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Do I need a breathable membrane in my shed?

Installing a breather membrane between the shed walls and the insulation will help with moisture control, especially in winter. This is especially necessary if there is no other ventilation in the shed.

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How to insulate your shed

10 Minute read

Ensure you prepare when fitting insulation in your shed. From its structural integrity to how it will be used, these are all things to consider before deciding on how best to insulate. There are many ways to insulate a shed, from DIY projects to those that require building control sign off. It’s all about getting the right insulation material for the project which aligns with the sheds’ intended usage. TLX multifoil insulation offer effective insulation solutions for new dwellings and can reduce radiant heat loss by up to 86%. The insulation of choice if your project requires year-round protection from the elements.

Key considerations before insulating a shed

Ask yourself these key questions before starting this project. They will help you focus on the key areas for improvement that will give you the most value.

Are the windows and doors of the shed in good condition?

The weather affects wooden sheds, especially the harsh winter months. Before planning a shed insulation project, check the windows are in good working order. Preparation is key. For example, you can do a fantastic job of insulating your roof and walls but if the windows are not sealed, your shed will still be cold.

Are there gaps in the cladding?

Cladding stops water ingress and gives a nice finish. Seal any gaps in the cladding with a moisture-resistant and weatherproof sealant. This will boost the effect of the insulation and prevent damp and condensation. It is key to note that if using a breathable membrane, the external cladding should not let light through. This is because all breathable membranes can deteriorate if left exposed to light for long periods of time.

What is the shed being used for?

Here are a few examples of what a shed can be used for:

Garden office

Storage space

Playhouse

Gym

The intended use for the shed determines how much insulation you need. Installing a breather membrane between the shed walls and the insulation will help with moisture control, especially in winter. This is especially necessary if there is no other ventilation in the shed. Humans naturally create moisture, so turning a shed into an office or garden building without a breather membrane can result in a build-up of moisture which will cause a condensation risk if it isn’t managed correctly.

Are there leaks in the roof, walls or floor?

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Leaking can occur in the joins in the wall, roof, and floor. They tend to be a weak spot in the structure. To prevent this, check the overlaps of roofing or flooring materials to ensure no leaks are compromising the structure. When insulation becomes damp it can spread and may lead to more serious damage such as mould and decaying timber, it can also reduce the thermal efficiently of the building.

What’s the Best Shed Insulation?

This really depends on what the shed is going to be used for and on what you are willing to spend. If the shed has an internal heating source, then building regulations for a new dwelling will apply, and using a hybrid system of a multifoil insulation such as TLX Silver or TLX Gold alongside PIR board or mineral wool will help to achieve the greatest thermal performance for year-round usage. However, if you’re working on a DIY project and you want a simple insulation fix, if you look at thermal performance, PIR performs the best, mineral wool second and Bubble Wrap gives the worst overall performance. Reverse this order if you have a tight budget though.

What Materials should I consider?

Multifoil Insulation

TLX Silver and TLX Gold multifoil insulation give the best thermal performance and should be considered when your building has a heating source, and therefore requires building control sign off. Here are some benefits of multifoil insulation:

Lightweight

Easy to install

Excellent insulators

Manages condensation risk

PIR Insulation Boards

PIR board gives a fantastic thermal benefit but it’s also very expensive. It is available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses. Insulation boards are versatile and easy to cut-to-size to fit your needs. Used for: Floor, Walls, Roof.

Mineral Wool

This insulation is widely used and is very popular in lofts. Mineral wool is more eco-friendly, especially glass mineral wool because this is made from recycled raw materials. Mineral wool also provides an outstanding level of humidity control, and noise reduction. Installing this insulation does require safety precautions such as PPE. Used for: Floor, Walls, Roof.

Reflective Bubble Wrap

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A highly cost-effective DIY solution. Reflective bubble wrap is ideal if you are looking for a quick fix. However it won’t provide the level of insulation required to keep the shed inhabitable year-round. Used for: Floor, Walls.

Other considerations:

Moisture Control

The aim is to prevent moisture from entering your shed and having proper ventilation to keep the inside dry. Poor ventilation prevents moisture from escaping. Warm air holds more moisture than cold air, so as it cools, it can cause condensation on surfaces. Improper moisture control can lead to wet insulation, which can cause mould growth. In extreme cases it can cause structural damage. All untreated wood needs to be kept dry to prevent moisture from entering the shed.

How TLX multifoil insulation can help to manage moisture:

TLX Gold occupies the coldest part of the temperature profile. This multifoil insulation is an insulating breathable membrane fitted above roof rafters, therefore keeping everything beneath it warm. The beauty of TLX Gold lies in its Sd intelligence, meaning it manages its rate of breathability according to the amount of moisture in the air. Not only is it fully breathable, it also has a shiny under surface that reflects heat, so it is able to manage condensation risk whilst simultaneously providing a high level of thermal insulation.

What about air tightness?

Air leakage is a substantial limiting factor in keeping a shed warm. Therefore, opting for an insulation material that can control air movement is imperative. Our TLX Silver insulating vapour barrier is fitted to the inner face of a wall or underneath roof rafters to prevent water vapour from entering the cold side of the structure from the inside. It also offers complete airtightness, meaning any heat generated from inside the building will be maintained inside.

tlxinsulation.co.uk - How to insulate your shed - TLX Insulation manufacture Multifoil ...