The Best Insulation Products for Your Steel Shed

Steel sheds are versatile structures often used for storage, workshops, and even as living spaces. However, without proper insulation, they can suffer from extreme temperatures and condensation issues. Insulation not only improves comfort but also enhances energy efficiency and durability. Among the leading choices for insulation are products from Kingspan and Trade Select. This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of these products, highlighting their features and suitability for different applications.

Kingspan Insulation Solutions

1. Kingspan AIR-CELL Insulshed® 50

The AIR-CELL Insulshed® 50 is specifically designed for shed applications, ideal for structures that do not house sensitive electronics or are not used as living spaces. Its unique closed-cell foam structure and reflective foil surfaces offer excellent thermal insulation, helping to keep the shed cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

KEY FEATURES:

• Thermal Performance and Vapour Barrier: Offers excellent insulation properties while preventing moisture ingress, which is crucial in varying climates.
• Ease of Installation: Lightweight and easy to handle, it can be quickly installed without special tools or expertise.
• Durability: Resistant to moisture, insects, and rodents, it ensures long-lasting protection.
• One of the most popular and best shed insulations over the last 15 years.

2. Kingspan AIR-CELL Insulbreak

Kingspan AIR-CELL Insulbreak® product is a versatile solution suitable for steel-framed structures like granny flats and garages. It provides a critical thermal break, which is necessary to comply with the NCC BCA standards, and improves the overall energy efficiency of the building.

KEY FEATURES:

• Multi-functional: Combines insulation, a vapour barrier, and a thermal break in one product, simplifying the construction process and reducing material costs.
• Building Compliance: Helps achieve a 6-star energy rating, ensuring that the structure meets stringent building standards.
• Health and Safety: Being fibre-free, non-allergenic, and non-irritant, it is safe for installers and occupants.

3. Kingspan AIR-CELL Permiwall

Kingspan AIR-CELL Permiwall® is tailored for use with concrete walls, particularly in settings where condensation might pose a problem. Its vapour-permeable properties make it ideal for maintaining air quality and structural integrity.

KEY FEATURES:

• Condensation Control: Its vapour-permeability reduces the risk of water accumulation and associated structural damage.
• Installation Flexibility: Easy to install in new construction or retrofit projects.
• Environmental Impact: Contributes to a healthier indoor environment by minimising the risk of mould and mildew.

4. Kingspan AIR-CELL Permicav

Kingspan AIR-CELL Permicav® insulation is designed for wall cavities, providing a barrier that helps manage moisture while still allowing the wall to ‘breathe.’ It’s an excellent choice for climates with high humidity.

KEY FEATURES:

• Moisture Management: Micro perforations allow vapour to escape, preventing moisture buildup within wall cavities.
• Thermal Resistance: Provides effective insulation, helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

5. Kingspan AIR-CELL Insulwhite

Kingspan AIR-CELL Insulwhite® is ideal for attic spaces or other areas where aesthetics are important. It provides effective insulation and a clean, white appearance, making it suitable for visible applications.

KEY FEATURES:

• Aesthetic and Functional: Offers a bright, reflective surface that enhances lighting efficiency while insulating.
• Fire Safety: Complies with international fire safety standards, providing peace of mind in terms of building safety.

6. Kingspan AIR-CELL Insuliner Wall Insulation

The Australian-made Kingspan AIR-CELL Insuliner® is designed with thermo reflective insulation technology, ideal for metal framed walls in low rise structures. With advanced fire performance characteristics, this product achieves a Group 2 classification to NCC fire ratings for both wall and ceiling linings, ensuring safety and compliance in a range of applications.

KEY FEATURES:

• Advanced Fire Safety: Achieves Group 2 NCC fire classification, enhancing the safety standards of structures.
• Thermal and Vapour Barrier: Acts as a 3-in-1 insulation, vapour barrier, and radiant barrier, which contributes to overall energy efficiency and moisture control.
• Fibre-Free Composition: Offers a cleaner, safer installation, and reduces potential for irritation during and after installation, making it ideal for environments such as warehouses and commercial sheds.
• Designed for Specific Environments: Particularly suitable for low rise structures and specifically designed for settings where the insulation doubles as wall or ceiling lining.

