Several Issues Related to Heating a Garage

[wacomme]

I'm now at a loss of what to do. I don't want to throw a lot of money at this problem, especially if it may not work. And then there's the insurance concern. I'm inclined to do nothing. Maybe Colorado will continue to have a mind winter and I'll have minimal condensation on the garage door. Any maybe I'll continue to use an inadequate 1500w electric heater for my gym workouts, dress warmly, and use gloves. I have turned down the humidity in the house.

Thank you everyone for all of your help. I've gone around the block on this one, but I've learned a lot. I'm better informed about my options and what's recommended.

Michael

 

[PoorUB]

When heating an attached garage you may want to check with your home insurance provider. Some of them are VERY picky about any heating system in a garage that produces a flame or an open heated element.

Perhaps its gotten better than years past, but back in the early 90s I planned to build a new house with an attached 2.5 car shop backed up to the 2-car attached garage. I discussed it with my insurance agent and he said State Farm would likely reject any plans for a heated garage other than a heated concrete floor.

I have never heard of any insurance company not allowing a listed gas heater in a garage as long as it was installed properly. Wood stoves, pellet stoves many insurance companies will not allow but never heard of a unit heater or a furnace being and issue. I also have State Farm and they don't have any issue with my furnace in my shop.

I worked for an HVAC company for years and installed many heaters in garages over the years.

 

[gmcgeo]

yeah, insurance companies want gas in homes and garages, they want rid of pellet and wood.

 

[jonshonda]

Haha you guys really threw the op for a loop. Insurance company has no reason to reject a properly installed furnace.

OP you have all the info you need. Don't be a cheap a$$ and just insulate the garage. Run a ceiling fan and forget about it. Or don't do anything

 

[wacomme]

I checked above the ceiling for insulation and there is none. So, if I were to insulate the garage, I would need to 1) insulate and drywall one wall; 2) insulate the roof area above the drywalled ceiling; and 3) insulate a sidewall that is drywalled. I should be able to accomplish the first item on my own, but would probably have to hire someone for items 2 & 3. Item 1 is cost effective. Items 2 & 3 sound pricey. I'm just not sure it's worth the cost.

 

[Showkey]

^^^^^^^^^^^
Insulating one wall with out doing the attic is a waste of time and money.
If this above your skill or confidence level disregard and forget the whole project. Get friend to help ?

Paying for #3 if you do number #1 its the same project, tear down the old drywall, insulate and install new dry wall.

Most bang for the buck is ceiling insulation first. Can easily be done in one weekend.

There are 1000 Youtube videos on the topic.
Read up on articles on how to do it, insulation choice, venting, eve air flow etc

#2 ceiling insulation can a DIY project:
A. Buy rolls for fiberglass insulation and roll then out.
B . Blown in insulation fiber glass or cellulose ……buy bags, rent the blower done in 1/2 day max With two people, one feeding the hopper, one in the attic.

 

[PoorUB]

Get a quote from an insulation company. You might be surprised. I have the attic in my house re-insulated and a contractor did it for less money than I could buy the materials. They could blow in the attic and the one wall.

 

[wacomme]

#2 ceiling insulation can a DIY project:
A. Buy rolls for fiberglass insulation and roll then out.
B . Blown in insulation fiber glass or cellulose ……buy bags, rent the blower done in 1/2 day max With two people, one feeding the hopper, one in the attic.

For access to the attic, do I create a large hole in the ceiling and later replace it with a removable attic access cover?

 

[Showkey]

Yes……many areas require garage attic access is code. Some areas required attic access in the home Section they want access for service and in case of fire.
Some garages use that same access for storage if the ceiling rafter has adequate structure.
Example of typical attic access doors:

 

[PoorUB]

For access to the attic, do I create a large hole in the ceiling and later replace it with a removable attic access cover?

Yes, but like I said, get a quote from an insulation company!!

When I re-insulated my attic I figured about $800 for fiberglass, and got it done for $700, and they put in more than I was going to do.

You can DIY it, but if you blow it, it is a two man job. One running the hose and another stuffing the blower. If you use bats you end up dragging bat after batt up a step ladder and tring to lay them down in a tiny attic space where you can not stand up. Either way it is ugly work.

 

[wacomme]

Yes, but like I said, get a quote from an insulation company!!

I'm in the process of getting quotes.

 

[PoorUB]

I'm in the process of getting quotes.

Good! It might not work out, but it costs nothing to get the quote and you have some baseline to work with.

 

[andyvh1959]

Perhaps my experience was related to my particular State Farm agent. He is a very conservative type. At that time he didn't want to even entertain the idea of a stand alone outdoor "firehouse" that piped heated air into the shop garage.

 

[Showkey]

Perhaps my experience was related to my particular State Farm agent. He is a very conservative type. At that time he didn't want to even entertain the idea of a stand alone outdoor "firehouse" that piped heated air into the shop garage.

Its not the agent that sets the rules, rates or rating on the property.
Many insurance asked the 20 questions about the property ……is there any solid fuel heating any where on the property. Some even do an inspection on new policy‘s.

Friends recent new purchase policy inspection required a wood stove ( not connected) be removed from the property. The reason was unconnected wood stoves become connected after the inspection. This way the theres a conscious act to deceive the insurance company. They allowed the wood stove but the rating on home ( premium) would increase over double.