Insulating pole barn for living space.

[AWick20]

I did a quick search and seems to be a common question. I just wanted to post my plans and see if they should be fine.

Pole barn in northern michigan. Metal siding with shingle roof. Woodburner will be running in the cold months.

Right now there is no insulation. I planned on cutting rigid foam board to place between all the girts. From there I would stick frame the building to put up walls and place faced insulation up followed by tongue and groove pine. As for the ceiling, I planned on putting up some thin OSB, and nailing tongue and groove to that/trusses. Ideally, I'd spray insulation in the ceiling once finished with keeping soffits vented etc. Should i be placing a vapor barrier anywhere on the ceiling?

Just looking for any input as this is the first time I've done this and have read alot about condensation and other problems. Thank you.

 

[matt_i]

Can you expand a little on "living"...meaning showering, cooking, inside of it, or more just like a cabin where you sleep and stay warm? That has some impact on need for vapor barrier in my opinion.

As far as insulation, I think Roxul is cheaper than rigid foam board per "R".

 

[AWick20]

Can you expand a little on "living"...meaning showering, cooking, inside of it, or more just like a cabin where you sleep and stay warm? That has some impact on need for vapor barrier in my opinion.

As far as insulation, I think Roxul is cheaper than rigid foam board per "R".

A mix of living/garage. Ill be framing a small space for a living room, efficient kitchen, bed/bath. So I will be cooking and showering inside this space as well.

 

[fourbyford]

I placed ridgid foam between the girts in my shop. From the previous post... (Roxul) I'd be concerned that the Roxul would absorb condensation from the metal siding. I think your plan with the foam and then frame/insulate makes sense. Long story (if you're interested, check my thread) but I ended up placing a double layer of 1 1/2" ridgid foam in my building for an R15... covered the walls with OSB. The walls are very ridgid, the building is quiet, and I fit everything as tightly as is humanly possible so... no wind infiltration.

As far as the ceiling... (disclaimer... I dont have personal experience with this but have done a bit of research)... I'd think that closed cell foam would be it's own vapor barrier... not sure about open cell. The only concern I (personally) would have would be if there was ever a reason to open up the ceiling... might be a heckuva process. Whoever you would get to apply the foam could advise you of the best practice.

Good luck with your project!

...D