I posted on the woodworking forum, but was directed over here. I am using 1/2 of a 2 car garage. It is not my garage, so anything I do has to be temporary. I moved in there last March and it was cold. (I live in Pennsylvania). Well, we’re suppose to get snow showers tonight, and I was in my shop this morning and it’s cold. The garage is not insulated and has an arched ceiling. This has to be the cheapest possible solution to this problem, I am just starting out in the business. Someone suggested that foam board and make a drop down ceiling. If so, how thick of a foam board? and how do I make a drop down ceiling? Also, should I do something about the walls? I am walling off down the center of the garage, so that will take care of that side, but still have two walls and a door to deal with. Can’t do anything with the door. If I insulate the walls, can I use that “roll” insulation and just staple it up? Remember this has to be cheap and temporary. I don’t forsee being in there more than another year. And the owner is NOT going to reimburse me for insulating her garage. She doesn’t use it, so it’s of no benefit to her. Suggestions????? Thanks.
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Welcome to Breaktime, Robin.
FYI this post might be better off in the energy folder, but here goes...
Styrofoam panels are gonna be on the order of $1 a square foot, uninstalled. How much surface area do you need to cover? What are the dimensions. It won't be cheap. Making a drop down ceiling might be quite a bit of work.
Fiberglass is generally poo-pooed around here, but its certainly the cheapest. I believe it needs to be covered on both sides to be maximally effective.
Either way, I don't see making back all the money for insulating in one year, regardless of what material you use.
That said you should get some cans of foam and seal up any air leaks in the garage. Make sure there are no air leaks around the garage door. You can use some of the air conditioning seal (squeezy foam strips) to block up any big holes. Stopping the air from leaving the garage is the biggest step with or without insulation. Air sealing makes a big difference.
What are you doing for heat production? Seems like a woodstove (vented out a window?) might keep you warm enough in a small space without the insulation. Plus you can get rid of your scraps easily. ;)
Put your money into good fleece and sweaters - very local insulation.
Edited 10/25/2005 12:30 pm ET by BobS
Robinlynn, some observations and questions -
...I was in my shop this morning and it's cold.
indeed; was the heat on? not to be flippant, but no amount of insulation makes a shop 'warm', it takes a heat source - how are you warming the area? for one heating season's worth, I'd forget the insulation, seal up the drafts, and turn the heat up -
The garage is not insulated and has an arched ceiling..
is this a wood-framed structure? I don't understand what an 'arched' ceiling is - perhaps you mean 'cathedral ceiling' where the rafters are visible?
Can't do anything with the door.
well, I would guess that is the place where the most heat is lost, drafty and unisulated - I would critically evaluate the situation - is this a standard issue overhead door?
If I insulate the walls, can I use that "roll" insulation and just staple it up?
certainly - the question is if it will achieve the result you desire - are you talking about fiberglass batts?
not enough info to really offer specifics - I don't forsee being in there more than another year. - 4x8 boards of insulation secured with screws would allow you to remove and reuse/sell the product when you leave -