How To Stop Condensation On A Metal Shed Roof (Do This!)

Kirstin Harrington
by Kirstin Harrington

Metal sheds or sheds with metal roofs can be a giant magnet for condensation. When the metal is cold, and the temperature outside isn’t, the warm air rises and creates moisture on the roof and walls of a shed. This can cause damage to the structure itself, along with anything that’s inside.

Lay anti-condensation roofing sheets on your metal roof to help stop condensation. Properly ventilate your shed to mitigate the condensation and improve the conditions inside. Sheds in lower areas are more prone to condensation and sheds that you install on high ground are at less of a risk.

I’ve scoured the internet to find the most popular ways that you can get the job done. These tips and tricks are relatively inexpensive, and you don’t need any special skills. Let’s talk about how condensation happens in the first place.

Do You Need Roofing, Siding, or Gutter Installers?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

How Does Condensation Happen On A Metal Shed?

In just about every location, as the sun goes down, the outside air begins to cool. The inside of the shed will still be warm, causing the moist air to rise. When this air comes in contact with the chilly, metal roof, it will create condensation.

The same can be said if it’s warm outside and cold in the shed. This is even more common in areas that suffer from extreme humidity levels. You may be wondering how warm air gets into your shed, to begin with.

The Type Of Flooring Matters

One of the main things that can cause condensation to appear in sheds is the type of flooring. Is the base of your shed concrete or gravel? This could be why it’s holding in so much moisture.

Any surface that isn’t insulated will cause moisture to rise. If there isn’t a vapor barrier between surfaces, you’ll find condensation on the roof. I’m not going to dive too deep into the science behind water vapor and gas and all that jazz.

How To Prevent Condensation On A Metal Shed Roof

Prevention is the first step to handling any condensation on a metal shed roof. if you can prevent it, you won’t have to deal with the consequences. Here are a few things you can do:

Keep The Inside Dry

This might seem redundant but just stay with me on this. Keeping the inside of the floor dry can help prevent condensation from forming on the roof. The same can be said with the walls and items inside the shelf.

Laying down a rug on the floor, applying insulation to the walls, and adding other moisture barriers will help immensely. If you’re not ready to add insulation, you could get wall cladding sheets to tackle the job temporarily.

Use Anti-Condensation Roofing Sheets

Installing anti-condensation roofing sheets is a sure-fire way of keeping moisture where it belongs. It’s hard to wrap your brain around how damaging condensation on a metal roof can be.

These sheets will absorb it and keep the water away from the roof. You also won’t have to worry about things like rust or external damage to the overall structure.

Add Adequate Ventilation

Even if you’re not dealing with a condensation issue, having proper ventilation in your shed is essential. You can install a vent in the wall or on the roof. This will help to create a natural flow of air in and out of the building.

Since the air has somewhere to go, it will reduce the amount of moisture in the shed. You could also install windows with screens or built-in bridge vents. If you have a large shed, you also have the option of GRP roof lights that will keep condensation low.

Prevent Moisture Before It Starts

If you haven’t spotted any moisture or excess condensation on your metal roof yet, you’re in luck. The best thing you can do is stop it from happening before it starts. If you’re fortunate, you may not have even built your shed yet.

Putting your shed in an area that is higher, like on a hill or the top of a slope, will give the water somewhere to go. Understandably, many people don’t have a higher area to put a shed. If this is the case, you can use weeping tile, dig a trench, or create an area of gravel to bring water away from the structure.

Keep The Plants At Bay

Another thing you can do is keep away any type of plant. If there are shrubs and trees around the shed, this can increase the chance of moisture. In addition, make sure you have a vapor barrier in the foundation.

If you’re putting in a concrete floor, it’s essential to keep the area well-ventilated while the cement cures. Something else you can do is to make sure your shed has an air-tight seal. This will help keep the inside dry and can keep out things like bugs and spiders.

Use A Dehumidifier

If you live in a humid climate, you’ll know how amazing it is to use a dehumidifier to get rid of moisture. These machines use a fan to draw in air to cold coils. Then, the air is put back out without excessive amounts of water.

