Drywall on the inside of an exterior wall has not been required in any of the states I have lived, it is required for fire protection on stick built, but a concrete block wall has the appropriate fire ratings and should require nothing.

Does a garage have to be Drywalled?

Drywall is a great building matter that is highly resistant to fire so it is a great addition to garages. Garages often have power tools in them, flammable materials, and also people who work on cars with products that could catch fire. Installing drywall would be a good idea to keep it a safe area.

Do garage walls need drywall?





You do not need 5/8″ drywall for the garage walls. In the US, you need it between the garage and living space, but not on the exterior walls.

Do you have to drywall a detached garage?

If you plan on performing a lot of this type of work or you’ll be doing a lot of automobile work (just think about all those flammable petroleum products!) you would do well to consider installing drywall within your detached garage.

Are garage walls exterior walls?

No, the wall between the home and garage is designed and built as an interior wall.

What is code for drywall in garage?

The takeaway from IRC Code for Drywall in a Garage is that for an attached garage, play safe and use 5⁄8 -inch Type X gypsum board. For a detached garage, use drywall or an alternative to drywall, as a detached garage is not covered by any code for drywall in a garage.

Does drywalling a garage add value?





Get Creative with Extra Space

In fact, according to HomeAdvisor data, the average cost of converting the garage into a finished room costs an average $11,986 with an 80% return on investment. So, not only does a finished garage provide more living space options, but it also provides substantial growth in home value.

Should you insulate exterior garage wall?

Without insulation, you are currently losing any heat you add to your garage right out of your walls. But insulation will trap in that heat. So your garage will stay warmer for longer. This is especially useful if you live in a cold climate and spend a lot of time in your garage in winter.

What kind of drywall do you use for garage walls?

The most commonly used drywall for garages are standard ½ inch panels. The exception is ceilings that need ⅝ panels. Also, for attached garages, you’ll need to use ⅝ panels or type X rated drywall on the wall that connects the house to the garage.

Do I need a vapor barrier in my garage?



If the garage is heated, you will need a vapor barrier, otherwise you will get frost and mold. Some argue that the car itself will cause the garage to be heated, but this would only be the case if you left the car to warm up in the morning, otherwise it would not have the chance to warm the garage.

How thick is wall between garage and house?

Using 2X4 studs to frame an exterior garage wall is common building practice. Interior & exterior sheathing should be ⅝” thick, each. The exterior garage wall thickness (without the siding) should then be 4 ¾”. The wall thickness will go up to 6 ¾”, if you use 2X6 wall studs.

Is there a fire wall between garage and house?

Conclusion. In short, the garage needs to be separated from the house in case of fire, but this isn’t a fire-rated assembly, nor is it a firewall. The best term for this required separation is a fire-separation wall.

How can I insulate my garage without drywall?



You can also get loose-fill fiberglass, which is suitable for blowing into a garage attic space above a finished ceiling. If the walls and ceiling will remain open (not covered with drywall or plywood), it’s a good idea to use paper-faced or encapsulated fiberglass bats that are wrapped in a plastic film.

What can I use on walls instead of drywall?

Drywall Alternatives

  1. Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well. …
  2. Veneer Plaster. …
  3. Lath & Plaster. …
  4. Plywood and Sheet Wood. …
  5. Texture Wall Panels. …
  6. Brick & Masonry. …
  7. Exposed Concrete Block. …
  8. Cement Board.

How do you insulate a cinder block garage?

The simplest and most affordable method of insulating the interior of a block wall is to install rigid foam board insulation. Available in large, three-by-five or four-by-eight sizes, the panels are lightweight and held in place with special foam-safe glue.

Should you insulate an unheated garage?

The bottom line is that insulating even an unheated detached garage can make it better by making it more livable and prolonging the life of your car and other precious belongings. It does not cost much and you can do it yourself.

Should I insulate my garage in Florida?



Get It Insulated

If your garage’s temperature varies as the outside temperature changes, even affecting the temperature of the rooms around it, it may show that your garage isn’t insulated very well. The proper insulation will keep more heat from the outside coming inside your garage.

How do you insulate a concrete garage wall?

There are two main ways to insulate a concrete garage. The first is to use a fibreglass insulation much like the type found in any typical loft. The second is to use a coated foam sheet like the ones manufactured by Kingspan or Celotex.

Will drywall crack in unheated garage?

Having a drywall interior wall in an unheated garage will not be a problem, even in freezing winter conditions provided the garage is kept dry and well ventilated.

What kind of drywall do you use in a detached garage?



In the case of a detached garage you could use USG Sheetrock UltraLight 1/2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Gypsum Board, which is ICC-certified for sag resistance and eliminates the need for separate wall and ceiling panels.

Can you drywall without insulation?

Drywall is considered a suitable construction material for interior walls, but its primary purpose is not to insulate. To make a significant difference in heat flow transfer, you must include insulation along with the drywall installation.