Properly insulating your garage gym can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining a comfortable garage gym training space in the winter. Insulation is the first step to temperature control in your garage. A well-insulated gym will result in a more enjoyable and effective workout experience, cut down on potential barriers to training (no one wants to train in the cold), and will save you money in the long haul – money that could be used for more equipment! We will walk you through the steps to consider before you insulate your garage gym, how to pick insulation and even provide tips on how to insulate the walls and ceiling of your garage gym. By the end of this post you will be fully prepared to tackle your DIY garage gym insulation project.
The Importance of Insulating Your Cold Weather Garage Gym
Insulation, in both your walls and ceiling, is the key component that keeps cold air out of your garage and keeps the warm air in your garage gym. Without proper insulation, the plywood walls and ceilings of your garage will allow cold air to flow through easily. This makes it nearly impossible to maintain a comfortable workout environment. Insulation provides a medium to block that air flow using a combination of heat conduction, convection, and radiation.
Not only will insulation keep your garage gym warmer in the winter, but it will also have the opposite effect in the summer by keeping warm air out and making your gym cooler than the outside.
A cold gym is not an optimal place to work out. When we are cold, we tend to be stiffer, less explosive and produce less force – none of which are what we’re looking for during a workout. While warming up can help prepare our bodies for exercise (learn the 5 steps to an effective warm up here), it won’t mitigate the ill effects of a cold gym unless the space itself is warm.
Even the biggest and best heaters won’t effectively warm your garage gym without proper insulation. In fact, most of the warmth generated by the heaters will simply leak out of the garage, resulting in wasted energy and a waste of time waiting for the gym to warm up. Trust us, we’ve been there. Before we insulated our garage, we had to turn on our heaters for hours before we wanted to train …needless to say, we didn’t train very consistently that winter.
Proper insulation is essential for creating a comfortable workout environment in your garage gym. This is why insulating your walls and ceiling was #1 on our list of tips to combat a cold garage gym. Not only will it allow you train consistently throughout the year but will also save you time and move on energy costs in the long run.
Now it’s just a matter of choosing the right insulation for your garage gym.
Buy Our Recommended Garage Gym Insulation
Types of Insulation to Consider for Your Garage Gym
There are 5 main insulation types that you could use to insulate your garage gym to make winter training more enjoyable. Each has its own pros and cons, and there are situations where each of the types of insulation would make sense to install. Let’s break down why you might use each type of insulation in your garage gym.
1. Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass batt insulation is the standard insulation that most of us are familiar with. It is generally pink or white and comes ready made to install between the studs of your wall or the joists of your ceiling. Fiberglass insulation is generally the most affordable insulation options and can last for up to 100 years. However, the insulation effect of the fiberglass will be compromised if it gets wet. Fiberglass insulation also irritates skin, eyes and lungs so you need protective equipment when installing.
You can find fiberglass insulation at any hardware store, like Home Depot.
2. Mineral Wool Insulation
Mineral wool insulation is like the bigger brother to fiberglass insulation. Mineral wool insulation looks similar to fiberglass, but is usually a grey color. It also has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, contains more recycled materials, and is built to withstand large variations in temperature. Plus, mineral wool insulation is fire and moisture resistant, so it won’t mold like fiberglass insulation can.
We chose to insulate our garage gym with Rockwool mineral wool insulation based on the above. Plus, mineral wool insulation provides soundproofing which we need because we are in an urban neighbourhood and we have our own office above our garage.
3. Blown-in Cellulose Insulation
Blown-in cellulose insulation is a by-product of the paper industry, and is therefore a very green method of insulation. Cellulose has greater insulating properties at low temperatures, compared to fiberglass or mineral wool insulation, making it a great option for those in very cold climates. On the other hand, blown-in insulation is more expensive than batt insulation and requires a special chemical treatment to be fire resistant since it is made from a wood derivative. Cellulose insulation can also be difficult to remove and requires special equipment to be installed, so it is not a DIY-friendly option.
4. Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a versatile insulation material that can be applied to any open space to provide insulation and an air barrier. A key benefit of spray foam insulation is that it fills gaps or cracks upon installation. Spray foam insulation will not change shape or settle over time (if installed correctly), ensuring long-term effectiveness. This feature makes it ideal for sealing air leaks, such as those found around door and window frames. It is also moisture repellent, preventing condensation from forming, which is especially important in areas with extreme temperature changes. However, spray foam insulation is one of the more expensive insulation options and requires professional installation due to the potential health risks associated with harmful fumes produced during application. Nonetheless, spray foam insulation can be an effective solution for those looking for a long-lasting and efficient insulation solution.
5. Rigid Foam Insulation
Rigid foam insulation provides a high R-value per cubic inch, making it an efficient option for garage gym insulation. However, it is more expensive than fiberglass insulation and can produce more waste due to the need for cutting the foam board to fit around pipes, wires, and outlets. This may leave small cut-off sections that cannot be used elsewhere in the garage gym. It can also be challenging to achieve a tight seal with rigid foam, requiring the use of caulk or sealant where the sheets meet. Additionally, it is important to note that rigid foam insulation is highly flammable and can release potentially toxic gases and smoke if not treated with fire retardant. Despite this, rigid foam insulation is often preferred as it doesn’t contain any irritants, and foil-faced sheets do not require an additional vapor barrier.
We used rigid foam insulation when we insulated our garage door in our home gym. It was super easy to work with and has made a huge difference in keeping our garage warm during cold Canadian winters.
