Metal Building Insulation – Why You Need It and What Types You Can Choose From

Metal buildings, probably more than any other types of buildings, need to be properly insulated and not only because building regulations make it obligatory to insulate at least a part of the building (the only exception is carports, which are not required to be insulated), but also because it is the only way to make the building energy-efficient and long-lasting.

Why Do You Need Metal Building Insulation?

Metal, especially steel, conducts heat, and therefore metal constructions allow for the free transfer of humidity and heat in and out. When there is a significant difference between the temperature inside the building and the temperature outside, this may lead to the accumulation of condense which can cause rust and is harmful for whatever is kept inside the building as well as for human health. The materials used for insulating metal buildings create a vapor and heat barrier between the interior of the metal building and the exterior of it, maintaining both the temperature and the humidity inside relatively stable, thus preventing the appearance of condense.

Where to Install Insulation?

Before you start the insulation of any metal construction, you should check the applicable building regulations, but, in most cases, metal buildings are not required to be insulated all around. Depending on the energy-efficiency you are looking for and the purpose for which you will use the building, you can insulate only the roof or some of the walls.

Types of Metal Building Insulation

There are many different types of insulation used for preserving metal buildings in proper condition – here are the most common types:

–    Fiberglass – the cheapest solution of them all and the material that can be easily applied in a DIY fashion, fiberglass is perfect for insulating garages and workshops. The material is available in the form of panels or rolls, both easy to install and efficient,

–    Loose-fill insulation – another type of insulation that requires a specialist to install, but is on the cheap end of the range, loose-fill insulation consists of fiber pellets that are blown into walls through wall cavities. The material provides excellent protection against moisture, mold and condense and it is an excellent temperature and sound barrier,

–    Spray foam – this solution is a bit more expensive than the previous option, but provides much better insulation. Spray foam is usually installed by professionals with the help of a spray gun – the spray can be applied on the floor, on the walls and on the ceiling as well, so it is a great and easy to use, overall solution to improve the energy-efficiency of your building. Foam insulation also comes with the additional benefit of increasing the structural integrity of the metal building,

–    Polystyrene panels – this is the most expensive solution, but also the most efficient one. The rigid boards come in various thickness and width to allow you to choose the measurements that work best for your building and they can be installed on the inside of the walls or on the exterior of the building as well.