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Roof insulation? Cold storage for now

Joined
Aug 17, 2007
Messages
12
Location
Lansing, Michigan
Hi Guys...

I have been researching on here for the last month looking at different options for a building I want to build. I have found TONS of great info and some great ideas, but I have searched for the last two hours and cannot find someone in my same situation.

I am going to build a 40x40x14 to be used as a cold storage building for our RV and boat, and tractor. Then in next 5-10 years I will build another 40x60 attached and turn this 40x40 into my workshop when we build our house.

I am trying to decide whether or not to do roof insulation right now if I am going to be putting a steel ceiling in when I finish off the inside eventually.

Building Plans:
40x40x14, Pole Barn Style, Steel Roof, gravel floor (for now), 12" vented overhangs Being built in Michigan only used for storage, (no heat)

Future:
Steel ceiling, (blown in insulation above steel) Plan is spray foam walls, probably radiant heat in floor. Concrete, etc. etc.

Question-

Should I put the "double bubble" type insulation between metal roof and rafters now if this will be just a storage building? I don't mind paying the $700 extra now if it will help for the future. But I am thinking if I am going to be putting a ceiling up the insulation in the roof will not help as much?

I found lots of good info for insulation ideas, but nobody in my same situation. If this has been covered please point me in the right direction :)

Thanks in advance.

Aaron
 
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OP
P
Joined
Aug 17, 2007
Messages
12
Location
Lansing, Michigan
Hey Guys,

I talked to the pole barn supplier today and he confirmed my thought that I should save the money for the ceiling and not put the money into the roof insulation, since I plan on doing the ceiling in the future...

Just want to make sure that sounds right to you guys, this is obviously a large expense and I want to make sure I am doing the right thing.

Thanks for any help...
 

walrus

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 12, 2008
Messages
11,682
Location
Maine
Steel roof and gravel floor means I'd be worried about condensation dripping. Maybe with enough ventilation it won't be a problem?
 
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OP
P
Joined
Aug 17, 2007
Messages
12
Location
Lansing, Michigan
Thanks for the reply... The gentleman at the lumber yard said that here in Michigan it shouldn't be too much of a problem. This building will only be used to store, boat, travel trailer, tractor, car trailer... and maybe a few of my 32-34 pickup cabs...

If I get a few drips I am not too concerned. Especially given the fact everything sits outside now when not in winter storage. (this building must be better)

Guess I don't want to throw away the $800-$1,000 for something that I potentially wont need in the future.. But if this is going to cause large problems, I will spend the money.

Keep the opinions coming... Thanks!
 

trbomax

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
2,556
Location
starvation lake,mi.
Use the fanfold POLAR insulation board under any steel.It will sweat without it.Its reasonably priced and Willims Insulation in Adrian sells it and will deliver it -no charge.Its 3/8" thick w/ perforated foil on one side(the inside), and perforated plastic on the outside.I heated my building this winter with 2 -175k btu torpedo heaters,no condensation on the roof or walls, except for the 30' of old building that is just steel. It ran off of that on to the floor.Our attached carport is bare steel and it rains (literally) in there.It will act as reflective insulation too.It was 0 to 10 degrees up here and it would take about 45 min to get the temp up to 70 degrees,then they would run about 45min/hr to hold it.

edit) tape all seams w/the foil tape they have too.This will baisically make your building air tight to wind.Steel isnt even close to airtight
 
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