Metal Building Insulation – Types and Advantages
John Lohan • September 19, 2024
Never underestimate the value of good insulation. Double Black Construction’s engineering expertise can help ensure your building includes the most effective system.
Especially in climates like Canada, insulation is an essential accessory to a metal building to help keep energy costs lower. Proper insulation will keep a structure warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer so that less cooling and heating system usage is necessary. Insulation is also essential to keep your structure up to building code, as the necessary R-value for insulation is always specified at both the national and local level.
Insulation comes in many different forms and is certainly not a one size fits all product. At Double Black Construction, we’ve worked with select manufacturers and contractors that have trusted us to install their pre-engineered building systems on their behalf. We understand the importance of quality materials and choosing which products are best for each individual project. We want to make sure you understand your insulation options so you can choose which one is best for you.
So Many Types of Insulation – Which to Choose?
Double Black Construction
is your trusted source for quality products, services and technical expertise in the metal building industry.
We work with the most prominent manufacturers across North America
to install their pre-engineered building systems, to deliver the technical direction and precision they expect for their clients. We don’t represent any one particular brand; our experience across the industry means we provide the post-sale expertise you need to ensure your building gets completed accurately with durability and stability to last decades.
We can work with various types of insulation, including spray foam, rigid board, batt and blanket, loose-fill, foil bubble insulation and insulated metal panels (IMPs). Each type has its advantages depending on the specific use case, climate, cost and building structure.
For pre-engineered buildings (PEBs), especially in Canada, certain types may be more commonly used or preferred due to their performance in cold climates and ease of installation.
The 6 Best Metal Roofing and Siding Insulation Options:
- Spray Foam
- Rigid Board
- Batt and Blanket
- Spray-in/Loose-fill
- Foil Bubble
- Insulated metal panels (IMPs)
Here’s a breakdown of each insulation type and its suitability for pre-engineered steel buildings:
1. Spray Foam Insulation:
Spray foam insulation is a two-part liquid insulation material that foams to insulate where it is applied. It comes in both open-cell and closed-cell varieties and is a type of insulation that never sags or loses its shape over time. The insulation creates an air seal for cracks and gaps as well as large open areas like attics.
- Advantages: Great for airtightness, moisture resistance and high R-value per inch. It’s particularly effective in areas where air leakage is a concern, such as steel buildings.
- Best for: Cold Canadian climates due to its ability to minimize air infiltration.
- Downsides: Higher cost and requires professional installation.
Spray foam insulation comes in both open-cell and closed-cell foam. The open-cell is a more flexible material while the closed-cell is more stable and doesn’t allow moisture to penetrate through the insulation. While both successfully create an air seal, there are differences that could make one a better option for you than the other.
Open-cell spray foam:
• Expands up to 100 times its size to fill in everywhere it is sprayed.
• More affordable compared to closed-cell spray foam.
• More commonly used for large areas and residential projects. Works well around obstructions.
• Does not stop water from passing through.
Closed-cell spray foam:
• Does not have a high expansion rate, is a good choice for smaller and irregularly shaped areas.
• Stronger and more durable with a higher R-value than open-cell foam.
• Can be left exposed without the worry of foam being damaged.
• Water can not pass through closed cell spray foam.
2. Rigid Board Insulation:
Rigid board insulation comes in dense sheets that are very durable and resistant to natural elements. The chemical structure of rigid boards is considered to be “closed-cell” as opposed to “open-cell”. Closed-cell insulation generally has greater strength and durability due to its structure and does not allow moisture to pass through. Both types of rigid board insulation are good to use with flat roofs, walls, foundation and attics, when heavy insulation is necessary for extra water resistance. Rigid board insulation can be made from fiberglass, polyurethane or polystyrene.
- Advantages: Provides high thermal resistance (R-value) and is relatively easy to install. It works well in areas where space is limited, such as in metal walls or roofs.
- Best for: Applications where durability and high R-value are needed. Often used on the exterior of steel buildings.
- Downsides: Rigid boards may not fit tightly around curved or irregular surfaces.
3. Batt and Blanket Insulation:
Batt and blanket insulation is the most common type of insulation largely because it is so affordable. This makes it a good choice for metal projects on a small budget. It is often fitted between joists, studs and beams.
Batt insulation comes in pre-cut rectangular pieces while blanket insulation can be cut to fit the space you need to fill. Since blanket insulation is in roll form, it’s convenient when used in open areas without many obstructions so that it does not need to be cut. Blanket insulation can be made from: fiberglass, mineral wool, plastic or natural fibers. Both types are idea when you want the most affordable insulation for open, unobstructed areas or fitting between framing structures.
- Advantages: Cost-effective and easy to install. It’s typically used between the framing members in walls and roofs.
