Garage insulation is an important step in finishing a garage renovation and making the most out of your investment.
With proper insulation material, you can enjoy your new space to the fullest. But which material should you use, and more importantly, how much do you have to spend on the project?
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Average Total Cost to Insulate a Garage
The national average for insulating a garage ranges from $1,700 to $5,800.
Most people spend around $4,000 to fully insulate the ceilings and walls of a 2-car garage with blown-in and batt insulation.
The lower average cost for a 1-car garage is around $600, while the higher average cost for a 2-car garage is $7,500.
Garage Insulation Cost Breakdown
The total cost of the project varies depending on the garage size, material type, location, labor cost, and garage type.
Garage Insulation Material Cost
Insulation prices per material, per board foot, look like this:
| Material Type | Cost per Board Foot |
|---|---|
| Spray Foam | $0.40-$1.80 |
| Radiant | $0.16-$1 |
| Rigid | $0.20-$1 |
| Batting | $0.25-$1.40 |
| Blown-In | $0.95-$1.85 |
Garage Insulation Labor Cost
The labor cost for each material type varies from $0.20 to $2.50 per square foot. The cost can vary per square foot because each insulation type is installed differently.
For some insulation types, like spray foam, the contractors will charge by the hour. In this case, the price can be from $45 to $90 per hour.
Here’s an overview of the labor cost by material per square foot:
| Material Type | Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Spray Foam | $45-$90 per Hour |
| Radiant | $1.30-$2.30 per Square Foot |
| Rigid | $1.40-$2.30 per Square Foot |
| Batting | $0.20-$0.70 per Square Foot |
| Blown-In | $1-$1.15 per Square Foot |
Drywalling Cost
For drywalling a 1-car garage, the cost is from $1.40 to $2.70 per square foot for labor and materials.
For a 2-car garage, the price is from $850 to $1,100.
Additional Cost
Additional costs during the insulation may include:
| Additional Cost Type | Price per Project |
|---|---|
| Energy Audit | $130-$400 |
| Soundproofing | $220-$430 |
| Mold Remediation | $1,300-$3,300 |
| Weather Stripping | $120-$380 |
Some other considerations when it comes to pricing for insulation projects include:
- Climate – Consider the climate before insulating a garage. You’ll want to use materials with a higher R-value for cold climates.
- Permits – Most areas don’t require permits for garage insulation. But make sure to check with your local municipality before proceeding.
- Estimates – Make sure to get at least three estimates from potential contractors or manufacturers before hiring them.
- Vapor barrier – You may have to set up a vapor barrier over the studs following the insulation to keep the moisture from developing inside the walls.
Garage Door Insulation
The average cost for garage door insulation is from $450 to $650.
This is assuming you already have a door that’s installed.
You can insulate garage doors with multiple foam insulation types, from foam board to spray foam and more.
Foam boards are usually cut so they can be installed on the door’s backside to allow uninterrupted door movement. This seals air gaps and leads to better thermal transfer.
Did you know? Insulation in any form is a technology that, once created, doesn’t require energy to save energy. It’s among the most energy-efficient products that last for the lifetime of the garage without needing to be replaced.
Insulation for Garage Ceiling
Garage ceiling insulation can cost from $250 to $2,800.
The price assumes a ceiling of around 400 square feet.
For larger or smaller garages, the price will vary.
A garage ceiling is insulated with fiberglass batts, spray foam, and other materials.
The choice of the material can impact the price of the project.
The cost is also based on the parts of the ceiling you wish to insulate, the condition of the ceiling (finished vs. unfinished), or whether you’re also insulating the roof deck or not.
The roof deck insulation can cost an additional $1,800.
Garage Walls
Garage wall insulation costs from $750 to $8,700.
The price is assuming the garage is 20 x 20 feet.
The garage wall insulation cost is naturally higher or lower for garages that are bigger or smaller.
For garage wall insulation, you can use different materials like blown-in insulation, batts, foam boards for the exterior, spray foam for the interior, etc.
You can also insulate the space whether the walls are drywalled or open. This way, you have flexibility in how you do the insulation and how much insulation you add.
Garage Floors
Garage floor insulation comes with a cost of $570-$880.
The price for floor insulation is for a surface of 400 square feet. The price can fluctuate for larger or smaller garages.
Floor insulation has to be completed before the concrete is poured.
It’s best to do this project when you replace the concrete or build the garage.
