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Cheap Shed Insulation: Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

We've put together this guide to help you find cheap shed insulation options that won't break the bank.

Worker installing pink fiberglass insulation into a shed wall, wearing gloves and using a staple gun.

If you live in a hot, humid climate or the blistering cold, insulating your shed may be a wise investment. It helps protect your valuables and creates a comfortable space you can enjoy year-round. 

But let’s be real: nobody wants to spend thousands on insulation, especially not for a shed. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find cheap shed insulation options that won’t break the bank.

Why Insulate Your Shed?

Now, you might be thinking, “Why bother insulating my shed in the first place?”

But, if you live anywhere that experiences extreme temperatures, you’re already familiar with how those huge seasonal swings can affect your tools and equipment. 

Even when sheltered in a building, temperatures over 100°F or below freezing can wreak havoc on mechanical and electrical devices. Multiply that exposure over years and the damage can be catastrophic. 

Insulation helps control the temperature inside your shed, keeping it cooler when it’s warm outside and warmer when it’s cold. This regulation protects your belongings from the ravages of extreme temperatures and makes your shed a more comfortable place to work or hang out.

Additionally, proper insulation can:

  • help you save on your energy bill by reducing the need for heating or cooling
  • provide sound insulation—making your shed whisper-quiet
  • control moisture to prevent mold and other damage
Graphic showing why you should use insulation

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cheap Shed Insulation

Before you jump into your insulation project, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the right supplies for your shed:

Consider Your Climate

If you live where the weather is mostly warm and humid, you’ll want to focus on insulation that keeps moisture out. When insulating a metal shed in a place like Florida, for example, moisture can build up inside your shed and cause problems like mold and rot. On the other hand, folks up north in colder climates need to worry more about retaining heat.

What You Use Your Shed For

How you plan to use your shed also plays a big role in choosing the right insulation. If you’re using it for simple storage, you might not need as much insulation as someone using their shed as a workshop or a living space. If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items, like paint or electronics, you’ll need a well-insulated shed.

Insulation Thickness and R-Value

When shopping for insulation, you’ll come across something called R-value. This tells you how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s thermal performance.

Energy Star recommends R-values of R-30 to R-49 for ceilings in warm and humid places, while it recommends R-60 for colder climates.

Map from Energy Star showing recommended R-values for home insulation

A shed may not need so much insulation. Here are some recommended values to aim for:

ClimateR-Value for wall insulationR-Value for roof insulation
Hot and humidR-13 to R-19Above R-30
ColdR-15 to R-21Above R-31

Cheaper insulation materials usually have a lower R-value per inch, so you might need thicker layers to get the same results.

Cheap Shed Insulation Options

While foam boards and spray foam insulation are great at preventing heat loss, they’re also quite pricy. Let’s talk about some affordable types of insulation materials that are perfect for improving your shed’s energy efficiency:

Bubble Wrap Insulation

Bubble wrap, which you use for packaging, is a surprisingly effective and affordable insulation option. It works because air is a thermal insulator and bubble wrap is simply tiny capsules of air. It’s easy to install and can be found at most big box stores for under $0.20 per square foot.

Examples of packaging bubble wrap you can use for cheap shed insulation

Bubble wrap might not be the best choice for extreme temperatures, but it can prevent heat flux in milder climates. Another point to consider is that bubble wrap has a low R-value of around one, so to reach the recommended values of 13 or more, you’ll need to add many layers of insulation, which could make it pricier in the end.

Reflective Foil Insulation

Reflective foil insulation

Reflective foil insulation is another great option, especially for keeping your shed cool in the summer. This type of insulation works like a mirror, reflecting radiant heat away from your shed. It’s also affordable and easy to install yourself.

You can find reflective foil insulation at most home improvement stores or online for between $0.10 and $0.90 per square foot.

Sheep’s Wool

Sheep’s wool is a natural insulator. You can find commercial sheep’s wool insulation in one-inch batts for roughly $1.50 per square foot. But if you can source it locally, you may get a better price.

sheep

Sheep’s wool has an R-value of about 3.5 per inch, so you’ll need a layer about three inches thick to get an R-value of 11.

Recycled Insulation Materials

Recycled insulation materials are another great option for cheap shed insulation.

You can repurpose old denim, polystyrene packaging (like those foam inserts that come with appliances), and other materials to insulate your shed. It’s a sustainable choice that can be surprisingly effective.

The best part?

You can get most of it for free.

To find enough material, try reaching out to local businesses, schools, or even your neighbors. You might be surprised at what people are willing to give away!

Reclaimed Insulation Materials

Finally, another way to save money when insulating your shed is to use reclaimed insulation materials (Sustainable Materials and Technologies). This could be anything from old rock wool or fiberglass insulation salvaged from a demolition or construction site.

Fiberglass, in particular, lasts 80 to 100 years, so even if it’s been used before, it can still do a good job of insulating your shed. Just make sure to follow CDC guidelines and use an N95 facemask when working with fiberglass.

Cheap Vapor Barriers

One piece of insulation your shed can’t do without is a good vapor barrier, especially if you have a metal roof. Polyethylene sheeting is the most cost-effective option to keep moisture out. You can find it at most home improvement stores for as little as $0.11 per square foot.

