{"id":1768,"date":"2021-01-15T09:01:18","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T09:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/?p=1768"},"modified":"2021-12-21T08:23:40","modified_gmt":"2021-12-21T08:23:40","slug":"best-shed-insulation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/best-shed-insulation\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose The Best Shed Insulation?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shed insulation keeps the inside cool when it\u2019s hot outside and keeps heat in when it\u2019s cold outside. This (together with a good\u00a0heating solution<\/a>) turns your shed into a comfortable all-year round workspace.<\/p>\n

If you plan to use your shed as an extra bedroom or a summerhouse, proper insulation is essential.<\/p>\n

Shed insulation is not just important for temperature control; it prevents excess moisture from getting into the shed. This protects your tools and equipment from rusting.<\/p>\n

There are several types of shed insulation ranging from cheap bubble wrap to high-performance Polystyrene boards.<\/p>\n

The best type of insulation will depend on your insulation needs (how cool or warm you want the shed to be) and budget.<\/p>\n

What To Consider When Choosing Shed Insulation<\/h2>\n

a) Type of Insulation<\/h3>\n

Here are the most common types of insulation used in sheds.<\/p>\n

Bubble wrap<\/h4>\n

Bubble wrap is the cheapest and most basic type of shed insulation. It consists of sheets of bubble wrap that you staple or tack to the inside of your shed.<\/p>\n

The air inside the bubble wrap acts as insulation, preventing excessive heat loss from inside and too much heat entry from outside.<\/p>\n

Bubble wrap is very easy to install, but is not as effective as other types of insulation.<\/p>\n

Aluminium foil-backed bubble wrap<\/h4>\n

If you are looking for affordable shed insulation that\u2019s a bit better than basic bubble wrap, get foil-backed bubble wrap.<\/p>\n

It consists of bubble wrap with aluminium backing on both sides.<\/p>\n

The aluminium foil reflects heat. This prevents outdoor heat from getting into the shed and indoor heat from escaping.<\/p>\n

Foil-backed bubble wrap will provide better insulation than bubble wrap on its own but it still doesn\u2019t compare to other types of insulation like Rockwool or foam boards.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s enough if you are just using the shed for storage and as a workspace. But if someone will be sleeping there, use a higher performance insulation.<\/p>\n

Insulation boards and panels<\/h4>\n

These are made from different materials such as polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane. Some of these boards come with foil backing to reflect away heat.<\/p>\n

Insulation boards are generally better than foil or bubble wrap at regulating temperature and moisture.<\/p>\n

Wool<\/h4>\n

There are different types of wool used in insulation.<\/p>\n

If you want a natural insulation, get sheep\u2019s wool. It\u2019s safe to handle and has excellent insulating properties. But it is pricey.<\/p>\n

Glass wool is much cheaper and very easy to work with. It is also resistant to burning. But it can irritate the skin so be careful when applying it.<\/p>\n

Mineral wool insulation such as Rockwool has excellent thermal insulation properties and is cheaper than natural wool. But like glass wool, it can irritate your skin and eyes.<\/p>\n

Spray foam<\/h4>\n

Spray foam is one of the most effective shed insulations thanks to its ability to penetrate nooks and crevices.<\/p>\n

It also has excellent water protection properties, which keeps your shed free from mould.<\/p>\n

And because it completely covers up your walls and roof, there\u2019s no place for pests and bugs to live. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

b) Shed Size and Coverage Area<\/h3>\n

Knowing the size of your shed will help you choose the right size of insulation. You may need to buy several rolls or packets of insulation to fit your shed.<\/p>\n

To determine how much insulation you need, check the length of the foil or the size of the boards.<\/p>\n

The amount of insulation you need also depends on which areas you want to cover. If you plan to cover the walls, roof and floor, you\u2019ll need plenty of insulation.<\/p>\n

c) Ease of Installation<\/h3>\n

If you want something fast and easy to install, get bubble wrap or foil-backed bubble wrap insulation. You just need to cut it to size and staple it to the inside of the shed.<\/p>\n

Foam sheets are also easy to put up. Again, cut to size and attach to the walls.<\/p>\n

Spray foam takes more time to add to your shed but it\u2019s still something you can handle on your own.<\/p>\n

As long as you have a couple or so hours to spare, you can install most types of insulation on your own.<\/p>\n

How To Insulate A Shed<\/h2>\n

Before you put up the insulation, first inspect your shed to make sure it is in a good condition. It makes no sense to install insulation if the windows are broken or the roof is leaking.<\/p>\n

Inspect every inch of the shed and make repairs where necessary. Make sure your shed doesn\u2019t allow draught or water in.<\/p>\n

This may involve patching the roof or even putting in a new roof, repairing the door or replacing it with a weatherproof door and replacing broken windows.<\/p>\n

If your doors and windows are in a good conditions but have gaps that allow air through, use expanding spray foam to seal off those gaps.<\/p>\n

Once you are satisfied your shed is in a good condition, buy your preferred insulation and install it as per the manufacturer\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when installing shed insulation.<\/p>\n