Pole Building radiant barrier

[ctfortner]

My metal pole building has 3" insulation installed (roof and walls) and it doesn't work as well as I would like and I want to help it out some more if I can. I am ready to begin adding some inside walls and was thinking about adding either bubble foil, reflectix breathable foil wrap or similar as a radiant barrier. I realize this wont do much for R value but I am thinking it might help with radiant heat. I do not have central heat/air but I do like to heat it up in the winter time but only when I am out there using it. I considered adding more batt insulation but the cost is much higher obviously.

What have you done and how did it work out?

 

[stm317]

3 inches of fiberglass is around R12 at best. When it's smashed between the interior framing of your building, and the metal exterior sheeting it's going to have a lower R value.

You don't need a gimmick-y radiant barrier, you need more R value.

 

[DetachedGarage]

Do you have a hydronic heating system in the floor? If so, bringing the temperature up and down only when you are out there is pretty tough on the system. Hydronic systems really like to be maintained at a pretty consistent temperature. You can then get the extra degrees of warmth with an additional heating source while you are out in the shop.

Re: insulation. Bat is the best, but like you said the most expansive. Air sealing is also worth the money as well, make sure you take that into consideration when you are building the interior walls.

 

[ctfortner]

I know I need the R value to have what I want, I just need to **** it up and spend the $$ I guess. I dont mind the heat in the summer as much as the cold in the winter. I was thinking by installing plastic or foil material that may seal much of the air gaps as well as allow my heater to be more efficient in keeping the heat in. I do not have floor heat.

 

[stm317]

I know I need the R value to have what I want, I just need to **** it up and spend the $$ I guess. I dont mind the heat in the summer as much as the cold in the winter. I was thinking by installing plastic or foil material that may seal much of the air gaps as well as allow my heater to be more efficient in keeping the heat in. I do not have floor heat.

If properly installed, the plastic facing on your insulation should already be sealed and act as a vapor barrier.
You don't want more than one vapor barrier.

Insulation is most effective in the ceiling, so adding it there will be the most efficient use of your time/energy/money. I'd probably want R30 or better there, but you really can't have too much. If it were living space, the suggested amount is more like R38-R60:

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation

 

[tfinniii]

Where is the insulation in the truss area:against roof or attached to truss stringers?

 

[ctfortner]

Where is the insulation in the truss area:against roof or attached to truss stringers?

Roof insulation is sanwiched between truss and roof metal. I have attic trusses on a 6/12 pitch and my interior ceiling height is 13 ft, its a long way up to the top. I have nothing in place for the interior ceiling yet and I know that would help a lot.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Create an attic space and vent the hot air will help. But all will lost if you open your doors and leave them open.

 

[cory58]

Not sure if it would be different as a supplement to other insulation, but the radiant barrier in my garage is almost useless. It was the only option offered by the company that supplied the building. I should have skipped it and gotten some other, more expensive, insulation.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[bigdav160]

The radiant barrier in my garage works great but it's completely in the sun.

 

[Muttly]

My opinion- Put up an osb or drywall ceiling first, blow insulation on top of that in the attic to minimum of 12".

Next- 2" of iso foam on the sidewalls. If you are planning on purlins and interior finish walls you could go with batt insulation in the walls.

 

[Scotto]

My opinion- Put up an osb or drywall ceiling first, blow insulation on top of that in the attic to minimum of 12".

Next- 2" of iso foam on the sidewalls. If you are planning on purlins and interior finish walls you could go with batt insulation in the walls.

Yea, I think you're going to see great benefits by doing that in the ceiling.

 

[bigdav160]

Radiant barrier is meant to keep the sun's energy out and insulation is better at keeping the heat in.