While everyone may want to get tanned during summer for that perfect golden complexion, we all know that we should avoid too much Sun exposure. Summer temperatures in Australia can exceed tolerable levels, so when we are busy slip-slop-slap-ing, it's important to remember that a shed also needs a little break from the scorching rays of the sun. A shed could last a long time and keeping it cool could extend its functional years.
As most houses in Australia are built with a 30-year lifespan, you may want to have your shed last as long. With a little technical knowledge and care, you can protect your property investment. You have to consider the building’s structure, design, parts, materials, and flexibility to adjust to different seasons.
For one, you should know the impact of the searing summer season on your garden shed or workshop, especially if you will use it to store items that may be sensitive to heat.
Here are several “chilling” tips to keep your shed cool in the summer.
Try the natural cooling effect of roof vents
Ventilation in roofs comes in two forms. You could choose between wind ventilation or cross ventilation design to allow heat to exit your shed and lower the temperature within. Wind ventilation is the most common design. If you want the heat not only to escape but also provide you with a cooling system that allows the moving air to circulate within the shed, you should determine the best position of your windows, doors, and vents. This would allow you to control the air or wind that passes through it.
Contain the heat with an insulator
The materials used for building sheds have an intrinsic insulating property in them that are usually measured with an R-scale. Check your roof insulation if it is designed properly to protect the interior from the heat. Here are several types of insulation that you can use to keep your shed cooler.
- Wall insulation can reduce your energy consumption. Putting one up in your shed could help reduce your electricity bill.
- Another type of insulator is the Insulated Concrete Forms which can also be used in non-residential structures. Check and see if it could fit in your shed.
- Spray-on insulation is another type that you can adopt in your shed. You may choose between the open-cell foam -- where air from the cells of the insulation could fill in the open spaces -- and the closed-cell insulation.
- SIPs, or Structural Insulated Panels, are one of the most durable types. It is known to be an energy-efficient high-performance material, and it is also inexpensive.
Choose one that you think will work best for you.
Add some more doors and windows
This is a practical way of improving ventilation in certain spaces. To protect the interior from insects, you may want to add screens. If the scorching heat could still penetrate a little, you can add an awning or overhang roof to prevent the sun’s rays from directly hitting the side of your walls.
Glaze your windows
Glazed windows slow down heating as a result of contact with the sunshine. This also increases the flow of the natural cooling breeze.
Install a ceiling fan for an extra kick on ventilation
To pull out the heat from the interior, you may also need an exhaust fan. There are other appliances that you might want to employ to keep it cool. If you’re worried about additional power consumption, you could opt for something solar. Solar-powered ceiling fans would be a good addition. A solar panel on your roof can also provide you with free electricity.
Get an air-conditioning unit
Fans may not be applicable in some shed spaces and they may just circulate hot air. Based on location and the purpose of your shed, an air-conditioning unit might be the most appropriate addition to that space.
Install a whirlybird or roof ventilator
This is another conventional way of cooling your shed. You can choose from the active-powered ones which they call mechanical, or you can go for the wind-driven whirlybird.
The concept behind this device is that when the wind hits the turbine fins, the vent rotates. As it rotates, this will pull out the hot air, thereby cooling your space.
Try another skylight roofing design
Redesign your skylight on your roof to avoid heat loss during winter and prevent heat gain during summer. A little tweak on its design such as using open-sided cylinders or mirrored reflectors adjacent to the skylight could actually provide daylighting without the heat gain.
This ceiling structure mostly provides you with the lighting. Operable skylights which open outward from the bottom releases the hot air found in the ceiling and could also cool down your space.
4.5m x 3m Workshop Shed
6m x 3m Workshop Shed
4.5m x 2.25m Workshop Shed
Add some natural shades
If you have made some additions to your shed to keep it cool and still find it too hot inside during the summer, you may want to reconsider the site. Relocate your shed to a shady area, but make sure that it is not under trees whose branches could snap easily. This would substantially mitigate its exposure to the sun and provide you a great background for memorable photographs.
Be practical by opening the doors and windows
This is the most practical of all tips that could save you several dollars. Closing the doors can trap the interior temperature, so try to keep it open whilst you use the shed.
You may also want to change the colour of your shed. Dark colours do not reflect back the heat, as they absorb it instead; hence, when choosing paint colours for your shed, always lighten up the tone.
Choose the best cooling method that is perfect for your shed and that suits your environmental situation. Keeping your shed cool does not mean you have to compromise its style, type, and design. For the best option on cooling and styling your garden shed, log on to www.easyshed.com.au and check out our new sheds for sale now.
