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Garden sheds can get uncomfortably hot in the summer, especially during a heatwave. When it heats up too much, it’s not only unpleasant but also unsafe to spend long periods in it. Not only that, but it can affect anything you keep inside, too. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Does My Shed Get So Hot
When the sun beats down on your shed for most of the day, it absorbs that heat and turns it into a bit of a sweat box. The warm weather builds up inside. And by late afternoon, often around 4 pm, the temperature can peak after hours of direct sun.
Even if there’s a breeze outdoors, the inside of a shed doesn’t always get the benefit. With no airflow and plenty of sunlight hitting the walls and roof, the heat stays trapped. Sheds sitting in full sun with no shade warm up the quickest.
A shed can end up about 10°C hotter than the outside temperature. Cooling it down is crucial if you want to use it for more than a quick in-and-out.
How to Keep a Shed Cool in Summer
If you’re using the shed for work, relaxing, or the kids’ play space, the last thing you want is a sauna. Here are a few simple ways to keep it cooler:
Insulate your shed
Insulating your shed keeps it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It also helps prevent moisture, which can cause rust or mould. For more tips, see our guides on shed insulation and how to insulate a shed floor.
Double-glaze or cover the windows
Double glazing is another trick to reduce the heat your shed absorbs from the sun. Single panes trap heat, but adding another layer of glass or styrene can cut heat by up to 55% and keep cool air inside.
Even without double glazing, covering windows can help. You can use fabric or kitchen foil to block sunlight, or fit an awning above windows and doors for shade. This won’t make the shed cold, but it will stop it from getting too hot.
How to Reduce the Heat in Your Shed on a Hot Day
More tips on cutting down the heat inside, this time focusing on habits and a few small investments.
Ventilate your shed
Don’t keep your garden building closed all day. Open doors or windows early in the morning to stop it from heating up. Even later in the day, creating airflow from one side to the other can help lower the temperature.
You can also add a vent to improve airflow. Check out our guide to shed ventilation for more ideas.
Give it some shade
If you haven’t built your shed yet, pick a place that avoids the strongest sun. For instance, shadows from your house or a tall tree can help – but make sure it’s not too close to the tree, though!
Alternatively, use a tarpaulin or a large sheet to block the sun temporarily. Another option is adding a pergola or gazebo above the shed, giving it extra shade without moving it.
Cool down with a fan or air conditioning
If your shed has power, a fan is an easy way to move air. Air conditioning is more expensive but worth it if you spend a lot of time inside. Or opt for a ceiling fan, which is cheaper to run.
If there’s no power, a long extension cable from the house can work. Make sure the fan helps move hot air out, not just blow it around. Combine it with ventilation for the best results. If you can, add a dehumidifier for extra measure in stopping moisture from building up.
Spray the exterior with water
If there’s no hosepipe ban, spraying the outside of your shed with water can quickly cool it down. The water soaks up heat and carries it away as it evaporates. Make sure doors and windows are closed first.
Which Shed Material Stays Cooler in Summer
All sheds can get hot, but some materials heat up faster and hold more heat than others.
Why do metal sheds get hot in summer?
Metal is a conductor, not an insulator. That’s why a metal shed will take on heat and transfer it to the inside of the building. They will become painfully hot to the touch on a summer’s day.
Do plastic sheds get hot?
Modern plastic sheds are made from tough materials like HDPE, meaning they won’t melt in the sun. But plastic doesn’t insulate well, so it can still get warm inside without extra insulation.
Are wooden sheds better for summer?
Wooden sheds can still get warm, especially if they have big windows, but the wood itself doesn’t make it hotter. This is because timber naturally helps regulate temperature. In return, a wooden shed stays cooler in a heatwave than metal or plastic ones.
