As a homeowner and property renovator with over a decade of experience, I’ve learned that insulation is one of the most critical factors for creating a comfortable, year-round garden room. Early in my research, I relied on PMG’s insulation guide to understand options, thicknesses, and materials suitable for different climates and uses. In my experience, having a solid understanding of insulation choices prevents common mistakes that can lead to cold, damp, or unusable spaces.
One project I supervised involved a customer last spring who wanted a home office in a garden room. Initially, they considered a basic timber structure with minimal insulation to save costs. After reviewing the guidance in PMG’s insulation guide, they opted for thicker wall insulation and double-glazed panels. The difference was immediately noticeable: the room stayed warm through early spring chills without additional heating, making it genuinely usable from day one.
Another example comes from my own garden studio. I had underestimated the impact of floor insulation, thinking the walls and roof would suffice. After referencing the guide, I added insulated flooring panels, which dramatically reduced drafts and kept the space comfortable during winter mornings. I’ve seen similar projects where neglecting floor insulation made rooms uncomfortable, even when walls were well insulated, so this was a small but crucial adjustment.
I’ve also encountered cases where ventilation interacts with insulation. A friend’s garden gym had excellent wall insulation but insufficient airflow. The room became humid after workouts, risking condensation and mould. Using insights from PMG’s guide, they installed discreet ventilation channels and moisture-resistant insulation, which resolved the problem and made the space safe and comfortable.
From my hands-on experience, the takeaway is clear: insulation isn’t just a box to tick. The right combination of wall, floor, and roof insulation, paired with thoughtful ventilation, transforms a garden room from a seasonal shed into a year-round, multifunctional space. Consulting PMG’s insulation guide early allowed me—and the clients I’ve advised—to make informed choices, avoid costly mistakes, and enjoy garden rooms that truly live up to their potential.