This is a simple and affordable way to control the condensation on a metal shed roof. It’s a good idea to get an energy-efficient option so that your electric bill doesn’t increase dramatically.

To get the most out of a dehumidifier, it’s best paired with one or more of the other methods listed here. If you’ve added insulation or a vent and are still having moisture problems, a dehumidifier can be the extra kick to get the job done.

Add Insulation

It’s a good idea to apply as many of these tips and tricks as you can. That’s the best way to keep moisture to an absolute minimum in and on your shed. If there’s only one thing you choose to do, let it be insulating the entire structure.

Using closed-cell polyurethane spray foam will quickly take care of the issue. Hardware stores have these readily available, and the directions are easy to follow. Using foam insulation prevents any heat buildup between the air and the surfaces within the building.

Will Paint On A Metal Roof Stop Condendsation?

Anti-condensation paint is an elastomeric coating that prevents condensation. A naturally occurring substance with elastic qualities is referred to as “elastomeric.” Despite the fact that the anti-condensation is referred to as “paint,” it is more akin to an elastic membrane that would be used with foundation or house wrap.

Anti-condensation paint is roughly ten times thicker than conventional home paint and has insulating properties. Most of these paints require at least two coats, giving you a minimum thickness of 20 coats of paint.

Does Anti-Condensation Paint Work?

So, how well will it work? It will most likely work for minor condensation difficulties. Rubbing your finger against your metal shed roof in the morning and finding a small moist streak is a mild condensation problem.

Metal sheds that drip condensation will not benefit from anti-condensation paint. Before applying anti-condensation paint on these sheds, you’ll need to address the real moisture source.

Places To Add Insulation

Insulation provides ventilation and will protect the structure from other natural elements as well. It’s also ideal for sheds made entirely of metal, due to the lack of space for different insulation types. If your shed has a wood floor, consider adding insulation underneath the flooring too.

It’s important to note that spray foam isn’t the most cost-effective option upfront. Over time, it will pay off more than the alternatives. Once you apply spray foam insulation, you likely won’t have to do it again.

Metal Roof Costs And Alternatives

Unless you’re doing the job yourself, metal roofing can be expensive. While shed roofs cost a lot less than an entire house, it’s still a pretty penny.

Standing seam styles cost between $7 and $14 per square foot, whereas modular press-formed panels will cost $8 to $10 per square foot.

Prices Of A Metal Roof

FactorAverage Price
Materials $2,600
Labor and Installation$2,700
Overhead$2,667
TotalAround $8,000

Metal Roof Alternatives

There are a variety of options when it comes to metal roofing. Since they range in price so much, it’s essential to compare what’s available. Here’s what you can expect to pay for different types of metal.

MaterialPrice Per Square
Steel$75-$350
Stainless Steel$400-$1,200
Tin$350-$1,500
Aluminum$150-$600
Copper$800-$1,500
Zinc$600-$1,000
Lead$1,000+
Rusted Corten$200-$300

Do You Need Roofing, Siding, or Gutter Installers?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.


Related Questions

Why is my shed roof wet inside?

If you live somewhere, that experiences a lot of rain or snow, the inside of your shed’s roof may get wet. This is due to the damp, wet conditions where moisture gets trapped in some spaces. When the temperature decreases outdoors, condensation can form on the shed panels, roof, and even the flooring. 


Do you need to vent a shed roof?

Many folks think that you need to vent a shed roof. In reality, you don’t need to do this, but it could depend on building codes in your area. A vented roof would provide a path for moisture in the air to escape.


Does foam insulation stop condensation?

Yes, foam insulation stops the moisture in the air from reaching surfaces such as the walls and roof of your shed. It keeps the dew point down, and the water vapor doesn’t end up turning into droplets. The foam also prevents cold water from interacting with the warm air, reducing the amount of condensation.

Kirstin Harrington
Kirstin Harrington

Kirstin is a passionate writer who loves helping people learn new things when it comes to home improvement. When she's not behind a keyboard, she enjoys DIY projects, crafts, spending time with her pets, and making videos. She hopes that with all she writes, someone is finding a solution to their home improvement needs.

More by Kirstin Harrington

Next