What is the most cost-effective and efficient way to insulate and heat the breezeway between our house and garage?

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What is the most cost-effective and efficient way to insulate and heat the breezeway between our house and garage?

Asked by Megan

The breezeway is basically a finished room with windows, doors, electricity and tongue and groove paneling. However, no insulation or heat source was installed. It is on a cement slab, 7' x 11', and has 3 good-sized windows on the west-facing side and 2 of the same windows and a door on the east-facing side. We'd like to turn it into a fully finished mudroom where we can keep our shoes and outdoor gear and not have them be freezing in the winter when we put them on (we live in MI). We are planning on installing sheet rock and a full exterior door (just have a storm door right now).

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Harold Remlinger, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB's picture

Before investing into a heating source, you need to focus on the insulation. To do this properly, consider stripping off the bead board to expose the studs, and install either blanket insulation or better option spray foam insulation. Since you are on a slab, if possible I would recommend the installation of an in floor radiant heating system. These are relatively affordable and since the space is small can be heated using a hot water heater verses a boiler system. If you can offer to look at replacing the windows and doors, depending on their age, this will help in the overall retention of heat within the space.

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