How to Insulate A Shed

With summer in full swing, insulating your shed may be the last thing on your mind. After all, it’s so hot out, why would it matter? However, it’s the perfect time of year to get all your DIY projects done ready for the cold and rain of the winter months. Your garden shed is one of the most useful and versatile spaces in your entire home. Whether yours is used for storage, a home office, or a den for your hobbies.

Read on to discover more about the benefits of insulating your shed, what sort of materials you can use and instructions for how to do the job yourself (it’s surprisingly easy!).

Should I Insulate My Shed?

Properly insulating your shed is something you need to consider if you want to get the most out of it. A well-insulated shed will be much more comfortable in summer as well as winter, so if you spend any amount of time in there, it’s a great thing to do. If your shed or other garden outbuildings are connected to the mains, then insulation is an inexpensive way to effectively lower utility bills. Insulation will also prolong the lifespan of the structure as well as anything stored inside. Do note however that sheds made from plastic or metal aren’t designed to be insulated, so this guide focuses on what you can do for wooden garden sheds.

What are the benefits of insulating my shed?

There are many advantages to insulating your shed, particularly ensuring its longevity, and making it a pleasant space all year-round. Even well-constructed sheds can struggle with extreme temperatures if they haven’t been properly insulated. Insulated sheds are also more protected against issues such as damp, which can plague timber sheds leading to rot or mould. This is especially necessary if your shed is used to store valuable power tools or anything else you need to protect.

Maximising Lifespan

Insulation protects against more than just extreme temperatures. A well-insulated shed is far more effective at resisting moisture and regulating internal humidity. If left unchecked, this can cause damp or mould, eventually leading to more serious structural issues such as rot or insect infestation.

Enjoy Your Shed All Year-Round

This is especially important if your shed is used for more than just storage. Insulation will keep your shed at a more comfortable temperature year-round, whether during the blazing summer or icy winter. Ideal for those that spend many hours in their shed working or perfecting a craft.

Safer Storage

An insulated shed will maintain a much more moderate, consistent temperature. This means that sensitive items such as power tools, paint or electronics will not be damaged by extreme heat, cold or excess humidity inside your garden shed. Giving you extra peace of mind.

Keep the Noise Out

As well as helping to regulate temperature and humidity, another great benefit of insulation is its acoustic effects. This is especially important for those using their shed as a working space, a place to relax or practice a hobby. So, if you’ve got noisy or nosey neighbours, insulation is just the thing.

What to Do Before Insulating Your Shed

There are a few things you’ll need to check before you begin insulating your shed.

What Will It Be Used For?

The first question you should ask yourself is what you want to use your shed for. This will help you decide what level of insulation you require. If you’ll be spending a long time inside your shed, then installing a breather membrane to protect against moisture build-up and condensation is vital. This is especially true if your shed has no other form of ventilation.

Windows and Doors

Are the windows and doors still in good condition? There’s no point insulating the interior of your shed if the windows or the door are broken or need replacing.

Watch Out for Leaks

Take a close look at the corners of your shed, as well as any seams or overlaps in the roofing. The last thing you want is for your new insulation to become waterlogged or damp, as this can ruin it and lead to further issues such as rotting timbers.

Cladding

Are there any gaps, holes or cracks in your shed’s cladding? If so, it’s important to seal these up with weatherproof sealant. This will ensure your insulation works effectively and protect your shed against damp and condensation.

What’s the Best Shed Insulation?

The best insulation for your shed depends on your budget and requirements. Like any other structure, effective insulation can be added to the roof, walls, floors, windows, and doors. While it’s not critical to insulate every part of your shed, you should at least insulate the walls and roof as these are the largest surfaces which allow heat to escape.

What Materials Should I Use to Insulate My Shed?

There are many different materials that can be used to insulate garden sheds. Here’s a selection of the most popular:

Insulation Boards

One of the most common types of insulation in use today, PIR insulation boards are available in a wide range of sizes, thicknesses, and specialisations (such as noise reduction). Insulation boards are versatile and easy to cut-to-size to fit your needs.

Used for: Floor, Walls, Roof.

Bubble Wrap

A highly cost-effective solution, bubble wrap is ideal for those looking to insulate their shed quickly and efficiently. While not as durable or long-lasting as other options, bubble wrap provides an effective layer of insulation at a fraction of the usual cost. It’s also very easy to work with and install.

Used for: Floor, Walls.

Mineral Wool

Fibreglass or Mineral Wool insulation provides an outstanding level of temperature and humidity control, as well as noise insulation. While installing this form of insulation does require safety precautions such as PPE, it offers superb performance and longevity.

Used for: Floor, Walls, Roof.

Natural Insulation

While not as well-known as traditional synthetic materials, natural insulation such as sheep’s wool combines sustainability with solid performance. What’s more, this form of insulation is completely safe to work with, requiring no PPE at all. It can also be easily recycled at the end of its long lifespan.

Used for: Floor, Walls, Roof.

Carpets and Rugs

Another simple yet often overlooked option, putting down carpets and rugs on the floor of your shed is an easy way to prevent heat loss. While not as effective as specialised insulation, installing carpet or rugs will help to make your shed a more comfortable space. Plus, with a wide range of materials and styles, you’re sure to find one you love.

Used for: Floor.

How do I insulate my shed?

Naturally, the different parts of your shed will differ slightly in the steps needed to insulate them. Below is a quick guide that you can adapt to each of them.

Most garden sheds in Britain are constructed using stripped back internal timber walls with exposed joists and frames. These make it super simple for the handy homeowner to insulate their shed. You’ll only need to do a few steps with no need to mess with structural work. The roof of your shed should be similarly constructed, streamlining the project further.

Before you add any insulation, it’s usually a good idea to tack, seal or attach a breathable membrane to the walls, roof, or floor. These membranes provide added ventilation and protection against water ingress and other potential causes of structural damage. Attach this membrane to the inside of your shed’s outer cladding for the best results.

As with any DIY project, always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before beginning. These will help to confirm the steps needed to install any insulation or other products, and ensure they work properly.

Once the insulation has been installed in your shed, there are a few ways to cover it up, depending on your personal taste and what exactly you’ve insulated. For example, OSB boards and floorboards are ideal for shed walls and floors respectively, while plywood and hardboard can be great for use as ceilings to install underneath your shed rafters and insulation.

Now You Know How to Insulate Your Shed!

We hope our guide to shed insulation has been helpful. As you now know, there are many great reasons to ensure your shed is properly insulated, with solutions available for every style and budget. There’s no better time to get the job done in time for the winter.

If you have any more questions about insulating your shed, whether they’re about materials, installation, or any problems you’ve encountered, get in touch with our award-winning customer service team. They can be reached via telephone on 01295 565 565 or the live chat on our website.