Insulating a garage may seem like the perfect beginner home renovation. It offers many benefits, including lower utility costs and protection from pests. However, it’s not the right choice for everyone, and there are some cons along with the pros.
Insulating your garage can lower your utility costs, protect any temperature-sensitive valuables you have, keep pests out, and fight toxic fumes. Consider insulating the garage if you spend a lot of time there. However, it’s an expensive renovation, especially if your garage is already built.
If the hefty price tag of insulation hasn’t deterred you, we have the perfect article for you! Read on for everything you need to know about insulating a garage.
Is Insulating A Garage Worth It?
Let’s get down to what you came here for: is insulating a garage worth it? The short answer is that it depends on what’s important to you.
Insulated garage doors come with a variety of advantages and disadvantages, so the choice is mainly based on preference.
Insulation can help filter out unwanted noise, regulate home temperatures, save energy, and more. However, this renovation can be pretty expensive. Though the price can vary, professional insulation can cost upwards of $850 or more.
Who Should Get Their Garage Insulated?
Garage insulation does have its downsides, but overall it’s a solid home renovation. If you have the budget and time necessary, this process will benefit anyone. However, some individuals may receive more advantages than others.
If you work from your garage or spend a lot of time in it, you should highly consider insulation. Insulated environments are typically more comfortable than non-insulated environments. This added comfort is especially important for craftsmen and hobbyists.
Additionally, home gyms benefit from insulation as well. Nobody wants to work in extreme temperatures. Proper insulation allows you to exercise comfortably throughout the summer and winter months.
So, what’s the verdict? Garage insulation is best suited for those who work from their garage or spend a lot of time there. This renovation is excellent for those with the time and budget, as it provides benefits down the line.
What Are The Benefits of Insulating Your Garage?
Insulating your garage comes with a load of benefits. Properly insulated garages can lower utility bills, add usable space, help protect your valuables, and more!
Adds Space
One of the biggest advantages of an insulated garage is the space it adds to your home. Insulated environments make for much better living conditions than their non-insulated counterparts.
A properly-insulated garage could add upwards of 300 usable square feet. This space could be used for storage, hobbies, vehicles, and more. The added space may also increase your home’s resale value down the line.
Controls Utility Costs
When a garage isn’t properly insulated, it can affect the temperature of the surrounding house and rooms. Without proper insulation, your home is constantly fighting to maintain a stable temperature.
This can make it harder to fully heat or cool your home, increasing the cost of utilities and bills.
Protects Valuables
Insulated garages are better at protecting and maintaining valuables than their non-insulated counterparts. Insulation regulates the temperature of your garage, resulting in fewer temperature extremes.
Extreme temperatures can damage vehicles, tools, and even raw materials. Insulated garages are overall a better environment for protecting and storing items.
Fights Toxic Fumes
If you store your vehicle in an attached garage, you may want to consider insulation. Vehicles emit strong and toxic fumes.
These fumes aren’t dangerous in the short term, but over long periods of time, these fumes can have adverse effects. Proper insulation helps prevent the flow of unwanted fumes and emissions.
Quieter Spaces
Garages can be noisy environments. Vehicles, electric tools, and other objects can all produce sound. Fortunately, high-quality insulation can act as a sound reduction.
If you use high-powered tools or work from your garage, it may be beneficial to install insulation.
Blocks Out Unwanted Pests
Garages are designed for us to come and go. Many of us use our garages for our vehicles, hobbies, or storage, resulting in frequent opening and closing.
However, this design can increase the chance of unwanted pests and vermin. Insulation acts as another barrier, warding off insects and pests. If you have pests issues, it may be time to consider insulating your garage.
What Is The Downside of Insulating Your Garage?
Although insulated garages come with a wide array of benefits, there are still some downsides. Insulated garages can be expensive and come with other issues down the line.
Cost & Labor
It’s no surprise that insulated garages cost more than their traditional counterparts. Although prices will vary, a full insulated garage can cost $900 in materials alone.
This price doesn’t even include the cost of labor if you decide to go that route.
That being said, many homeowners recoup the cost of installation. However, it may take years to fully recoup the cost of garage insulation. It’ll either come from energy bill savings over time or from waiting for your house to sell.
Problems With The Garage Door
One of the issues with garage insulation is the garage door itself. Frequent opening and closing of the garage door can negate the benefits of insulation. On top of that, a garage door that isn’t insulated can defeat the purpose of insulation.
Only insulating your garage and not the door can result in poor climate control. The non-insulated garage door may result in pests, air leakages, and more. For those reasons, it’s best to insulate both your garage door and garage at the same.
However, insulating both your garage and garage door can be expensive and time-consuming. The added cost and time may not be worth it to some homeowners and should be considered before installation.
Complications Down The Line
One of the downsides to insulating your garage is potential complications down the line. For example, insulating a garage after it’s been built can be costly and headache-inducing.
Additionally, insulated garages may need separate climate control systems, adding costs down the line.
Is Insulating Your Garage Cost Efficient?
As mentioned earlier, many homeowners recoup the costs of their renovations. However, this can take years to occur. Garage insulation may not be the best investment compared to other home renovations.
After you install insulation, you may only be saving a few cents to a few dollars a month. These savings can be worth it down the line but provide no immediate benefit.
Additionally, those who live in mild climates won’t see as many benefits. If you live in a warm climate, there may not be a need to trap in heat. Not to mention, storing your vehicle in a warmer environment isn’t recommended.