3 Types of Sheetrock Used for Garage Insulation

Sheetrock is an inexpensive material that is commonly used for garage insulation. There are several types available, but only a few kinds that are suitable for a garage. Here are a few of the most common types found in garages along with the various benefits they provide.

Insulated Sheetrock

Garages are notorious for their inability to retain heat. Since most people don't have their home cooling and heating systems set up to work in a garage, they can become very uncomfortable very quickly. While this isn't so much of a problem for most folks, the areas surrounding the garage can experience uneven heating and cooling as well. If a garage is going to be used as a workshop, having the garage well insulated will be very important.

Insulated sheetrock is designed for use in rooms with poor insulation. Made of polyfoam, it will help keep heat from escaping and can help keep the room cooler during the warmer months. The core is made of a material that is guaranteed against warping, making it useful in areas with high humidity.

Abuse Resistant Sheetrock

Abuse resistant sheetrock is commonly found in garages, basements, playrooms, and other areas with high traffic. It's constructed with a more durable paper cover and features a core that is reinforced to handle a direct impact. Because it is made of higher quality materials, it lends itself to higher insulation or R-Factors. It is more expensive but will last longer than other types of sheetrock. Abuse resistant sheetrock can be found from 1/2 to 5/8 inch thick and is easy to manipulate during installation.

Fire Resistant Sheetrock

Fire-resistant or retardant sheetrock is especially popular for garages. Since a variety of chemicals can be found in most garages, having a sheetrock product that can resist extreme heat or flame is important. The fire-resistant varieties can generally withstand a direct flame for up to 45 minutes without combustion. The thicker the sheetrock, the more effective it will be. This is the most expensive type of sheetrock available, but if your garage is going to be used as a workshop it can save your home in the event of a fire. The thickness of the sheetrock does help some with insulation, but it's not designed to provide a solution for your home's insulation needs.

There are many other types of sheetrock available, and they can be used in a garage. Wallboard is the lightest type of sheetrock available. In a garage, it won't provide any insulation and isn't resistant to water or humidity. If you plan on using a separate insulating material in conjunction with the sheetrock, this can be an inexpensive alternative. If you have a washing machine, freezer, or swamp cooler in the garage, water-resistant sheetrock may be a good idea as well. While this won't help keep the room comfortable, it will resist more moisture than other types of sheetrock.

Any type of sheetrock can be used in a garage, however, if you are going to use a blown-in or rigid board insulation.