Should I insulate my shed??

[rash_decision]

I've just had a new 8 x 6 garden shed built. It's alredy quite cold outside, and the hut is like stepping into a fridge!!

My question is, should I insulate it or would this cause problems by limiting the air flow around the wood?? I was thinking about lining the walls with some gyproc to create a cavity and lining the roof with some of that pre cut insulation board. Am I asking for bother doing this or will it be of benefit??

[rovermorris999]

Insulation will only keep heat in or out. Unless you're heating it I can't see that you'll achieve much. A bit cooler on a hot day perhaps and it'll cool down a bit slower at night but that's all.

Edited by rovermorris999 on Wednesday 4th November 18:13

[Duke Thrust]

I had a 10*12 shed which I lined and insulated - just a tiny oil filled radiator kept it nice and toasty even when it dropped below freezing outside.

[Defcon5]

Do it - then get a little oil burning stove for extra man points

[Tuna]

If you're fitting an oil or parafin burner, don't make it too airtight

[PH5121]

What are you planning to do in the shed?
If you are going to sleep/use as an escape from the wife & kids insulate it, if it is to the keep lawn mower and garden tools in , don't worry, they won't feel the cold.

If you are going to insulate it I would have a look at the rigid insulation sheets. I have seen them on construction sites made by Kingspan. B&Q / Wickes may do a similar product for loft insulation. This can be cut into what ever size you want and inserted between the sheds structural timbers and would be easy to keep in place.

[Sam_68]

rash_decision said:

...would this cause problems by limiting the air flow around the wood??

Yes, it would. The timber panels on a typical garden shed are by no means completely impermeable to water, so they will rely to some extent on moisture being able to evaporate off the internal face. If you fix insualtion panels to it, you'll dramatically reduce air circulation and the wood will be much more prone to rot.

If you decide to do it, either accept that the shed won't last as long, or make sure you treat it externally on a regular basis.

[Duke Thrust]

I lined mine with ply sheet fixed to the inner frame of the shed creating an air gap. Did the same on the roof and used sheets of packing foam in-between - simple and effective.