Heating garden shed?

mummytofour

Hi...
Im looking at getting a large 10 x20 shed and turning it into a studio/den/escape that is green and ethical.

Green is new concept to me totally.

I was thinking of heating the shed, I guess we will need to insulate it first and maybe cover this with plasterboard? In addition I was thinking of getting a wood burner, now how could this work in a wooden shed? As much as I like firemen I dont want them putting out a shed fire!

Any advice would be fab.

Many thanks.

geordie_joe

I've seen many a shed with a wood burning stove in it. It shouldn't be a problem, especially if you intend to line the shed with plasterboard. Just don't put it too close to the walls, and if you have a wooden floor standing it on a paving stone is a good idea.

Savvy_Sue

I would say that insulation is the key thing here: I used to work in a garden shed and it could be very cosy with the computer and printer whirring away. We had one of those greenhouse heaters giving ambient heat, supplemented in bitter weather with a fan heater.

That's until it started to separate from the garage wall it was attached to! Then it was flippin' freezing!

bamboozled2

Hi mummytofour, I'm in the same predicament, just purchased a 10x12 shed for my son to use as a place for him and his friends to hang out, and I want to insulate etc. But looking at the price of insulation, I think it would be cheaper to insulate the house!!
I need acoustic and thermal insulation in the walls and ceiling, and also want to insulate the floor, does anyone know if the polystyrene from packaging is any good? I was thinking we might be able to insulate the floor with it, but though I've searched the 'net, can't find anything to say if it would do the business and if it's safe.
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tlck9

Thermafleece is a good source of insulation, we have just started to stock this for camper van interiors, certainly kept our show van warm!

Its quite cheap and is treated to BS standard, usually sold for a around £7 per batt and is around 50mm thick. I am thinking of doing this in my garage, to turn it into a study.

EfficientEnergySaving

Insulation will be one of the most important things to consider when installing your shed. It is worth checking if any drafts are coming in from any other places, like around windows and door. Some people have replaced the windows with UPVC.

If the windows are only single thickness it will be worth adding a secondary glazing. It is surprising how much heat can be lost through single thickness glass.

There are several choices in insulating your shed:
Therma wrap - This is a reflective foil on either side with 4mm bubble in the middle. This could be used on the floor as well.
Polystyrene - This will need a stud wall and then plywood on the inside.
Thermal backed plasterboard - This may be the better solution, but you will need to ensure that there is no moisture in the shed.
Fibre loft insulation - If you use this ensure that you wear the correct protective equipment.

Most of these are available from your local DIY store, so you will be able to compare prices.

One of the things to consider, is to ensure there is enough ventilation, without this you will experience damp in your shed.

If you are really thinking of going green with your shed, it may be worth looking into solar lighting and heating. It will depend on the usage time as to whether it is suitable. It will save running cables into the shed. The prices of solar panels and equipment is now cheaper and complete kits are available.

Cardew

EfficientEnergySaving wrote: »

If you are really thinking of going green with your shed, it may be worth looking into solar lighting and heating. It will depend on the usage time as to whether it is suitable. It will save running cables into the shed. The prices of solar panels and equipment is now cheaper and complete kits are available.

So to heat a shed, without running cables into it. what would you estimate the cost for solar electricity installation to be?

Even if you spent £100,000 it would be little use in the winter/after dark.

Solar electricity for heating in UK is just not feasible.

A_fiend_for_life

mummytofour wrote: »

Hi...
Im looking at getting a large 10 x20 shed and turning it into a studio/den/escape that is green and ethical.

Green is new concept to me totally.

I was thinking of heating the shed, I guess we will need to insulate it first and maybe cover this with plasterboard? In addition I was thinking of getting a wood burner, now how could this work in a wooden shed? As much as I like firemen I dont want them putting out a shed fire!

Any advice would be fab.

Many thanks.

Might depend how long your going to stay in the shed and what you plan doing there ie DIY / woodworking or just relaxing. You can get wood burners for offcuts that are fine for all day or for a couple of hours.

You can also get sawdust burners that you pack down but tend to burn for a good twelve hours and need a lot of sawdust. The ones I have seen are about the size of a dustbin not sure if you can get smaller ones. As above though paving stones would be prudent, especially if it is a wooden floor, for this type of burner.

thescouselander

Perhaps you should be carefull here. I'm sure a wood burning fire would be fine in a shed but just make sure you dont over-do it on the draft exclusion to improve insulation.

A wood burning fire will need oxygen and so you will need good ventilation into the shed. You will also need to make proper provision for the smoke/fumes etc to escape.