Tips to Keep Your Shed or Garage Cool in Summer Heat

Don't let the heat keep you from getting the most out of your garage or shed! There are many practical ways to keep garages and outdoor storage sheds comfortable. Keeping the temperature levels down not only makes using these spaces more pleasant, it can also help to prevent problems such as rusted tools and warped lumber.

Increase ventilation. During the summer months, increasing airflow in the garage or shed ranks at the top of shed cooling tips. This can be achieved by opening the garage door about a foot, or fully opening the shed door and turning on a fan or two to circulate air. Installing vents on the roof or gable wall will allow hot air to escape from the attic or upper level. Adding a powered exhaust fan will accelerate the cooling process.

Add insulation. Adding insulation in walls and ceilings is an important step to stave off summer heat and also keep out winter cold. Cooling a storage shed becomes more effective with insulation to help regulate the temperature.

Install radiant barrier. LP® Outdoor Building Solutions® manufactures shed roof sheathing and wall panels with SilverTech®  radiant barrier to help reduce the sun's energy radiating through the panels. These products are an ideal choice to help keep the interior of sheds and workshops cooler.

Seal gaps with weatherstripping. If your shed has air conditioning, applying caulk and weather stripping is one of the simplest, most cost-effective methods to help keep temperatures more comfortable and your energy bills lower. Sealing gaps around windows, doors and other openings will keep hot air out and cool air in.

Install an awning. Installing awnings over doors and windows can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 77 % on west-facing windows and 65 % on south-facing windows. Retract the awnings in the winter to prolong the life of the awning fabric and let in warm sunlight for passive heating.

Build a New Shed With LP Products

If you need a new shed or outdoor structure, LP Outdoor Building Solutions products can be combined in virtually endless ways to complement any property. Your local shed dealer can take you step-by-step through the shed selection process. Find out where to buy sheds built with LP products today!