How to Insulate Your Metal Shed

Whether you’ve recently built your metal shed, or if it’s been in your backyard for years, it’s never too late to insulate it. Insulating your shed prevents condensation from building up, and condensation creates mold and rust. In addition, insulating the shed will increase the inside temperature in winter and reduce the temperature during summer, so that you won’t have to use any electrical heating or cooling equipment.

While you can insulate your shed with reflective insulation or fiberglass, this guide will show you how to insulate your space with foam board. Foam board is flexible, and it can seal all spaces and cavities within the structure’s walls.

Measuring and Cutting Foam Boards

Most metal sheds will have grooves on their exterior. However, don’t bother covering the divots. Instead, focus on the overall area of the metal. Measure the height and length of the area you will be insulating, and cut the form boards appropriately.

Applying Adhesive and Boards

Next, apply an adhesive onto the metal shed. Follow the adhesive’s directions to apply it, and then stick the foam board onto the shed. Make sure that you cover all areas. Then, seal any joints with heavy-duty tape to keep out even more moisture.

Waterproofing and Fireproofing It

Foam board can absorb water vapor, and it is also flammable. To prevent fires or condensation, cover the board with a fireproof vapor barrier, like a fireproof aluminum-composite panel. Follow the directions on the panels to install them.

Decorating the Shed

If you want to keep it the shed looking the way it does with just the foam boards, you may. However, you can also decorate your white foam boards. Consider using wallpaper on it for an updated look that's easy to install.

Maintaining the Boards

Check your foam boards regularly to make sure they’re sticking to your metal shed properly. If the foam board begins to peel, it’s time to replace them.