  1. Prepare the tools and materials
  2. Inspect for damage
  3. Air seal the gaps
  4. Fit the rafter vents
  5. Install the insulation material

You should insulate your garage ceiling if there is a room above it or if you will use it as an activity area like a workshop or craft room. Before starting, it's important to have an inventory of the tools you need and learn the different types of insulation options. Read on for the complete guide to insulating a garage ceiling, plus more tips to avoid common installation mistakes.

Interior view of a garage under construction, How To Insulate A Garage Ceiling

Steps To Insulate a Garage Ceiling

Here is a step-by-step guide to insulating a garage ceiling, from choosing the right type of material to finishing up with the insulation material.

1. Prepare the tools and materials

Here are some of the basic things you need to prepare to insulate your garage ceiling. Additional tools may be necessary depending on your garage structure and the type of insulation you will install.

  • stepladder, platform ladder, or scaffolding
  • insulation material of your choice
  • rafter vents
  • measuring tape
  • staple gun
  • flashlight
  • personal protective equipment: gloves, goggles, face mask

If you still need to buy the majority of these things, consider it an added cost to your ceiling insulation project. If you plan on doing more DIY in the future, buying a good quality stepladder and tools is a good investment.

Check out this heavy-duty stepladder on Amazon.

2. Inspect for damage

Check every corner and area of the ceiling for possible water damage, roof leaks, signs of termites, loose screws, or remove old roofing nails. You will need to get up a ladder or scaffolding and use a flashlight to clearly see every area.

If you find major ceiling damage, it is best to get a professional roof maintenance service to check it. It will be more costly to insulate and then remove it again if you don't resolve these problems first.

You can also use this time to measure the space between the rafters and the entire ceiling area to assess how many rafter vents and insulation materials you need to purchase.

3. Air seal the gaps

 Hands applying weather seal caulk to window frame

Air sealing or weather sealing your garage means making sure you cover all holes, seams, and gaps where air might escape. You can do this by using caulk or a waterproof sealant for holes, foam for gaps, and a weatherstripping material for windows and garage doors.

Air sealing is especially important in the wall and door leading to the inner part of the house to prevent fumes and other outdoor elements from getting inside.

Check out this anti-drip caulking gun on Amazon.

4. Fit the rafter vents

There is a standing question on whether installing rafter vents are necessary for a garage, so let's try to look at some facts. A rafter vent, also called baffles or ceiling vents, are flat boards made out of foam board or cardboard.

They are used to ventilate the roof and prevent moisture by providing a channel to move hot and cold air.  Rafters are a series of long wooden boards used to frame the roof.

For most attics, rafter vents are necessary to reduce the moisture that forms when warm and cold air travels upwards to the top of the house. For lower-level structures like garages, rafter vents are not always necessary.

However, if you're going to convert your garage into a workshop or living space, you will need to use rafter vents to regulate the temperature. If your attic is on top of the garage and your attic floor is insulated, it is necessary to place rafter vents on the ceiling.

Before you start, make sure you are wearing personal protective gear such as gloves, a face mask, and goggles. To fit the vents, place them in between the ceiling rafters. You will need to cover the entire space in between the rafters. Secure the vents using a staple gun, making sure they fit snugly and are lined up correctly.

5. Install the insulation material

Your insulation can come in two forms—batts, which are precut sheets, and rolls which are just the longer version. You will find that batts are easiest to handle if you are doing the work yourself.

You also need to choose if you will use faced or unfaced. Faced insulation has one side covered in paper material, while unfaced has none. For garage ceilings, it doesn't matter which type you choose, but you will find faced insulation easier to handle.

To install, fit the insulation material in between the rafters, the same way you placed the rafter vents. Push the insulation to fit into the remaining space and secure the sides using a staple gun.

If you're using a batt, make sure that the paper side is facing downwards where you can see it. Once you're done, placing drywall to cover the insulation will be optional.

Man installing thermal roof insulation layer

What's The Best Insulation For A Garage?

If you're wondering what kind of insulation you will buy for your garage, the answer depends on your budget and goals. Let's discuss some of the options below. Here are some of the best materials recommended for garage ceiling insulation:

  • Fiberglass - This is the most commonly used material for insulation because it is inexpensive, flexible, and DIY friendly. However, it can be vulnerable to moisture, so it needs proper installation.
  • Rigid foam - This material is easy to install and can hold up against moisture. It has good noise reduction. However, it is a bit more expensive.
  • Cellulose - This material is eco-friendly, fire-resistant, and pest-resistant. However, it is a bit more expensive and requires a vapor barrier because it can be susceptible to mold over time.
  • Spray foam - This material can fit and cover small holes and crevices, making airtight barriers. It is pest-resistant and won't compress or sag. However, it is expensive, especially if you need to cover a large area.
  • Reflective insulation - Also called radiant barriers, is able to keep heat in or reflect heat away. This is typically the choice in places with warmer climates.

Should I Insulate My Garage Ceiling?

Interior of a clean garage in a house

A garage serves many purposes. It can be a workshop, storage area, craft room, or greenhouse. If you're planning to turn your garage into a multipurpose activity area, it needs wall and ceiling insulation to regulate indoor temperature.

This will make room temperature tolerable during extreme weather conditions. Insulation will also prevent moisture from entering the home and growing mold on stored things and equipment.

How much does it cost to insulate a garage ceiling?

The overall cost of insulating a garage ceiling will cost several thousand, depending on the material, how big the area is, and the additional tools and equipment you need to purchase. For a bit more accurate computation, it's best to compute insulation cost on material per square foot.

Reflective insulation is still the cheapest material at $0.20-$1 per square board foot. The most expensive is the spray foam at $0.50 to $2 per square.

The most commonly used batting material, such as fiberglass, costs $0.30-$1.50 per square. This means if you DIY a $500 square foot area, you will spend around $150 to $700 depending on the materials you need. If you will hire professional roof installation services, you will need to add around $200 to $500 for labor costs.

How do you insulate the ceiling without removing drywall?

You can still insulate a garage ceiling with drywall by injecting foam insulation. You don't need to take down the drywall, but you need to stuff the foam insulation in between the joists. You can check out this article on how to find ceiling joists in a garage.

Man fills hole in wall of concrete slab mounting foam making repairs at home

The foam insulation can be installed using a pump or a spray. You need to find the holes and crevices around the drywall and inject them with the foam. Once inside, the foam will expand and fill the cavity. Spray foam is not only limited to the ceiling; you can also use it on walls, crawlspaces, and intricate pipework.

Keep In Mind

If you decide to DIY your ceiling insulation, it's necessary to use a sturdy ladder or scaffolding for extra protection and proper balance. Remember not to fit insulation materials too tightly on electrical boxes in the ceiling if there are any because you may need to access this in the future. Also, keep the insulation at least five inches away from the lights to prevent fire.

 

 

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