Rated ExcellentInsulate your garden shed for the winter
Whether you use your shed to pursue a hobby, store plants, or keep tools and electronics equipment protected from unpredictable weather changes and fluctuations in temperatures. For every DIY enthusiast, having an insulated shed is a must. It’s a great way to not only keep your equipment safe but it also creates a comfortable and warm environment to continue tinkering away during the winter months.
One of the biggest benefits of insulating a shed is how much it improves the structure and longevity of your garden shed. Although insulating sheds seems like a simple afternoon DIY project, not all garden sheds are easy to insulate. We don’t recommend insulating a shed made out of metal or plastic, however, if you own a wooden shed it can be insulated with just a few tools and knowledge.
Below we have highlighted some key steps in tackling garden shed insulation and what to keep in mind. Let’s jump in!
Preparing Your Shed For Insulation
Before you begin insulating there you need to start by carrying out a thorough inspection of the shed to ensure that it’s suitable for insulation. In order to be able to carry out a good insulation project the shed needs to create a solid foundation and be waterproof and
- If there are any gaps and leaks in the roof and the floor.
- Looking at door frames and windows to make sure they are secure and in good shape.
If you find that your door or window frames are damaged, you will need to check for and treat any sign of rot before you can start. It is at this stage that you can also look at other improvements you can make before you finalise your renovation project. For example this may be a good opportunity to install high spec double glazed windows or doors to avoid any damage or measurement changes when adding the final touch - shed insulation.
Choosing The Right Type Of Insulation For Your Shed
Choosing the right type of shed insulation can be a daunting task, especially if you are a novice DIY gardener trying to improve your storage and working space. Thankfully, once you know how each type of insulation works - it’s easy to start! You will find that insulation slabs, insulation boards, and bubble wrap foil insulation are among the most common types of insulation material used for this type of project, however, you might want to branch out based on your needs.
As with every fiberglass wool insulation, you will need to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth, protective glasses before starting your work.
To help you make a start by choosing the right insulation for your shed, take a look at some of the most common types of insulation and how they are used.
1.Insulation Slabs
Insulation slabs are a great option if you are looking for humidity and temperature control. In addition, you want to maintain good acoustics in your shed, insulation slabs from Rockwool or Knauf will do the trick.
Slabs are a lightweight and cost-effective insulation solution for garden sheds and is usually used to insulate walls in common, wooden sheds.
2. Insulation Boards
To protect your shed against extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions, multi-purpose insulation boards are a fantastic, cost-effective and simple solution. Insulation boards are very easy to work with to fill the exact amount of space you have as they come in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses.
To get started with these you simply need to cut the boards to shape and fit the roof, floor, and walls. Aa an ideal candidate for this job we recommend the Celotex TB4000.
3. Bubble Wrap Foil Insulation
A simple form of insulation, but nonetheless a great option to insulate your shed for ease and savings. Bubble wrap insulation is easy to install and extremely cost-effective. Made from polyethylene bubble and aluminum, it provides excellent water vapor and thermal resistance.
The best way to use bubble wrap foil insulation is by stapling it directly to the wooden frame on the inner surface of the walls, thus leaving an air gap. This type of insulation works more like a radiant barrier rather than traditional insulation and works better if air is trapped on either side of it.
4. Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is a commonly used type of insulation for sheds. If your garden shed has studded walls, then this type of insulation is quick and easy to install. Once you are done installing the material between the studs, line the walls with plywood or OSB.
Keep in mind that fiberglass rolled insulation is a great vapor barrier for keeping the level of humidity to a minimum -this is important if you plan to store delicate or easily damageable items.
5. Sheep Wool Insulation
Sheep wool insulation is one of our favorite options, you can't beat the insulating properties of sheep wool! We really recommend this type of insulation as it provides excellent thermal efficiency and it regulates humidity by absorbing moisture in the air.
Installing Insulation In Your Shed
In most cases insulation is installed between your shed’s structural frames. This is usually a simple process that doesn’t require much effort. Simply,push and shove the insulation slabs in between the joists - that is all it takes!
After the installation of insulation material, the next step is to fit wallboards or paneling. This fitting is done on the inside of your shed. There is a wide range of options available such as plywood, hardboard, plasterboard, and pallet-board and it is up to you which ones you prefer or which will better match your shed.
Remember To Consider Ventilation And Humidity In Your Garden Shed
With an air-tight shed, you will need controlled ventilation to avoid a degradation of the quality of the air inside the shed. This can be done using trickle vents to expel the stale air and draw fresh air in. Controlling the air flow is also critical into reducing heat loss.
Similarly, warm air carries moisture, which creates dampness when it gets in contact with a cooler surface. So you need sufficient air circulation to allow the dampness to disperse. Installing sheep wool insulation will also reduce the potential for dampness.
DIY Shed Insulation Costs To Consider With Foil Insulation
The cost of insulating a small 8’ x 8’ shed will work out to be around £350.00. This price includes the roof, floor, and walls of your shed which would require roughly ten sheets of 50mm foil-backed insulation.
If you are working with a medium sized shed of around 10’ x 10’, you will need approximately fifteen sheets of 50mm foil-backed insulation, bringing the cost to around £525.00.
When insulating larger sheds, the estimated cost will be around £840.00. Remember that if you use any other type of insulation material the price will vary accordingly – depending on the quality of the materia as well as the size and thickness.