7. Kingspan AIR-CELL Permifloor®

Kingspan AIR-CELL Permifloor® is engineered for underfloor insulation, providing both thermal insulation and moisture management. It’s particularly useful in areas prone to dampness.

KEY FEATURES:

• Moisture Control: Helps to prevent moisture-related issues such as mould, making it ideal for climates with significant rain or humidity.
• Thermal Comfort: Keeps floors warm in winter and cool in summer, enhancing overall comfort.

8. Kingspan AIR-CELL Permishield Wall Insulation

Kingspan AIR-CELL Permishield® is specifically engineered for framed and reverse brick veneer walls behind lightweight cladding materials. Its unique design, with a patented closed-cell structure and evenly-spaced breather holes, provides both thermal insulation and vapour-permeable sarking, ensuring a balanced and efficient solution for wall insulation needs.

KEY FEATURES:

• Versatility: Suitable for low rise structures, offering flexibility in various building applications.
• Compliance: Meets NCC requirements, contributing to achieving home energy efficiency provisions and regulatory compliance.
• Thermal Break: Provides a thermal break solution, helping to reduce thermal bridging and improve overall energy efficiency.
• Water Resistance: Unaffected by moisture, ensuring long-term performance and durability in damp environments.

9. Kingspan AIR-CELL Retroshield Roof Insulation

Kingspan AIR-CELL Retroshield® offers a comprehensive solution for roof insulation, serving as a 3-in-1 insulation, vapour barrier, and radiant barrier. Its thermo-reflective insulation technology, coupled with a unique reflective anti-tear surface, ensures high performance and durability in various roofing applications.

KEY FEATURES:

• Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of roof types and structures, providing flexibility in design and installation.
• Fibre-Free and Non-Allergenic: Provides a safe and comfortable installation environment, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
• Quick and Easy Installation: Designed for easy and efficient installation, saving time and labour costs during construction projects.
• Durable and Resilient: Resistant to moisture, pests, and environmental factors, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

Trade Select™ Solutions

Trade Select™ ThermalBreak™

A versatile, robust product, Trade Select™ ThermalBreak™ is suitable for a wide range of applications including roofs, walls, and floors. It meets the needs of both timber and steel-framed constructions.

KEY FEATURES:

• Comprehensive Use: Effective in managing heat gain and loss across different parts of the building.
• Fire and Water Resistance: Offers added safety and durability under various environmental conditions.
• Acoustic Dampening: Provides sound insulation, which is beneficial in noisy environments.

Trade Select™ ThermalBrane

Trade Select™ ThermalBrane offer an advanced insulation solution suitable for various applications, including residential homes and commercial sheds. This product is designed to provide superior thermal performance compared to conventional insulation methods while effectively reducing thermal bridging and conductivity between building elements.

KEY FEATURES:

• Double-Sided Foam Core Reflective Insulation: The innovative design of ThermalBrane incorporates a double-sided foam core reflective insulation, maximising thermal resistance and energy efficiency.
• Water and Air Barrier: Acts as a Class 2 vapour barrier, providing protection against moisture infiltration and ensuring a comfortable and dry indoor environment.
• Flexible R0.1 Reflective Foam Insulation Liner: The flexible nature of the reflective foam insulation liner allows for easy installation and adaptation to various building configurations.
• Low Flammability: With low flammability characteristics, ThermalBrane is suitable for all BALs (Bushfire Attack Levels) in bushfire-prone areas, offering added safety and peace of mind.
• Extra Heavy Duty: Built to withstand the rigours of construction and environmental factors, ThermalBrane is an extra heavy-duty solution engineered for long-lasting performance.

Choosing the Right Insulation Product for a Steel Shed

When selecting insulation for your steel shed, consider the following criteria: