Shed Insulation - Which way should I go?

crEAtEch · 18 Apr 2017

Hi there, I'm new here, looks like a thriving community!

I have a shed due to be erected, here it is:https://www.westmidlandsgardenbuild...y-Duty-Tanalised-Summerhouse-Office-p78866093

I am having electric wired up to it and want to insulate it.

I'm after a bit of advice with the insulation. I've done a bit of reading but I'm still unsure whether to use

Foil insulation: http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Thermal-Insulation-Foil-Roll-600mm-x-8m/p/210022 (I am presuming it is less effective than earthwool, but easy to install and doesn't create condensation?)
Earthwool: https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/Kna...ll)/p/712155?gclid=CP-317rGrdMCFTgo0wodbHgNdg (More effective than foil insulation but apparently can cause condensation?)

I was then going to use either MDF/cheap boards to cover, or plasterboard...

Any advice or thoughts?

Cheers

Ian H · 18 Apr 2017

Best way would probably be some 50mm foil faced boards between the framework.

Don't use plasterboard, it will go mouldy.

endecotp · 18 Apr 2017

Multi-foil insulation is almost in the snake-oil category.

Yes you do need to think about where the moisture will go.

You could consider lining it with OSB perhaps.

crEAtEch · 18 Apr 2017

Snake-oil? Oh dear! No wonder it seemed so cheap.

If I were to insulate with earthwool, I'm presuming it would need to have a gap between the eerthwool and the cladding.. If I were to have a couple of vents on the cladding - would this prevent any issues?

Zac Spade · 19 Apr 2017

I wouldn't use MDF in a shed, if it gets damp it will swell and that aint good. Plasterboard also doesn't like moisture.

Your better off with plywood, even if you have to get thinner because it's more expensive

As far as insulation goes I assume your talking about the walls?

If you can get some polystyrene is great insulation. 3x better than typical 'batts' type insulation. Im not sure about earthwool, looks like the same stuff to me

But trapping air in a place that is likely to have moisture is a bad idea. If your foundation is like the one in the image then id be hesitant about putting anything in

It's only a small space, just buy a decent heater and a couple of vents you can easily open and close

crEAtEch · 19 Apr 2017

You know what, I think that's what I decided. I don't want to spend all that money only to have condensation and damp problems down the road.

Thanks for all the advice

endecotp · 19 Apr 2017

Zac Spade said:
If you can get some polystyrene is great insulation. 3x better than typical 'batts' type insulation.

Rubbish.

Expanded polystyrene and mineral wool slabs have similar thermal conductivities of about 0.038 W/mK.

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Shed Insulation - Which way should I go?

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