Thursday, February 21, 2013

Insulating Tips for a Shed

ByDoItYourself Staff

Insulating a shed may seem silly at first but your shed has many uses and adding insulation can further increase its usefulness. In essence, the shed 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. Sheds are often used as workshops from wood working to motorcycle maintenance. Some are being converted to small recreational spots where couches, chairs, televisions and small appliances are being placed and used. The following 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 is commonly known as an air barrier. These are sheets of treated plastic commonly found on the outside of a new home. This does not mean you cannot use it on your shed. The air barrier material helps keep air outside where it belongs and this keeps the internal temperatures at bay. 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 irrelevant 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 as 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 some 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.


Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/insulating-tips-for-a-shed#b#ixzz2LZAEoMN8

No comments:

Post a Comment