Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Garage Insualtion Advice
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ebyson73
12-19-07, 10:55 AM
I have a 2+ car detached garage/wookshop. It is essentially unfinished and therefore not real usable as a work shop in the winter (northern lower peninsula of Michigan). I want to heat it for winter use. Here is what I have:
Garage 24' x 31'. with a 16' or 18' somewhat insulated garage door. 9' ceiling (or it will have after I drywall it).
The biggest issue with insulating it is that it is all 2x4 construction, walls and roof. The best 3.5" insulation I have found so far is R-13. I use the rafters for some storage, so I really won't be able to blow in insualtion or use multiple layers of insualtion in the ceiling. Any suggestions for a better R values in the walls or ceiling?
I assume I should a vapor barrier between the insulation in the walls and the exterior wall??
I am also trying to figure out the best way to heat it. It doesn't have to be 70 all winter, but warm enough to keep fluids from freezing and my tools easier to hold on to. I figured I would keep it heated to aroudn 50-55 most of the time. There is no nat. gas to the garage and I would probably have to dig up part of my driveway to run a gas line out there. I do have 100A electrical out there, so I figure an electrical heater of some sorts will be my best option. Any suggestion on type/brand/size. There is 745 sq. ft. of floor space and about 6,000 cubic feet of "air space" after I drywall the ceiling.
Long winded there, but I think I got all the information folks may ask for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Garage 24' x 31'. with a 16' or 18' somewhat insulated garage door. 9' ceiling (or it will have after I drywall it).
The biggest issue with insulating it is that it is all 2x4 construction, walls and roof. The best 3.5" insulation I have found so far is R-13. I use the rafters for some storage, so I really won't be able to blow in insualtion or use multiple layers of insualtion in the ceiling. Any suggestions for a better R values in the walls or ceiling?
I assume I should a vapor barrier between the insulation in the walls and the exterior wall??
I am also trying to figure out the best way to heat it. It doesn't have to be 70 all winter, but warm enough to keep fluids from freezing and my tools easier to hold on to. I figured I would keep it heated to aroudn 50-55 most of the time. There is no nat. gas to the garage and I would probably have to dig up part of my driveway to run a gas line out there. I do have 100A electrical out there, so I figure an electrical heater of some sorts will be my best option. Any suggestion on type/brand/size. There is 745 sq. ft. of floor space and about 6,000 cubic feet of "air space" after I drywall the ceiling.
Long winded there, but I think I got all the information folks may ask for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
diyplank
12-19-07, 08:03 PM
Not sure on getting a better R value??! You will need the ins. w/ the paper vap. barrier for your walls. Your ceiling you should use the same or you can buy that blue board insulation!! That is what my dad has. He uses his rafters for storage and he put that blue board/styrofoam up the inside of the rafters.(not where the storage is) His garage is completely insulated and finished!! I want his garage bad!!!! He then has wall board of some sort up on all the walls. He also heats it w/ a wood/coal furnace w/ a blower! It is 65+ all winter. We live in north central PA! You will have to check your codes b/c you would need a chimney. Good luck