Insulation and Condensation Control for Steel Buildings

Short Answer: Insulation and condensation control for steel buildings is important. This depends on what you use your steel building for. This blog will go over insulation options such as radiant barriers, batt and rolls, and spray foam insulation. Another topic will be how to help minimize your steel building condensation

Insulation may be essential depending on how you will use your metal building. Insulating your building has many benefits to help manage considerable temperature swings. For example, problems such as condensation, rust corrosion, mold, and mildew can happen in your metal building. Advantages for insulating your metal building may include:

stable temperature
save money
fire protection

Controlling Condensation

Condensation is when your metal building sweats because change of temperature inside the building. A solution for condensation in a metal building is CondenStop. CondenStop is a thin spongey layer that absorbs moisture. This is directly applied to your metal panels during manufacturing. The spongey layer absorbs moisture and stops it from dripping off of the panel. In addition, CondenStop benefits include:

Prevent corrosion and rust
Additional water protection
No dripping
Higher fire safety class

Popular Insulation Options

Radiant Barrier

A radiant barrier is bubble insulation that functions as an additional thermal barrier helps reduce heat transfer in a metal building. The radiant barrier reflects radiant heat to stabilize the temperature. Depending on the perm rating of your bubble insulation, you can prevent moisture from passing through. Most importantly, a perm rating below 1` will not allow moisture to pass through. If the perm rating is higher than 1, moisture will pass through. One benefit to the radiant barrier is more condensation control. Additionally, the white appearance gives a clean, finished look to the inside of your steel building. Other benefits of the radiant barrier may include:

Blocks ups to 96% of radiant heat transfer
Prevents condensation
Unaffected by humidity
Defends against mold and mildew

Batt and Roll

Batt and Roll are a blanket insulation. This insulation is standard and widely available. Batts are installing pieces; whereas, rolls are rolled out between the structures frame. Blanket insulation consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. In other words, Batt and Roll are a great affordable and practical solution to keep in mind as a insulation option. However, you can find Batt and Roll insulation made of other materials. A few things to look for in Batt and Roll insulation include:

Energy efficient
Moisture barrier
Noncombustible

Spray Foam

Spray foam is a polymer foaming agent that can be sprayed onto steel walls and ceilings. The liquid turns into solid material filling every space, Spray foam will not let the air escape nor insects from entering the building. However, be cautious if spray foam is sprayed incorrectly. If sprayed incorrectly moisture can be trapped between the panel and the foam. Therefore, this can cause corrosion and rust on the metal panels. We recommend hiring a spray foam professional so there is no room for mistakes! A professional will apply proper techniques and carefully monitor installation. Spray foam has an excellent reputation and has been a successful insulation option in the steel building industry. Other great benefits include:

Additional strength
Noise reduction
Fire and smoke barrier
Less humidity and mold

Conclusion

Insulation and condensation control can be managed and maintained with the recommended options. Insulating your building and providing the proper upkeep will help prevent unwanted moisture. While we still recommend getting insulation, we went over a cost-effective alternative called CondenStop. Using CondenStop can still help provide a solution for your steel building’s condensation. All provided option will help regulate your building with more efficiency!

If you would like more information on your building withstanding inclement weather conditions. Check out our blog on How do steel buildings withstand inclement weather conditions!

MW Steel Buildings

(877) 368-8244

www.mwsteelbuildings.com

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