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In Australia, sheds are exposed to extreme temperatures, impacting internal temperatures and storage conditions. Fortunately, insulation can improve this by reducing thermal transfer.
In this article, we outline everything there is to know about insulating your shed, including the types of insulation available, how they work, and their benefits.
Should you insulate your shed?
In Australia, uninsulated sheds can be extremely cold and damp during winter or hot in summer. If there are going to be many people working inside your large shed or building, insulation will dramatically improve their comfort and productivity.
Uninsulated sheds can also lead to the formation of condensation and dampness. When not managed correctly, this can damage your stored assets with rust, mould, and heat damage.
By insulating your steel shed effectively, you can maintain a more comfortable internal temperature and safely store your assets. This is particularly important for fully enclosed sheds where airflow is more limited.
Shed ventilation
If you do decide to leave your shed uninsulated, you will need to incorporate adequate ventilation to ensure your shed is not prone to moisture build-up. For example, we can incorporate whirlybirds in your shed roof.
Types of shed insulation
Over the years, we have seen several ways to insulate a building, each with pros and cons. Key shed insulation methods include:
Fibreglass insulation
In this method, the building cavity between the exterior cladding and internal lining is filled with fibreglass or glass wool insulation like Pink Batts. Once the cavity is filled, the internal lining is fixed over the top. It is also a good solution for buildings that require an internal lining anyway, such as offices or lined workshops. This way, you can achieve a high level of energy efficiency in your shed.
The downsides of this method include that it can require a lot of labour to install, particularly in taller sheds that require scaffolding.
If you choose this approach, we recommend discussing your options with a Basix certifier to ensure it is the best approach for your situation.
Roof blankets
This method involves laying a thermal blanket material between the cladding and framing, instead of Sisalation The building does not always need to be lined, saving costs and labour time. It’s also a 3-in-1, acting as insulation, a vapour barrier, and a radiant barrier.
The drawbacks of this method include that the R-value is typically quite low. As it is not lined, the underlay is susceptible to damage through day-to-day wear and tear. At about $20-30 per m², it costs about 4 to 6 times the cost of Sislation.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation is sprayed into the cavities of walls and floors where it expands and fills any gaps. It is popular in the United States and Europe however, it is often more expensive, may contain harmful chemicals, and can be prone to air leaks. Generally, this method is recommended for smaller garden sheds rather than large sheds, however, we wouldn’t recommend it as it can lead to dampness and condensation on the underside of a roof. It forms an air barrier and stops moisture from escaping, placing timber-framed roofs at risk of decay.
Structural insulation panels
Structural panel insulation consists of two sheets of steel cladding with polystyrene in between. This typically costs less than using batts because the exterior cladding, insulation, and internal lining are all in one. These panels have excellent thermal resistance and are quite strong, often reducing the number of purlins and girts required.
Drawbacks of insulation panels include that sheets may require joining onsite, resulting in more on-site work and a higher chance of leaks. The metal can also make the building quite noisy as it easily transmits sound.
Farm sheds Australia
At ABC Sheds, our farm sheds are custom-made for each farm. If you’re looking for an insulated shed, we offer quality structural steel buildings for:
- Shearing sheds
- Farm machinery
- Livestock shelters
- Grain and hay storage
- Indoor horse arenas
- And more.
How much does a farm shed cost?
The average cost of a farm shed in Australia can range from $30,000 to $200,000, depending on design customisations, engineering requirements, size, materials, and location. For an estimate, request a quote here from our friendly team or check out our latest monthly deals.
Custom sheds Australia
At ABC, we specialise in customised structural steel sheds, built to suit your unique requirements. To see what can be achieved, use our online shed builder tool to play around with the specifications, roof type and pitch, bay sizes, awnings, overhangs, walls, roof and wall insulation, and cladding colours.
