Why an Uninsulated Garage Can Wreak Havoc on Your Home This Winter

An uninsulated garage might seem like no big deal, but come the winter months, it can do more harm than good. 

In fact, when a garage lacks proper insulation during the colder months, frozen pipes, heat loss, and damaged items are bound to arise. 

Fortunately, insulation solutions and preventive measures can help you avoid these issues while protecting your garage, your car, and your home. 

Risks of uninsulated garages during the winter

An uninsulated garage in the winter months can cause a chain reaction of issues to the home itself. One of the most common risks is frozen pipes. 

“When the plumbing or water lines located in the garage get exposed to below-freezing temps, they may freeze and cause water damage,” explains Chris Boyle, in-house repair tech at Parts Town Home and Fix.com in Nova Scotia. 

Additionally, improperly insulated garages can prompt heat loss throughout the entire home. 

“Many poorly insulated garages share foundations with homes. As a result, cold air may circulate through the living spaces and force families to turn up their heating systems,” says Boyle.

Not only does this put a strain on HVAC systems, it can also drive up monthly heating bills. 

Plus, poor insulation may damage items stored in the garage, particularly car batteries that can lose charge or fail completely. 

How tell if your garage is insulated

So, how do you know for sure whether your garage is insulated?

On a cold day, compare the temperature inside your garage to the outside. 

If your garage feels as cold as the outdoors, or if the rooms adjacent to it are always noticeably colder in the winter, there’s a good chance it’s not insulated. 

“You can also inspect the walls and ceiling for visible insulation. On the garage door, thin or hollow panels usually indicate a lack of insulation, while thicker panels often mean insulating material is present,” explains Sharpe.

Practical insulation solutions and preventive measures to explore

Once you determine you have an uninsulated garage, here are several tips to keep on your radar.

Insulate your garage 

For a faster, practical insulation solution, seal any of the bottom gaps under your garage door with rubber weatherstripping.

“If your budget and resources allow, however, the most effective way to retain heat in your garage is to insulate all the walls with fiberglass insulation,” says Chris Hunter, director of customer relations at ServiceTitan in Glendale, CA.

Regardless of your choice, these solutions will help decrease your energy bill and create a more comfortable environment.

Upgrade to an insulated garage door

Since the garage door is the largest opening in your home, investing in an insulated garage door may be worthwhile. Entry-level insulated doors typically provide an R-value between 6 and 9, while higher-end models can reach R-values of around 20. 

“The higher the R-value, the higher the insulation capabilities and less heat loss that will occur,” explains Paul Sharpe, owner at Surfside Garage Doors in Toms River, NJ.

Store your items properly

You don’t have to expose your valuables to the risks of an uninsulated garage.

“To avoid damaging your items in the garage during winter, you may either elevate them or bring them inside your insulated home,” says Tamer Sayed, licensed HVAC technician and the owner-operator of Tamas Mechanical in Mississauga, ON.

Consult an HVAC professional

Before the winter begins (or even after, if you missed the boat), consult an HVAC professional for an insulation evaluation. They can determine whether your garage is properly safeguarded for the season and recommend the best next steps.