Pole Barn Insulation - Batts Horizontal or Vertical

[HeavyD1]

Hello,

I have a 30 x 50 x 10 pole barn in Michigan that is currently uninsulated. Metal sides and shingled roof. I have been looking through the posts here and it seems some people do fiberglass bats horizontally and others do them vertically in framing between the poles. Is there an advantage one way or another? I have been thinking about insulating and looking into the options.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[rburke65]

Re: Pole Barn Insulation - Bats Horizontal or Vertical

The only advantage I can think of running the framing horizontally is would would not have to drill as many hole to run your romex wiring. Also concider your interior finishes and are they going to effected by the direction of studs/nailers. Good luck.

 

[Hop2it]

Re: Pole Barn Insulation - Bats Horizontal or Vertical

My 24x32 pole barn I used 1 1/2 " styrofoam cut to fit between the perlins and vertical between the poles,I then built a 2x4 wall with 3 1/2" fiberglass insulation and 5/8 drywall.the styrofoam was found on craigslist for $2.00 a 4x8 sheet delivered, I think it was packing for road signs from some of the marks that were on it,the guy I bought it from worked for the highway dept.
Doug

 

[NUTTSGT]

Re: Pole Barn Insulation - Bats Horizontal or Vertical

The only advantage I can think of running the framing horizontally is would would not have to drill as many hole to run your romex wiring. Also concider your interior finishes and are they going to effected by the direction of studs/nailers. Good luck.

I have often wondered the very same question as the OP. You make some very good points.

 

[HeavyD1]

Re: Pole Barn Insulation - Bats Horizontal or Vertical

I might have found one good reason for horizontal bats. While trying to find insulation, it seems the 93" or 96" bats are more common then rolls. The poles are 8' apart and the ceiling is 10' tall, 93" bats would install better horizontally.

 

[bullnerd]

Re: Pole Barn Insulation - Bats Horizontal or Vertical

Some pics in my sig of how I am doing it. I copied Morton buildings.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Re: Pole Barn Insulation - Bats Horizontal or Vertical

I might have found one good reason for horizontal bats. While trying to find insulation, it seems the 93" or 96" bats are more common then rolls. The poles are 8' apart and the ceiling is 10' tall, 93" bats would install better horizontally.

If I were to use R13, I'd buy a mini-roll which is a continous 32' piece. This allows you to cut it to a perfect size for you application.

Chances are though, where I live, I'd be framing with 2x6s so I'd want more than R13. So what you say does also make sense for horizontal batts.

 

[64duece]

I used semi rigid 1 1/2" insulation in 2x4 sheets between the perlins. Its silver faced with taped seams. Here's a quick pic before the sheetrock goes up.

 

[Vegamaster]

Hello,

I have a 30 x 50 x 10 pole barn in Michigan that is currently uninsulated. Metal sides and shingled roof. I have been looking through the posts here and it seems some people do fiberglass bats horizontally and others do them vertically in framing between the poles. Is there an advantage one way or another? I have been thinking about insulating and looking into the options.

Thanks,

Greg

The vertical over time will sag. Horizontal won't.

 

[Michael B.]

I’m going horizontal in my 40x50x16 so I won’t have to drill for wiring or water. Also I will be spacing them 24” on center vs 16” on center, saving money on wood. My interior finish will be salvaged sheet metal. So horizontal works better for this application as well.

 

[haveissues]

Going horizontal myself. 14ft 2x4s are significantly more expensive than 8 footers per foot.

 

[Firebrick43]

Another zombie thread out of the grave, walking around and sucking our brains