A Guide to Insulating a Steel Building

 

One of the benefits of pre-engineered steel buildings is they can be insulated more effectively than wood-frame alternatives. This translates to higher energy efficiency, which can help you cut back on heating and cooling costs. That said, you must choose and install the right insulation to maximize the benefits.

 

At Armstrong Steel, we can customize your steel building to meet your unique requirements and ensure that it’s easy to insulate with modern insulation methods. We make sure there are no gaps in the ceiling and walls for cold air or heat to seep in and affect indoor temperatures. If you don’t know which insulation material or technology to use, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

 

Why insulate your steel building?

 

The right insulation can add decades to the lifespan and structural integrity of pre-engineered steel buildings. It can increase the insulation value and reduce heat loss and gain. It also simplifies interior climate control management to make it easy to maintain comfortable temperatures.

 

Insulating a steel building doesn’t just ensure proper indoor temperatures and humidity control. The right insulation material also decreases condensation and offers soundproofing benefits.

 

Ensuring effective insulation

 

Using the right heat-saving technologies with suitable insulation materials is the key to ensuring effective insulation in pre-engineered steel buildings.  The goal is to create an adequately sealed environment. Strategically placed insulating materials can make all the difference — after all, approximately 26% of heat loss happens through the roofing, while walls account for an extra 33%. So, insulating these areas will help maintain a cooler or warmer building.

 

If you have an existing steel building, pay close attention to the roof and walls because these areas are highly susceptible to heat loss. The roof is directly exposed to the elements, especially rising heat, causing it to deteriorate. The damage can result in holes where cold air can enter your building.

What are the best insulation materials for steel buildings?

 

Foam boards, fiberglass rolls, and reflective insulation foil are some of the best materials for insulating pre-engineered steel buildings. These options excel in thermal regulation and heat absorption, making them effective at minimizing heat loss.

 

When using effective materials, consider the insulation requirements of your steel building. Your budget and desired R-value can impact those factors. Let’s take a closer look at each insulation material:

 

Reflective insulation foil

 

Reflective insulation foil is a budget-friendly option. It's less effective on its own compared to fiberglass or foam boards; combining it with other materials can significantly improve the insulation of a steel building.  While this might increase the overall cost, it's a worthwhile investment for better energy efficiency.

 

Fiberglass insulation

 

Fiberglass is among the most popular materials for insulating pre-engineered steel buildings because it’s known to have the lowest installed cost per R-value. It comes in different facing solutions to meet your aesthetic requirements without compromising durability. Plus, it’s easy to install and causes minimal stress on equipment. If you’re environmentally conscious, you will also appreciate the fact that fiberglass is an eco-friendly material.

 

Standard-faced fiberglass is a popular and cost-effective choice for insulation.  But in order to make sure that it meets energy codes and prevents condensation, you have to install it to a depth that’s slightly greater than or equal to the wall girts. Be sure to fill any remaining cavity space, too. We can help you determine if your steel building is suitable for standard-faced fiberglass and ensure a proper installation.

 

Foam boards

 

Also known as polyisocyanurate insulation, rigid foam boards reduce thermal bridging in pre-engineered steel buildings because of their continuous configuration. They have durable facings to suit your aesthetic needs while meeting most building codes. However, they can be more expensive than other options, and installation costs can further rise due to the need for custom lengths. It's also important to consider joint conditions and work with us to ensure accurate building lines and trims.

 

Foam boards can be left exposed or concealed with a liner panel. If left exposed, they must have a Class A fire rating for safety. If you prefer to cover them, use a 22-gauge liner panel.

 

Other insulation options

Fabric liner system

After installing the metal wall panels, unfaced insulation is set between the girts and set in place by insulation hangers. From there, you can install a fabric liner system over the insulation and girts. This insulation method suits most retrofit and new situations and meets most energy codes. It’s easy to install and delivers a high-quality air and vapor barrier with an attractive finish. The downside is that it can be more complex to install and may make accessing the purlins for HVAC, electrical, or maintenance difficult.

 

Filled Cavity Systems

 

Two wall insulation products can be used to fill the girt wall cavity in pre-engineered steel buildings. In both cases, a thermal break tape will be placed on the girts’ outside face before installing the wall panels. Filled cavity systems can prevent bugs and air leaks, making them helpful in preserving air quality in your building. They are easy and affordable to install but can disrupt the purlins.

 

Spray Foam Insulation

 

If you have a small steel building, spray foam insulation may be effective. However, it may void warranties and can become more expensive than fiberglass (especially for larger structures). Please consult with us to determine if it's the right choice for your building.

 

 

Consult our building experts.

 

Let our team take the guesswork out of choosing a suitable insulation for your pre-engineered steel buildings. Call 1-800-345-4610 to speak to one of our experts. If you have yet to build a metal building, you can get a quote by filling out our form here.

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