Insulating a pole barn in Texas

[Cuda416]

Hey folks,

with my building kit on the way, I've been looking around at options for keeping the heat out during the summer months here in TX. Looking at the various options, I see spray foam a LOT. In and of itself sounds great, but obviously expensive. I read one post where someone raised the question "What if a panel gets damaged?".. Good point I thought and later on it was suggested to put house wrap around the barn first, then spray into that surface. Not sure if that's a good idea but it does allow for removal/replacement of panels. Going further down that rabbit hole, when I brought it up with my kit designer, they suggested using a radiant barrier instead of a standard wrap.

I guess my questions are two fold.

1. What's "best practice" for insulating in Texas for heat?
2. Does the above (adding the wrap) have any real benefit or is it just a dumb idea? if so, why or why not?

As always, I appreciate any and all info.


-=C

 

[ItsNemo]

Once the heat gets in, the insulation also keeps it in making it take longer to cool at night. The radiant barrier reflects heat back out, probably a good idea. Also, light coloured siding is a good idea too.

 

[egnorant]

As an owner of a Texas car oven I can relate! Are we talking a metal building, metal poles, combination of wood or what? Insulation is best put on as it is being built and my buddy put a radiant insulating wrap up before the metal walls went up. Served as a vapor shield too. Panel replacement is not a problem either.

Are you finishing the inside walls? Wrap and pink batts and your golden!

Personally I think spray is messy, ugly, expensive yet effective!

I have been installing foam sheets and plan on foam for the gaps. I noticed a tremendous difference after just insulating my west facing doors.

Bruce

 

[kbs2244]

White roof with a ridge vent and reflective foil on the bottom of the rafters.
If you allow a opening at the eve end of the foil the draft will **** ant hot air at the top of wall level outside.

 

[Cuda416]

Once the heat gets in, the insulation also keeps it in making it take longer to cool at night. The radiant barrier reflects heat back out, probably a good idea. Also, light coloured siding is a good idea too.

Thanks, being originally from Minnesota, I'd rather be a little cooler than baking. I can always layer up. One can only remove so many layers when working on stuff.

As an owner of a Texas car oven I can relate! Are we talking a metal building, metal poles, combination of wood or what? Insulation is best put on as it is being built and my buddy put a radiant insulating wrap up before the metal walls went up. Served as a vapor shield too. Panel replacement is not a problem either.

Are you finishing the inside walls? Wrap and pink batts and your golden!

Personally I think spray is messy, ugly, expensive yet effective!

I have been installing foam sheets and plan on foam for the gaps. I noticed a tremendous difference after just insulating my west facing doors.

Bruce

I have a buddy in CO who used foam blocks he got for nothing. Loves them for keeping the CO heat out. For now, I'm just focusing on getting the roof and walls up while trying to plan for finishing the inside as materials make themselves available. I'd like to get some walls up with insulation inside of them as well as an epoxy floor cover. Most of the work done inside will be automotive, with some woodworking.

White roof with a ridge vent and reflective foil on the bottom of the rafters.
If you allow a opening at the eve end of the foil the draft will **** ant hot air at the top of wall level outside.

Thanks, I'll have vented soffits and a ridge vent along the entire length. I was hoping the natural action of the heat rising would cause enough convection to keep it somewhat comfortable.

I probably made a mistake on the colors though. I chose charcoal for the roof and red for the sides. The wife really wanted the "classic" barn look we are used to from "Up Nort...". Time will tell I suppose.

I'll probably add a radiant barrier over the whole thing, at least the "Nort" and eastern sides as the building will be running east-west, with the main opening to the west.