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How to insulate your shed

Insulating your shed is a great way to make the most of a space that’s often too hot or cold to spend time in. It’s easy to do, even for a novice DIYer, and isn’t expensive either.

Before you get started, you’ll need to empty the shed completely so you’ve got space to move around. The first thing to do is make sure it’s watertight by replacing broken windows and sealing gaps with caulk or expanding spray foam if the holes are big. Don’t forget to pop on some safety wear. You’ll need goggles, a dust mask, gloves, and long sleeves.

Insulating a shed steps

  1. Insulating shed walls
  2. Insulating a shed floor
  3. Insulating a shed roof

Essential equipment:

Insulating shed walls

The best way to insulate a shed is to use a high-quality insulating board, such as Rockwall, Recticel Instafit insulation boards, or Knauf insulation wall cavity slabs. These products are lightweight, easy to cut and handle, and easy to install.

1. Measure the space between the studs.

2. Fit a damp-proof membrane between the studs to reduce moisture build-up.

3. Cut the insulation to size using a serrated knife (if you don’t have a suitable tool, a bread knife can work well).

4. Push the insulation into place between the studs.

5. If the shed is metal or plastic, cover the walls with adhesive first to stick the insulation down.

6. For a professional-looking finish, cover the walls with plasterboard.

Insulating shed walls on a budget

If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a cheap way to insulate a shed, use a cheaper insulating material, such as insulation rolls made from Polyurethane (a type of plastic) and aluminium. If necessary, you can omit the damp-proof membrane, and you don’t need to cover the insulation with plasterboard.

1. Unroll the insulation and cut it to fit between the studs.

2. If the shed is metal or plastic, cover the walls with adhesive to stick the insulation down.

3. For wooden sheds, fix the insulation in place using a staple gun.

Using a stapler to secure a foil insulation roll to a piece of timber.Using a stapler to secure a foil insulation roll to a piece of timber.Using a stapler to secure a foil insulation roll to a piece of timber.Using a stapler to secure a foil insulation roll to a piece of timber.

Insulating a shed floor

Before insulating the floor, remember that it will reduce the shed’s internal height. If that’s not a problem, it’s well worth doing as a lot of heat is lost through the floor.

1. Lay the insulation board over the top of the floor.

2. Top it off with plywood to stabilise the floor and protect the insulation.

3. Seal any gaps with sealant.

Insulating a shed floor on a budget

Insulating your shed’s floor will reduce its height, so take that into consideration before going ahead.

1. Unroll the insulation and lay it out over the floor, cutting to size as you go and overlapping the edges where they meet.

2. Cover the floor with plywood to stabilise it and protect the insulation.

3. Seal any gaps with sealant.

Insulating a shed roof

1. Measure the space between the studs.

2. Fit damp-proof membrane to reduce moisture build-up.

3. Cut the insulation to size, allowing for a 2-inch gap around the edge of the ceiling for moisture to escape.

4. Push the insulation between the studs.

5. For metal and plastic sheds, use adhesive to stick the insulation down.

6. Cover the roof with plasterboard if you want the interior to look attractive.

Insulating a shed roof on a budget

1. Measure the area between the studs and cut the insulation, allowing a 2-inch gap around the edge of the ceiling for moisture to escape.

2. For metal and plastic sheds, stick the insulation down with adhesive.

3. Use a staple gun to attach the insulation to the walls of wooden sheds.

Using a drill to drive a plasterboard screw into a sheet of plasterboard to secure it to timber.Using a drill to drive a plasterboard screw into a sheet of plasterboard to secure it to timber.Using a drill to drive a plasterboard screw into a sheet of plasterboard to secure it to timber.Using a drill to drive a plasterboard screw into a sheet of plasterboard to secure it to timber.

Why should you insulate your shed?

As you know, outdoor temperatures can vary widely throughout the year. And, without insulation, sheds get cold and damp in winter and excessively hot in summer. But when you insulate a shed, it retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer, and this provides many benefits, such as:

  • Your shed becomes a space you can work in all year round.
  • Metal tools are protected from damp and, therefore, from rust.
  • Electrical equipment is safe from moisture. Perishables, such as paint, will last longer.
  • Mould and pests are kept away.
  • It gives you more options on what you can use your shed for.

It’s very easy to insulate a shed, but don’t forget to take all the necessary safety precautions. Rockwool and fibreglass insulation can irritate the skin and eyes, and the dust shouldn’t be breathed in. So always protect yourself with goggles, masks, and gloves.

Don’t have a shed yet, or need to replace an old one? View our extensive range of garden sheds.