Garage Insulation ???

[Steven B.]

To springboard off Joe's question of garage heat; I have a 4 car garage under my house, with 3 sides under ground. My 2 double garage doors are metal, insulated, and with cedar planking on the exterior of the doors so they are well insulated. The three interior walls are bare concrete as is the floor. I plan to seal the floor. I live in East Texas on a lake so it is humid at times.

• As far as the walls, should I coat them (with what???) or
• Can I add insulation (with what ???) without framing?
• Has anyone used floor sealer on concrete walls?
• What type door seal is recommended on the bottom of the doors where it seals against the floor? My hollow rubber ones seem to flatten pretty fast.

Thanks!

Steve

[Bruce C.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

Steven, if it were me, I'd use a tar sealer rolled on or spread. Then, I would fir it out with 2X2 material.

Between the 2X2s, I would install 2" foam board. It's going to be pricey but you're only going to do it once.

If the walls are poured concrete, you'll need to install the firring with a powder-actuated tool. You can rent those.

The big advantage to foam boards is twofold, in my opinion: no itchy mess, and the ease of handling. You can cut it with a serrated bread knife.

An extra advantage to using the firring strips is that you can run wires down along them for switches and receptacles.

I'm sure there are any number of approaches but this one is fairly simple and can be done by anybody capable of maintaining a Corvette.

[Steven B.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

I hadn't thought about 2X2's. Thanks!

[Martin N.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

STEVEN-

As a retired Single Family Home Builder I would agree with Bruce's approach. Also, by using a foil insulation board you'd be adding additional moisture protection.

Marty

[Brian K.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

Check out the Garage Journal at www.garagejournal.com.

Lots of great info there.

[Paul J.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

Steve:

You should read my posts on Joe's question. We also talk about the sides of the doors.

Bruce is right that the foil covered foam boards are the best way to go with a masonry surface. The real reason for firring strips on the walls is to hold a surface material like sheet rock or panelling. I've installed firring with concrete nails and a five pound sledge, but the power actuated tool Bruce mentions is faster and easier.

I use the tar material on the outside of foundations. Because it's asphalt based, I believe that it will eventually delaminate from the wall. I coat all inside masonry with at least two coats of Dry-lock. However, if you fir the walls you can use plastic sheeting, since the firring will hold it in place. I've sealed walls both ways and I think that the plastic is better.

Paul

[Martin N.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

STEVEN-

The slickest way to mount wood to concrete, brick, block or stone is by using a "Tap-Con" drill bit and screws. These are available at most building supply stores, hardware stores, etc. Have 2 drills set up, one with the drill bit and the other with a phillips screw bit and have at it. The screws come in many differant lengths (you'd probably want 2 1/2" screws) and are removable IF you make a mistake or want to change something. Just a Builder's point of view.

Marty

[Gary C.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

Steve, some of the comments you've received are from northern climate Members. Remember in Texas and particularly where you are we have an issue with moisture and mold. Foam's great but it can sweat it our area and cause mold. Fiberglass insulation is most recommended due to the fact it won't mold. The whole front side of my home's lower level is a retaining wall. Three car garage under one end of the house. Painted the walls with a concrete moisture barrier paint from Sherwin-Williams. If interested I can find the can tomorrow. It requires good ventilation during application. The walls are studded out with 2x4's, fiberglass insulation and finished with sheetrock. In our climate do not use a visquene (sp?) vapor barrier like they do up north on the inside of the wall. Gotta breath here in Texas. Exterior - dirt side of the walls have the moisture barrier rubber spray with the Dupont drainage board on top with french drains at the bottom. Gary.... *

[Steven B.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

Steve, some of the comments you've received are from northern climate Members. Remember in Texas and particularly where you are we have an issue with moisture and mold. Foam's great but it can sweat it our area and cause mold. Fiberglass insulation is most recommended due to the fact it won't mold. The whole front side of my home's lower level is a retaining wall. Three car garage under one end of the house. Painted the walls with a concrete moisture barrier paint from Sherwin-Williams. If interested I can find the can tomorrow. It requires good ventilation during application. The walls are studded out with 2x4's, fiberglass insulation and finished with sheetrock. In our climate do not use a visquene (sp?) vapor barrier like they do up north on the inside of the wall. Gotta breath here in Texas. Exterior - dirt side of the walls have the moisture barrier rubber spray with the Dupont drainage board on top with french drains at the bottom. Gary.... *

Thanks Gary! I have to pick up some stain for the doors tomorrow at S-W and will check out the concrete moisture barrier paint. I know what you mean by the moisture problem. I have to power wash the fence and porch railings for a second time this year.

Steve

[Tom R.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

I've got a two car cinder block building I'm converting into my garage/shop. I live half block from the ocean in Myrtle Beach (east coast), SC. What method would apply best for my locale?

Sounds like if I wanted to upgrade the insultation qualities I need to go with the Texas method (2x4s and insulation).

[Gary C.]

Re: Garage Insulation ???

Tom, key in Texas and particularly along the gulf coast is ventilation. Since you're on the coast for sure a dehumidifier will be needed. Recommend soffit (sp?) or eve vents and roof turbine or continuous roof ridge vents. Need to get the hot moist air out of the attic. Send me an e-mail gchesnut@charter.net and will forward it onto a friend of mine who lives on the Texas gulf coast and is a builder to get his recommendations for you. Gary....