Workshop construction advice

[rockweasel]

This wet and windy weather we've been having recently has highlighted my need for a warm and dry place to work.

I have two donor ex-chicken sheds to start with and a supply of palettes from my neighbor.

The sheds are wooden and clad in shiplap. A bit "gappy" in the summer when the boards shrink. I'd like to add a vapor barrier to keep out the rain that does find its way in through the gaps; insulation to keep the heat in and line the interior with OSB or similar.

Here's my question: From what I understand, if the shed was being built from scratch the framework would go up first followed by the vapor barrier and then the exterior cladding. As my shed panels are already premade, the vapor barrier would sit between the shed framework and insulation. The framework would be exposed to any water ingress (as it has for donkeys years already - to no harm) but at least the insulation and interior cladding would be kept dry. The vapor barrier would be punctured by the screws holding the interior cladding to the framework. I'm not sure how much of a problem that would cause. Am I wasting my time doing it this way and setting myself up for problems down the line? If so can you suggest alternatives (apart from taking off all the shiplap and starting again).

 

[Shedendman]

TBH if it was me i'd take the ship lap off and start again,you dont say what you using as a vapor barrier though,a heavy damp proof plastic membrane or some lightweight roofing felt,thing is doing it on the inside your going to have to fix it around all the stud work on the inside which in my view is a PITA.
Also if any water gets in through the ship lap it'll run down to the inside of the stud not on the inside of the ship lap,this might explain what i'm yapping on about
http://www.woodsolutions.com.au/dotAsset/46783.jpg
What are you using as insulation to?

 

[garethp]

Vapour barrier should always go in the warm side of the insulation, it stops water vapour travelling though the insulation and condensing on the cold side of the insulation or actually in the insulation. The permeable barrier under the cladding keeps wind driven rain out while allowing the structure to breath.

Don't put the vapour barrier on the outside of the insulation, it's highly likely that you'll get condensation between it and the insulation and if you're using Rockwell type it'll end up a soggy mess.

Don't worry about putting screws through the barrier

 

[brightspark]

depending on the gaps between the ship laps if u dont want to remove fill them with flexible frame sealant with a caulk gun its only a few quid a tube from toolstation

 

[rockweasel]

Brightspark: Good idea. Too much hassle to remove the shiplap without it splitting.

Garethp: Something like this on the cold side of the insulation: http://m.wickes.co.uk/Breathable-Membrane-50mx1m/p/164068, and this:http://m.wickes.co.uk/Polythene-Vapour-Barrier-2-5x20m/p/153230 on the warm side. I was planning on using rockwool.

The old sheds break down into their 4 sides, top and base. I was hoping to lay them face down on the ground and add the barriers, insulation and internal cladding before joining them together. I planned on leaving enough overlap at the edges to fold under or over the adjacent section.

 

[garethp]

Brightspark: Good idea. Too much hassle to remove the shiplap without it splitting.

Garethp: Something like this on the cold side of the insulation: http://m.wickes.co.uk/Breathable-Membrane-50mx1m/p/164068, and this:http://m.wickes.co.uk/Polythene-Vapour-Barrier-2-5x20m/p/153230 on the warm side. I was planning on using rockwool.

The old sheds break down into their 4 sides, top and base. I was hoping to lay them face down on the ground and add the barriers, insulation and internal cladding before joining them together. I planned on leaving enough overlap at the edges to fold under or over the adjacent section.

They'll do the job Screwfix are a bit cheaper for the same stuff

 

[brightspark]

just buy a staple gun and tack it all on

 

[Robotstar5]

I planned on leaving enough overlap at the edges to fold under or over the adjacent section.

Tape all the joints/overlaps to maintain barrier integrity.