Hi folks! I recently bought a home with a detached two-car garage made from a metal frame and clad with metal siding and roofing, but it's sitting on an asphalt pad. Since I want to store my tractor there and make it comfortable during winter, I'm looking to make some temporary upgrades before I eventually replace it with a bigger pole barn and concrete pad in about 7-10 years. I'd appreciate your insights on a few things.
1) For wall insulation, I'm considering foam board insulation because of its moisture barrier and mold resistance. Is that a good idea, or should I go with fiberglass insulation from the wall to the roof peak?
2) The asphalt pad has eroded at the edges where the walls meet. What's the best way to patch that? I was thinking of using treated 2x6s on the outside and some cold patch or filler inside.
3) Lastly, some of the bottom 2x6s have weather damage. Is there a paint or sealant that could help prevent further rotting?
Thanks for any help you can offer!
1 Answer
You might want to invest in good insulation regardless of your future plans. I’d recommend considering mineral wool insulation (like Rockwool) over rigid foam. Mineral wool fits nicely in the studs and can even be secured on the ceiling with some lightweight strapping. Plus, it allows the walls to breathe, which is crucial since your garage isn't on a proper foundation. Sealing around the base won’t hold, so save your resources for when you build new. The good news is, you could reuse the mineral wool in your future garage! Also, check out ASIRI Designs for some cool tips on building durable structures. Good luck!
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll definitely look into that insulation type and see how I can properly seal it for now.