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Insulating Existing Floors over Garage

    Scope
    Scope Images
    Image
    Rigid foam insulating sheathing installed over an existing garage ceiling with a new gypsum board fire protection layer installed over the foam
    Scope

    Upgrade a garage ceiling when a portion of the interior of the house is located directly above the attached garage by adding insulation and air sealing as follows:

    • Install insulating rigid foam sheathing to the underside of the existing garage ceiling, which typically has a finished surface of gypsum board or lath and plaster, or directly to the underside of the ceiling joists if the garage has an unfinished ceiling and the joist cavities are exposed. If the joist cavities are exposed, the layer of insulating sheathing will need to be foil-faced polyisocyanurate or XPS and the sheathing should be detailed to serve as the air control layer with seams taped and edges caulked or taped.
    • Install blocking for reinstallation of existing services and attachments on the ceiling.

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications has additional information on insulating floors over garages.

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    Adding insulating rigid foam sheathing to a garage ceiling can improve the comfort of floors above an attached garage and increase air sealing between the garage and the house. The insulating sheathing can be installed over an existing ceiling (Figures 1 to 3) or if there is no ceiling the foam can be attached directly to the ceiling joists.

    Either way, a layer of gypsum board must be installed to cover the insulating sheathing for fire protection. If the ceiling cavity lacks insulation, additional blown or batt insulation can be installed prior to installing the insulating sheathing and gypsum board.

    Other recommendations for insulating and air sealing a garage ceiling when there is living space above the garage can be found in the guides Floor Above Garage and Air Sealing Attached Garage.

    Rigid foam insulating sheathing installed over an existing garage ceiling with a new gypsum board fire protection layer installed over the foam.
    Figure 1. Rigid foam insulating sheathing installed over an existing garage ceiling with a new gypsum board fire protection layer installed over the foam. (Source: Building Science Corporation.)

     

    Rigid foam insulating sheathing installed over an existing garage ceiling that is first air sealed with caulk.
    Figure 2. Rigid foam insulating sheathing installed over an existing garage ceiling that is first air sealed with caulk. (Source: Building Science Corporation.)

     

    Rigid foam insulating sheathing installed over an existing garage ceiling with retrofits to air seal exterior wall before adding exterior wall insulating sheathing.
    Figure 3. Rigid foam insulating sheathing installed over an existing garage ceiling with retrofits to air seal exterior wall before adding exterior wall insulating sheathing. (Source: Building Science Corporation.)

     

    How to Insulate a Garage Ceiling

    1. Inspect the existing garage ceiling.  If ceiling drywall is in place, patch and air seal at seams and around existing penetrations as needed to establish a robust air control layer, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. Blow in loose-fill cavity insulation if desired.
    2. ALTERNATELY, if the ceiling joists are exposed, install either loose-fill with netting, batt, or spray foam cavity insulation.
    3. Install blocking for re-installation of existing services and attachments on the ceiling.
    4. Install insulating sheathing (foil-faced polyisocyanurate, XPS or EPS Type II) as shown in Figures 1 to 3.  Install over existing ceiling gypsum board or if there is not existing gypsum board, then attach directly to ceiling joists. If the ceiling joists are exposed or the existing garage ceiling is removed, the layer of insulating sheathing must be foil-faced polyisocyanurate or XPS and should be installed as the air control layer, so all seams should be taped and sealant should be applied around all wiring and other penetrations
    5. Install 5/8 inch Type X gypsum board or equivalent as the ceiling covering. Mud and tape seams.
    Success
    Ensuring Success

    For a house with an attached garage, air leakage from the garage to the conditioned space of the home through the garage walls or ceiling can draw unwanted pollutants into the home.  Steps should be taken to ensure that the health of the occupants will not be compromised by the retrofit. Airtightness of all walls, ceilings, and doors that are common between the attached garage and the interior of the house should be verified and improved, if needed. Fire protection must be provided as required by the current adopted building code.

    Ensure the air control layer of the garage ceiling is continuous.

    Maintain a proper ratio of vapor and air impermeable to vapor and air permeable insulation. 

    For information on interface of attached garages with a common wall, see Rigid Foam Insulation between Existing House and Garage Walls.

    Climate
    Climate

    In house designs where there is living space above the garage, the garage ceiling should be treated as the floor assembly of the rooms above and should be designed for a specific hygrothermal region, rain exposure zone, and interior climate. 

    The map in Figure 1 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, 12, 15, and 18. The map in Figure 2 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the IECC 2021. Climate zone-specific requirements specified in the IECC are shown in the Compliance Tab of this guide. 

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18.

    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18. (Source: 2012 IECC)

     

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021.

    Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021. (Source: 2021 IECC)

     

    The insulation levels should be based on the minimum requirements for vapor control in the current adopted building code and the minimum requirements for thermal control in the current energy code. (See Table R601.3.1 Class III Vapor Retarders of the 2009 IRC (ICC 2009a) and Table R702.7.1 Class III Vapor Retarders of the 2012 IRC (ICC 2009b).  Additional insulation can be added above these minimums to create high R-Value floor assemblies. The table below provides the minimum thermal resistance (R-value) requirements for framed floors specified in the 2009 IECC (ICC 2009b) and the 2012 IECC (ICC 2012b), based on climate zone.

