Metal Construction News, February 2021

IN THE DETAILS Insulation for Metal Buildings The many reasons for and benefits of insulation By Robert Tiffin Not all insulations are the same There are several types of insulation to choose from fiberglass or rockwool blankets or batts spray foam reflective bubble rigid board loose fill and insulated panels The right choice for a building should match the end use needs of the building energy code requirements budget and your install capabilities Another difference to note particularly with metal building fiberglass insulation is that it is commercial grade predominantly manufactured with a higher tensile strength and is specifically designed for use in metal buildings In fact most metal building insulation is certified specifically for use in metal buildings The primary reasons for metal building insulation are R values or U factors required by the local or state energy code condensation control reduction in heating and cooling costs in a conditioned buildings reduction in noise and the potential for more efficient lighting attributed to the choice of vapor retarder aka facing with insulation blankets It is the responsibility of all the parties involved in a metal building construct to ensure the correct insulation provisions are in place to meet all applicable energy code requirements Consult the Department of Energy or www energycodes gov for the latest specifications for your future buildings location Above the Dew Point Insulation controls condensation by regulating internal temperatures and keeping the surface temperature of the buildings roof and or walls above the dew point When temperature and dew point meet at a fateful point condensation builds up on the interior roof and walls If insulation were left out of an area in a metal building it will surely cause condensation In extreme cases it could rain in the building and will definitely warrant a contractor installer call back Part of the insulation solution and condensation control plan for your building needs to incorporate a vapor retarder These facings respectively provide attributes over their primary role of inhibiting the passage of moisture through them perm rating Often the facing will act as the inner wall material so it has been reinforced with a layer of scrim fiberglass or nylon mesh When and where required check with your manufacturer or provider for the facings ratings perm flame retardancy etc Effectiveness and Benefits For maximum effectiveness and to meet most energy code requirements insulation needs to be insulating material that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings It is installed on the interior or exterior or is integral to any opaque surface of the building envelope An additional benefit of insulating the building envelope is the reduction of excessive noise both from the outside in and the inside out There are some building codes that command certain sound transmission class STC The insulation manufacturer will be the best source for further information but know that the higher the noise reduction coefficient NRC the more improvement on the building STC rating Interior Finish Another reason for insulating a metal building is to have a clean and improved interior finish with a potential for more efficient lighting White facings have been specifically designed to provide a clean bright finish The reflectiveness of the facing itself may allow reduction in the number of skylights or light fixtures needed to achieve the required desired effect On the contrary a black facing has been designed for surfaces in which you do not want to draw attention These facings are most often used in theaters or restaurants The whys of insulating metal building are as numerous and as unique as the end uses and locations of your prospective building For the best answers to your specific project questions get and stay in touch with your building manufacturer your suppliers and most importantly your local code official Circling back and of course theres always the Metal Building Manufacturers Association MBMA and their wealth of knowledge for reference though use www mbma com Learn_ Glossary html as a free resource Robert Tiffin is national accounts manager for Silvercote Greenville S C To learn more visit www silvercote com or call 864 603 2856 28 METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS February 2021