Insulating Tips for a Shed

Insulating a shed may seem like a silly idea at first, but your shed has many uses and adding insulation to it can further increase its usefulness. This building that is on your property is an extension of your home. For many people, it is used as seasonal storage and for others, it can become a home away from home.

These structures are often used as workshops from woodworking to motorcycle maintenance. Some are being converted to small recreational spots where couches, chairs, televisions, and small appliances are being placed and used. This article will help provide you with some useful hints and tips on how you could insulate your shed.

Siding and Air

One type of insulation, commonly referred to as an air barrier, are sheets of treated plastic that are commonly found on the outside of a new home. This does not mean you cannot use it in your shed. The air barrier material helps keep air outside where it belongs and helps to normalize the internal temperatures.

The air barrier is wrapped around the shed and tacked in place. On top of the air barrier, you would then place some sort of siding. The kind you use on the shed is based on your preference and can be plastic, wood, or aluminum. The combination of the two keeps drafts out of the shed to create a more stable internal climate.

Using the Pink Stuff

Fiberglass is the most commonly used insulation material you can find. You install it in the inside of the building between the studs. You then have to cover the fiberglass with more wall material. Fiberglass is a good vapor barrier and will protect against humidity, which can cause your wood in the shed to warp and potentially rot.

Aesthetically Pleasing Covering

Regardless of the insulation, you are using inside the shed you want the covering to be aesthetically pleasing if you are going to be using it for something more than storage. Sheetrock is a material that is used by many builders because it covers the insulation, offers added protection against fires, and is relatively inexpensive. It is also pretty easy to install without the assistance of an expert. The sheetrock can be painted or even covered with other building materials such as paneling.

Never Forget the Roof

When you start to insulate a shed you then have to look at it as more than just a structure that has four walls and a door. It is essentially a small house that has no electricity, heating, or cooler (which you could add if you are planning to insulate it as you would a home). The roof is often neglected in the insulating process but it needs to be protected. If you have a bare roof, adding shingles will help with drainage as well as protecting the wood underneath.

You will also want to add a vapor barrier and perhaps a plastic sheet to protect the contents inside the shed. You would then want to cover this with other insulating materials like an air barrier and wood on the inside.

Now you have the knowledge to get started on insulating your shed!