Some examples of polyethylene sheeting and tape for use as vapor barriers

Tips for Effective Shed Insulation on a Budget

Choosing the right insulation type is only half the battle. Here are some tips to save on your shed’s thermal insulation:

DIY Whenever Possible

Insulating a small shed is a project that many folks can handle themselves. By doing it yourself, you can save a good chunk of change—around $1–$3 per square foot of insulation in labor costs alone. That’s money you can use for that garden equipment you’ve been eyeing!

Always Add a Vapor Barrier on the Warm Side of the Insulation

Vapor barriers keep moisture from causing problems like mold, rot (in the case of wooden sheds), and corrosion (in the case of metal sheds). You always install vapor barriers on the hot side of the insulation to prevent water from condensing on the colder side.

Now, here’s where things get a little tricky:

  • In warm, humid climates, the “warm side” is usually outside. That means you’ll want to put the vapor barrier facing the exterior of the shed.
  • In colder climates, where the heat and moisture want to escape from inside the shed, you’ll want to put the vapor barrier on the inside-facing side of the insulation.

Ventilation is Key to Effective Insulation

Proper ventilation is crucial for all exterior spaces, especially in warm and humid climates. Ensure garage ventilation and shed ventilation are adequate to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal insulation performance. Doing so will prevent moisture buildup and keep your insulation working correctly.

Forgo Floor Insulation

Insulating the floor isn’t always necessary. Concrete foundations tend to insulate fairly well, so if your shed sits on one, that may be adequate. 

However, if your shed has open space underneath, you may need to add underfloor insulation, especially if you live in a particularly cold climate. Another inexpensive option is adding a few rugs instead of installing insulation.

Things to Consider When Using Cheap Insulation

While cheap insulation is better than no insulation, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Effectiveness Over Time

Some cheap insulation options, like recycled materials, might not be as effective over the long haul. They may lose their insulating properties over time, so you might not see the same energy savings in the future.

Future Replacement Costs

Sometimes, cheaper now can mean more expensive later. Some cheaper insulation options aren’t water resistant and might not be as durable as fiberglass batts or mineral wool insulation. So, you’ll have to replace them sooner rather than later, adding extra cost.

Difficulty in Finding Adequate Amounts of Reused or Recycled Materials

Keep in mind that even a small shed can require a surprising amount of insulation, especially if the material has a low R-value. While recycled and reused materials are great for saving money, finding enough to cover your whole project can be challenging.

Mistakes to Avoid

When you’re insulating your shed on a budget, it can be tempting to cut corners. But keep in mind that some mistakes can cost you more in the long run. Here are a few things to watch out for:

  • Skipping the vapor barrier: This is a big no-no! A vapor barrier is essential for preventing moisture damage. It’s an investment you won’t regret.
  • Not sealing gaps and cracks: Even small cracks and gaps can let a lot of air in, making your insulation less effective. Take the time to seal them up properly.
  • Using the wrong type of insulation: Not all insulation is created equal. Make sure you choose the right type for your climate and how you plan to use your shed.
  • Installing insulation incorrectly: Proper installation is vital to getting the most out of your insulation. It’s a simple process, but take your time to follow the instructions carefully.

You Don’t Have to Break the Bank to Insulate Your Shed

Insulating your shed doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Choosing affordable materials and doing some of the work yourself can create a comfortable and protected space without emptying your wallet. 

Remember, the cheapest option is often recycled or reclaimed materials, but ensure you can find enough to cover your needs. With a little effort and know-how, you can have a well-insulated shed that’s ready for anything.

Interested in converting your shed into a more functional space? Check out our blog on 18 Incredible Shed Conversion Ideas to discover which one is right for you.  

FAQs About Cheap Shed Insulation

Here are a few commonly asked questions about cheap shed insulation.

What is the cheapest way to insulate a shed?

The cheapest way to insulate a shed is often to use recycled or reclaimed materials. Think old denim, polystyrene packaging, or even salvaged fiberglass insulation. If you’re looking for new materials, bubble wrap, and reflective foil insulation are both budget-friendly options. 
To give you an idea, insulating a small 8’ x 10’ shed with these materials could cost you anywhere from $200-$300, depending on the R-value you choose and where you buy your materials.

Is bubble wrap effective for shed insulation?

Bubble wrap can be surprisingly effective for shed insulation, especially in milder climates. It’s affordable, easy to install, and can help regulate the temperature inside your shed. However, there might be better choices for extreme temperatures, as it doesn’t have the highest R-value.

Can I insulate a shed for under $100?

It’s unlikely. You might be able to insulate a small shed for under $100 if you’re lucky enough to find a good supply of free recycled materials, like polystyrene packaging, and you do the installation yourself. However, you’ll still need to buy plastic sheeting and tape for your vapor barrier. If you have to buy the insulation, even for a tiny shed, you’ll likely spend at least $200.

Profile picture of Alan Bernau Jr

Alan Bernau Jr

Alan Bernau Jr is the founder and owner of Alan’s Factory Outlet. For over 21 years, he has helped more than 100,000 homeowners and businesses design and install custom carports, garages and metal buildings. His mission is to provide high quality, durable solutions that fit each customers needs.

Alan Bernau Jr is the founder and owner of Alan’s Factory Outlet. For over 21 years, he has helped more than 100,000 homeowners and businesses design and install custom carports, garages and metal buildings. His mission is to provide high quality, durable solutions that fit each customers needs.

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