What Is a Roof Lining on a Garage?

Materials

• Roof liners or lining are panels that you can install on the underside of your garage roof. They cover up the rafters and any insulation on the underside of your roof, showing instead a smooth surface. Roof liners can be made from 29-gauge steel cladding or tongue-and-groove wood paneling. Metal panels are designed to interlock so they can fit a variety of different spaces. White and off-white are the shade typically offered.

Placement

• On the inside of a garage, roof lining is installed up against the support beams, following the shape of the roof. For people finishing their garages entirely, it can be cost-effective to buy paneling not only for the roof, but for the walls as well. The lining can they be continued down in the same pattern, all the way to the floor. On the exterior of a garage, roof lining is typically installed under the eaves for extra protection. Space should always be left for roof vents when installing exterior panels on a roof.

Purpose

• Roof liners can be used to make a garage more suitable as a workroom or storage area. They are also used to fully convert a garage into an extra room in the house. The panels not only provide a clean, finished look but protect the insulation and provide a bit more insulation.

Attachment

• Roof lining is installed it directly onto the joists and studs of the garage. It is designed to be attached with screws that blend into the paneling. Roof lining is easier to install than panels for walls, because there is no need to worry about doors and windows. Holes may need to be cut for lights, skylights or other fixtures.