The Key Factors to Consider when Choosing Garage Gym Insulation
We discovered that there are numerous factors to consider apart from the type of insulation used in order to maximize the benefits of our garage gym insulation project. During our in-depth exploration of the project, we came across several crucial points that had initially slipped our minds. By sharing them here, we hope to save you valuable time and offer helpful insights.
R Value Explained: R value is the measure of insulating properties of a given material. The ‘R’ part stands for resistance to heat flow and it described in a numeric fashion. The greater the R value, the greater the insulating capacity of the material. (Source)
How Much R Value Is Enough?
Determining the appropriate R-value for your garage gym walls and ceilings can be a challenging task. As a general guideline, higher R-values offer better insulation, although the cost of insulation increases as the R-value goes up. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider your options to stay within budget. Fortunately, Energy Star has compiled a valuable resource (shown above) to help you get started. Additionally, your city or county may offer resources to assist you in selecting the right insulation level based on your climate. In my own city, there is a webpage that outlines the required R-values for different areas of the house according to building code regulations.
For the exterior walls of your garage gym, it is recommended to have insulation with an R-value ranging from R-18 to R-22. Similarly, if you have a drop ceiling in your garage, a similar R-value would suffice. However, if you have an A-frame ceiling, it is advisable to increase the R-value to at least R-38 (although a range of R-18 to R-30 is acceptable) (source).
Should You Use A Vapour Barrier and Where Does It Go?
A vapor barrier is a material, typically a plastic or foil sheet, that impedes the flow of moisture through the walls, floors, or ceilings of buildings. Vapor barriers play a crucial role in controlling condensation, maintaining humidity levels, and safeguarding insulation from mold, rot, and the accelerated rusting of possessions.
In most cases, garages do not require a vapor barrier because the level of moisture diffusion through the walls, ceilings, and floors is generally insufficient to cause damage to insulation, walls, or garage equipment. However, if you reside in a very cold climate, it is advisable to install a vapor barrier on the “warm in winter” side of the wall or ceiling.
During extremely cold weather, particularly in Canadian and northern state winters, the hot and humid air inside your garage diffuses through the drywall or ceiling surface. Once the hot vapor reaches the opposite side of the insulation, it cools down due to the colder external air, causing condensation and resulting in water droplets on the interior of your exterior walls or roof. This can lead to water infiltration into your insulation (source).
Therefore, if you reside in a cold winter climate, it is recommended to install a vapor barrier on the interior side of your insulation to prevent moisture-related issues.
Unfaced or Faced Insulation?
Before we started our DIY project, we didn’t even know that there was faced or unfaced insulation options. (So many Google searches ensued.)
In a nutshell, faced insulation incorporates a built in paper or plastic vapor, while unfaced insulation lacks a built-in vapor retarder. Based on the information provided earlier, we suggest opting for unfaced insulation and using a separate vapor barrier if necessary. However, it is important to consult with local insulation experts and refer to the building codes specific to your region to make an informed decision.
Do City/County Bylaws Impact The Insulation We Need to Use?
Before insulating your garage gym, it is crucial to check your city or county bylaws and regulations regarding insulation requirements. There are likely specific standards and guidelines that must be followed.
Building codes may include minimum insulation requirements for garages to meet legal standards. They also address important fire safety regulations, including the use of fire-resistant insulation materials.
City or county bylaws and informational websites may actually reward you for making energy-efficient upgrades. You could be eligible for incentives or rebates that can help offset the costs of insulating your garage gym. It’s always worth exploring these possibilities (a quick Google search should do) to make your project more budget-friendly. For instance, my city encourages people to apply for grants that could provide $5000 to help you upgrade your insulation.
City websites may also provide specific guidelines for DIY-ers, such as recommended R-values or thermal insulation levels for different areas of your home. Following these recommendations will ensure that you achieve optimal insulation performance for your area.
To make sure you’re on the right track, take some time to review the local bylaws, consult local building authorities and tap into local resources before starting to insulate your garage gym. That way, you’ll have all the information you need before you start.
Equipment You'll Need When You Insulate Your Garage Gym
Insulating your garage gym is a fairly big job. You’ll need some protective equipment and will have a mess to clean up once you’re done. Here are a few suggestions of what you will want on hand before you start:
- Step Stool
- Safety Glasses
- Respirator or KN95 mask
- Serrated Knife (for cutting insulation to size)
- DEWALT Shop Vac
Final Thoughts on Insulating Your Garage Gym
Insulating your garage gym may seem like something you can continue to put off (for eternity). However, insulating your garage gym will drastically increase your usage and enjoyment of the space – both in the cold winter and hot summer. It really is a game changer.
By choosing the right insulation for your garage gym, you can create a comfortable environment that allows you to focus on your workouts without being affected by extreme temperatures. While we opted for Rockwool mineral wool insulation, there are various insulation types available that could work well for your garage gym. Factors such as budget, installation method, and climate should be considered when making your decision.
It’s important to remember that regardless of the insulation type you choose, complying with your city or county bylaws is crucial. Checking these regulations beforehand ensures that your project meets the required standards and keeps you on the right side of the law.
In addition to improved comfort, insulation can contribute to energy savings by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This not only benefits your wallet but also the environment by reducing energy consumption.
Now that you understand the importance of insulating your garage gym, it’s time to take action. Start planning your insulation project, considering factors such as ventilation, moisture control, and soundproofing if applicable to your specific needs. Transform your garage gym into a year-round haven where you can pursue your fitness goals with utmost comfort.
Remember, the sooner you insulate your garage gym, the sooner you’ll reap the benefits. Don’t delay any longer – make the most of your space and elevate your workouts with proper insulation.
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