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Got your first steel garage but thinking of skipping the insulator? Wait…hear this out, and you might just change your mind. You see, steel is a good conductor of heat. This means your building will cool or heat up very easily.
Having steel garages on your property also boosts your property value, as 72% of home buyers look for a garage when buying a new home. A strong preference is given to a two-car garage [source: website]. But who would like to stay in a garage that changes temperature so often?
Therefore, no matter in which area of the US you live, you will need some form of temperature control inside your garage. Also, a recent survey has found that almost 55% of Americans spend 1-2 hrs. per week in their garage for DIY projects or to pursue hobbies. So, insulation becomes a must for metal buildings.
Though there are many forms of insulation, you can choose the one depending on your steel garage’s size and location.
Some Commonly Used Insulators Types For Steel Garages or Metal Garages Are As Follows:
Spray Foam
It is a continuous form of insulation. Hence, there is minimal chance of air leakage. It is easy to install and can be used in relatively uneven or small spaces. And the best part is it is an air-tight seal for the whole metal garage.
It comes in a small spray-pressurized container, too. You can get R-value up to & with closed cell spray form insulator. It is best for extreme cold regions of the United States.
The materials used are phenolic, polyurethane, etc.
Batt & Blanket
One of the best things about a ‘Batt & Blanket’ type insulator is that you can DIY. Not to mention, they are affordable as well. You can use it around studs and beams. It is generally used in ceilings and floors, including foundation walls.
The materials used here are fiberglass (most common & affordable), plastic fibers, and natural fibers.
Foil Bubble
These are light weight and waterproof materials. You can also DIY this type of insulator. It can be used on unfinished walls, ceilings, and floors.
Materials used here are foil faced Kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, etc.
Rigid Board
It is also known as a foam board. They are dense sheets and highly durable. You can use it on unfinished walls, floors, ceilings, etc. These have a high insulation value of little thickness.
Polyurethane, phenolic, polyisocyanurate, etc., are some materials used in rigid board insulation.
Loose Fill
An industrial blower is used to blow out small particles onto the place that needs to be insulated. It can be used in tight spaces, irregular shape areas, or areas that are hard to reach.
Materials like cellulose, fiberglass, and minerals are used here.
IMPs
Relatively new, these are known as insulated metal panels. Here, the insulator is sandwiched between two metal sheets. They were expensive thorough. However, you do not need to install an insulator separately. So it takes less time to build. Talk to your steel garage dealer about IMPs. You may like it as well.
Note: The most common type of insulator is fiberglass. It comes in batts & blankets or loose fill type of insulator. The R-value can range between 2.2 to 3.8 depending upon thickness & type.
Understanding R-value and its Role In Insulation
So, what is this ‘R-value’? It tells the level of insulation. Technically, it measures the resistance level towards the heat flow inside a metal structure. R-value ranges from 1.5 to 7. The higher number means that the insulation sheet has better thermal efficiency.
So, should you go for an R-value of 7? You see…at first glance, it may look like the best solution; however, if you live in warm weather, an R-value of 7 would be a waste of money. So, how do you choose which R-value to pick?
Thankfully, the Department of Energy had already researched and developed an intensive map to educate which and how much insulator is best for your location. For example, if you are located in zone 2 (mainly it covers Florida and some parts of Texas), you can choose R38-R49 for attic insulation.
If you live in colder states like North Dakota or Minnesota, you will need a higher insulation R-value compared to states that are warmer, like Texas or Florida.
Advantages Of Insulating Commercial Metal Buildings
- Installing insulators helps prevent condensation from happening.
- It keeps vehicles cool during summer and protects them from harsh weather.
- It accounts for some storage space.
- No condensation means you don’t have to worry about moisture build-up. If there is any moisture built up on your metal panel, over time, it may lead to corrosion.
- It helps regulate the temperature
- It lowers the level of humidity.
- It aids the HAVC system to work effectively.
- It increases the age of your metal structure.
Stop Your Metal or Steel Garage From Perspiration: Use Insulation
It is highly advised to install an insulator along with metal garages. You can choose the one depending on your budget and climate conditions. It would be best if you get it installed at the time of construction. That’s because you can have it done promptly & it will save you time & money as you won’t have a need to hire labor again.
Almost all steel garages need some level of insulation. The only exceptions are carports since they are 360° open structures. So, next time you are installing metal garages or commercial metal buildings, ask your metal dealer about the insulator. It will keep your building safe & prolong its life.
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