If your garage feels like an oven in the summer and a freezer in the winter, you are not alone. Alberta’s extreme climate, from frigid -30°C winters to hot, dry summers, can make your garage one of the most uncomfortable spaces in your home.
Whether you use it for parking, storage, or as a workshop, proper insulation can make a huge difference in comfort, energy savings, and even property value.
The good news? You don’t have to guess what it will cost. Garage insulation in Alberta typically costs anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of your garage, insulation material, and whether you’re insulating the walls, ceiling, or garage door. Smaller DIY projects might cost as little as $1,200, while a fully professional installation using spray foam can reach $6,000 or more.
You can compare multiple quotes for a garage insulation project to find the best price using our short online form at no cost.
Why Garage Insulation Matters in Alberta
Alberta’s weather is extreme. With freezing winters often dipping below -30°C and sudden temperature swings, garages can become bitterly cold or unbearably hot. Even if your garage isn’t part of your living space, its temperature affects the rest of your home.
A poorly insulated garage acts like a cold sponge, sucking warmth from adjoining rooms and making your furnace work harder. If your garage is attached, heat can escape through the shared wall or door, increasing your heating bill.
Here’s what proper insulation does:
- Keeps the garage above freezing, even in mid-winter.
- Reduces drafts in adjoining rooms.
- Prevents condensation and moisture damage on tools and vehicles.
- Improves energy efficiency and home resale value.
- Makes it comfortable enough to work, exercise, or do hobbies year-round.
Proper garage insulation is not all about comfort. It is also a matter of protecting your home. Alberta’s unpredictable climate requires good insulation to shield the home against energy loss, moisture damage, and even premature wear on your car and tools. Insulating your garage helps balance indoor temperatures all year-round to reduce utility bills and create a more comfortable home.
What Parts of the Garage Should Be Insulated?
Before delving into materials and costs, it is important to know the areas that matter most.
- 1. Walls: The main surface area for heat loss. Use batts, blown-in, or spray foam.
- 2. Ceiling or roof: Vital if you have a room above the garage or plan to heat the space.
- 3. Garage door: Often neglected, but an insulated door can cut heat loss by up to 30%.
- 4. Windows and entry doors: Seal gaps and use weather stripping.
- 5. Floor (optional): Consider rigid foam or rubber mats for heated garages.
If you don’t have the budget to insulate everything all at once, start with the walls and the ceiling for the biggest impact.
Types of Garage Insulation in Alberta
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for garage insulation. Each type of insulation has pros, cons, and different costs.
1. Fibreglass Batt Insulation
- Best for DIY and budget projects.
- Cost ranges from $1.50–$2.50 per sq. ft. installed.
Fibreglass batts are the pink or yellow rolls you see in most walls. They are inexpensive, effective, and easy to install. You will need to add a vapour barrier on the warm side to prevent moisture buildup.
On the downside, fibreglass batts could sag over time and have poor gap sealing.
2. Blown-In Cellulose or Fibreglass
- Best for finished walls or attics above garages.
- Cost ranges from $2–$3 per sq. ft. installed.
Blown-in insulation is sprayed or “blown” into cavities using a machine. It works well for topping up attic spaces or retrofitting walls without tearing out the drywall.
It provides excellent coverage and is fire-resistant. However, it can be messy if done DIY and is not ideal for open studs.
3. Spray Foam Insulation
- This is best for heated garages or to achieve year-round comfort
- The cost ranges from $4–$7 per sq. ft.
Spray foam (usually closed-cell) offers the best thermal performance. It expands to fill every crack, creating a perfect air and moisture seal. It costs more but is ideal for any homeowner heating their garage or converting it into a workspace.
It also provides the highest R-value (R-6 to R-7 per inch), strengthens walls, and gives a moisture-resistant seal.
Professional installation is required, and is more expensive. The investment can pay off with bigger energy savings, especially if you use the garage often.
4. Rigid Foam Board
- This is best for detached or metal garages
- The cost ranges from $3–$5 per sq. ft.
Rigid foam boards (XPS or polyiso) are perfect for unfinished or concrete block walls. They are moisture-resistant and easy to cut, making them DIY-friendly. They are also durable and offer a high R-value. However, the gaps must be carefully sealed, and the cost of materials is slightly higher.
Choosing the right insulation depends on your budget, goals, and how you use your garage. Spray foam gives top performance but costs more, while fibreglass batt is affordable and easy to install. Blown-in works well for ceilings, and rigid foam boards are good for tight or DIY spaces.
The key is finding a balance between cost and efficiency, and comparing quotes can help you get the best value.
