Can you really use a garden room during the colder months?
The answer is a resounding yes. Modern garden rooms with the right features are designed to provide a warm, comfortable and usable space all year round, even in the depths of winter.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at what makes garden rooms warm in winter, the benefits of using them during colder months and practical tips to maximise their comfort.
Factors affecting how warm garden rooms are
Making sure your garden room stays warm in winter largely comes down to three key factors: insulation, heating and glazing.
Each of these elements plays a vital role in retaining heat, reducing energy costs and creating a comfortable room. It’s important to prioritise these features during the design and construction of your garden room to create a warm space that’s energy efficient.
1. Insulation Materials
Insulation is the foundation of warmth in any garden room. High-quality insulation in the walls, floors and roof creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping while keeping cold air out.
Materials like thermal panels, wood fibre boards or recycled insulation are excellent choices for retaining heat while being environmentally friendly. Proper insulation minimises the need for over-the-top heating, which saves you on energy costs and helps to significantly reduce running costs. If you’re interested, check out this post on garden office running costs.
In our garden rooms we use high performance Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) as the basis for the building. You can then add a layer of internal insulation to further reduce heat loss and maximise heat retention.
A well-insulated garden room not only provides comfort during winter but also keeps the space cooler in summer. If you’re wondering whether insulation is worth it, check out our blog on insulated vs non-insulated garden Rooms for a full breakdown.
2. Heating Options
Even with top-notch insulation, a heating system is needed to make sure your garden room remains consistently warm in winter. There are several effective and efficient heating options to suit different needs and budgets:
- Electric radiators: Affordable, efficient and easy to install, electric radiators are the go-to choice for our garden rooms. Paired with good insulation, these radiators will warm your room up in no time! You can also install electric convection heaters, which circulate warm air for even heating, and even infrared heaters, which provide targeted warmth without heating the air.
- Underfloor heating: A luxury option that evenly distributes warmth underfoot, making the room feel cosy from the ground up. It’s especially effective in small garden offices or studios.
- Smart heating systems: WiFi-enabled heaters give you full control and allow you to adjust the temperature remotely. This means your garden room can be warm and ready to go first thing in the morning in the middle of January, no matter whatever the main use of your garden room. This option is also great for energy efficiency, as you can programme the heating to suit your schedule.
For more details on heating, see our post on the best ways to heat a garden room.
3. Glazing and Doors
The quality of your windows and doors is a crucial element for retaining heat in your garden room.
Double or triple-glazed windows reduce heat loss by trapping air between the panes, creating an insulating barrier. Similarly, uPVC doors are highly effective at preventing draughts and maintaining thermal efficiency.
Proper installation and draught-proofing are just as important. Sealing gaps around the frames prevents cold air from sneaking in, while energy-efficient glass can reduce heat loss by up to 70% compared to single-glazed alternatives. As glass is still vulnerable to heat loss, you might want to add thermal curtains or blinds to minimise heat escape during the night.
For more on how these features contribute to the overall cost of your garden room, check out our blog on garden room costs.
6 tips for keeping garden rooms warm in winter
Staying warm in a garden room during the winter isn’t just about turning up the heating, it’s about designing the space to retain warmth efficiently.
Here are some practical tips to make sure your garden room stays cosy and usable, no matter how cold it gets.
1. Invest in Proper Insulation
We’ve covered this one above, but it’s important – high-quality insulation is the cornerstone of a warm garden room. Make sure the walls, floors and roof are fully insulated to minimise heat loss.
And don’t forget your garden room foundations. Choosing a well-insulated base, like ground screws with an airtight membrane, will also help retain warmth.
2. Seal Gaps and Draughts
Even small gaps around windows and doors can let in icy draughts that make your garden room chilly. Use draught-proofing strips or foam sealant to close gaps.
For existing garden rooms, inspect the door frames and window seals regularly to make sure they remain effective.
3. Use Efficient Heating Sources
Selecting the right heating system is essential for winter comfort. Electric radiators provide quick, efficient warmth without taking up much space. If you’re installing underfloor heating, ensure it’s compatible with your flooring type.
For added convenience, a WiFi-enabled smart heater lets you programme your heating schedule and pre-warm your room before use.
4. Add Thermal Curtains or Blinds
Thermal curtains or insulated blinds are a simple yet effective way to keep heat in. During the day, open them to let sunlight naturally warm your space.
In the evening, close them to create an extra barrier against heat loss through windows. These coverings can also reduce energy costs, making your garden room both cosy and efficient.
5. Upgrade to High-Performance Glazing
If your garden room has older windows, upgrading to double or triple glazing can dramatically improve heat retention. Look for energy-efficient glass with a low U-value for the best results.
Glazing upgrades are particularly beneficial for large garden rooms with lots of windows, as they prevent heat from escaping while allowing natural light to brighten the space.
6. Lay Down Rugs
If your garden room has a hard floor, adding a thick rug can help retain heat and add an extra layer of comfort underfoot. If you have underfloor heating, you’ll want to go for a natural rug material, such as wool or cooton that can conduct heat effectively.
Are you ready to use your garden rooms in the winter?
Modern garden rooms are designed to be warm and fully functional throughout the winter months. With high-quality insulation, efficient heating and carefully chosen glazing and doors, you can create a comfortable space that’s perfect for work, relaxation or hobbies, and reduce your running costs!
Ready to create a winter-ready garden room? Take a look at our garden room gallery for inspiration or visit our insulated garden offices page to learn about tailored designs for your needs.
If you’d like expert advice or a personalised quote, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Our team is here to help bring your dream garden room to life, making sure that it’s warm, stylish and built to last.
FAQs
1. Are garden rooms warm in the winter without heating?
While insulation significantly reduces heat loss, a heating source is necessary for warmth during the coldest months.
2. What’s the best heating option for a garden room?
Our preferred choice is to install electric radiators but we always go with our customer’s preference. Electric heaters, underfloor heating or infrared panels are all excellent options too. Smart heating systems can further optimise energy use and convenience. Read more on garden room heating.
3. Are insulated garden rooms energy-efficient?
Yes, insulated garden rooms are highly energy-efficient. They retain heat effectively, reducing the need for excessive heating, which helps lower energy costs.
4. Do garden rooms need foundations to stay warm?
Yes, a solid foundation prevents cold air and dampness from entering the garden room. Learn more about foundation options in our blog on concrete vs ground screws foundations.
5. Can garden rooms be used all year round?
Absolutely! Insulated garden rooms are designed for year-round use, providing comfort and functionality in any season.