Detailing an Attached Garage
![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/73c46d9c3c9574f71adaf02a51908f3e?s=52&d=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.greenbuildingadvisor.com%2Fapp%2Favatars%2F200x200%2Fl.png&r=g)
I am planning on finishing my attached garage. When we moved here, it was partially finished (ceiling, walls facing interior of home). I plan on finishing the walls that are not attached to the house facing exterior. Do I need a vapor barrier (plastic)? Do I use faces or unfaced insulation?
Thank You So Much,
Lynn
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb1.png)
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb2.png)
Replies
Whether or not you need a vapor control layer between unconditioned (assumption) and conditioned space depends on your climate zone (location).
What you *absolutely* need between your garage and living space is a well detailed air barrier that prevents air contaminated with exhaust fumes, etc. from migrating to the inside of your home.
Thank you for your reply. I live in Wisconsin.
To what extent will the garage be conditioned? If none, then don't add any insulation to garage exterior walls.
I plan on installing a heat and AC unit eventually.
Then the ext garage wall design should be the same as a house wall in your climate. Lots has been written about that so no need to repeat it.
please elaborate...
There's a whole lot of good information about garages on this site:
some helpful reading.