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Hi there, I have just joined the forum and I am a novice DIYer. I have a new summerhouse I want to use as my art studio. I need advice on how to insulate and dampproof it so that I can use it (almost?) all year round. I have been told to use either polysterene or Celotex as insulating material. In your experience what is best? Is there a big difference in heat retention? For dampproofing, do I lay the damp proof sheet before the insulating material or after? I am planning to cover the walls with tongue and groove cladding afterwards.
For the floor. any advice of what type of insulating material to use and "recipe" on how to do it (what order, how not to crush the layer of insulating material when one walks on it, etc...)?
A professional electrician will put power and lights in there, I am not that daring....
Thanks for any advice that will be very appreciated.
I have a shed I constructed some 25 years ago. I used expanded polystyrene to insulate it. It has shrunk slightly over the years, caused by the fumes from the water proofing ? Don't forget the floor , I did and my feet get cold. The other problem I have is that my neighbours weeds try to get under and into the back wall, of the shed. Frank
It is tongue and groove sheeplap cedar. the roof has four sides and tall central apex. It is made of two layers (top one been cedar long tiles, bottom one tongue and groove cedar with felt sandwiched in between) and floor is wooden, suspended on bearers. sorry about this poor description, as you see not a pro diyer!
I take your advice on board. I am still curious to know if Celotex type material is seriously better than polysterene as the difference in price is enormous. Where can I get understandable information on their heat retention properties?
Hi again Nat, I think tony has given you good advice, though I would add that the external cladding must be weathertight enough to keep the insulation dry. It is always the initial inclusion of any insulation which gives you the greatest level of savings. Combine this with air tightness [polythene] and you will achieve better overall results than that of PUR or polystyrene alone.
If you are going to put in a floation floor (proably the best thing to do) check that you hace a good ventilation under the old floor because the new insulated floor will reduce ventilation and you could trap the damp underneath. If the shed is just laid on slabs jack it all up by at least 100 (one brick) preferably more.
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