Keeping your Summer House Warm in Winter

24 October 2023 · Summer Houses

As winter continues to creep in, many of us are already reaching for our chunky knits, hats, gloves and scarves as the days get colder and the nights draw in.

However, as we prepare to wave goodbye to the summer months, this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your summer house as the seasons change. For example, you can do many things to keep your summer house warm and toasty during the winter months.

We have created a helpful guide outlining everything that you need to know about keeping your summer house warm in the winter.

Why winterise your summer house?

A summer house is a fantastic addition to any property, giving you a new and exciting space to entertain, relax, unwind in, enjoy your favourite hobbies and escape the hustle and bustle of your home.

Today, outdoor buildings are more popular than ever, with many transforming them into home office spaces, hobby spaces and even working spaces. With this in mind, it’s important that your outdoor summer house is warm, snug and comfortable when the temperatures drop.

How to keep your summer house warm in the winter?

Here are our top ideas on how to keep your garden building warm and welcoming during the winter months.

Sealing and insulation

It certainly pays to invest in the correct sealing and insulation when it comes to keeping your summer house as warm as possible during the winter months. There are two different types of sealing and insulation – external summer house insulation and internal summer house insulation.

External summer house insulation includes installing insulation in the floor, walls and roof. For example, insulation materials such as foam boards or fibreglass batts can be installed between the floor joists to achieve effective heat retention.

Internal summer house insulation can also be installed and finished with plasterboard, chipboard or plywood board for optimum strength and maximum thermal insulation.

 

What Insulation is best for my summer house?

There are a number of different types of insulation suitable for garden buildings; you should consider including the following:

Polyurethane Insulation

Polyurethane insulation is one of the most common types of insulation used for outdoor living environments due to its ability to provide one of the most efficient thermal insulation with minimal thickness.

Mineral wool Insulation

Mineral wool insulation is also a great insulation solution due to the fact that it has a low thermal conductivity of 0.037 W/mK. Mineral wool is also incredibly flexible,

flame-resistant, an excellent acoustic dampener, easy to install, and can fit into awkward gaps.

Cavity slab Insulation

Cavity slab insulation is used in cavity walls and is ideal for Insulating the walls of a garden room.

Cavity slab insulation has a low thermal conductivity and offers good protection against noise, making it ideal for use in outdoor garden spaces.

Effective heating solutions for small spaces

When the temperatures drop, it’s crucial that you invest in effective heating solutions for your summer house. After all, there’s nothing worse than a cold and uncomfortable space.

Some of the best heating solutions to use in small spaces include the following:

  • Electric Radiators
  • Fan heaters
  • Halogen heaters
  • Underfloor heating
  • Solar powered heating

As a general rule of thumb, you should always utilise clean energy resources.

Important safety precautions and energy-saving tips

Safety should always be a top priority in any living space, including your summer house. When creating any living environment, you should always take the following safety precautions:

  • Install a smoke detector
  • Install a  Carbon Monoxide alarm
  • Avoid using flammable objects
  • Optimise ventilation for heating safety
  • Do not use your oven to heat a space
  • Never use heating appliances that are damaged
  • Always keep kids and pets away from heating solutions.

You should also keep in mind the following energy-saving tips:

  • Use LED lights
  • Switching to efficient appliances
  • Use smart, automated devices
  • Use double-glazing door
  • Unplug devices when they are not in use
  • Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature
  • Turn off lights when you are not using them

Why choose Timclad Ltd

Timclad Ltd (York Timber) design and craft the best timber garden furniture for your space, regardless of size, appearance or personal needs. Whether you’re looking to set up a brand new garden office space for a hybrid working schedule, or you simply require a handy tool shed for that particular hobby – trust us to satisfy your exact requirements.

Delivery and installation will always be handled by trustworthy experts and can be booked throughout Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. We endeavour to supply the exact materials you need to create any bespoke timber garden buildings, leaving nothing left over for you to deal with.

Having overseen a diverse range of projects involving timber, we can be contacted every step of the way and are more than happy to assist.

Get in touch with a member of our team today to find out how we can help you.

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