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 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 insulated metal panels 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:

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. 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.  Available in rolls or batts, these blankets are easily fitted between wall panels or laid atop the roof purlins, offering continuous protection against cold drafts.  We can help you determine the correct insulation package for your building to ensure a proper installation.

Rigid Foam Boards 

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. These boards can boast impressive R-values per inch thickness, actin as a vapor barrier thereby limiting heat flow and curbing the buildings energy use.

Insulated Panels

One of the more modern insulation solutions are insulated metal panels. Two metal panels sandwiching an insulated foam core that provide a sturdy and high performing solution. These panels are designed to minimize moisture penetration and maximize energy efficiency on your building. In terms of solutions, though, this generally will be one of the most expensive options. If you are considering insulated panels talk to your steel building expert about what adjustments need to be made to your building structure. 

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.

Home » Armstrong Network » A Guide to Insulating a Steel Building