Insulating back garden observatory

Hi Folks,

I am wondering if any of you could advise me on the following. I built a permanent house for my 8inch Schmidt-Cassagrain earlier this year and am now looking forward to nice dark, clear skies for the winter. The roof tips over and down to one side, giving me fully unobstructed views all round. The walls consist of 3"x2" timber frames onto which are fixed shiplap boards over roofing felt.The shiplap has received three coats of a good wood preservative and I am pleased with the result. However, I am not entirely happy with the inside finish and am thinking of cladding same with pine sheeting boards. When varnished, these should look well. My question is, should I consider inserting a layer of insulation behind the pine boards when I am at it, for the sake of the small additional cost ? Would this insulation have any implications with regard to heat retention or warm air rising when the roof is off for viewing? Would it make it any cosier when sitting out there on a cold frosty night?
I should mention that the floor is also timber frame with Marine ply on top and the whole affair is bolted onto concrete block walls.
Any advice anyone might have in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Easy Peasy,

I think no insulation is the answer. Generally (and I do stand to some correction on this), it is imperative that the scope be maintained at the same temperature as what it is outdoors and be kept dry. Keeping your observatory airtight with no ventilation is not good. Circulation is key to keeping moisture from forming on surfaces, and the closer the inside temperature is inside to the outside is best.

I don't know, however, what finish would suit your observatory at the moment!

Seanie.

As per Seanie, avoid insulation. It'll trap heat (what it is dedsigned to do!) and moisture. Trapped heat will increase cooling-down time. Moisture will settle on everything and will cause all kinds of problems for electrics.

That said, if you *do* install insulation, you could ameliorate the negative effects by installing a good ventilation system (natural or mechanical).

I have a roll-off shed with one entire side missing. The best natural ventilation system you can get (otehr than removing the roof of course). This protects the OTA/Mount/Electronics from the weather. Heat and moisture are not a problem for me. As an added protective measure, I sometimes throw a tarp over the OTA/Mount if severe weather is on the way.

This works for me but then a crucial factor is good quality gear that is designed to operate outside and not become a rust-bucket overnight...

Hope that helps
Dave

Thanks a million Dave. Seanie is advising much the same so I will definitely go with the experts. Thanks again.

Thanks a million Seanie. Your prompt advice is greatly appreciated and I will definitely go with that. Kind regards.

You're welcome, that's what this website does best!