We’ve been doing this job long enough here at FS Construction Services that we usually have a pretty good idea the sorts of questions we will be asked before, during, and after a given project.
One common question is: “What kind of steel building insulation should I use?”
And while we would love to be able to say the answer is always the same, the reality is that the answer is usually: it depends.
Variety of Steel Building Insulation Types
There are different types of steel building insulation you might use, and the effectiveness of any one of them is very dependent on the specifics of the application.
First, let’s talk about the term R-value. When discussing insulation, you will see this term often, which simply means the amount of thermal resistance per inch of material. So, the higher the R-value, the more thermal resistance the insulation has!
Now, let’s compare steel building insulation types, take a look at their R-values, and help you decide which to use in your new building.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a common insulation choice because of its flexibility and high R-value. While it sprays as a liquid, it quickly expands and forms into the shape it fills. SPF insulation is quite dense and known for sealing well.
While there is contention that the foam can create condensation and eventually corrode metal panels, when installed properly and professionally, these problems can be avoided.
Batt Insulation
Batt insulation is the traditional pre-rolled, often fiberglass, insulation solution that you see in many residential and commercial applications. Its R-value is lower than foam, nor does it seal into place like foam, but it is a significantly more affordable option.
It also is known for its soundproofing properties. And, while fiberglass can retain moisture and eventually breed mildew, laminate backing on one side of batt insulation helps prevent this when installed along metal panels.
Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill (blown-in) insulation is made up of a variety of recyclable materials like plastic, paper, foam, and cellulose. It is good at filling in gaps and smaller, tighter spaces. It can have a lower R-value than batt insulation and can absorb more moisture than other options.
Rigid Board Insulation
Rigid board insulation is a common alternative to SPF and batt insulation. It can create a tight seal throughout a building’s interior and is particularly effective in flat-roof applications. Its R-value can vary a great deal, though its installation might be more complicated than others.
Bubble Insulation
This more recent type of insulation utilizes two layers of air bubbles held between reflective aluminum foil above and below. This is particularly effective at radiating heat away from a building and being water resistant. Like rigid board insulation, however, the R-value can vary greatly.
Choosing Your Steel Building Insulation
The kind of insulation your structure needs can only be determined by a variety of factors, but the encouraging news is that you have options. Additionally, one building might feature different types of insulation throughout, customized to its very specific needs.
If you have questions about your steel building insulation needs, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best customer service experience and effective solutions!