Insulation Options for Steel Buildings

Steel buildings are gaining popularity for many different uses and purposes. They’re affordable, easy to erect, durable enough to last for decades and require very little maintenance. They make great garages and barns, storage sheds and home offices, to name just a few. If the metal building you’re putting up with be occupied for any length of time – if, for example, you’ll be using your garage as a workshop or are putting up a steel building as an office – you’ll want to make sure to add insulation to your building project. Choosing the right insulation for steel buildings is a matter of understanding the different types of insulation and the best uses for each.

Insulating Steel Buildings in Hot Climates

Steel is one of the better conductors of heat. In hot climates, or in regions where the summers can be hot, the interior of a steel building can quickly reach unhealthy levels. The solution to that problem is radiant barrier insulation. In the warmest clients, it may be the only insulation needed for steel buildings. Radiant barrier insulation consists of a sheet of foil that reflects the sun, thus reducing the heating impact of its rays. It is installed on the underside of the roof, where it can reduce heat gains through the roof by as much as 25%. It can cost as little as $0.13 per foot or as much as $0.33 per square foot.

In addition to installing radiant barrier insulation, those who are putting up steel buildings in hot climates should consider a reflective, energy efficient roof, which absorb far less heat than traditional roofing materials, which can reduce the heat gain through the roof even further.

Insulating Steel Buildings in Cold Climates

In cold climates, the problem is the exact opposite. Because steel is such a good conductor of heat, any warmth inside the building will quickly dissipate. The solution to that problem is thermal insulation, which reduces heat loss by placing materials with lesser heat conductivity between the inside air and the walls of the building. There are many types of thermal insulation available, with varying degrees of protection. Thermal insulation is rated by the R factor – the higher the R factor, the better the insulation works to keep interior temperatures warmer and reduce heat loss.

Just as light-colored roofs reflect the heat and keep a building cooler, dark or dull roofs absorb heat and keep the interiors warmer. In northern climates, darker roofs on steel buildings are more energy efficient.