Insulation in Shed-into-Office Conversion

Use what You Already Have in Home Remodelling

If you are planning on starting a new business on your own and need an office space, look no further than your own backyard. Namely, if you are a proud owner of an old wooden shed that is only deteriorating, collecting dust and occupying your space with no particular purpose, why not turn it into something more useful, instead of tearing it down and only making even more mess. It is not uncommon for people trying to find alternative ways in remodelling their home including converting unused spaces (such as loft and garage spaces) into living spaces. Well, why not try the same with your shed and turn it into an office space that you can have some peace and quiet but still be close to home. Undertaking one such project is neither easy nor simple and usually includes a lot of different aspects to consider where inevitable part in shed-into-office conversion is insulation, which will also be discussed here.

Converting your shed involves a few steps that need to be considered and undertaken if you want to be pleased with the final result. These steps include:

Shed Inspection

Prior to considering adding insulation in shed conversion project you will need to determine the state your shed is in which will help you determine just how much work will be necessary and carefully plan your budget. This refers to every structural element of the shed, starting from the floor, walls and roof. Make sure that the foundation is level in order of avoiding problems later on. Also, check for any leaks in the roof which will also need to be repaired or otherwise taken care of. Then, you will need to check the windows and door, that is if there are no windows you will have to consider installing some (best opt for some double glazed ones) and make sure that the structure around your windows and door is air tight. Finally, if there is no electricity in the shed that is another thing you will have carefully plan, since it is hard to imagine an office with no power.

Once you are done with shed inspection, sit down and make a detailed plan containing the order of the actions you plan on taking, the list of necessary materials and the estimated costs of the project.

Accessories Installation

If your shed-to-office conversion project includes installing windows and doors and providing power supply, it is best to start there. If you are moving the doorway or adding windows, you will have to add some framing that will hold these openings. We advise that you do the measuring on site, in order of doing everything right. It is best to install door and windows using levels and shims, in order of making sure that everything is level and plumb.

Once this part of your shed-to-office conversion is done, it is time to install electrical, if necessary. When installing outlet boxes and running electricity to the shed, make sure to consult the applicable Building Regulations and consult a professional.

Construction and Insulation Installation Work

Once all the aforementioned steps have properly finalised, it is time to bring insulation into the shed conversion project, as an integral and inevitable step. Please note that proper insulation will have to be added to each constructional element, including walls, floor and ceiling of the shed, in order of maximising the result. Although you can use different types of insulation such as fibre insulation slabs or even blown-in insulation, we advise you go for rigid PIR boards that can successfully be installed onto any surface within the shed.

If you are planning on adding some stability and improve the moisture resistance of the roof constriction, which is especially important, we advise you start by adding an exterior cement board that will be able to resist different weathering conditions, such as rain, snow or strong wind. Since garden sheds are usually built directly onto the ground, these are under the influence of excessive moisture and require additional protection, why our product of choice is Knauf Aquapanel exterior cement board which offer the level of moisture resistance your shed-to-office conversion requires and can be easily fitted into timber frame or timber battens and also easily curved in order of creating various architectural features.

Knauf Aquapanel

Next element in your shed insulation installation is a breather membrane, which will provide the necessary ventilation and allow the entire construction to “breathe” thus preventing moisture from building up behind the added insulation and influencing its effectiveness.

Now, it is time to add some PIR rigid insulation boards that are fitted between the timber frame studs. When positioning the boards, make sure that their edges are butted close together, overlapping where necessary in order of preventing thermal bridging and decreased air tightness of the construction. If you want to prevent air leakage the installed shed insulation needs to be covered with proper vapour control layer and what is better than DuPont Airguard Control roll. This will only upgrade the thermal performance of shed walls, floor and ceiling, especially if combined with the breather membrane underlay installed on the external side of insulation. It will prevent moisture and damp from penetrating the insulation and leaving watermarks on your finishes.

DuPont Airguard Control roll

Finally, once insulation is in place, it is time to “seal the deal” with some dry lining which will provide a smooth and durable finish. When choosing the plasterboard to be installed, make sure that it has the characteristics that will provide the level of moisture resistance that will correspond to the rest of the structure in your shed-to-office conversion project. Another important characteristic of the plasterboard refers to its level of acoustic insulation, since office spaces should be insulted from exterior noise, allowing you peaceful work and great business results.

Send us your project details and we'll quote you our best prices and quickest lead time. Visit our UK insulation shop and take a look at different products you can use for your shed conversion and insulation project.