493 scamp
Well-known member
Its time to think about insulating my 32x40 polebarn and I found this online. Can a 5mm piece of foam with aluminum on both sides really work that well? Ive seen grocery bags with a liner like that.
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Anyone use Prodex insulation
- Thread starter 493 scamp
- Start date
benjamintmiller
Well-known member
It depends on the climate you live in. Radiant barriers should be installed only after you have air sealed and insulated, and generally help keep a building cool, not warm.
There are three primary ways heat is transferred:
- Convection (moving of warm air)
- Conduction (heat flowing through solid materials)
- Radiation
Radiant barriers do indeed block radiation, but radiation is by far the smallest source of heat loss and gain
Contrary to popular belief, most building heat loss is through convection. An building with no air leaks and no insulation costs less to heat or cool than a building with normal amounts of air leaks and lots of insulation.
The most cost-effective way to seal and insulate a building is usually to finish a ceiling, seal all cracks between it and the roof thoroughly with canned foam, and blow cellulose on top of it without a vapor barrier.
Spray foam is loved by building scientists because it both insulates and creates a very airtight seal if applied properly. It's very expensive, however, and will generally not pay for itself compared to cellulose.
There are three primary ways heat is transferred:
- Convection (moving of warm air)
- Conduction (heat flowing through solid materials)
- Radiation
Radiant barriers do indeed block radiation, but radiation is by far the smallest source of heat loss and gain
Contrary to popular belief, most building heat loss is through convection. An building with no air leaks and no insulation costs less to heat or cool than a building with normal amounts of air leaks and lots of insulation.
The most cost-effective way to seal and insulate a building is usually to finish a ceiling, seal all cracks between it and the roof thoroughly with canned foam, and blow cellulose on top of it without a vapor barrier.
Spray foam is loved by building scientists because it both insulates and creates a very airtight seal if applied properly. It's very expensive, however, and will generally not pay for itself compared to cellulose.
Last edited:
benjamintmiller
Well-known member
Here are some very good government sites covering radiant barriers:
http://web.ornl.gov/sci/ees/etsd/btric/RadiantBarrier/
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/html/FSEC-EN-15/
You should really add your location for more accurate advice.
http://web.ornl.gov/sci/ees/etsd/btric/RadiantBarrier/
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/html/FSEC-EN-15/
You should really add your location for more accurate advice.
benjamintmiller
Well-known member
A 32x40 pole barn is well outside DIY territory for spray foam. It will be much cheaper to hire it out, but still expensive...
In Illinois, if your ceiling has enough strength, the best approach is to install a ceiling, seal it carefully from air leaks, and blow cellulose on top of it.
In Illinois, if your ceiling has enough strength, the best approach is to install a ceiling, seal it carefully from air leaks, and blow cellulose on top of it.