Garage insulation is crucial, especially in places that experience all four seasons of the year. During the cold winter months or midsummer heat, the garage can be a major pathway for energy loss.
This is especially true for homes with attached garages and doors connecting them to the main house. Since attached garages are the most popular type in many homes due to their convenience, garage-related energy losses affect many homeowners.
But how much does it cost to insulate a garage?
Read along to find out.
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How much does it cost to insulate a garage?
According to the national records, the approximate cost of insulating a two-car garage ranges between $2,000 and $6,000. Homeowners with two-car garages typically pay approximately $4,500 for complete insulation of the walls and ceiling.
A mix of batts and blown-in insulation will set you back as little as $600 for one-car garage insulation and as much as $8000 for a bigger, two-car garage.
The cost of insulating a garage can vary significantly depending on the size of the garage, the insulation material used, the location being insulated, and the insulation type.
This detailed guide looks at each of these variables to provide a more holistic picture of the cost of insulating a garage.
Variable 1: Size of the garage
Determining the garage insulation cost by the size variable involves looking at the number of cars the garage is designed to house.
Garages can be one-car, two-car, three-car, or four-car in size. Naturally, the smaller the garage, the less you can expect to pay. Of course, the other variables we will discuss in this write-up will influence the price, driving it up or down across the same garage size.
Insulating costs by garage size often range between $0.65 and $7.50. Still, these figures can stay lower if you insulate only specific parts of the garage. For instance, insulating only the walls and garage door or the attic will cost less than doing the same to the entire structure.
Ideally, a one-car garage measuring approximately 240 square feet should set you back about $156 to $1,800.
On the other hand, a bigger garage may cost as much as $6,600, subject to the insulation method and materials used.
While square feet are a practical parameter for considering the garage size, the number of cars a garage can hold is a more popular way to determine the size. So, below are the estimated costs for various garage sizes based on the number of cars each garage can hold.
- One-Car Garage insulation cost
The approximate cost of insulating a one-car garage is between $572 and $6,600.
This estimate is based on the standard one-car garage size of 12 feet (wide) by 20 feet (deep). Notice that a one-car garage can have a few other variations, with a likely depth of up to 24 feet. Such variations in the dimensions will naturally affect the insulation cost, likely driving it up.
Additionally, the wide variety of insulation materials and types will also directly impact the overall cost.
- Two-Car Garage insulation cost
Two-car garages typically cost about $780 to $9,000 to insulate.
This cost estimate is based on the standard 20-feet-wide by 20-feet-deep dimensions.
Since two-car garage sizes vary significantly, you can expect those variations to affect the insulation cost.
Additionally, two-car garages can be insulated with a wide range of insulation materials and types, which also impact the cost.
- Three-Car Garage insulation cost
Three-car garages typically cost an average of $1,040 to $12,000 to insulate.
This cost estimate is based on the standard three-car garage size of 20 feet deep by 30 feet wide. A similar garage with different dimensions will likely cost a different figure as the size changes affect the cost of insulation.
Variable 2: Location being insulated
A garage has many areas that require insulation—the ceiling, door, walls, and even the roof deck.
Insulating all these areas will significantly result in some significant energy economy, but the upfront cost may be through the roof as each location comes with a price.
So, most homeowners will typically inspect the garage and earmark only the most vulnerable parts for insulation. You can do the same—choose only the areas most likely to cause the most energy loss and insulate them.
This way, you can save money upfront and still save money in the long run through reduced energy losses.
- Garage Ceiling insulation cost
The cost of insulating a garage ceiling typically ranges between $260 and $3,000 for an average size of approximately 400 square feet.
This means you can expect to pay less or more money if your ceiling space is smaller or larger respectively.
The wide variance between these average figures is due to the cost implication of materials used to insulate the ceiling.
The state of the ceiling at the time of insulation, such as whether it is finished or not, will also impact the cost.
- Garage Door Insulation Cost
Garage doors typically cost about $500 to $700 to insulate, assuming the garage door is already installed.
If you consider the cost before installing the door, you can expect the figures to go up significantly.
Whatever the case, the insulation material on the door will be a type of foam, as foam insulation is the preferred type for garage doors.
- Garage Floor insulation cost
Insulating your garage floor should cost anywhere from $600 to $900, based on the national averages.
These figures are true for garage floors measuring roughly 400 square feet. Therefore, you should expect your figures to vary slightly if you have a smaller or bigger garage floor.
Garage floor insulation normally consists of special foam types used alongside plywood sheeting.
- Garage Wall insulation cost
The cost of insulating a garage wall typically ranges between $780 and $9,000 for a standard two-car garage.
The insulation type and special customizations can still impact the cost, making it fall outside these averages.
Garage walls can be insulated by a wide range of materials, including batts, spray foam, and blown-in insulation. This variety means you can choose a more affordable option.
