Installing insulation in garage spaces is an excellent way of making your entire home energy efficient. Moreover, if you have a budding drummer in your family, insulation installation is a must! Simply follow these 10 tips for installing insulation.
Tips for Installing Insulation: Why Do You Need It?
Are you installing insulation in your garage for the sake of energy efficiency or are you trying to dampen the sounds of the garage band that practices there? Depending on your needs, you have different options when it comes to buying and installing insulation.
Getting Down to Your R
The R value of your installation determines how well the material insulates your home. More R is better, but how much R do you need? Lowe’s offers a handy R value chart that takes the mystery out of insulation ratings. Find your zone and from there determine the rating you require.
Of Batts and Facing
Generally speaking, you will encounter spray insulation or batts of fiberglass. The latter may come faced – with a thin covering that acts as vapor barrier – or unfaced, with the fiberglass being easily accessible. Some of it is white, while another brand is coming-at-you pink. From personal experience, I can attest that spray insulation does a better job dampening sound than batts of fiberglass.
Install Insulation with Safety Gear On Hand
You need eye protection, a dust mask, a long sleeved shirt, and gloves. Sure, you could go ahead and wear your tank top to display bulging muscles – if you relish the feeling of fiberglass on your skin.
Have the Right Tools
Installing insulation in a garage is simple: you only need an Exacto knife, a staple gun, straight edge, tape measure, Sharpie, wood shim and insulation knife – if you are installing rolled up insulation. Spray insulation requires a bit more know-how than the average weekend warrior possesses.
Prepare for Garage Insulation Installation
Empty out the space. Trust me, installing insulation while dancing around a car or climbing over boxes might sound like a timesaver, but it is actually dangerous, difficult, and not worth the hassle of eventually having to move everything out anyways — this time climbing over insulation and tools.
Caulk Around Doors and Windows
After cleaning out the garage, caulk around windows and doors to enhance the insulation in your garage.
Follow the Rule of 3
No list of tips for installing insulation would be complete without reminding you of the rule of three: do not install insulation within a three inch space of heat generating devices. This includes recessed lighting and anything else that might get hot during use.
Install Insulation without Overstuffing
More is not always better when it comes to installing insulation. Avoid overstuffing the insulation and – if you encounter wires in the wall – it is actually advisable to cut the insulation and rest the wires between two portions. Do not simply fold under the last bit because the roll is too long. Cut it off properly with the Exacto knife.
Insulation Installation: Dealing with Oopsies
It is a common mistake to cut insulation too short. Do not fret but simply cut another piece to fit. If you are merely off by an inch or so, use left over scraps of insulation and shove them into the opening with the wood shim.
Sources
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p;=Improve/InsulHome2.html;
