How to Insulate Garage Ceiling That Is Finished

As an Amazon Associate, We may receive a commission for purchases made through links in the post at no additional cost to you.

Even though insulating the garage ceiling is optional, some people prefer ceiling insulation, especially those with rooms above this space. If you insulate the garage ceiling, it will prevent it from being cold and also the rooms around it.

Insulating the ceiling of a finished garage is also advantageous for those who work in this area as it acts as a noise barrier. This will prevent you from interfering with those around you. The insulation will also make your garage last longer, reducing your maintenance costs. But how do you insulate the garage ceiling that’s finished? Read on and understand how to insulate this room.

Table of Contents

What To Use to Insulate a Finished Ceiling

There are several types of insulation one can use for various projects. However, for a finished ceiling, specific insulation will work perfectly and give good results. They include;

Blown-In Loose Fiberglass

The best insulation for your finished garage is this one. This is because it’s easy to install as you only blow it into the joist’s spaces on the finished ceiling with small spaces left. It’s fiberglass but resembles the fibers on the roll or batt insulations, and it’s made of recycled paper.

Fiberglass Batts Insulation

This is the most preferred type of insulation for the ceiling that is finished. The fiberglass insulation consists of big rolls of fluffy fibers. Some come as precut batt sheets that give you an easy time installing. If you’re to use this kind of insulation for your garage ceiling, it’s best to go for R30 or R38. These fiberglass insulations have a high R-value and give the best results.

However, you also need to consider the thickness of the ceiling joists before settling on the insulation to go for. Depending on the local codes, you can opt for faced or bare batt insulation. The faced batt insulation will help your garage ceiling regulate moisture and humidity all year long.

Spray Foam Insulation

Another best type of insulation for a finished garage ceiling is spray foam. You can spray it on holes or gaps on the ceiling to make the room warmer. But you can combine it with other insulations to fill the gaps that are tough to seal. It’s advisable to go for the closed-cell spray foam to prevent water from mixing with it, discouraging mold growth.

Materials Required

Box cutter knife

Measuring tape
Dust Mask and glasses
Ladder

Staple gun

How to Insulate Garage Ceiling That Is Finished – Top Methods

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to insulate your garage with a finished ceiling. However, you need to note that this process varies according to the type of insulation you’re to use.

Cover The Holes or Gaps on The Ceiling

The first thing you need to do is cover the holes or gaps on the garage ceiling. These should be spaces that the kind of insulation you’ll use won’t cover. You should do this using the expanding spray foam but don’t cover vents as it will interfere with airflow in this room.

Fix Baffles on The Ceiling

The next thing you should do is install baffles on the garage ceiling to help air circulation. Enough airflow in the garage will reduce moisture build-up, resulting in mold. Use foam baffles as they create adequate air spaces below the garage ceiling, which otherwise the insulation can block. Fix the baffles at the edges of the ceiling, where the insulation can squeeze against the roof.

Install The Batt Insulation

The next process is to fix the batt on the finished garage ceiling. Start from the top going downwards. Use the ladder to reach all corners of the roof while installing the batt or blowing the loose-fill insulation. Don’t support yourself on the drywall as it’s incapable of holding your weight. But you can get support on the joists or use ½ inch thick plywood to enable you to walk on the garage ceiling or sit and stand.

But ensure the type of insulation you use matches the kind of joists on the ceiling. You can check with the local codes to better understand this. Cut and then place them between the joists if you’re using batt insulation. Be careful not to damage the insulation in the process. If you’re using the faced insulations, ensure the facing is against the drywall.

But you’ve got to cut the batts to have them fit in the corners and around the garage ceiling door. However, if it’s next to the electrical box, do leave a clearance space of about 3 inches. Use baffles where necessary to improve the air circulation in the garage.

Install The Loose Fiberglass Insulation

If you’re not using the batt insulation, you can use the loose-fill fiberglass on your finished garage ceiling. You can do that by;

Look for a blower that makes your work easier. You can hire it from any rental services around you.

After that, fill the holes or gaps around the ceiling using the expanding spray foam.

Remember to install baffles near the chimney or electrical wiring o the ceiling, then caulk to seal it further.

Fix some pieces of wood on the garage ceiling to help you know the depth of the insulation. Also, cover areas you don’t want to insulate with plywood or sheet foam.
Then use the blower to insulate the garage ceiling. Begin insulating the corners and go backward to the middle of the roof. You should also make the insulation deeper to get a higher R-value.
When insulating the ceiling of a finished garage, don’t leave out the door. You can protect it using foam insulation to help keep the room warmer.

Bottom Line

Insulating the ceiling of a finished garage is important as it makes the room have favorable temperatures all through. This allows you to use this space for various projects at any time of the season. It also enables you to store different items in the garage without getting spoilt. However, the process you need to follow when insulating a garage with a finished garage differs from the others.

First, you need to choose the right type of insulation that’s easy to install, like the blown-in loose-fill fiberglass insulation. Then cover all holes and gaps to do away with any spaces that cold air can sneak through. But be careful when doing this, as you shouldn’t step on drywall while insulating the ceiling as it can’t support your weight. Also, do this according to the local codes to avoid having problems with authority.

As an Amazon Associate, We may receive a commission for purchases made through links in the post at no additional cost to you.