To insulate or not

[eyi]

Hi all,

My new 28X32 garage dream is progressing...

I am wondering what you guys think about insulating it or not. I live in a Canada region where we have long winters !

Anyone wanting to share its thoughts would be much appreciated. So far I'am leaning toward insulating the place and heating it once in a while with a good wood stove. Comfort is an issue but I' m telling myself that this would also protect my cement slab should I control the frost bite.

I'm also thinking about installing an electric device in case of...

Thanks

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I think unless you are using the new building for long term storage only, I would insulate it well. It will improve the versatility of the building and the ways you can use it over the years to come.

 

[nybirdman]

Of course insulate it.I live not too far away in Northern N.Y.,makes the garage a lot more useful.Mine is 24'x36' and heat it with a propane 50,000 btu heater.Another benefit is that it will stay cooler in the summer if you keep it closed up.
Sure is nice in the winter to pull an iced up vehicle in the garage and get all the snow and ice off.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Insulation will prevent condensation on the interior and its accompanying problem of mold. But, the vapor barrier must be complete and installed correctly.

Ron

 

[LD1]

I vote to insulate, and to do it well. Not the 1" styrofoam. But actual insulation like a house. Fiberglass is cheap. And a building that size, insulated well.....a small stove is all you need

 

[Billrog]

Definitely insulate my shop is 24 x 42 heated with a small stove non insulated cement slab and after 3 days of -10 after the stove goes out the temp. has never gone below 9 C. To avoid freezing finishes I have a 4' baseboard for when I'm away any length of time set at 40 F & it's done the job for 25 years so far.

 

[ruffdog]

Keep in mind mice love insulation. I would put up with the cold before the smell of miceville. Just say'un you should think of mice on your decision of insulation type and wall design.

 

[eyi]

Hum...it looks like we gonna insulate it !

Tks for the heads up about mice. I hate those things.

Thanks

 

[newbury]

Insulation will prevent condensation on the interior and its accompanying problem of mold. But, the vapor barrier must be complete and installed correctly.

Ron

VERY IMPORTANT!
In my big shed it used to rain INSIDE due to condensation on the roof.

Hum...it looks like we gonna insulate it !

Tks for the heads up about mice. I hate those things.

Thanks

Get snakes!

 

[PILOON]

Yes for insulation but do nor forget vapor barrier on inside.
And more insulation on ceiling than walls. + barrier.
also tape all barrier joints.

 

[ovrszd]

For a building that is going to be used for more than storage, insulation rates higher than good lights. My rule is if the building is worth the high cost of concrete then isn't it most certainly worth the low cost of insulation?

 

[Looking4new]

I don't think critters like living/nesting in ROXAL. It is easier to handle than fiberglass and no cold shower afterwards.

 

[EddieWalker]

I think sooner or later, everyone regrets not insulating their garage or shop. I've never heard of, or read of anybody who thinks insulation was a mistake.

 

[zoedog2012]

R21 in walls, will blow in R50 when we insulate new house.

 

[eyi]

Guys, I really appreciate.

Regards,

 

[mapper]

Keeping mouse bait along the walls where the mice travel will do a lot to control them. I use the block type baits in my shop and pump house, otherwise the little buggers would infest both buildings.

 

[AGRIMAN]

You won't regret spending money on insulation. Top of the list would be spray foam, but if it doesn't fit your budget, there are other good options aout there.

 

[Doofy]

More is Better! The better the R-Value the easier to heat. I live in Alaska and we get cold and stay cold from now until May. Minimum R-21 in walls and R-38 in ceiling. Good, well sealed vapor barrier. I surfaced mounted all my electrical, so there are no penetrations in the walls or ceiling. My doors are all insulated and I never added any Windows to waste heat either. I am now considering adding a couple windows because they are better insulated and cheaper than several years ago.

I set my thermostat at 45 degrees and if I plan on working out there, I turn it up for a bit. Just retrofitted all my 4' florescent lights to 4' LED's. Awesome!

You will want to tie in a smoke detector that also alarms in the house. If I am welding or running a vehicle in there, I disable the alarm until I am finished working and ventilate the area. I use a hot pink streamer in front of the door so I don't forget the alarm.

 

[PILOON]

As to mice and voles in walls spaces.
Once when building a new insulated garage we placed a baggy of poison in each stud space B4 the vapor barrier was installed.
Call it proactive or insurance but no mice.

 

[thepumpguysc]

I insulated my prefab metal shop, 24x32 w/ 11' side walls w/ 2" foil faced foam board 4x8 sheets, just cut to fit between studs. 20.00 a sheet, took 52 sheets.
I live in the heat, so I put the foil face to the outside to reflect the heat back out.
I then put 1x4 nailer boards around the perimeter to screw 1/2" sanded plywood to..
I have the nailer boards up & the plywood delivered but haven't had the time to screw it up yet..
Its KOOL as a cucumber in there.