Long before the cold weather sets in, it's important to consider insulating your garage for the winter. It's important to understand the material it's built from, as each garage requires its own type of insulation. The region's climate also influences the density of the materials used. The colder it gets, the more challenging the task becomes. The floor, walls, roof, and door will need to be insulated.
Materials for garage insulation
A garage isn't always a permanent structure made of concrete or brick. It can be made of metal or wood. It's typically used for storing:
- cars;
- blanks in the pit;
- tools.
You may be interested in:The standard indoor temperature should not exceed 5°C (41°F). At this temperature, the car will not corrode. If the garage is built from polystyrene foam blocks and the temperature is maintained, insulation is not necessary. Otherwise, the space must be insulated, as simple heating, such as with electrical appliances, will not help: the warm air will quickly cool.
Manufacturers offer the following insulation materials to choose from:
- foam plastic;
- mineral wool;
- stone wool;
- thermal insulation plaster;
- heat-insulating paint.
Foam plastic, mineral and stone wool
The cheapest option is polystyrene foam. It's easy to cut with a knife and easy to install. It can be installed inside or outside the garage. It's secured with glue and construction "mushrooms." Its drawback is that it's flammable, so it's best to use the self-extinguishing PSB-S version. An important caveat: when installed indoors, it significantly reduces the space.
Mineral wool is a good insulator. It's an environmentally friendly material. However, when installing it, safety precautions must be observed, including wearing gloves and safety goggles. It's essential to protect your face and exposed skin, as contact with mineral wool can cause a pricking sensation and minor cuts. To insulate with mineral wool, a frame must be installed between which the wool is secured. To maintain the insulation properties, a vapor barrier film is used. After installation, the frame is covered with plywood or OSB.
You may be interested in:High-density stone and mineral wool mats are installed differently. This work is performed outside the building. The mats are first glued in place and then secured with special fasteners. A façade mesh and plaster will also be required. The key is to insulate the structure using appropriate construction techniques.
Other materials
The main components of thermal insulation plaster are gypsum (cement), quartz sand, expanded polystyrene, and a binder. When applied to walls and ceilings, it creates an insulating layer. It is best used for buildings made of brick, cinder block, or foam concrete. Two layers (up to 50 cm) are applied to walls, and one (20-30 cm) to the ceiling. The plaster is used to level the walls. Thermal insulation paint is comparable to plaster. It is convenient to apply to the surface of metal garages. However, it will provide much less effectiveness than insulation.
Before insulating the floor, you need to decide whether it's necessary. Most often, the floor is left cold and covered with planks. To minimize energy loss, the doors should be insulated. The ventilation system should be checked. In a garage, ventilation is essential because it eliminates all harmful odors from the space.
You may be interested in:It's important to insulate your garage before winter. Keeping your car warm will help extend its lifespan. The garage is also used for storing tools and other essentials that don't fit in the house. And, of course, going down to the cellar for supplies when the temperature is above 0°C is much more convenient than in the cold.