The greatest benefit from the use of insulation within a steel building is the reduced affect that outside temperatures will have on the interior areas of your metal building. Steel and metal panels in their native form will easily transfer the outside temperature into the building. The addition of insulation will assist in controlling the conduction of outside temperature. Your steel building with insulation will stay colder in the warmer months and warmer in the colder months.
Insulation provides protection from condensation inside your steel building. Condensation over a long period of time is not good for the inside of a steel or metal building. Insulation provides for a “vapor barrier” which reduces the steel panels exposure to condensation and humidity. The humidity within a steel building can be caused by the concrete foundation not being 100% cured. Another source of condensation can happen when the external panels frost over during cold periods of weather. Without insulation this frost can get transfered to the red iron framing on the inside of the metal building. As the building gets warmer during the day this frost will thaw and melt to produce dripping water. This can be avoided by placing insulation around the red iron before the steel sheeting is installed. This technique provides a “thermal break” between the internal framing and the outside steel sheeting. Insulation within the steel building will reduce the ability of the frost to transfer thereby eliminating this source of condensation within your steel building.
The only real disadvantage to steel building insulation is it can trap mold which is an issue in any building in the world. If the building is assembled correctly and maintained properly this should not be an issue. Another issue can be birds getting on the inside of the building and trying to nest and therefore they can sometimes start tearing out the insulation. Again if you maintain the building correctly and chase out any birds it usually isn’t an issue.
Fiberglass insulation is the most common type of insulation installed within a steel building. One side of this insulation has a white or black vinyl covering to assist with keeping moisture out. The insulation with the white facing is used more often because when facing the interior of the building it provides for additional light reflection making the building brighter without expending more energy.
There are several types of insulation, for example: fiberglass, rigid or hard board, sprayed on insulation and there are also pre-insulated panels that have insulation sandwiched between 2 steel panels. These can all be used in a metal building and the different types can be used for different applications and building uses. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages when it come to adding insulation products to your steel buildings.
Learn more about steel buildings. Stop by Steve Murray’s site where you can find out all about metal buildings and what they can do for you.