Pole barn insulation options

[sirhc]

Hi! I searched - sorry!

Having a metal pole "shop" built in Boise, ID soon. 24x40x13. Standard option is vinyl backed insulation barrier between the girts/perlins and the metal. I'm weighing the benefits of other sheathing and insulation methods to be completed with the build. The shop will have a natural gas forced air furnace - a friend has a similar setup and it seems to do fine. I'll probably bring it to temp once or twice a week in the winter.

Other thoughts are OSB sheathing with wrapped walls and tar papered roof to facilitate a more sturdy structure, but obviously this will require additional insulation at a later date.

Thoughts? I'm on a budget and don't think spray foam fits. It don't mind additional finishing later as long as it's relatively affordable... I.e. Framing, batt insulation and OSB.

Thanks!

 

[matt_i]

I like the idea of bookshelf girts on 24" vertical centers to promote nice cavities for 2x6 insulation. However I don't think it will be as inexpensive as the "outside girts".

Make sure your trusses are set on close enough centerlines (24" for drywall or 48" for the ribbed painted metal panels) so you can install a ceiling + insulate above that to trap the heated air in. Otherwise there's the more difficult problem of insulating the roof underside.

 

[big_bake]

You should get some prices on your different options to compare. I've seen quite a few members here get just 2 inches or so of spray foam in their pole buildings. I think the biggest pro to that method is you get air sealing at the same time.

You could put big rolls of insulation in, but if the building is leaky it won't perform well. Lots of little holes add up, think about leaving a window open all winter and the heater having to overcome that.

I will also echo matt_i in that the ceiling also needs insulation. This is a bit more easily accomplished as long as you are installing a ceiling.