Insulating Wood Pole Barn

[sxracerb25]

Hi all,

I'm planning to start insulating my pole barn soon that is a wood construction. I found a good deal on some extra R19 insulation someone had but it is unfaced. I was planning to add horizontal studs between the poles and put the insulation between the studs the use 6 mil plastic to cover it for a vapor barrier. I have 2 questions.

1. Is there any issue with running the studs/batts horizontally? I was thinking to do this to save a little on lumber since I wouldn't need a top and bottom plate.

2. There's a header board on each side so I was planning to stuff insulation into that cavity. Is there a way to do a vapor barrier or should I buy some faced specifically for that cavity?

I'm including a picture for reference.

Thanks in advance

 

[78SC4X4]

Folks on here have done it both ways. So, it's your choice. I think you might still need a sill plate to attach the vapor barrier. I think you are fine just tucking it behind the header. You could go up and over the header with the vapor barrier.

 

[u2slow]

I use 6mil poly VB over unfaced batts.... just about everywhere before closing up a wall. (I'm in the PNW... YMMV.)

A friend of mine decided he would use the white-side/black-side poly that's sometimes used for indoor grow operations. Its not technically VB rated, but the white side brightened up his shop a bunch without boarding or painting.

 

[rburke65]

I believe either way is fine...up to you.

 

[Craig Balzer]

1. Is there any issue with running the studs/batts horizontally? I was thinking to do this to save a little on lumber since I wouldn't need a top and bottom plate.

Thanks in advance

SXRacerB25

These photos ought to answer your first question

The poles on the left of the fist photo (wall with 2 windows) are 9 feet apart while the poles on the wall to the right are 8 feet apart.
Notice the only bracing between the poles is to attach the outlet boxes (every 4 feet unless a window gets in the way).

Note on the first photo you can just see the 4" plastic pipe going straight up. Just out of sight of the camera view is the circuit box. This pipe sweeps out of the top left corner of it and ends in the attic (where I have R49 blow-in insulation) with another sweeping 90° curve. This pipe allows me to easily add future wiring requirement(s) to the circuit box without tearing open walls .

HTH
Craig

 

[Craig Balzer]

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