Bill writes from Sudbury, Massachusetts: "My family room is over the garage. The floor gets very cold and I would like to know if I can better insulate the garage ceiling in order to keep the family room floor from getting so cold. The garage ceiling is finished and the 8" joist space already contains R-11. Other than having a contractor blow in foam, is there anything I can do to make a difference with the cold floor?"

Answer: If the ceiling in the garage was still open or easily accessible, you could add an extra layer of R-11 insulation in the cavity. It would also be important to make sure the band joists are insulated. Those are the areas at the end of every joist run. If those are not insulated, cool air will get above the insulation just underneath the floor.

With your finished ceiling in the garage, that is probably not an option so we recommend having a professional evaluate the situation and handle it for you. What you describe can be a little complicated for a homeowner. There may be a need to remove siding and drill into the band joist to insulate. Even that option may not work and that is why we recommend a professional.

I don't know what type of floor you have in the room above the ceiling but carpet with padding will also help with comfort and warmth.