If your shed is too hot or too cold, it can limit your enjoyment of the place — not to mention, temperature has a big impact on longevity and quality of any equipment kept inside.
Whether you want to use your shed to store valuable tools or it’s going to become your home office, insulation makes it a place you’ll want to be.
In this article, we’ll explore why shed insulation is important, what materials you can use, and how to insulate your shed.
Do I need to insulate my shed?
Depending on what you use it for, lack of shed insulation can impede its purpose and make it a place you want to avoid, rather than a place you want to spend time. With insulation, your shed’s possibilities become wide open.
The benefits of shed insulation include:
- Keeps your shed cooler in summer and warmer in winter
- It can become an office or place where you can work all day
- Tools are protected from damp and rusting
- Electrical equipment is kept safe from wet conditions
- Mould and mildew is kept at bay
- You can maintain the quality and comfort of your shed for years to come
In summary, after spending money on erecting a shed, insulation is the last little thing you need to attend to in order to make it truly usable for a range of purposes.
What materials should you use to insulate a shed?
There are multiple options available for shed insulation, including:
- Mineral wool
- Fibreglass insulation
- Bubble wrap
- Plywood boards
- Cellulose
- Sheep wool insulation
Do your research carefully or consult a professional on which insulation type is best suited for your needs, as each option has its own traits and costs.
How to insulate a shed
Everyone’s DIY ability is different, and some people feel confident enough to tackle the task of insulating a shed by themselves.
The below points are a very rough guide to insulating a shed, but more detailed and specific guidance will be needed depending on the type of insulation you choose and the areas you are choosing to insulate.
- Old sheds may need repairs, cleaning or board replacement first before insulation is installed
- Choose the right type and quantity of insulation to achieve the R-value you need
- Measure the dimensions of the area you are covering several times to ensure complete accuracy. Also, consider the thickness of insulation you want to achieve and buy enough material to accommodate your plans
- Get complete coverage by insulating the walls, floors and ceiling, as heat is lost through all three of these areas. In the case of wall insulation, you may want to incorporate a damp-proof membrane too as part of the installation
- With some types of insulation, you might need to leave an airflow gap between the insulative material and the surface or boards, so do your research thoroughly
- Use staples or adhesive to fix the insulation in place
- Hide the insulation with plywood, plasterboard or other type of covering for a better aesthetic appearance
DIY insulation not for you? Just seek professional help to ensure a flawless finish first time.
Are you looking for high-quality sheds from the experts? Here at Harrow Fencing, we have over 60 years’ experience providing outstanding shed timber across Harrow, Hillingdon and beyond. With a range of shed styles to choose from, you’re sure to find something to complement your outdoor space and suit your needs. Get in touch to find out more.
