Insulating a shed for Guinea pigs :)

Buffythedebtslayer

hello,


I come to MSE for all solutions to my problems and I was wondering if you could help me this problem.


My three guinea pigs are going into the shed for the rest of summer and all of autumn, they will be indoors again during Dec, Jan, Feb and probably March too.


Technically Guinea pigs aren't outdoor pets, they don't cope as well with temperature changes which is why I am trying to make the shed have a stable temperature.

I want to insulate the shed for them. I have read loads of articles and even ventured on to youtube to watch videos.....I have overloaded my brain and now don't know what to do for the best.

The shed is 6 foot by 8 foot. It was cheap to start with. Still appears leak proof so far. It has just been used to store "stuff". Roof covered in something and inside the celling is osb board.


(*stuff which has to be decluttered...whole different thread right there!)

The outside needs painting with that weatherproof stuff. I know that much and after that it all gets a bit hazy!

My options are

the silver stuff
-Thermal-Insulation-Foil-Roll-600mmx8m
the board
Celotex-50mm-High-Performance-Insulation-Board-1200x2400mm

the furry stuff

Knauf-100mm-Space-Combi-Loft-Insulation-Roll

or bubble wrap or polystyrene

I am on budget but equally need it to be safe and workable.

So what should I choose?


Thank you for any help!

lstar337

Interesting, my parents had about 10 guinea pigs when I was young and they seemed to be fairly happy in an un-insulated concrete shed all year round. And no, they didn't magically change colour.

That said I would go for polystyrene as it is cheap and has good thermal properties. About 50mm thick should do. Just make sure the pigs can't eat it!

Buffythedebtslayer

(it took me ages to work out what you meant by magically change colour..having a slow day here clearly!)



thanks for your reply X

Yeah, my sister kept hers in a garage (no car) and they seemed fine but have been advised that that isn't right now.


I did think about polystyrene but was told it was a fire risk.....course in a wooden shed this seems to be a moot point but hey ho...


Could I use plasterboard to cover what ever I decide to use?

cyclonebri1

Don't go any further than lining the inside with 1" or 2" (if you are feeling benevolent) polystyrene. That is the most cost effective clean surface material you will find.n But, don't try to seal all gaps, the shed still needs to breathe.

There are better insulators, but poly will be fine. If however you get a month like march 2013, sub zero temps on all days except 5, you should consider some form of heating, a tank of water with an aquarium heater in it can help, etc

PS that was based on your concerns, my grand-kids GPs have been fine simply sheltered in their hut for the last 2 years.

Buffythedebtslayer

I am beginning to wonder if they would be ok, however mine have lived in centrally heated luxury for 5 and 3 years! so really don't want to risk them being cold.


The shed will have wire mesh windows, with a shutter at night?


Should I paint the inside with weatherproofing stuff? that's nuts right?


Even writing that down I know the answer!


I can't run electric to the shed... otherwise it would be full of huge fish tanks!


thanks again - I knew the people of MSE would help!


xx

lstar337

In a wooden shed I think I would be more worried about heat than the cold. Our old shed used to get unbearably hot on summer days.

If you are going to weatherproof the outside, I would be looking for some kind of light wash to reflect the sun back off. Insulation should keep the heat out too to a degree. As cyclone says above, just use poly and protect the surface, no need to plasterboard over. Make sure there are vents for air too.

Buffythedebtslayer

Yes, having been out there I am a bit worried about the heat.


how about painting the roof white and having the silver foil insulation stuff facing outwards - would that work?


I think I would still insulate with polystyrene and cover with plasterboard....?


Opinions?

GwylimT

Ours used to live in an open hutch in the garden, their sleeping area if they chose to use it was accessed by a small tunnel so the wind didn't get in.

Heat rises, so would it be better to make an insulated box, especially for bed time?

cyclonebri1

lstar337 wrote: »

In a wooden shed I think I would be more worried about heat than the cold. Our old shed used to get unbearably hot on summer days.

If you are going to weatherproof the outside, I would be looking for some kind of light wash to reflect the sun back off. Insulation should keep the heat out too to a degree. As cyclone says above, just use poly and protect the surface, no need to plasterboard over. Make sure there are vents for air too.

I think it's a given that the GP's need to have access to a run in summer, to deny them that is both wrong and risks the issue you state.

Actually I never thought of the fact that the little beggars will chew anything within reach, maybe insulate on the outside and clad or felt over?

Buffythedebtslayer

They will have a run made out of grids which should limit access to things they shouldn't eat!


but I do want it to look nice I don't know why!