COPYRIGHT 2016 JAMES DULLEY ( www.dulley.com/sea/ ) - September 2016 - (graphics ref. No. 393u at www.dulley.com/sea/column/2016-sep.htm )

"How to convert and insulate a garage (or basement) into efficient extra living space"

Dear Jim: We need more living space. I plan to convert our attached garage into a bedroom and build a carport. What is the most efficient way to insulate the masonry garage walls and convert it? - Monica H.

Dear Monica: Converting an existing space in your house into living space is far less expensive per square foot than making a room addition. Since you are not starting from scratch, it takes more planning to make it energy efficient and comfortable for all types of weather.

Whether you are converting a garage or a basement, which also is a common project, the wall insulation techniques are similar. Since the underground temperature stays more constant than the outdoor air temperature, you may need less insulation thickness for a basement-to-bedroom conversion.

The major difference when insulating is the flow of water vapor through the insulation. In all but the most humid climates, vapor flows from indoors to outdoors for above-ground walls and from outdoors to indoors for a basement. This impacts which side of the insulation should have the vapor barrier. The vapor barrier should be toward the more humid side to keep it from absorbing moisture.

Before you begin your project, get quotes from some contractors about making the conversion for you. Many companies have predesigned insulated wall and ceiling systems specifically designed for this purpose. It may not cost as much as you think as compared to your buying all the materials individually.

Plan to add a window or replace an existing garage window. Since you will want privacy and security, installing a block window is best. In order to get ventilation, Hy-lite makes replacement windows with two-inch thick wavy plastic blocks. These look identical to privacy glass blocks, but are lighter, simple to install and block the UV (ultraviolet) fading rays. The casement design cranks out easily to catch even slight breezes for natural ventilation.

Conversion systems with insulated fabric-covered panels are ideal for a bedroom or home theater where sound is a concern. Ones with a snap-in vinyl attachment system are good for moisture resistance. Also, the panels can be snapped out at anytime to gain access to the block or brick walls.

The easiest way to insulate the walls yourself is to build 2x4 studded wall framing on 24-inch centers and insert fiberglass batt insulation. For your garage, staple the vapor barrier to the studs. The only drawback to this method, particularly if your garage is small, is you lose floor space. Use pressure-treated lumber where it touches the concrete floor.

In order to save floor space, attaching thinner furring strips to the wall and insulating with rigid foam insulation is good option. It has higher R-value per inch thickness. Rigid foam insulation panel are available which are designed to fit over the strips. When using rigid foam insulation, it must be covered with drywall, not just paneling, for fire safety.

Although walls are an important area to insulate, as is the attic, don't forget the floor. A chilly concrete floor can make the entire room feel cold and adding carpeting may not be enough. Install breathable-type resilient panels on the top of the concrete before the carpeting.

If low ceiling height will be a problem, insulate around the outside of the garage concrete slab. Dig down several feet and place rigid extruded polystyrene insulation panels again the sides of the slab. Make sure to use extruded, not expanded foam panels for below-ground applications.

The following companies offer insulation materials, wall systems and block windows: Certainteed, (800) 782-8777, www.certainteed.com; Champion, (877) 424-2674, www.acousticwallsolutions.com; Dow Chemical, (800) 441-4369, www.dow.com; Hy-Lite Block Windows, www.hy-lite.com, (888) 256-2599; and Owens Corning, (800) 438-7465, www.owenscorning.com

Dear Jim: My closet has a light fixture with a pull string hanging from the ceiling. It is hard to find the string. I got so frustrated once, I yanked it right off the fixture. How can I attach a wall switch? - Sue A.

Dear Sue: You have several options. The easiest is to buy a remote switch at your hardware store. You just screw the receiver into the light socket and screw the bulb into it. Mount the transmitter switch anywhere on the wall.

You can also buy a motion-sensing device that screws into the fixture. This will switch on the light whenever you open the door. If you are handy with tools, use standard grounded two-conductor wire and install a regular wall switch.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Publication Name, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com