Jeff writes from Windsor, Wisconsin: "What is the best way to insulate the unfinished ceiling of my garage that is attached to my house? The garage walls are insulated and drywalled. I use the attic area of my garage for storage and have access by means of a drop down ladder. Can I use faced insulation stapled between the ceiling joists?"

Answer: You may not need insulation in the garage ceiling if both the garage and the space above it are not conditioned (heated and/or cooled). Thermal insulation will be helpful if there is living space above the garage but you say that space is only used for storage. For storage areas above garages there is typically ventilation and insulation in any walls that are shared with the living space of the home. Insulating the ceiling and walls of an un-conditioned garage can create a "hot box" situation where daytime and vehicle heat are retained in the summer and not allowed to dissipate.