DIY Builds
Photo by Daniel Maforte Pexels Logo Photo: Daniel Maforte

Do I need to insulate my summer house?

It is not a legal requirement to insulate your summer house. You can even use heaters or fans if you have electricity connecting to the structure. However, if you want a solution that can help maintain low energy costs then insulation is your best bet.

insulationsuperstore.co.uk - Insulating a summer house - Insulation Superstore Help & Advice
Do portable buildings need planning permission?
Do portable buildings need planning permission?

Portable Buildings are the same as any other building and may require planning permission to build on your site. Planning permission is needed if...

Read More »
Last updated Aug 8, 2021
What is the most maintenance free driveway?
What is the most maintenance free driveway?

Concrete, cobblestone, asphalt, brick, and interlocking pavers are the most durable driveway installation options available today. Apart from their...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 21, 2022

Insulating a summer house is a process that can be done successfully and in a few different ways. Check out the guide below to find out more about summer house insulation to ensure you’re set with the right know-how and materials for insulating your summer house.

Table of contents:

What is the best way to insulate a summer house?

Typically you can insulate a summer house in a number of different ways. Whether you choose internal or external insulation, you can have benefits for either.

External summer house insulation

Installing insulation on the outside of a summer house can mean space can be saved within the interior. However, because it is outdoors you will need something to cover it. Preferably this might be a durable lining or wooden plans which could increase the cost. You could also add a wall of timber on the outside to increase the quality of thermal insulation. Then, following this, you could place a layer of weather-resistant weatherboard below for breathability.

Internal summer house insulation

Installing internal insulation in a summer house is considered easier and a more suitable solution when it comes to roofs. It can also be cheaper than exterior summer house insulation.

Should I insulate my summer house?

It is not a legal requirement to insulate your summer house. You can even use heaters or fans if you have electricity connecting to the structure. However, if you want a solution that can help maintain low energy costs then insulation is your best bet. By doing this you can also help out the environment by decreasing your carbon footprint. If you perhaps don’t want a full insulation installation or perhaps costs are risky to your budget, consider double glazing. Double-glazed windows are a popular solution for insulation. This is because they can be a simple addition with no hefty construction needed or extreme costs. Furthermore, windows can allow you to have a view of the outdoors. So you won’t miss out on seeing nature.

What is the best insulation for a summer house?

Double glazing is the best for a simple solution. For the total impact of insulation on a home, you will need to insulate the floors, roof and walls.

How do you insulate a summer house?

First of all, you will need to make sure the summer house has no gaps. If it does, use a weatherproof and moisture-resistant sealant to close these. Once any gaps have been filled, choose an insulation material like glass wool or insulation. Once you have chosen your summer house insulation, you will need to confirm the installation process. Though typically insulation should go between structural frames of the summer house; preferably to the summer house’s floor, walls and roof.

How do you insulate a shed for living?
How do you insulate a shed for living?

The cheapest way to insulate a shed is to use foil-backed bubble wrap. The air pockets in the bubble wrap slow down the movement of atoms, which...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 11, 2020
How do I stop my shed from getting hot?
How do I stop my shed from getting hot?

One of the best ways of cooling a shed is to cover it with shade. You can do this by using plants as a natural form of shade. Flowering plants and...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 30, 2019
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

It’s also worth noting foil-lined insulation and rigid insulation requires more ventilation. Glass fibre wool requires less ventilation. An easy solution to figuring out how much insulation material you need is by using a tape measure to measure each space you plan to cover. Once the insulation has been added, you can hide the insulation from view for a cleaner appearance. This is done by fitting panelling and/or wallboards to the inside of your shed which could be done not only in the form of plywood but also in the following:

Plasterboard

Hardboard

Tongue and groove

Here are brief steps to help you understand how plywood is installed:

Step one: Drill 4mm pilot holes through each wall board; making sure they’re lined up with the shed’s timber structure. Step two: Using a screwdriver bit and drill, put these together and fix the screws into your board at the shed joists. Step three: To ensure you have a cleaner-looking appearance, it is advised you paint following the installation of your insulation and its covering. Typically this will include placing down coverings to protect areas around the painting space you don’t want to get covered in paint splashes. So make sure to do this before step four. Step four: Apply a thin layer of paint primer to every part of the area you plan to paint and leave it to dry. Check manufacturer instructions as drying times can vary. Step five: Once the paint primer has dried, you can apply your paint accordingly. Multiple coats may be required for a stronger colour and to avoid a translucent appearance, but make sure the layers of paint prior are dry before adding more. Plywood is a strong material, so it cannot only help with the protection of the insulation but also help secure it in place for the long term. For more information about other insulation solutions, check out our help and advice guides. You can also give us a call using our helpline or open the chat box in the bottom right for further support.

insulationsuperstore.co.uk - Insulating a summer house - Insulation Superstore Help & Advice
What's a shed house called?
What's a shed house called?

A barndo is just what it sounds like—a barn that has been converted into a living space. Mar 20, 2021

Read More »
Last updated Aug 4, 2021
Can you put a thin layer of concrete on top of concrete?
Can you put a thin layer of concrete on top of concrete?

How thin can you pour concrete over concrete? Your new layer needs to be at least 2 inches thick. If it's any thinner than that, it'll easily crack...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 5, 2018
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion
Can you dry wood without a kiln?
Can you dry wood without a kiln?

Without a kiln, you should try to achieve an air-dry moisture content of 15-20 percent. Further moisture reduction occurs when you move the boards...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 8, 2021
How wide are portable wheelchair ramps?
How wide are portable wheelchair ramps?

around 28"-30" wide Full-width portable wheelchair ramps are the most popular style of wheelchair ramps, as they are compatible with nearly all...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 10, 2022