You can use special insulation types made of foam in combination with plywood sheeting.
| Part of Garage | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Door | $450-$650 |
| Ceiling | $250-$2,800 |
| Walls | $750-$8,700 |
| Floor | $570-$880 |
Types of Garage Insulation
There are five basic types of garage insulation based on the material:
- Rigid Foam
- Fiberglass
- Radiant Barriers and Reflective Insulation
- Cellulose
- Spray Foam
Let’s have a look at every insulation material type and explore its pros and cons.
1. Rigid Foam Insulation
Rigid foam insulation is the most popular solution for garage doors and thin walls.
The rigid foam boards are usually cut in 4 x 8-foot sheets.
The sheets are available in different thicknesses, most often ranging from half an inch to four inches.
Some of the most commonly used materials for rigid foam insulation include polystyrene, similar to Styrofoam, polyisocyanurate, and extruded polystyrene.
The R-value per inch of thickness of the rigid foam is relatively high, so it’s often cut to fit in various spaces. That’s why rigid foam boards fit perfectly into garages with thin walls as well as garage doors.
For homeowners looking to insulate their garage floors, they can use rigid foam with the addition of plywood or similar subfloor material used for covering.
Rigid Foam Pros:
- Great R-value
- Excellent noise-reducing features
- Budget-friendly solution
- Easy installation
Rigid Foam Cons:
- Tricky to install around pipes and wiring
- Not resistant to pests and insects
- Not all rigid foam types are fire-resistant
- Not always safe for exposed applications
- May end up being airtight or not meeting local air-venting codes
2. Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials for garage and home insulation.
Fiberglass is often sold in long blankets and precut batts made to fit perfectly between wall studs and joints of the ceilings.
There are also different loose-fill fiberglass solutions that work better for filling the attic space above the finished ceiling in garages.
When the ceiling and walls stay open instead of being covered with plywood or drywall, encapsulated or paper-faced fiberglass batts can be used as an alternative insulator. These batts often come inside plastic films.
As a result, the walls will look finished, and there won’t be any itchy fibers that collect dust.
Did you know? Most types of fiberglass insulation (as well as loose-fill, like slag wool and rock) can be reusable. You can recycle or remove it and put it back into place.
Fiberglass Pros:
- Affordable cost
- Places in framing easily
- DIY-friendly
- Easy operation and handling
Fiberglass Cons:
- Not so durable in moist environments
- Can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs
- Possible fire hazard if the installation is faulty
3. Radiant Barriers and Reflective Insulation Systems
A radiant barrier and reflective insulation system reflects heat and keeps the area cool during the summertime without the need for an air conditioner.
However, this insulation type doesn’t have an R-value as an effectiveness measurement. It’s different from other materials.
Reflective insulation is made from polyethylene bubbles or kraft paper. These materials later get wrapped in aluminum foil that serves the function of a reflective barrier.
Most people use this insulation type for insulating garage doors so they can reflect heat. The radiant heat solutions also work well for insulation of the attic in warmer areas.
Radiant Barriers and Reflective Insulation Pros:
- Extremely energy efficient
- Adds stability and durability to the structure
- Reflects heat
Radiant Barriers and Reflective Insulation Cons:
- Doesn’t work well in cold climates
4. Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation material is most often used for garage ceilings and walls that are already finished.
Cellulose, as a loose-fill insulation type, keeps growing in demand and popularity.
This type of insulation is often made from recycled paper, like newspapers.
Manufacturers treat the recycled elements with a fire retardant.
Contractors blow cellulose into cavities in the walls and ceiling using special machines that aerate the cellulose and fluff it up.
Many rental stores rent blower machines to homeowners who want to do the job themselves. Some home centers may even lend them for free if you purchase cellulose material from them.
Due to its loose-fill structure, cellulose is mainly used for finished ceilings and walls.
Uninsulated garages that are already finished can fit cellulose via strategic hole cutting in the wall material. Then, the insulation is sprayed into the wall cavities and the holes are patched.
Cellulose Pros:
- Fire-resistant
- Eco-friendly
- Resistant to insects
Cellulose Cons
- Needs drywall
- Can settle over time
- A bit costly and inflexible
5. Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is best for garages that homeowners plan on turning into living spaces.
Air sealing and high R-value are some of the best properties of spray foam insulation.
Spray foam is also a high-end material most people prefer for its energy efficiency.
In most situations, spray foam is too much for garages due to its expensive price, except when you work on converting it into a full-time living space.
For other projects, you can rely on spray foam for small jobs, like covering nooks and crannies.
Spray Foam Pros:
- Excellent R-value
- Resistant to pests, insects, and mold
- Easy to fit in cracks and gaps
- Great airtight seal
- Ideal for tight spaces
Spray Foam Cons:
- The most expensive option
- Shrinks with time
- Isn’t DIY-friendly
Did you know? Insulation that’s currently in place across American buildings lowers the amount of carbon dioxide by 780 million tons every year. This is equivalent to the amount of electricity used in more than 90 million homes in the country in one year!
