How to Keep Your Garden Shed or Summer House Cool in the Summer

When the summer sun blazes, garden buildings like sheds, log cabins, or summer houses can quickly become uncomfortably hot, especially during heatwaves. This heat can make your shed or summer house not only uncomfortable but also unsafe for prolonged use. Here's how to keep your garden shed or summer house cool in the summer months.

How to Keep Your Shed Cool in Summer

Insulate Your Shed

Insulating your shed or summer house helps regulate the temperature, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Proper insulation also protects against moisture buildup, which can rust tools and cause mould. For more details, check out our ultimate guide to shed insulation or explore our range of pre-insulated summer houses.

Double Glaze or Cover the Windows

Double glazing your garden shed or summer house windows can significantly reduce heat penetration and prevent cooled air from escaping. Even without double glazing, covering windows with fabric or kitchen foil can block sunlight and reduce heat buildup.

Ventilate the Cabin

Opening the doors and windows in the early morning can prevent your shed from heating up. Creating airflow from one exit to another helps cool it down. Installing vents can further improve airflow and reduce indoor temperatures.

Provide Shade

Moving smaller sheds or playhouses to shaded areas in your garden can protect them from direct sunlight. If relocation isn't an option, consider using a tarpaulin or erecting a pergola or gazebo above your shed for additional sun protection.

Use Fans or Air Conditioning

If your garden shed or summer house has an electricity supply, using fans or air conditioning can effectively cool the space. Even without a built-in supply, running an extension cable to power a fan can create much-needed airflow. A dehumidifier can also help combat the high humidity often experienced during UK summers.

Spray with Water

Spraying the outside of your Norfolk shed with water can temporarily cool it down. The water absorbs heat from the surface and removes it during evaporation. Just be sure to close doors and windows before spraying.

Choosing the Right Shed Material

Metal Sheds

Metal sheds heat up quickly as metal is not an insulator, making them extremely hot to the touch on summer days.

Plastic Sheds

Modern plastic sheds made from materials like HDPE are more resilient to extreme temperatures but still offer limited protection against heat without insulation.

Wooden Sheds

Wooden sheds are the best choice for regulating temperature. Wood is a natural insulator, helping to keep your garden building cooler during heatwaves.

Summary

Whether you plan to work on projects, relax, or use your garden shed or summer house in Norfolk as a play area, keeping it cool is essential. Consider installing insulation, ventilation, or air conditioning for long-term solutions. For a quick fix, open the doors and windows, set up a fan, and provide shade.

For a range of high-quality Norfolk sheds and summer houses that offer comfort and style, visit UK Sheds. By following these tips, you can enjoy your garden building throughout the summer without breaking a sweat. Explore our other blogs for more garden building advice and tips.