How to Insulate a Storage Shed

Insulation comes in three major forms.

Storage sheds are usually purchased or custom-built without significant insulation. Yet when temperature-sensitive items are stored within the shed, it becomes useful to insulate it to protect the items inside from freezing. This can also be useful when using the shed as a playhouse for children during the winter. The three main methods of insulation installation require fairly dissimilar methods, but provide a fairly similar result. Often the insulation in a shed does not need to be as effective as home insulation, and the cheaper installation option prevails.

Things You'll Need

• Fiberglass insulation
• Utility knife
• Carpentry stapler or hammer tacker
• Gloves
• Mask
• Foam board insulation
• Saw
• 3-inch wood screws
• Drill
• Spray insulation

Instructions

1. Install fiberglass insulation in rolls by buying rolls that are the same width as the space between the shed studs. While wearing gloves and a mask, unroll the insulation between the studs. Keep the paper side of the insulation out and unfold the paper flaps over the studs on either side. Staple the flaps in place every 12 inches. Repeat for each section between studs, cutting the insulation when necessary from the paper side inward using a utility knife to make the cuts.

2. Purchase foamboard insulation in the same dimensions as the space between your shed studs. Insert the foamboard between the studs, using just friction to hold it in place, if possible. If not possible, screw the foamboard to the studs or the wall behind the foam board by drilling through the studs and into the foamboard, or by drilling directly through the foamboard into the wall behind. Cut the foamboard to fit the various sections of the wall using a saw.

3. Spray the entire interior area of the shed with spray insulation while wearing a mask. Target the spaces between studs and spray until the entire area between them is full. Spray all nooks and crannies in the exposed walls.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the insulated walls with drywall, plywood or plastic sheeting to keep the insulation in and provide another layer of insulation from the outside. Screw the drywall or plywood to the studs and simply staple the plastic to the studs if used.

• Always wear a mask when working with fiberglass insulation or spray insulation to prevent accidental inhalation of fibers. Always wear gloves when working with fiberglass insulation, as the fiberglass fibers are irritating to the skin.

• Goggles may be worn when installing fiberglass insulation to prevent dry, itchy eyes. This could further be avoided by wearing gloves, which prevents casual hand-to-eye contact.