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Insulation & Ceiling Recommendations for Post Frame using Steel Trusses

1974FJ

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Joined
Aug 18, 2022
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3
I bought a farm that had a 90s era post frame barn with steel trusses. the trusses/purlins/roof metal is all in great shape.
Barn is 40'x80' with 12' posts.
i am going to be putting up new columns/girts/building wrap and siding in the coming months.

i want to insulate the ceiling and wondered the following:
1) insulate the ceiling (spray foam?). how do i know if the truss design can support this weight?
2) clad the interior side of the ceiling with white metal panels. can i run a new group of purlins on the bottom of the trusses and clad with metal panels? again, can the truss system support this?

here are some photos i have of the structure, please ignore the condition of the floor and columns. the columns are being replace and concrete is being poured.
 

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jack stand

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Feb 29, 2012
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Lakes Region Maine
Nice space/building. 👍
I doubt that foam, sprayed or sheets would be a load concern, but I couldn't answer for sure. Anything on them to identify the trusses or manufacturer?
That looks like 12' or so in between them. Are you in snow county?
 

K'ledgeBldr

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Aug 22, 2011
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Location
Johns Creek, GA
I wouldn’t take anything to chance or guess. Hire a PE to look at it with your ideas in mind.
S/he can give you a yea or nay, or suggest other structure means to accomplish your goal.

Guess that used to be a hay barn?
 

gregs

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Mar 16, 2007
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I used the same type of trusses when I built my shop. I attached foam insulation panels to the bottom of the purlins. I used the type that has foil radiant barrier on one side. I put that side towards the roof panels.
 
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1974FJ

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Aug 18, 2022
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I used the same type of trusses when I built my shop. I attached foam insulation panels to the bottom of the purlins. I used the type that has foil radiant barrier on one side. I put that side towards the roof panels.

You have any photos?
 

gregs

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Mar 16, 2007
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Maybe. Its been 10+ years ago. If I remember correctly it was R-Panel 4x8 sheets. I found some round plastic retainers designed for doing this. I can do some looking but it might take a couple of days.
 

aknott400

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Apr 3, 2024
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Maybe. Its been 10+ years ago. If I remember correctly it was R-Panel 4x8 sheets. I found some round plastic retainers designed for doing this. I can do some looking but it might take a couple of days.
Hey Gregs, I'm interested in doing a similar thing. Did you ever find a picture of how you did it?

Thanks!
 

gregs

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Mar 16, 2007
Messages
1,601
Hey Gregs, I'm interested in doing a similar thing. Did you ever find a picture of how you did it?

Thanks!
Unfortunately I didnt find any. Typical working to get the job done and I guess I didnt take the time to document it. I used something similar to these to attach it using deck screws. I had painted the sheets white first to cover up all the printed wording and used white vinyl tape on the seams.

 
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