Metal buildings are more popular than ever these days. They are cost-effective, expandable and customizable to fit the needs of almost any type facility. Metal buildings are popularly used in external structures built around homes, such as garages, tool sheds, work sheds, storage sheds, etc…
What are some benefits of insulating a metal building? Steel building insulation provides not only long term cost savings obtained though energy savings but other benefits including interior brightness, prevention of condensation, and sound absorption. Insulation can be installed at a fraction of the cost at the time of the building erection as compared to after the fact.
What does insulation do? Metal building insulation acts as a barrier to slow down the movement of heated or cooled air, reduces energy consumption, helps prevent condensation, absorbs sound, and increases lighting efficiency. Metal buildings are typically insulated by draping batt-type insulation over the structural supports and attaching the metal panels, compressing the insulation at the supports. The fasteners or connectors provide a “thermal short circuit” (known as thermal bridging) through the compressed insulation, significantly reducing the overall thermal performance and thus the full R-value of the insulation.
How much insulation should you use? In a heated or cooled building installing the highest R-value (thickness) packages available is usually the best way to go. While the pay back through energy savings may have been 7 to 10 years in the past, the high cost of energy in today’s world means the pay back period could be cut by as much as 2/3. The most common thickness is 4 inch in the walls and roof. 6 inch insulation is very common but the buyer needs to be aware that if the insulation is not thinned out over purlins or girts a “pillow effect” may occur causing panel distortion or bulging. If you desire a higher R-value or need to meet a certain commercial code, you have the option to go to a banded system which places the insulation in between the purlins and not as much between the panel and purlin.
R-Value is a measurement of the effectiveness to retard the loss of heat flow. The higher the blanket thickness, the higher the R-Value. Insulhold is ideal for new construction where high R-Values are required, or in retrofit to help hold insulation in place and from sagging. Arrows, which are contoured for strength, stick within the fiberglass and provide holding power to the insulation. InsulHold bands are used independently, however, for additional support steel banding, steel liner panel, or an insulation fabric covering such as Energy Saver may be used. Visit the following link to view vinyl insulation options and learn more about steel building insulation.
What is U-Value? What are the guidelines for installing building insulation? What do you know about reflective insulations? Discover the answer to these questions and more at Steel Building Insulation.
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