Average Garage Insulation Costs in Alberta (2025)
Before you start your project, it will help to know what you will be paying for. The cost of insulating a garage in Alberta can vary widely, depending on the size of the space, the type of insulation you choose, and if you take the DIY approach or hire professionals.
On average, homeowners spend between $2,000 and $5,000 to insulate a standard two-car garage, although smaller spaces can cost much less and premium materials like spray foam can increase the cost.
Getting several quotes is always worth it — prices can differ significantly between Edmonton, Calgary, and smaller towns. By comparing local estimates, you’ll quickly see which option fits your budget and offers the best long-term value.
| Garage Size (In Sq. Ft.) | Fibreglass Batts | Blown-In | Spray Foam | Rigid Boards |
| Single (12 x 20) | $1,800 – $3,000 | $2,000 – $3.200 | $3,500 – $5,000 | $3,000 – $4.200 |
| Double (20 x 20) | $2,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $4,300 | $4,500 – $6,500 | $3,800 – $5,500 |
| Triple (30 x 20) | $3,600 – $5,000 | $4,000 – $5,500 | $6,000 – $8,000 | $5,000 – $7,000 |
Edmonton and Calgary often have more competitive rates because of higher contractor availability. Rural areas may be 5% to 10% more costly due to more limited options.
Recommended R-Values for Alberta Garages
For Alberta’s cold climate, you’ll want higher R-values to retain warmth efficiently. You can refer to the table below for recommended R-values for garages in Alberta.
Garage Area | Recommended R-Value |
Walls | R-20 to R-28 |
Ceiling | R-40 to R-50 |
Garage door | R-12 to R-16 |
Floor | R-10 (if heated) |
It is advisable to ask an insulation contractor to include these R-values in the estimate to ensure long-term comfort and performance.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Are you good at DIY projects? Fibreglass or foam board insulation can save you as much as 40% of the total cost. If you prefer spray foam or have a finished garage, hiring a professional is a smarter choice.
To help you make the right decision, refer to the table below to compare costs, time spent, and quality of DIY vs. professional installation.
DIY Installation | Professional Installation | |
Cost | Lower upfront costs | Includes labour, materials, and vapour barrier |
Duration of the project | 2 to 4 weekends | 1 to 2 days |
Quality of work | Depends on your skills | Code compliant and high-quality |
If you are good with tools and can work safely around electrical and structural areas, DIY insulation can save you some money. But for most homeowners in Alberta, hiring a professional is worth the expense, especially for spray foam or large garages where proper sealing and ventilation are critical.
If you have an attached garage, hire a professional contractor to ensure proper sealing and compliance with building and fire safety standards.
Garage Door Insulation Options
Even if you insulate your walls, heat can still escape if you have a bare metal garage door.
You can either:
- 1. Upgrade to an insulated door: Costs $1,200–$2,500 installed (R-12 to R-16 rating).
- 1. Add a DIY insulation kit: Around $200–$400, adds R-6 to R-8.
If you’re comparing quotes, ask contractors to include the garage door upgrade in their written estimate to check if you can do both at once for less.
Benefits of Garage Insulation
You can gain several advantages if you insulate your garage, including:
- Cut energy loss by 20–40% in attached garages.
- Reduce heating bills by $15–$30/month in winter.
- Extend the life of your HVAC system.
- Add value to your home when you decide to sell your property.
Garage insulation pays for itself within 3–6 years, and it makes your space much more comfortable in the meantime.
With minimal maintenance, insulation can last 20 to 30 years.
Rebates and Financing Programs in Alberta (2025)
Even though garage insulation is not usually covered by major rebate programs, you might qualify if your garage is attached or heated.
Here are some options for you to explore:
- Home Energy Rebates (Calgary, Edmonton): Some programs include attached garages in wall or ceiling insulation upgrades.
- Canada Greener Homes Loan: Up to $40,000 interest-free for approved home efficiency upgrades.
- Contractor promotions: Many insulation companies offer package discounts for garage + attic projects.
When comparing quotes, ask each contractor if they assist with the paperwork for rebates or financing programs.
To connect with reliable and reputable insulation professionals near you, just complete our short online form at NO COST.
Is Garage Insulation Worth It in Alberta?
Yes, insulating your garage is 100% worth it.
For Alberta homeowners, garage insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make. It keeps the cold out, lowers energy bills, and adds long-term comfort and value.
Expect to spend around $2,000–$6,000, depending on the type of insulation, and the size of your garage. Spray foam offers the best performance, while fibreglass remains the most budget-friendly.
Whether you’re in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere in between, you can quickly compare multiple insulation quotes from local contractors and get the best deal for your garage project.
Please fill out the short online form on this page to receive FREE and NO OBLIGATION quotes for garage insulation in Alberta.