New Metal Building - Thermal Break Tape

[wjv]

My 30x40 red-iron metal building is being delivered the first week in October. I am splitting the building between a clean insulated side, and a dirty uninsulated side. So no insulation will be installed when the building is built and I'll insulate the clean side in time (spray or silvercote).

The builder is not the manufacturer. The manufacturer suggested using a thermal break tape on girts and purlins when it's being built and the builder is fine with that, but it's up to me provide the tape.

The building has both 3.5" and 2.5" girts and 2.5" purlins.

I see a couple of options. First, I can get commercially available tape, which I'm sure the builder would appreciate. The problem is it comes in 2" or 3" width. Are there any issues with a 1/2" size difference between the girt/purlin and the tape? Neither builder nor manufacturer would recommend a size. Both said to ask the other but both kind of implied the difference was okay. Is it?

My second option is to use 3.5" sill gasket, but it would need to be glued and trimmed, which seems like a lot of work and I'm not sure it's the same quality as the specific tape. I have not asked the builder about this option. I'm sure he'd grumble and maybe add a minor up charge (completely warranted), but I think he would do it if I asked.

Any thoughts on this type of thermal break. It's way too late to add any insulation from the manufacturer.

Thanks for any and all thoughts!!

 

[RivennHewn]

Odd that the tape doesn’t come with the package.

Try an insulation company that provides for metal buildings.


I would consider some insulation in the roof of the dirty side, or it will be prone to drips.

 

[wjv]

Maybe they don't supply it because I'm not buying insulation from them? The only reason I know about it is the project manager was an ex-independent builder and said he often did it, but couldn't speak on behalf of his new company.

He said when he was an installer he pretty much used sill gasket and spray adhesive, so couldn't advise on the commercial stuff.

 

[AirDave]

Maybe they don't supply it because I'm not buying insulation from them? The only reason I know about it is the project manager was an ex-independent builder and said he often did it, but couldn't speak on behalf of his new company.

He said when he was an installer he pretty much used sill gasket and spray adhesive, so couldn't advise on the commercial stuff.

I'm currently in the "getting quotes" process but I'm looking at a product called Prodex. It has good R value, easy to install, and durable. It does require an air gap to be effective and for warranty purposes. However, I'm pretty certain I'll go this route, pending someone pointing out a viable problem with it. With regard to this "thermal gap" one of you speaks to - would that also be considered as an "air gap" when installing this product, or any other product?

 

[readhead]

Thermal break tape is only used when the sheeting is going to be installed directly on the secondary steel. (girts, purlins)
If you were installing blanket insulation the tape would not be required. The tape is used when some insulation systems are installed after the building is erected. The purpose of the tape is so cold temps do not reach the secondary steel and cause condensation. The insulation supplier usually supplies the tape upon request