- Best for: Large open spaces in steel buildings. Commonly used in Canadian PEBs, especially with vapor barriers to prevent condensation.
- Downsides: Can be prone to gaps if not installed properly, leading to thermal bridging.
4. Loose-Fill Insulation:
Loose-fill insulation is made up of small particles that are blown-in to the desired area with an industrial blower. Because of its installation process, loose-fill is also referred to as “blown-in” insulation. It can be used for tight spaces and any on any type of roof shape and can be made from cellulose or fiberglass.
It’s best to use loose-fill insulation when insulation is needed in tight areas or adding insulation to already finished areas. It’s easy and fast to install and has decent (but not the best) R-value compared to the other types.
- Advantages: Good for filling in irregular spaces or areas that are difficult to reach.
- Best for: Attics or small, hard-to-reach spaces. However, it’s less common in PEBs, especially steel structures.
- Downsides: Can settle over time, reducing effectiveness.
5. Foil Bubble Insulation:
Foil Bubble, or reflective foil, insulation is a lightweight and waterproof material that helps reflect radiant heat transfer in metal buildings. It’s made from enclosed bubble layers and is sealed with multiple layers of polyester. It offers the lowest R-value, but suitable when preventing downward heat flow, when obstructions are present or as an easy DIY installation.
- Advantages: Reflects radiant heat, making it ideal for preventing heat transfer. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and can double as a vapor barrier.
- Best for: Metal building roofs in warmer regions or as a supplemental layer in colder climates.
- Downsides: It doesn’t provide the same level of R-value as thicker insulation materials.
6. Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs):
Insulated Metal Panels are prefabricated panels that consist of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two layers of metal (typically steel or aluminum). These panels provide both insulation and structural support, making them a highly efficient option for pre-engineered metal buildings (PEBs). They offer the greatest R-value and most effective in working with energy and climate-control systems, such as HVAC.
- Advantages: Very durable, easy to install, resistant to damage and can be reused for building expansions.
- Best for: Metal building systems in even the most extreme climate conditions.
- Downsides: Due to their durability and strength, tend to cost more than other forms of insulation.
Double Black Construction is the preferred authorized construction partner for Summit Steel Buildings. They've written a couple of helpful articles about their insulated steel panels:
Insulation for Canadian Climates and Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings:
For cold climates in Canada, spray foam and rigid board insulation are often preferred due to their high R-value and ability to minimize air infiltration. However, batt and blanket insulation is also very popular due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation, especially when combined with a vapor barrier.
For pre-engineered steel buildings, which can have unique thermal bridging challenges, insulated metal panels are ideal, although spray foam and rigid board tend to perform well. Foil bubble insulation is commonly used as a supplemental layer to enhance energy efficiency, particularly in the roofing system.
Double Black Construction is Your Insulation Solution Partner
We take great pride in representing the site needs for the highest quality products and services. We work with North America’s largest suppliers of metal building insulation and commercial walk doors in the industry on the leading edge of new technology to support the construction needs of clients.
With technical expertise in the complete line of manufacturers’ products, Double Black Construction expert team of skilled tradespeople are prepared to meet the needs and trends of the metal building industry. Whether your building project requires condensation control, high R-value, enhanced appearance, greater jobsite safety and productivity, retrofit application, insulation, skylights or preassembled walk doors, we can take what has been purchased from the manufacturer to ensure it gets installed properly.
When your business operation is looking to expand its footprint of warehousing or production space, Double Black Construction works with North America’s largest and most reputable pre-engineered building manufacturers to deliver the best building that meets your expectations. Contact us today
or call (833) 322-2722
for a free quote.
About the author:
John Lohan
has over 15 years of experience designing, engineering and installing over 500 metal buildings for architects and clients across North America and the globe. He’s managed all aspects of steel building construction, including material logistics and managing local and foreign construction teams. John also has special expertise in concrete foundation and excavation. He can be contacted at Double Black Construction at (833) 322-2722, by email at info@DoubleBlackConstruction.com
or on LinkedIn.
You might also like
Joining forces with a dedicated pre-engineered building installer creates opportunities for additional projects and greater revenue.
Frank Melo provides career advice from his experience leading pre-engineered steel construction projects across North America.
Pre-engineered steel building systems allow architects to let their creativity go wild.
Book a Service Today
Proud Member
Cost-Effective & Reliable
Contact us for a free quote & preliminary drawings.
Location
201 - 30610 Progressive Way
Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 6Z2 Canada
info@DoubleBlackConstruction.com
Call
833-322-2722
Erecting custom steel buildings since 1991.
Navigation:
Our Focused Services:
Working hours (Pacific Standard)
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Appointment Only