Bonus Room Insulation Problems: The top problems causing uncomfortable bonus rooms over garage
If you find yourself asking questions like, “why is the room over my garage so much hotter than the rest of my house?” or, “how can I make the room over my garage more comfortable?” we’re here to give you the answers you’re looking for.
No one enjoys a bonus room that’s too hot or cold, continually has moisture issues, or one that you can hear everything going on outside – it’s just not pleasant. The reality is, these issues stem from improper insulation in the walls, ceiling or attic, and floor of your bonus room.
insulUSA has helped many homeowners in Southwest Missouri and Kansas City fix the insulation problems they’re having with their bonus rooms, and we’re here to help you.
Let’s get started with looking at the top causes for uncomfortable bonus rooms, and how to fix them.
BONUS ROOM INSULATION PROBLEMS
We’ve compiled the top insulation problems for bonus rooms, from extreme temperatures to moisture and condensation issues.
1. BONUS ROOM OVER GARAGE IS EITHER TOO HOT OR TOO COLD
Are you experiencing extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures in the bonus room? We see a slight variance or fluctuation in temperature with bonus rooms almost always, however from time to time we see homes with a bonus room that fluctuates temperatures as much as 10 degrees from the rest of the home, which is definitely indication that there is an underlying issue.
Cause: The extreme temperature swing is directly related to inadequate or improper installation of insulation in the garage ceiling, exterior walls of the bonus room, and the ceiling of the bonus room.
Solution: In a perfect world, we recommend installing spray foam insulation in the garage ceiling and attic above to provide a solid air barrier. The exterior walls of the bonus room should also be insulated well – either with traditional fiberglass batts, or spray foam. However, in retrofit applications, we may not be able to install foam in the garage ceiling or attic above the bonus room if you are unable to remove sheetrock. In that event, we recommend insulating the exterior walls of the bonus room as best as possible – preferably with spray foam.
2. THE BONUS ROOM OVER GARAGE IS DRAFTY
It’s not uncommon to have a drafty bonus room. This is mainly due to it being a second story room which means without the proper insulation, it is more prone to drafts moving through windows and electrical outlets.
Cause: Poor air sealing around windows and outlets
Solution: Seal around windows penetrations with low expansion foam, and be sure to use caulking when final trim is applied. The low expanding foam will stop most all of the draft moving around the window frame, and the caulking will provide an additional last line of defense. For electrical outlets, especially those along the exterior wall, making sure there is a good insulation behind the outlet is critical to prevent drafts from moving through the electrical box. Additionally, there are some foam inserts that can be placed just behind the outlet faceplate that can provide additional help in blocking drafts.
3. ICE FORMING ON THE ROOF
Do you notice ice forming on the roof of the bonus room in colder months? Ice forming on the roof is a visual indication of little to no insulation which can pose serious problems. If you’re noticing ice forming on your roof, it’s best to not let it go.
Cause: When warm air from the bonus room leaks through the attic or cathedral ceiling, it heats up the roof melting snow and freezing back in the form of ice.
Solution: By utilizing an efficient insulation, you can eliminate the transfer of heat from the bonus room through to the roof. If possible, we highly suggest spray foam insulation in the roof deck as it provides a good thermal resistance and an excellent air barrier. This will ultimately drastically reduce or eliminate the warming of the roof which is the culprit behind ice formation on the roof.
4. HIGH MOISTURE LEVELS IN BONUS ROOM OVER GARAGE
With bonus rooms being conveniently located over a garage, often times, insulating the midfloor between the garage and the room is forgotten. There are many places to notice excess moisture in a bonus room – and most all of them stem from inadequate insulation.
Cause: When the outside air and inside air meet and there is a large enough difference in temperature, it causes condensation. Condensation, if left alone will lead to mold and mildew.
Solution: With proper air sealing, you can drastically reduce, or eliminate the formation of condensation. With spray foam insulation, you can seal the small nooks and crannies that are the most common places for air infiltration which stops external air from getting in.
5. YOU CAN HEAR NOISES FROM THE GARAGE
The garage is a noisy place – with things like cars and trucks coming in and out, overhead doors, and tools. With the Bonus room located above all of this it is important to have an insulation between the two areas that deadens the noise.
Cause: Noises from the garage travel through to the bonus room, and if there is no material in place to prevent the noise from traveling through, the noise level will remain high.
Solution: placing an insulation material between the two spaces will help deaden the noise. Most commonly, fiberglass batts is used for inexpensive sound attenuation, but other options like spray foam can work well also.
Whatever issues you may be experiencing with your bonus room, we’d be glad to help make it more comfortable. As always, we offer free estimates and our sales team is eager to help find the best solution for your project.