- Garage Roof Insulation cost
The attic is another common culprit for energy losses. Insulating this part of the garage averages between $1,600 and $3,000 for a standard two-car garage.
As such, you should expect to pay more or less if your garage has special customizations. The insulation material goes to the underside of the garage roof deck.
Variable 3: Insulation Type
Insulation type affects the cost alongside all the other variables, making it among the most crucial variables.
You can choose from the many insulation types available for your garage based on your preference, budget, and the location you are insulating.
For instance, the garage door will require foam insulation, while parts such as the garage wall are more accommodative of a wide range of materials, including batts, spray foam, and blown-in insulation.
You may also use a mix of insulation materials based on what works best for the various parts you are insulating.
- Blow-In Insulation
The cost of blow-in insulation, according to national averages, is between $1.65 and $3.80 per square foot.
By definition, this insulation type implies the process of covering attic floors or filling joists or stud cavities using any loose material with a good insulating R-value. The material here can be fiberglass or cellulose.
Therefore, blow-in insulation is generally used on attic spaces above the garage ceiling and walls with a drywall material.
- Batt Insulation
Batt insulation typically costs anywhere from $0.65 to $2 per square foot.
This insulation can consist of various materials, but fiberglass is the most common. It is a good choice for insulating garage walls and ceilings as it fills the cavities, preventing the free flow into or out of the garage through these locations.
Perhaps the main advantage of batt insulation is being economical.
- Foam Board insulation
Foam board or rigid insulation consists of a dense foam core and is often laminated on both sides. This continuous design ensures that foam board insulation provides the garage with continuous protection against the elements.
This insulation type has prices ranging from $2.40 to $3.75 per square foot. The rigid boards are typically installed on the exterior of the garage to envelop and protect it from the outside.
It does an excellent job of stopping air leaks and preventing thermal transfer. It can be a good choice for a garage with an already-finished interior.
- Rigid Board Insulation
Rigid boards are the least commonly used insulation types for garages made of wood or cork. They are commonly used as added insulation for the ceiling or the garage door.
Such insulation is slightly expensive, with costs averaging between $5.75 and $15 per square foot.
Rigid boards are not water-resistant; therefore, they can only work in a fully finished garage.
- Spray Foam insulation
Our final insulation type, spray foam insulation, has costs averaging between $3.15 and $7.50 per square foot.
This type of insulation is versatile and can be ideal for nearly any part of the garage, but it works best in garage areas with open cavities.
The video below shows how you can insulate and drywall a garage
The labor cost of garage insulation
The material used to insulate your garage will directly influence the cost of labor. This is because each insulation type has its unique project requirements that directly determine the amount of labor required.
That said, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0.25 to $2.50 per square foot in labor costs. You can pay about $50 to $100 per hour for installations that are charged per hour. A good example of the latter is spray foam installation.
These costs typically amount to anything between $300 and $4,000 for a two-car garage.
Garage insulation cost FAQs
What is the most cost-effective way to insulate a garage?
The most cost-effective way to insulate a garage is to go for low-cost but highly effective insulation materials such as fiberglass. Batt insulation which is made of fiberglass material, is among the cheapest, with costs starting at just $0.30.
If you are a handy person, consider installing the insulation on your own and save up to up to $1 per square foot on installation fees.
Should I insulate the walls of my garage?
Absolutely. Garage walls are among the main culprits of thermal transfer between the inside and the outside of the garage. So, if you intend to use the garage for more than just keeping your vehicle, then garage wall insulation is essential.
For garages attached to the home’s main living spaces, wall insulation can help reduce energy losses likely to occur through the garage.
Is it worth getting an insulated garage door?
Yes, an insulated garage door can significantly contribute to energy savings. So if you find it affordable, consider getting an insulated door for your garage as a beneficial long-term investment.
Notice that you may dig deep into your pockets upfront for the garage door insulation since insulated doors typically cost more than standard ones. However, the energy savings you will realize in the long term will allow the insulated garage door to pay for itself.
Should you insulate an unheated garage?
An unheated garage can be chilly in the winter months and scorching in midsummer. These conditions can make the place uninviting during such bad weather. Insulating the garage can go a long way in moderating the temperature extremes.
This measure is particularly beneficial for garages attached to the home’s main residential areas.
Final thoughts on the cost of garage insulation
Adding insulation to a garage can significantly regulate the temperatures inside the space. This can make it more conducive, especially for homeowners who use the garage as a workspace or an extension of their main living space.
Your reason for insulating the garage notwithstanding, you will want to choose an insulation material and type that best suits your needs and budget.
We hope this detailed guide helps answer your questions regarding the cost of insulating a garage and points you in the right direction.
If you have any thoughts or questions, leave a comment, and we will do our best to respond at the earliest.