Do you need to insulate your garden building?
It’s a question many homeowners ask before investing in insulated garden buildings. The answer depends on how you plan to use your space. Read on to find out what insulation options are available and which level suits your needs.
What are the benefits of insulated garden buildings?
Many customers ask whether their building needs insulation and what difference it makes. If you plan to use the space only occasionally during winter, full insulation may feel unnecessary.
In that case, we often recommend insulating the floor as a starting point. Standing on a cold timber floor in January is uncomfortable, and 65mm floor insulation makes a real difference. Adding 75mm ceiling insulation is a good halfway option, keeping the space pleasant for light occasional use without the full investment.
If you plan to work in your timber garden building, or want to use it through the depths of winter, full insulation is the right choice. Shields Buildings offers two levels, premium at 40mm and premium plus at 75mm, so you can match the specification to how often and how hard you use the space.
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How does insulation work in a timber garden building?
Good insulation does two jobs. It keeps warmth in during winter and holds heat out during summer, so your building stays comfortable all year round.
We use high-specification foil-backed Celotex insulation, which reflects more than 90% of radiant energy. That figure matters in a timber structure exposed to direct sun.
Celotex also has a closed-cell structure, so it does not absorb water. That means its thermal performance holds up over time without degrading. We add a waterproof vapour barrier membrane as well, giving your building an extra layer of protection against moisture.
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Windows and doors
For occasional-use buildings where thermal performance is less of a priority, our standard 3mm horticultural glass is a practical choice. If energy efficiency matters to you, uPVC double-glazed windows and doors are the better option.
Our uPVC units are sealed double-glazed Planitherm sealed units with Low E heat-reflective coated glass. They come in a range of sizes and colours, and include multi-point locking catches and trickle ventilators for security and fresh air. The result is a building that stays warm in winter and is easy to maintain year-round.
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Can window tinting help keep your garden building cool?
Tinted glass reduces the thermal rays entering your building, which directly lowers the heat that builds up inside. It’s a popular choice for home offices and garden rooms for exactly this reason.
Without any solar control, a south-facing building can heat up quickly on a bright day. A tint addresses that without cutting much visible light, so the space stays comfortable and bright at the same time.
The right insulation solution depends on your building’s position and how you intend to use it. There are options from partial to full specification, and different thicknesses to suit every situation.
Just give us a call at Shields Buildings and we will talk through your project and recommend the best approach.
