Simon Taylor, garage expert from Lidget Compton, has provided advice on why insulating is so important if you wish to store vulnerable items.
Garages are amazing for providing extra storage for precious possessions such as cars, gardening equipment, food, or even collectables. Whilst many will opt to store things in their garage, insulation is often something that gets forgotten about, and storing certain vulnerable items in an uninsulated garage can have disastrous consequences.
- Insulating minimises destructive temperature changes
If you are using your garage for storage, insulation is essential, as it reduces dramatic fluctuating temperatures
This more stable temperature protects any vulnerable stored items from damage, such as damp and overheating. Very hot temperatures in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter can damage batteries, and make metal and plastic casings fragile, and more prone to rust and cracking. Insulating will stabilise the internal temperature and mitigate this risk.
- Reduces harmful moisture levels in your garage
Insulation prevents excessive moisture and condensation in your garage space by keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which is essential when storing vulnerable items, such as cars, bikes, electrical equipment and even books or furniture.
Too much moisture can severely damage wood, metal and electrical items, degrading these items over time. An uninsulated garage may be a good temporary storage solution, but if you are storing something precious long term, it’s imperative to insulate the space to ensure they are protected.
- Deters pests, preventing damage from bugs and rodents
In the summer, damp and humid places are also a haven for pests, attracting rodents and bugs such as woodlice and silverfish into your garage. As well as being unpleasant to share a space with, these pests can cause excessive damage to wood, fabric and electrics if the issue is not prevented or dealt with swiftly. The insulation helps by keeping the core temperature stable, but also acts as a physical barrier, preventing the pests from entering.
Weather proofing your garage by checking the roof and sealants, as well as insulating, mitigates the risk of a pest infestation, and will keep your precious items in storage safe.
- Insulating is easier than you might think
Getting a garage insulated may seems like a big job, but it doesn’t have to be. The process is simple, and there are many professionals out there who can help. The first job is fixing timber battens to the wall, to give you something to attach your lining material too. After this, it’s time to insulate. There are two primary ways to do this, either using the coated foam sheet type, or fiberglass.
The final stage is applying the lining material. Ply board is a good option as it is sturdy and repels moisture well. Depending on what you plan on using the building for as opposed to just storage, you may then wish to plaster the inside of the room.
The lining material can simply be screwed or nailed to the timber battens. Be sure to fix any electrical wiring you may need before inserting the plyboard or plaster sheets.
