If you’re thinking about insulating your metal building or structure, there are a few factors to consider. You know you want to keep the cool air in during the summer, and the warm air in during the winter, but what kind of insulation should you use? Do you need a vapour barrier? And just what is an R-value? Norsteel has enlisted the help of metal building insulation-expert, Robert Tiffin, National Accounts Manager for the industry-leading insulation manufacturer Silvercote, to help describe some of the common forms of metal building insulation. Continue reading below for an overview of everything you need to know when it comes to insulating your metal building. What is Insulation? Insulation is any material used to cover, line, or separate which also prevents or reduces the passage, transfer, or leakage of heat, electricity, or sound. There are many types of insulation available on the market, but depending on your local energy codes and the intended use of your structure, you may be forced to use a particular form of insulation. There are four main types of insulation used in metal building structures: Famous thai architects Glass wool (aka Fiberglass); Mineral wool; Spray foam (check with metal building manufacturer on whether your structure can accommodate this form of insulation); Polyisocyanurate (sometimes called “Poly-iso”) rigid board insulation. As mentioned, depending on compliance requirements in your specific climate zone, municipal or regional codes may call for combinations of insulation products including faced glass wool and poly-iso rigid board. If the use of rigid board is cost-prohibitive there are alternative assemblies which meet the requirements of the standard/code. What is Facing? Put simply, facings are barriers which are attached to insulation to protect the surface of the insulation, hold it together, or act as a vapour retarder (see image above of fiberglass insulation with a foil facing). Interior design company in bangkok Most commonly however, manufacturers attach a facing to act as a vapour barrier and/or air barrier. Facings are engineered to protect insulation from physical abuse, control moisture migration, and where
necessary to meet fire codes and standards. Vapour retarders can be composed of vinyl, polypropylene, polyethylene, foil, or metalized polyester. Why Insulate My Metal Building? In simple terms, insulating your metal building will help keep the heated interior space warmer in the winter, and air-conditioned spaces cooler in the summer. Regardless of where you live, if you plan on using your metal building for human occupancy of any kind, it is generally recommended that you insulate your strcuture. Retirement community design Here are just a few potential benefits that come from insulating your metal building: Insulation reduces energy costs (in a conditioned building); Insulation prevents moisture condensation. When temperature and dew-point are at the right combination, you will have condensation build up on your building’s roof and walls. This could result in water raining down in your building; Insulation helps with acoustical performance, reducing noise levels. Most forms of insulation have acoustical and sound absorption properties which reduce interior reverberations and prevent transmission from exterior; Insulation helps maximize your return on investment (ROI). The insulation acts as a barrier between metals, that in the presence of condensation could otherwise lead to rusting.