Many Kansas City homes have often-overlooked and under-appreciated extra square footage: space over the garage that could be turned into a bonus room, whether it’s a quiet home office, a lively play area for children or a serene guest retreat. Then there are those houses that have much-used rooms, like baths and bedrooms, above the garage.
Finished or unfinished, this space can turn any homeowner into Goldilocks. In the summer, this space is too hot. In the winter, it is too cold. But with garage insulation, home insulation and the help of a professional insulation contractor, your bonus space or room can feel just right.
Why is Maintaining a Temperature so Hard?
One significant hurdle with bonus rooms is temperature regulation. Their unique position above the garage makes them vulnerable to extreme temperature variations.
At the heart of this temperature challenge is insufficient insulation. The garage’s air, whether it’s cold or warm, infiltrates the bonus room, disrupting its thermal balance. To achieve consistent and comfortable temperatures, a holistic approach to insulation is necessary – adding insulation to the bonus room, adjacent areas and the garage itself.
Garage Insulation: Your First Step in Making a Comfortable Bonus Room
Insulating the garage is important, but especially so when it’s not climate-controlled. The air from an uninsulated garage directly impacts the temperature of the room above.
If you don’t have an insulated garage, your insulation contractor will fill you in on all your material choices, as well as the pros and cons of each. To get you started right now, here’s a short list.
- Fiberglass Insulation: An economical choice, fiberglass is user-friendly for DIY projects, providing adequate thermal resistance for unheated garages.
- Rigid Foam Insulation: Best for garages being converted into living spaces, rigid foam excels in blocking heat transfer through structural elements.
- Cellulose Insulation: Made from recycled materials, cellulose insulation is an eco-conscious option, ideal for unfinished garages. Its loose-fill nature allows it to fill nooks and crannies easily.
- Spray Foam Insulation: Offering the highest thermal resistance, spray foam creates a comprehensive barrier against air and moisture but comes with a higher price tag.
A More Comfortable Room Above the Garage Starts in the Garage
In some cases, even with an insulated garage, the bonus room may still experience temperature issues. This is often due to inadequate or improperly installed garage ceiling insulation. Upgrading old insulation to spray foam, which fills all gaps and creates a complete seal, can significantly control any temperature fluctuations.
Then Look at the Bonus Room’s Insulation Materials, Quality and Quantity
Proper insulation of the bonus room itself involves focusing on the insulation found (or not found) in these three areas:
- Floor Insulation: This is particularly important if garage ceiling insulation isn’t feasible. A combination of underlayment and floor insulation provides thermal resistance and bonus benefits like soundproofing, floor leveling and moisture protection.
- Exterior Wall Insulation: Insulating the external walls with fiberglass batts or spray foam helps minimize heat exchange. Ensuring a snug fit and covering all potential air leakage points are crucial. Your insulation contractor should do this as part of the job. Good insulation contractors, like A+ Insulation, search for and fill in all spaces, even behind electrical outlets, lights and such.
- Knee Wall Insulation: Often neglected, knee walls play a significant role in what temperature a room is and holds. Proper insulation and air sealing in these areas can greatly enhance the room’s overall comfort.
Garage Insulation Works Better Together with Home Insulation
A+ Insulation’s contractors understand that home insulation does work room by room, but works far better when rooms are well insulated in conjunction with each other. Comprehensive home insulation solutions encompass the entire home, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort in all seasons. From attic to basement, proper insulation is a cornerstone of a comfortable, energy-efficient home. Not to mention, your heating and cooling bills will go down by up to 30 percent.
Fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation inspection and insulation cost estimate for your bonus room.