How to insulate log cabin?

DIYamTrying · 17 Aug 2021

Hello

I have a Dunster house log cabin. I have had it for three years almost. It gets too hot in summer and too cold in winter. I now understand that I should have had it insulated.

So, what product and thickness should I buy? I guess once insulation is in place, it will have to be held back by a some sort of boarding?

Many thanks

JP_ · 17 Aug 2021

Solid insulation boards (Kingspan, QuinnTherm, Celotex, the B&Q one etc.) save the most space.
How is the inside finished? You could you fix insulation boards and use pine cladding. Or use insulated plasterboard and skim it

DIYamTrying · 17 Aug 2021

Thank you. Any idea on how to calculate the thickness needed?

The cabin measures 3 x 4 mtrs.

oldbutnotdead · 18 Aug 2021

You can do an U value calculation if you want, but your shed is too small for building control to be interested so it's up to you
For a solid brick house, usual numbers are 100mm PIR in the floor, 70mm PIR in the walls, 300mm rockwool (or 150mm PIR) in the roof.

DIYamTrying · 19 Aug 2021

Really surprised. I telephoned Dunster House and they said they insulate the roof and floor only using 25mm PIR.

IT Minion · 20 Aug 2021

It depends what you're trying to do.

If you want it to modern U values for a house then you need lots. If you're not heating it or occupying it outside of office hours it's probably a waste of time and money to do that, but 25mm top and bottom isn't really sensible either.

How are you going to use the shed?

DIYamTrying · 24 Aug 2021

It's my hobby room - sewing etc. I also use it for peace and quiet whilst doing admin.

DIYamTrying · 24 Aug 2021

I use a dehumidifier from autumn to spring. And I have a heater. Just want to make it that its not too hot to use in summer.

I have a beautiful space but, often it's too hot

IT Minion · 24 Aug 2021

So, not occupied the majority of the time. It probably makes more sense to go for a bit of insulation, say 50-100mm roof, 50mm walls, and 25mm floor to provide some insulation but not waste your time fully insulating it.

In the summer you might be stuck, you won't have any thermal mass, so it'll heat up no matter what you do. Some insulation and an Aircon unit (which can often double up as heaters and dehumidifiers) might make it livable.

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How to insulate log cabin?

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