Insulating a shed

[Nokiansky85]

I have a decently large shed on my property that spent the last decade more or less empty or with some garbage in it. I've already began planning to convert it into a tiny home, but there's something that I've been wondering and it's about the insulation. What would be the best way to insulate it so that it can keep the temps normal, especially in winter. It's a wooden construction, so nothing fancy to begin with.

 

[m4ri0o_th]

Fiberglass is definitely a solid choice! I know a couple who used it in their tiny cabin, and it was a great way to stay on budget. It's also DIY-friendly. Just get the right size batts for your stud bays and you're good to go! They also added a moisture barrier on the warm side to prevent any issues with condensation inside the walls. I think they chose a 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting for that, which is a very popular choice! A spray foam is also another great option if your budget allows! Aside from it being a bit more expensive, you'll probably need a pro for that kind of job, but I think it can be a perfect option for an older structure that might have some air leaks.

 

[waterstream77]

I'm in the middle of converting an old garden shed into a writing studio, so I've been digging into insulation options too. For a wooden structure, I went with mineral wool between the studs, so far it's great for thermal and sound insulation. Are you planning to run HVAC or go with space heaters?

 

[bbq r1bs]

@Nokiansky85 If you're willing to spend a bit more for a better result, rigid foam board insulation is a fantastic choice. You can cut it to fit snugly between the studs.
It has a higher R value per inch than fiberglass, and it's also a great air sealant. You can tape the seams with foil tape to create a complete air barrier. It's a bit more work, but it's less messy than fiberglass and provides a much better thermal envelope, which is huge for a tiny space

 

[m4ri0o_th]

I have to agree that a rigid foam board insulation can give better results, but yes, the cost can definitely be a factor! @Nokiansky85, whatever you decide to go with, the most critical steps are sealing up all the air gaps first and making sure you have a proper vapor barrier on the interior side of the walls. I can't stress this enough. Even the highest R-value insulation won't work well if you're losing all your heat through a drafty wall. Don't forget to insulate the floor and ceiling too!

 

[Benson.bo]

Spray foam is the easiest and most effective for a shed conversion, it seals gaps and adds good R value in one go. If that's too pricey for you, use rigid foam boards between the studs with a vapor barrier

 

[microhaven]

Spray foam is the easiest and most effective for a shed conversion, it seals gaps and adds good R value in one go. If that's too pricey for you, use rigid foam boards between the studs with a vapor barrier

For sure! Spray foam is awesome because it seals everything up in a single go and gives you great insulation. If you're on a budget, though, rigid foam with a vapor barrier can do the trick too. There are definitely options that work without breaking the bank!

 

[i'm nobody]

The elevated wooden sheds let a lot of warmth escape from below. make sure you are placing rigid foam or mineral wool between the joists helps reduce that loss.

Are you also planning to add a vapor barrier?