We've recently found some mold in our garage, and while we're having the walls opened up for repairs, we want to tackle insulation too since it shares a wall with our living room. We're steering clear of fiberglass insulation for various reasons and are exploring alternatives. Our contractor suggested cellulose, but I'm worried about its durability if it gets wet. While the walls are exposed, is there anything we can do to protect it from moisture? Are there specific considerations or drawbacks with cellulose insulation? Also, are there better materials we should be looking into?
3 Answers
If you want something that would work well in a mixed climate, closed cell spray foam is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that it won't let your walls breathe, so make sure that's okay for your situation. Depending on where you live—like northern California—you might want to play around with vapor barriers too since humidity levels can affect installation.
You might want to consider rock wool or closed cell spray foam. While cellulose can't really be waterproofed, rock wool is mold-resistant and can also help with soundproofing, which sounds perfect since it's next to your living room. If you decide on cellulose, just know it's a bit susceptible to moisture.
That's good to know! I've heard a bit about rock wool. How does it compare in terms of cost?
I did my garage with rock wool and it’s been fantastic! It keeps the temperature stable all year long, plus it’s super easy to install. It might be more costly, but it pays off in the long run, especially since you're addressing the mold issue.
Thanks for the tip! We're definitely in a dry area, but I didn't realize breathing was a factor. Can you explain what you mean by that?