    Framed Floor R-Value Requirements in the 2009 and 2012 IECC.

    Table 1. Framed Floor R-Value Requirements in the 2009 and 2012 IECC. (Source: 2009 IECC and 2012 IECC)

     

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
    Image
    Right – Spray foam insulates the walls and ceilings separating the garage from the home.
    Right – Spray foam insulates the walls and ceilings separating the garage from the home.
    Image
    Right – The ceiling above the garage is insulated and air sealed with open-cell spray foam to keep garage fumes out of the living space above.
    Right – The ceiling above the garage is insulated and air sealed with open-cell spray foam to keep garage fumes out of the living space above.
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

     

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes requires that ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation levels meet or exceed those specified in the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with some alternatives and exceptions, and achieve Grade 1 installation per RESNET Standards (see 2009 and 2012 IECC Code Level Insulation – ENERGY STAR RequirementsInsulation Installation (RESNET Grade 1) and Insulation Installation (RESNET Grade 1) - Part 2). If the state or local residential building energy code requires higher insulation levels than those specified in the 2009 IECC, you must meet or exceed the locally mandated requirements. 

    National Rater Design Review Checklist

    3. High-Performance Insulation.
    3.1 Specified ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation levels comply with one of the following options:
    3.1.1 Meets or exceeds 2009 IECC levels5, 6, 7 OR;
    3.1.2 Achieves ≤ 133% of the total UA resulting from the U-factors in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.3, per guidance in Footnote 5d, AND specified home infiltration does not exceed the following:6, 7

    • 3 ACH50 in CZs 1, 2
    • 2.5 ACH50 in CZs 3, 4
    • 2 ACH50 in CZs 5, 6, 7
    • 1.5 ACH50 in CZ 8

    Footnote 5) Specified levels shall meet or exceed the component insulation levels in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.1. The following exceptions apply:
    a. Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation levels of 2009 IECC Table 402.2.5. In CZ 1 and 2, the continuous insulation requirements in this table shall be permitted to be reduced to R-3 for steel-frame wall assemblies with studs spaced at 24 in. on center. This exception shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;
    b. For ceilings with attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for R-38 and R-38 shall satisfy the requirement for R-49 wherever the full height of uncompressed insulation at the lower R-value extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;
    c. For ceilings without attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for any required value above R-30 if the design of the roof / ceiling assembly does not provide sufficient space for the required insulation value. This exemption shall be limited to 500 sq. ft. or 20% of the total insulated ceiling area, whichever is less. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;
    d. An alternative equivalent U-factor or total UA calculation may also be used to demonstrate compliance, as follows: An assembly with a U-factor equal or less than specified in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.3 complies. A total building thermal envelope UA that is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from the U-factors in Table 402.1.3 also complies. The performance of all components (i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, slabs, and fenestration) can be traded off using the UA approach. Note that Items 3.1 through 3.3 of the National Rater Field Checklist shall be met regardless of the UA tradeoffs calculated. The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The calculation for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use the ASHRAE zone method or a method providing equivalent results, and not a series-parallel path calculation method.

    Footnote 6) Consistent with the 2009 IECC, slab edge insulation is only required for slab-on-grade floors with a floor surface less than 12 inches below grade. Slab insulation shall extend to the top of the slab to provide a complete thermal break. If the top edge of the insulation is installed between the exterior wall and the edge of the interior slab, it shall be permitted to be cut at a 45-degree angle away from the exterior wall. Alternatively, the thermal break is permitted to be created using ≥ R-3 rigid insulation on top of an existing slab (e.g., in a home undergoing a gut rehabilitation). In such cases, up to 10% of the slab surface is permitted to not be insulated (e.g., for sleepers, for sill plates). Insulation installed on top of slab shall be covered by a durable floor surface (e.g., hardwood, tile, carpet).

    Footnote 7) Where an insulated wall separates a garage, patio, porch, or other unconditioned space from the conditioned space of the house, slab insulation shall also be installed at this interface to provide a thermal break between the conditioned and unconditioned slab. Where specific details cannot meet this requirement, partners shall provide the detail to EPA to request an exemption prior to the home’s certification. EPA will compile exempted details and work with industry to develop feasible details for use in future revisions to the program. A list of currently exempted details is available at: energystar.gov/slabedge.

    National Rater Field Checklist

    Thermal Enclosure System
    1. High-Performance Fenestration & Insulation.
    1.3 All insulation achieves Grade I install. per ANSI / RESNET / ICC Std. 301. Alternatives in Footnote 5.5, 6

    2. Fully-Aligned Air Barriers.7 At each insulated location below, a complete air barrier is provided that is fully aligned as follows:
    Floors: At exterior vertical surface of floor insulation in all climate zones and, if over unconditioned space, also at interior horizontal surface including supports to ensure alignment. Alternatives in Footnotes 12 & 13.11, 12, 13
    2.6 Floors above garages, floors above unconditioned basements or crawlspaces, and cantilevered floors. 

