4 Types of Metal Building Insulation for Garage Kits
Insulating your garage is a great way to keep the space warm. Many insulation options are similar to what you would use in your home, although some choices provide more benefit in a garage than others. Additionally, whether you plan to finish the interior of your garage or not can impact the effectiveness of each option.
How Does Metal Building Insulation Work?
Insulation works by controlling the flow of heat, preventing condensation, and reducing noise. Depending on the brightness and reflectiveness of the facing, some insulation materials can increase both the efficiency and the effectiveness of the lighting fixtures.
During the winter, insulation helps keep heat inside the building and prevents the cold from entering. In the summer, it does the opposite, keeping the cool air in and heat out. This helps the interior of the structure stay comfortable and can reduce the cost of your energy bills.
Vapour retarders are a key component of insulating a metal building. These help stop the formation of condensation by blocking water vapour, preventing it from condensing on the interior of the structure.
Insulation helps to reduce outside noise by absorbing some of the sound waves. It also works to deaden sounds coming from inside so those outside the structure will not hear it as much.
Garage Insulation Basics
If you live in a cold area, it is recommended that you insulate your garage. While the insulation will not add any warmth necessarily, it does help to prevent heat from escaping. This also means that it will keep any heat you bring into the garage through vents or portable heaters inside.
To ensure that you minimize the loss of heat, be sure to:
· Properly insulate the interior of the structure. This means installing the insulation correctly, avoiding leaving gaps, and ensuring you use the recommended type.
· Evaluate the structure for any air leaks. If it has been built correctly, all pieces should fit together with minimal, if any, areas where air can get through. However, an incorrectly placed bolt or accidental impact can alter the shape of the steel. If this happens, seal the air leaks prior to insulating.
· Ensure that any area where weatherstripping is installed is in good condition and done properly.
Important Insulation Terms
· The U-Value — Describes the rate at which heat transfers through a structure. A lower U-Value indicates that the system is more energy-efficient.
· The R-Value — Shows how well a material insulates. When the R-Value is high, it means the material is a better insulator and will save more energy.
· A Vapour Retarder — A material that slows the transmission of water vapour. In a structure, people, appliances, plants, and certain equipment can generate moisture. The vapour retarders help prevent this vapour from getting to the building’s structural components, including the walls. This prevents condensation.
Types of Metal Building Insulation
Different materials are used for metal building insulation. The main ones include:
Fibreglass
Fibreglass gives the highest ‘R’ values for steel buildings. It can be placed on stud walls or attached to the interior surfaces of your garage and is easy to install on your own. It is sold with a vinyl backing, which provides a smooth appearance and is tear-resistant. Fibreglass insulation can also help reduce the heating and cooling costs of your building.
Fibreglass insulation is occasionally referred to as laminated insulation, given the vinyl backing. Typically, the laminated insulation will arrive as several rolls that are pre-cut to fit the building dimensions. The rolls are 4’ wide and the exact length required for your structure. Each roll will also feature a self-sealing tab to join it to the roll beside it, preventing gaps.
Each company will have a recommended method for installing laminated insulation. One of the most popular is a pin and cap method, in which a pin is placed along the structure every few bolts. The insulation is placed over these pins and pushed flush against the corrugations. The pins should fully penetrate the vinyl backing without over-compressing the insulation. Once the insulation is in place, the pins are secured with a washer.
Rigid Foam
Rigid foam insulation typically comes in 4 x 8-foot sheets with a thickness ranging from ½ to 4 inches. Rigid foam provides a high R-Value and can be cut to fit most spaces. However, it will not adapt to the shape of your structure like a fibreglass roll. The potential for gapping on the curved arches is also increased with the rigid material. It works well for insulating garage doors and is a good option for floors as well.
Spray Foam
Spray foam has a high R-Value and provides excellent air-sealing properties. The metal panel of your building must be prepped to hold the spray foam properly. It can be expensive and has the potential to damage your structure if the foam is of low quality.
Cellulose
This is a form of loose-fill insulation. It’s made from recycled newspapers and then treated with a fire retardant. The cellulose is then blown into the cavities using a special blowing machine that also aerates and fluffs it. This is only suitable for finished garages or ones that have walls built inside, which is uncommon with an arch building.
Metal building insulation, when done the right way, can help make your garage more comfortable. Speak with your building supplier to see if they have any recommendations or carry their own line of insulation.
