How to use shed insulation kits and where to buy them

Although they are designed to be outdoor buildings, even the most well made of sheds can still be at risk from the elements.

"Insulating a shed will help keep your shed warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer," says Steve Jenkins, Homebuilding's DIY expert. "It will also create a vapour barrier helping keep a shed drier and less prone to damp inside."

So even if your shed is simply used to store tools or garden furniture, investing in a shed insulation kit could help to protect the items stored inside and increase the longevity of your shed.

But what exactly is included in a shed insulation kit, where can you buy one and when should you install one or consider an alternative solution instead?

What are shed insulation kits?

Shed insulation kits are as you'd expect from the name – a bundle of items containing everything you need to insulate your shed. In general, a shed insulation kit will include bubble foil insulation, tape, a heavy duty stapler, staples and a cutting knife.

Measuring your shed and roof size will help to determine the size of the kit you need, with some types available in different sizes. Alternatively, once you have the essentials, you can simply buy additional rolls of insulation and tape, as you will already have the tools you need.

It's also worth noting that before starting any shed insulation project, in order to ensure your insulation achieves the best results, you need to make sure your shed is in good working order.

How to install a shed insulation kit

While a shed insulation kit can improve the thermal efficiency of your shed, making it warmer and helping to prevent spikes in temperature inside, there's little point installing one if the rest of your shed is in need of some TLC. Experts at Insulation Superstore recommend prior to setting to with your roll of insulation and staple gun, you perform these necessary checks to your shed:

• Check and repair any broken windows or doors
• Make sure you have no leaks in the roof or floor
• Fill any gaps in the external cladding with a general purpose waterproof sealant such as this Everbuild General Purpose Sealant from Amazon
• Also add a timberframe permeable breather membrane to the walls before the insulation if you plan on spending long periods of time in the shed (humans add moisture and increase the risk of condensation)

The good news is, once your shed is up to scratch, the shed insulation kit can be installed relatively quickly. "If using a basic foil kit, it shouldn’t take you longer than a few hours to half a day (depending on the size of the shed) to install," says Steve Jenkins.

Steve Jenkins

Steve is Homebuilding's DIY expert, with over 20 years of experience in transforming and renovating homes. With over 10 years spent working in the building trade, he also has as a wealth of knowledge when it comes to knowing the best ways to improve your home and garden.

Where to buy shed insulation kits

Shed insulation kits are available from a range of different retailers including the following, all of whom also sell the additional rolls of insulation should you need more:

• Amazon
• Toolstation
• Eco-Home Insulation
• Insulation Superstore
• Wickes
• Screwfix

The most common brand available online is SuperFoil, which contains enough insulation to cover the roof and walls of a 7ft x 6ft shed. The kit includes insulation, tape, heavy duty staple gun and staples, but doesn't have a cutting knife, so you could try this Stanley FatMax Retractable Folding Knife from Toolstation instead. Other brands available include EcoPro and EcoTec.

Shed insulation kit vs other types of insulation

While a shed insulation kit can be a quick and easy option if your shed is purely used as a store room for your garden tools and equipment, "if you want to use your shed as a living space or home office a foil kit is not really adequate," advises Steve Jenkins.

"Insulation board with a vapour barrier like this Recticel Instafit Polyurethane 50mm Insulation board from B&Q is a better choice. It's easy to cut and fit, and can then be boarded over with hardboard or plywood to finish."

By placing the board within the exposed wall joists and covering it, you not only get a well insulated, but also a more finished wall appearance to which you can attach extra storage or wall coverings.

Or, for a more eco-friendly approach, natural ventilation such as this Thermafleece Cosy Wool Soft Insuation Slab from Insulation Superstore is also an option.

However, if you are thinking of a more longer term home office or garden room solution, you'll also need to think about electrics, heating and ventilation, in which case it may be worth speaking to an expert to get best advice before you forge ahead.

Don't forget ventilation if you're adding insulation

In order to keep your shed in good working order if you do install a shed insulation kit, then you'll also need to make sure there's adequate ventilation to prevent moisture building up and to keep the air flow fresh. If your windows are fixed panes, consider adding a vent or louvre in one of the walls so air can circulate – but not so much that the insulation loses its efficacy.

It's also where a breather membrane behind the insulation can come in handy to prevent issues such as shed rot.

"Ventilation is essential in preventing wood rot in sheds as it helps to control moisture, which is a primary cause of wood rot, however, it often gets overlooked, says Sam Jenkinson, shed expert at garden building retailer, Tiger.

"Proper airflow removes excess moisture from the air and wood structure, reducing condensation which can lead to fungal growth if not dealt with. Fungal growth hugely increases the likelihood of wood rot," explains Sam, "so ensuring continuous air circulation and ventilation keeps the shed dry and prevents the environment from becoming too humid.

"Overall, maintaining good ventilation not only reduces the risk of wood rot in the winter months but also extends a shed's lifespan by preventing structural damage, making it more durable and less prone to costly repairs.”

Sam Jenkinson

Sam Jenkinson has been at Tiger for over four years and has built up a vast knowledge and experience in all areas of the business. He is a keen gardener and self-proclaimed 'shed head'.

Looking at your shed in a whole new light now you know you can make it warmer? Before you get too carried away with the thought of a new outdoor room, find out the rules surrounding planning permission for summer houses and weigh up investing in something more permanent with our guide to garden room costs.