shed insulation

[mikesignal]

Hi all,
I've been searching for information on insulating my shed, and I've come across some conflicting information. Mostly vapor barrier vs no vapor barrier, and types of insulation to use.

The building is wood, 8x12, 16 on center 2x4 walls, 2x6 rafters, has a ridge vent on the roof that looks about 3 feet long. I do not plan on installing any heat or a/c. I am in central North Carolina.

What type of insulation should I use? Do I need a vapor barrier? Thanks.

 

[CombatNinja]

If you are not going to climate control an 8 x 12 shed in central NC, there is no point in insulation. All that trouble to push back the "oh, ****, it's hot as balls in here" time by an hour. Why bother?

 

[rsanter]

Are you worried about radiant head (the sun hitting it) or conducive heat (ambient heat outside)?

 

[mikesignal]

radiant heat.

 

[The Cobbler]

insulation in ceiling will help , but it will be negligible IMO.even less so in the walls. vapour barrier wont do anything but keep the insulation from some damage .

 

[Jason B]

I have a 12x20 shed with no insulation. Always debated if I needed it, but never did it..... hmm

 

[Jazz1]

I used insulation, vapour barrier and drywall in my 12x16 shed. Installed wood stove and wired. At that time it was where the band rocked out! Now its just parts storage and a chest freezer for game

 

[readhead]

Is there a flat ceiling or just a 2x4 truss joined at the ridge? If it is a flat ceiling then insulate there and make sure there is ventilation for the attic space. If not just insulate under the roof deck. Doing the walls won't do much.

 

[isb cornbinder]

If you are not going to climate control an 8 x 12 shed in central NC, there is no point in insulation. All that trouble to push back the "oh, ****, it's hot as balls in here" time by an hour. Why bother?

I agree 100% with this.

 

[Pluribus]

In a high humidity climate with big temperature swings, I'd be worried about the vapor barrier being in the wrong place at the wrong time in an unconditioned building. Since I don't fully understand the science, I would try to dig into it, say on a site like Greenbuildingadvisor.com . Below is a link to results for, "vapor barrier unconditioned space" on that site.

https://www.google.com/search?q=vap...HXWgC-oQ2wF6BAgGEAc&ei=-z7fXNuFEZGIsQX1wK7QDg

 

[Lewisthepilgrim]

just curious, why the hell would you insulate a building that is not climate controlled?

 

[rburke65]

In NC I wouldn’t even bother.

 

[readhead]

The shed can get very hot inside and that could cause damage to the contents. All of the sheds I sell have TechShield roof sheeting which reduces the temperature quite a bit.

 

[ed_v]

I agree with others... skip the insulation and vapor barrier.

Unless you are going to climate control it, that shed will still be hot in summer and cold in winter. Humidity will still be there as well.

Ed

 

[cantupshift]

So I have an enclosed metal carport / garage. I have thought about insulating it to keep the condensation from dripping on everything during tempature swings.

 

[mikesignal]

The shed can get very hot inside and that could cause damage to the contents. All of the sheds I sell have TechShield roof sheeting which reduces the temperature quite a bit.

There is a place that sells sheds with similar material, radiant barrier, and the guy claims it's much cooler in hotter months because of it. I got a deal on the shed I bought ($1200 new), so that's why I passed on his shed, which was around $2800. I might go look at his again just to see if the temperature difference is like he claims. The high today is 92, 90 tomorrow, followed by high 80's all week, and 95 Friday and Saturday.

 

[SGKent]

add a couple vents and open the window in it in hot weather. My non-insulated shed is never warmer than it is outside on hot days. Close the window when it is going to be rainy. It is a shed. What's next - heating and AC for the shed?

 

[mikesignal]

add a couple vents and open the window in it in hot weather. My non-insulated shed is never warmer than it is outside on hot days. Close the window when it is going to be rainy. It is a shed. What's next - heating and AC for the shed?

I agree with your advice, add a vent - I was actually thinking of adding a fan, and powering it with solar panels I already have. I don't want to heat and cool it, just keep temps similar to outside.

 

[Jason B]

My 12x20 shed has no ridge vent in it or insulation, and I need a new roof. Should I add a cut at the top of the roof and make a ridge vent in it? I don't think I need insulation as it's just storage for some wheels and tires, etc. snowblower.

 

[engineer2]

I insulated my shed walls and ceiling and find it reduces the daily temperature swings. I'm under shade tree, so that helps too. In winter can run an extension cord out there and use a small space heater to get it up to a workable temperature in a couple of hours. Insulation is cheap.