I knew this day would come, where I made my first big mistake because I’m trying something I haven’t done before and just didn’t know better. This first big derailment is the ceiling insulation.

Wall insulation is simple – find the right products with the right specs (r-13, kraft faced, 15”x32’), push it in the wall and secure it in place.

Ceilings, especially shed ceilings, are more complex. Because the insulation is right against the roof (unlike an attic where there is ample space between the insulation and the exterior roof), you have to create a barrier to allow the intense heat from the black metal roof baking in the sun all day to vent, a concept completely new to me.

This leaves me needing to remove the recently-installed insulation, are a radiant barrier, some soffit vents, and an air gap to create a properly vented ceiling.

While some sort of setback was inevitable—as is with diy projects—I was still discouraged when it hit. Yet simultaneously I know and accept this as a welcome part of the journey.

All that’s left is to regroup, gather the next round of supplies, put my hand to the work before me, and wait for the next detour of this journey to reveal itself to me.