DIY Builds
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How do you cool a steel shed?

Here are several “chilling” tips to keep your shed cool in the summer. Try the natural cooling effect of roof vents. ... Contain the heat with an insulator. ... Add some more doors and windows. ... Glaze your windows. ... Install a ceiling fan for an extra kick on ventilation. ... Get an air-conditioning unit. More items...

Can I run an extension cord from my house to my shed?
Can I run an extension cord from my house to my shed?

You can use an extension cord to power your shed, but only temporarily. You can only use an extension cord for single circuits. An extension cord...

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How much does it cost to build a 12x24 storage building?
How much does it cost to build a 12x24 storage building?

Average Cost to Build a Simple Shed (Shell) Average Cost to Build a Simple Shed (Shell) 20x20 Shed Price $1,500 $4,000 Cost to Build a 10x10 Shed...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

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While everyone may want to get tanned during summer for that perfect golden complexion, we all know that we should avoid too much Sun exposure. Summer temperatures in Australia can exceed tolerable levels, so when we are busy slip-slop-slap-ing, it's important to remember that a shed also needs a little break from the scorching rays of the sun. A shed could last a long time and keeping it cool could extend its functional years. As most houses in Australia are built with a 30-year lifespan, you may want to have your shed last as long. With a little technical knowledge and care, you can protect your property investment. You have to consider the building’s structure, design, parts, materials, and flexibility to adjust to different seasons. For one, you should know the impact of the searing summer season on your garden shed or workshop, especially if you will use it to store items that may be sensitive to heat. Here are several “chilling” tips to keep your shed cool in the summer.

1. Try the natural cooling effect of roof vents

Ventilation in roofs comes in two forms. You could choose between wind ventilation or cross ventilation design to allow heat to exit your shed and lower the temperature within. Wind ventilation is the most common design. If you want the heat not only to escape but also provide you with a cooling system that allows the moving air to circulate within the shed, you should determine the best position of your windows, doors, and vents. This would allow you to control the air or wind that passes through it.

2. Contain the heat with an insulator

The materials used for building sheds have an intrinsic insulating property in them that are usually measured with an R-scale. Check your roof insulation if it is designed properly to protect the interior from the heat. Here are several types of insulation that you can use to keep your shed cooler. Wall insulation can reduce your energy consumption. Putting one up in your shed could help reduce your electricity bill. Another type of insulator is the Insulated Concrete Forms which can also be used in non-residential structures. Check and see if it could fit in your shed.

How much would it cost to run electricity to a shed?
How much would it cost to run electricity to a shed?

Powering a shed can be quite costly, especially if it is done by a licensed electrician. However, if you take on the task, it is important you look...

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Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy a Tuff shed?
Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy a Tuff shed?

For those of you out there hoping to add more space and storage to your home, you may be wondering, is it cheaper to build or buy a shed?...

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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 »

Spray-on insulation is another type that you can adopt in your shed. You may choose between the open-cell foam -- where air from the cells of the insulation could fill in the open spaces -- and the closed-cell insulation. SIPs, or Structural Insulated Panels, are one of the most durable types. It is known to be an energy-efficient high-performance material, and it is also inexpensive.

Choose one that you think will work best for you.

This is a practical way of improving ventilation in certain spaces. To protect the interior from insects, you may want to add screens. If the scorching heat could still penetrate a little, you can add an awning or overhang roof to prevent the sun’s rays from directly hitting the side of your walls.

4. Glaze your windows

Glazed windows slow down heating as a result of contact with the sunshine. This also increases the flow of the natural cooling breeze.

5. Install a ceiling fan for an extra kick on ventilation

To pull out the heat from the interior, you may also need an exhaust fan. There are other appliances that you might want to employ to keep it cool. If you’re worried about additional power consumption, you could opt for something solar. Solar-powered ceiling fans would be a good addition. A solar panel on your roof can also provide you with free electricity.

6. Get an air-conditioning unit

Fans may not be applicable in some shed spaces and they may just circulate hot air. Based on location and the purpose of your shed, an air-conditioning unit might be the most appropriate addition to that space.

7. Install a whirlybird or roof ventilator

This is another conventional way of cooling your shed. You can choose from the active-powered ones which they call mechanical, or you can go for the wind-driven whirlybird. The concept behind this device is that when the wind hits the turbine fins, the vent rotates. As it rotates, this will pull out the hot air, thereby cooling your space.

What is the best way to insulate a metal building?
What is the best way to insulate a metal building?

As the universal way to insulate a steel building, foam or “rigid boards” are ideal for practically any type of climate. With several available...

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Why horses should not be kept in stalls?
Why horses should not be kept in stalls?

Dust and poor ventilation contribute to airway disease, and research shows that confinement in a stall reduces gut motility, increasing colic risk....

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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8. Try another skylight roofing design

Redesign your skylight on your roof to avoid heat loss during winter and prevent heat gain during summer. A little tweak on its design such as using open-sided cylinders or mirrored reflectors adjacent to the skylight could actually provide daylighting without the heat gain. This ceiling structure mostly provides you with the lighting. Operable skylights which open outward from the bottom releases the hot air found in the ceiling and could also cool down your space. If you have made some additions to your shed to keep it cool and still find it too hot inside during the summer, you may want to reconsider the site. Relocate your shed to a shady area, but make sure that it is not under trees whose branches could snap easily. This would substantially mitigate its exposure to the sun and provide you a great background for memorable photographs.

10. Be practical by opening the doors and windows

This is the most practical of all tips that could save you several dollars. Closing the doors can trap the interior temperature, so try to keep it open whilst you use the shed. You may also want to change the colour of your shed. Dark colours do not reflect back the heat, as they absorb it instead; hence, when choosing paint colours for your shed, always lighten up the tone. Choose the best cooling method that is perfect for your shed and that suits your environmental situation. Keeping your shed cool does not mean you have to compromise its style, type, and design. For the best option on cooling and styling your garden shed, log on to www.easyshed.com.au and check out our new sheds for sale now.

How do you soundproof a metal building?
How do you soundproof a metal building?

Here are some of the best soundproof materials for metal buildings: Acoustic Foam (commonly referred to as Studio Foam) Sound Insulation (this term...

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Can you lay loft boards directly onto joists?
Can you lay loft boards directly onto joists?

According to regulations, loft insulation depth must be at least 270mm, which is usually higher than most loft floor joists. So when you try and...

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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 »
Will keeping lights on keep mice away?
Will keeping lights on keep mice away?

Unfortunately, the light inside your house is not a very effective deterrent to mice. Once inside a house or a building, they can easily look for...

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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 »
How much value does a shed add to a home?
How much value does a shed add to a home?

A shed can even help to increase your asking price when you decide it's time to sell. In fact, some professionals estimate that a new shed could...

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