If you are contemplating securing your metal building or framework, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. You understand that you want to keep the cool air in during the summer and the warm air in during the winter, but what type of insulation should you use? Do you need a vapour barrier?
Continue reading for a comprehensive overview of all you need to know about protecting your metal structure.
What exactly is Insulation?
Insulation is any covering, lining, or other material that prevents or decreases the passage, transfer, or leakage of warmth, power, or sound. There are several types of insulation available on the market, but depending on your local energy codes and the intended use of your structure, you may be required to use a specific type.
Glass wool (also known as Fiberglass)- Mineral wool- Spray foam (check with your steel structure supplier to see if your structure can accept this type of insulation)- Polyisocyanurate (often referred to as “Poly-iso”) rigid board insulation.
As previously said, community or municipal codes may need a combination of insulating materials, such as treated glass fibre and poly-iso rigid board, based on compliance requirements in your individual environment location. If rigid board is prohibitively expensive, there are other configurations that meet the criteria of the standard or regulation.
What does Facing entail?
In other words, facings are barriers that are attached to insulation in order to protect the surface of the insulation, hold it together, or serve as a vapour retarder (see image over of fibreglass insulation with an aluminium foil facing).
Most frequently, however, manufacturers install a facing to serve as a vapour and/or air barrier. Façades are designed to protect insulation from physical abuse, limit moisture migration, and, when necessary, meet fire norms and regulations. Vinyl, polypropylene, polyethylene, aluminium foil, and metalized polyester are among materials that can be used to construct vapour retarders.
Why is insulation necessary in a prefabricated building?
Simply put, covering your metal building will help keep the heated inside space warmer in the winter and the cooled interior space cooler in the summer. Regardless of where you live, if you intend to use your steel building for human occupancy of any kind, it is generally recommended that you insulate the structure.
Listed below are a few potential benefits of protecting your metal building:
– Insulation reduces energy costs (in a conditioned building);
– Insulation prevents moisture condensation. When the temperature and dew point are just right, condensation will form on the roof and walls of a structure. This may result in rain falling on your building;
– Insulation contributes to acoustic performance, hence reducing noise levels. Most types of insulation have acoustical and audio absorption capabilities that reduce internal reverberations and prevent transmission from the exterior;
– Insulation helps increase investment return (ROI). The insulation functions as a barrier between steels that might otherwise rust in the presence of humidity.
If you are contemplating shielding your metal structure, you need a team of experts who can help you evaluate functionality, costs, and local building requirements. We at EPACK Prefab have more than two decades of experience in manufacturing and a staff of experienced experts. If you have a need, please do not hesitate to contact us.
