Another Insulation Thread - During construction option

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Starting to look into insulation,
First quote on materials is for fiberglass R19 with VB installed. Installation would be on exterior of purlins and sandwiched between steel & lumber.
Hobby shop & storage not going to be heated constantly, only when I'm using it. Likely by a radiant tube heater hung from center of ceiling.

Anyone done this type of insulation and have feedback?
Not too expensive and would save me from having to frame walls inside the building to put in bats and VB.

This is the link to the materials. https://cmi-insulation.com/products/pole-barn-insulation/

I would still utilize some salvaged barn steel on bottom 8' for protection. See my project coming summer 2026 here.

Moving a “free” steel building??

So I had an interesting discussion with my father today. My parents live in a farm that has an old metal building. (Steel structure / red iron etc). It was erected by my wives grandfather, farm was her great aunt & uncles before my parents bought it. His offer was, if you get rid of the...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[kngelv]

Fiberglass *****. Go with mineral wool if doing batts.

James

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Fiberglass *****. Go with mineral wool if doing batts.

James

If your volunteering for supplying the budget... Sure

And it is not "Batts" it is installed over the purlins and the sandwiched between them and the steel.
Like this video but R19.

 

[billconner]

If your volunteering for supplying the budget... Sure

And it is not "Batts" it is installed over the purlins and the sandwiched between them and the steel.
Like this video but R19.

I don't believe when it's squished by the siding on the outline you're getting anything near R19 average.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I don't believe when it's squished by the siding on the outline you're getting anything near R19 average.

Obviously that is the case.

Looking for feedback from those who have done this type of insulation.

 

[PWC Repair]

I've worked at 2 different places where this was done. Never noticed any issues. Seems to be the common method around here on red iron buildings. Yes, there will be much less R-value where it's pinched down BUT there is also a thermal break there.

 

[billconner]

Is this just proposed for walls? I don't think spending more on walls than this will pay back based on your use description.

If you can afford it, put your effort and money in ceiling/roof and in overall air sealing. Much better returns on investment.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Thinking maybe doing the roof the same way.

No true ceiling in the structure as it does not have trusses. Metal frames with 2x10’s running between them. (Similar to a red iron building) Alternate idea would be to use batts with a vinyl VB in between those runners. This would allow me to put in more insulation/Rvalue

 

[billconner]

I think you could have a condensation problem between vinyl and roofing. Short of hanging a ceiling, I don't know if another answer than spray foam. Maybe others will.

I am certain if you don't insulate ceiling, what's on the walls won't matter.

 

[larry_g]

I have it in my building now and another building years ago. I would recommend it. The stuff in my building is 2-3" thick and rated less than r-10 but is is also referred to as insulated vapor barrier. It does work well for what it is intended. I would not consider it as the end all for a conditioned space but it does keep some of the heat out in the summer and dampens the noise from the rain.

You can see some pictures of it in my build thread linked below.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I have it in my building now and another building years ago. I would recommend it. The stuff in my building is 2-3" thick and rated less than r-10 but is is also referred to as insulated vapor barrier. It does work well for what it is intended. I would not consider it as the end all for a conditioned space but it does keep some of the heat out in the summer and dampens the noise from the rain.

You can see some pictures of it in my build thread linked below.

lg
no neat sig line

Larry
Thanks for the feedback.

I'm not looking for a plan where I can heat with a candle.

Yes as I get older I may spend more time in the build just tinkering, but I'm completely fine wearing a jacket if needed.
Hell we only keep our house at 62 degrees during the winter and don't have central air.

 

[duneslider]

Just doing the walls will not make a significant difference in overall comfort. It will be slightly better than none but if you never plan to do the ceiling you may not see much benefit to the walls.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Just doing the walls will not make a significant difference in overall comfort. It will be slightly better than none but if you never plan to do the ceiling you may not see much benefit to the walls.

Roof will get done it’s just a matter of how. Leaning towards the insulated vapor barrier at this point.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Well Friday may have changed all my plans. Buddy of mine works for DIYpolebarns.com and quoted me a 60x40x16 package. Traditional pole building with doors and a small porch. Package was much better priced than I expected.

Having him add a ceiling liner package option. This will allow me to blow in insulation for the ceiling.

Building permit will be much easier to obtain for this and I don’t have to dismantle a building move and modify it for my needs. Or demo it’s concrete at my parents farm.