Shed Insulation Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Use Instead)

Insulating a shed might seem simple—but in Perth’s hot, dry summers and chilly winters, getting it wrong can make things worse. If you’re turning your shed into a workshop, gym, or home office, here are the most common mistakes we see—and what to use instead.

1. Using Only Foil as Insulation

Reflective foil products like Ametalin are great at blocking radiant heat, but on their own, they don’t provide thermal resistance. They need an air gap and a partner product to be effective in Perth’s climate.

Use instead: Pair Ametalin SilverSark with batts or ThermalBreak 7 to gain both reflective and thermal performance.

2. Skipping the Roof

We get it—roof spaces can be tight or awkward. But in sheds, over 60% of heat gain occurs through the roof. Skipping it guarantees an oven in summer.

Use instead: Install Earthwool R4.0 batts if there’s a ceiling cavity, or use ThermalBreak 7 under metal roofing for skillion setups.

Check out our roof insulation collection →

3. Forgetting Wall Insulation

Walls contribute to both temperature and sound transfer. If you’re adding lining or using the shed regularly, leaving them uninsulated is a big miss.

Use instead: Earthwool R2.7 HD is perfect for timber-framed walls and gives great acoustic and thermal performance.

Explore wall insulation options →

4. Ignoring the Floor

If your shed is raised or built with timber floors, cold air will creep in from underneath. It’s especially noticeable in winter and early mornings.

Use instead: Earthwool Floorshield R2.5 is designed for underfloor applications and keeps heat where it belongs—inside.

5. Over-Insulating a Shed That’s Not Airtight

Insulation works best in enclosed spaces. If your shed has gaps or isn’t sealed properly, even the best insulation won’t help much—and may trap unwanted moisture.

Use instead: Before insulating, seal your shed with proper cladding, flashing, and internal lining. Then add insulation suited to each surface and intended use.

Conclusion: Insulate Smart, Not Just Fast

Shed insulation done right can completely transform a space—but the wrong products or skipped steps can cost you comfort, efficiency, and dollars. At Perth Insulation Centre, we stock the best materials for WA sheds and can help you choose what’s best for your structure, usage, and budget.

Need a second opinion or a quick quote? Call 0417 910 326 or shop all insulation products now.

Back to blog