Insulating metal buildings

[va aviator]

I'm in the process of building a metal "carport" style garage... the kind with a 2x2 tube steel structure.

I would really like to insulate it for both condensation prevention as well as to make it so that future attempts to heat the building are within the realm of possibilities.

There doesn't seem to be a clear consensus on the best way to insulate these types of buildings, at least that i could find.

So far, I've come up with the following options:

1. Insulate with fiberglass batts. I can actually get the fiberglass bats for nearly free, but this would require a wall/ceiling covering to hold the insulation in place. I have also read that this is not a good idea and that the insulation will just become soaked and lead to mold/corrosion. This does not make sense to me because pretty much every metal building I've ever seen has had vinyl faced fiberglass insulation on the walls and ceiling, but whatever, that's why I'm asking.

2. This stuff https://bluetexinsulation.com/ although I don't know how well it would work. The manufacturer of course claims it to solve all of mankind's problems and then some.

3. Spray foam? It's ugly, but intuitively it seems effective enough. Unsure of cost, but the least amount of work.

Thoughts or past experiences?

 

[rockcrawler]

I have closed cell foam insulation in my new metal building and it seems to work pretty well. But, I have not experienced summer yet, so we will see. I’ve heard that some use open cell foam with success as well. Just make sure the shop is empty if at all possible. It’s very messy. Make sure they cover the floor with plastic.

 

[Pruittx2]

Well,,, How did it work out,,, or how is it going?

I have my American Steel 12x20x8 "Shed " as an extension to the back of my 30x48 pole barn.
I have thoughts of either installing reflective sheeting on the perlins, as they lay roof metal,, or just doing a froth pak after the fact.
200sq Froth Pak is $340 or 1in x 4 x 8 reflective foam boards, would be about 300. The big IF is how the installers feel about installing that as they install shed. Seems R value would be the same with those 2 choices.
PIcs are even better!!

 

[nadogail]

I have seen fiberglass mats mounted to studs welded to metal walls. Pretty common in Marine Construction.

 

[WisJim]

Spray foam would be the easiest way to get the building tight, but whether it would be worth it depends on doors and windows and other areas of air infiltration. The BlueTex looks like one step better than bubble wrap type of insulation. Fiberglass won't stop infiltration without a lot of extra work. I went with spray foam and my garage and shop has stayed below 80 degrees when we had weeks of 90+ temps, usually around 72 inside with no A/C, and last winter it was warm enough for drywall and painting with 2 small plug in space heaters when it was below zero outside (I'm in Western Wisconsin.)

 

[Pruittx2]

I"m thinking I'll put 2x4x8 IOS foil backed on the walls,,, then use a froth pack to seal edges and ceiling.

 

[pmiranda]

I'm really happy with the closed cell spray foam in my shop. I don't consider it ugly, but I did get the exposed areas sprayed with a white fireproofing paint that won't yellow over time, and the rest is all getting covered with R panel or drywall later this year

 

[Conrad]

I've heard mixed reviews on spray foam for metal buildings, where if water gets behind the metal sheeting via the rivets or other breaks it will sit between the foam and metal and either cause mold, rust or both. My understanding is it may take a few years for this to develop based on your climate. Curious if anyone else has seen this?

 

[rpm620]

Really interested in this as I have a similar type of building. I have condensation issues with mine and want to stop it. I plan to have a mini split eventually.

i am also going back and forth on the 2” foil backed foam board or spray foam.