    Footnote 5) Two alternatives are provided: a) Grade II cavity insulation is permitted to be used for assemblies that contain a layer of continuous, air impermeable insulation ≥ R-3 in Climate Zones 1 to 4, ≥ R-5 in Climate Zones 5 to 8; b) Grade II batts are permitted to be used in floors if they fill the full width and depth of the floor cavity, even when compression occurs due to excess insulation, as long as the R-value of the batts has been appropriately assessed based on manufacturer guidance and the only defect preventing the insulation from achieving Grade I is the compression caused by the excess insulation.

    Footnote 6) Ensure compliance with this requirement using ANSI / RESNET / ICC Std. 301 including all Addenda and Normative Appendices, with new versions and Addenda implemented according to the schedule defined by the HCO that the home is being certified under, with approved exceptions listed at www.energystar.gov/ERIExceptions.

    Footnote 7) For purposes of this Checklist, an air barrier is defined as any durable solid material that blocks air flow between conditioned space and unconditioned space, including necessary sealing to block excessive air flow at edges and seams and adequate support to resist positive and negative pressures without displacement or damage. EPA recommends, but does not require, rigid air barriers. Open-cell or closed-cell foam shall have a finished thickness ≥ 5.5 in. or 1.5 in., respectively, to qualify as an air barrier unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise. If flexible air barriers such as house wrap are used, they shall be fully sealed at all seams and edges and supported using fasteners with caps or heads ≥ 1 in. diameter unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Flexible air barriers shall not be made of kraft paper, paper-based products, or other materials that are easily torn. If polyethylene is used, its thickness shall be ≥ 6 mil.

    Footnote 11) EPA highly recommends, but does not require, an air barrier at the interior vertical surface of floor insulation in Climate Zones 4-8.

    Footnote 12) Examples of supports necessary for permanent contact include staves for batt insulation or netting for blown-in insulation. Alternatively, supports are not required if batts fill the full depth of the floor cavity, even when compression occurs due to excess insulation, as long as the R-value of the batts has been appropriately assessed based on manufacturer guidance and the only defect preventing the insulation from achieving the required installation grade is the compression caused by the excess insulation.

    Footnote 13) Alternatively, an air barrier is permitted to be installed at the exterior horizontal surface of the floor insulation if the insulation is installed in contact with this air barrier, the exterior vertical surfaces of the floor cavity are also insulated, and air barriers are included at the exterior vertical surfaces of this insulation.

    Please see the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in your state.

     

    DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)

    The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program is a voluntary high-performance home labeling program for new homes operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Builders and remodelers who are performing retrofits on existing homes are welcome to seek certification for those homes through this voluntary program.

    Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
    Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.
    Exhibit 2, Item 2) Ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation shall meet or exceed 2015 IECC levels and achieve Grade 1 installation, per RESNET standards. See the guide 2015 IECC Code Level Insulation – DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Requirements for more details.

     

     

    200920122015, 2018, and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

    Section R402.4 Air leakage (Mandatory).

    Section R402.4.1 Building Thermal Envelope.

    Section R402.4.5 Recessed lighting.

    Table R402.4.1.1 (R402.4.2 in 2009 IECC) Air Barrier and Insulation Installation and Component Criteria

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IECC

    Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2021). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.

     

     

     200920122015, 2018, and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)

    Section R302.5 Dwelling/garage opening/penetration protection.

    Section R302.6 Dwelling/garage fire separation.

    Table R302.6 Dwelling/Garage Separation.

    Section R315.3 Carbon Monoxide Alarms where required in existing dwellings. ("Location" in 2015, 2018, and 2021 IRC)

    Table 702.3.5 Minimum thickness and application of gypsum board.

    Section N1102.4 Air leakage (Mandatory).

    Section N1102.4.1 Building Thermal Envelope.

    Table N1102.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IRC

    Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.

    More

    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    Pettit,
    Neuhauser,
    Gates
    Organization(s)
    Building Science Corporation,
    BSC
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Building Science Corporation, lead for the Building Science Consortium (BSC), a DOE Building America Research Team

    Sales
    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    High-R Floor Insulation = High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Floor Insulation

    Image(s)
    Technical Description

    There are two levels of floor insulation: high-efficiency insulation, which meets the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and ultra-efficient insulation, which is 25% more efficient than this national code. Using high-efficiency and ultra-efficient insulation along with professional installation (e.g., no gaps, voids, compression, or misalignment with air barriers;  complete air barriers; and minimal thermal bridging) creates conditioned spaces that require very little heating and cooling, along with even comfort and quiet throughout the house.

    High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Floor Insulation
    Sales Message

    High-efficiency floor insulation helps provide added thermal protection. What this means to you is less wasted energy along with enhanced comfort and quiet. Knowing there is one opportunity to optimize performance during construction, wouldn’t you agree it’s a great opportunity to meet or exceed future codes?

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