Things To Keep In Mind When Insulating Your Garage
Know the R-Value
R-value is the insulation effectiveness measurement.
Different insulation types have different R-values. The value mostly depends on the thickness, type, and density of the material.
The higher the R-value, the better the energy efficiency and insulation for the garage.
However, note that insulation material with a greater R-value will also be more expensive.
Air Seal the Garage
Uninsulated garages are often full of air gaps.
Other than floor, wall, ceiling, and door insulation, you’ll want to fill the gaps before proceeding to the actual insulation steps.
The best time to air seal the area is before the addition of the insulation.
You’ll want to locate the gaps and use spray foam insulation to fill the holes.
Get the Right Tools
Insulating a garage isn’t the most straightforward home task.
You should be well-prepared and have all the necessary tools in place, including:
- Insulation material of your choice
- Construction tape
- Scaffolding or ladder
- Utility knife
- Drill
- Utility screws
- Hammer
- Face mask
- Eye goggles
- Screwdriver set
- Drywall screws
- Sealant gun
The list of tools doesn’t end here.
Unless you’re already equipped with most of the elements above, you may want to consider hiring professional contractors to do the job for you.
Respect Safety Precautions
If you decide to insulate the space yourself, make sure to follow safety precautions.
- Have protective eyewear on you when using blow-in or spray insulation.
- Use a facemask to protect your lungs.
- Use gloves when dealing with insulation material.
Other Things to Think About
- Get safety scaffolding for DIY installs.
- Set up a vapor barrier to keep moisture accumulation at bay.
- Don’t cover electrical boxes on the garage ceiling.
- Remove hanging objects from the garage.
- Seal the cracks and holes in the garage before proceeding to the insulation installation.
- Smooth the edges of floors with edging strips.
- Leave 1.5-inch air space between the wood roof sheathing underside and the fiberglass material during ceiling insulation. This helps against mold growth and water vapor.
- Don’t install insulation too close to the light (keep a four-inch distance).
- Use weather stripping to seal the bottom of the windows and garage door.
How Can I Insulate My Garage Cheaply?
Fiberglass insulation is one of the best ways to insulate a garage cheaply.
Fiberglass is a practical and budget-friendly material that can save you up to a dollar per square foot on setup costs.
Fiberglass rolls or batts are also the simplest all-around solution for insulating garages.
What Type Of Insulation Is Best for A Garage?
The best insulation option for a garage depends on whether there’s any drywall in the space or whether the ceiling or walls are exposed.
The choice ultimately comes down to you, your budget, and your needs.
For finished spaces that keep the cold air from entering, it’s best to go with materials that add air barriers, like foam.
Pro Tip: Fiberglass insulation is among the most flexible because it can be used for floors, walls, and ceilings.
Benefits Of Insulating Your Garage
Here are the key benefits that come with garage insulation.
Makes the Place More Convenient
When you have an insulated garage, you can use it year-round as a home office, workshop, gym, or anything you want.
A well-insulated garage can retain cold during the hot summer months but also prevent heat from escaping the home during the winter.
Reduces Energy Loss
The example above reflects how an insulated garage is energy efficient.
The benefits are immediately visible on energy bills.
The difference is even more noticeable for homes with boundary walls between the attached garage and the house.
Humidity Protection
Items in a garage are prone to rust and humidity damage.
But with proper insulation, you can store all tools and objects that are sensitive to temperature without worrying about them getting damaged with time.
Prevents Carbon Monoxide Seeping
Garages that are attached to homes can seep carbon monoxide from the vehicle into the home.
With garage insulation, the chance of that happening is close to none.
This feature is especially beneficial in terms of protecting your overall health.
Added Resale Value
Potential buyers will be interested to know that the garage is fully insulated.
They will like hearing how they can use the space for more than just storage.
A well-kept and cared-for garage indicates a high-quality home, which is something all buyers will look for.
Lower Noise Pollution
People who live in noisy areas will be relieved to know they can reduce noise pollution by insulating their garage.
You can block out noise or use various tools in the garage without it being a nuisance to the rest of the family in the home.
Conclusion
Insulating a garage is a serious project that takes some time to plan and budget.
Make sure you take into account different factors that can affect the type of materials for the insulation, as well as price considerations.
Depending on the complexity of the project, you may be able to pull a DIY. However, your safest bet is to always consult professional technicians before taking any steps yourself.
