Insulating Pole Barn Between Purlins for a More Energy Efficient Building

Insulating pole barns between purlins is a game-changer for energy efficiency. It can reduce heat loss by up to 30% in cold climates.

By installing insulation between purlins, you can significantly reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the roof. This is especially important in areas with cold winters.

In fact, studies have shown that uninsulated purlins can account for up to 20% of a pole barn's total heat loss.

Fiberglass blanket insulation is a popular choice for pole barns due to its low cost and ease of installation.

It's a fire and sound-resistant option that's often used in metal buildings. The insulation comes with a vapor retarder and is tested for fire safety, odor, mold, and moisture resistance.

The vapor retarder can also serve as a finish on most building ceilings, typically with a white color for better light reflectivity.

However, fiberglass blanket insulation has a major drawback: heat conduction at each purlin and girt reduces its overall R-value.

To mitigate this issue, special rigid insulation spacers can be used to reduce thermal bridging.

Another option is foam insulated panels, which consist of three layers: an exterior metal skin, a foam insulation core, and an interior metal liner.

These panels offer high R-values, excellent thermal performance, airtightness, moisture control, and a clean finished look.

Insulated panels are available in various thicknesses, with an R-Value of 7.5 per inch of thickness.

Here's a comparison of R-values for different insulation materials:

Insulated panels are a more expensive option, but they offer better thermal performance and airtightness.

Spray foam insulation is another option, which provides a high R-value and excellent thermal performance.

However, it's essential to note that spray foam insulation is a more expensive option and requires specialized equipment for installation.

In summary, when choosing insulation for your pole barn, consider the R-value, cost, and installation requirements of each option.

Foam insulated panels consist of three layers: an exterior metal skin, a foam insulation core that determines the R-Value, and an interior metal liner. This type of panel offers high R-values, excellent thermal performance, airtightness, moisture control, and a clean finished look.

Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are available in various colors, sizes, and finishes, giving you almost any look for your pole barn. They can add a distinctive look to your building.

Liner panels protect the insulation and provide a finished look to the interior of your pole barn. They also increase the durability of the insulation and can provide lateral bracing for purlins and girts.

Closed cell foil faced 4×8 panels can be used on the underside of purlins, but it's essential to consider the channels in the underside of the decking and how they might cool the airspace and deck.

You can use foil on foil double bubble on the first layer, followed by closed foam insulation, to insulate between roof purlins. However, if a screw backs out and you get a leak, the water will likely go through the insulation and potentially cause damage.

Here's a brief rundown of the different types of insulated panels and materials:

You can achieve R-Values up to R-19 with a single layer application of fiberglass rolls between the roof purlins and exterior metal panels.

To improve thermal performance, you can use a double layer system with unfaced insulation installed between the purlins and over the top.

Foam insulated panels offer high R-values, excellent thermal performance, and a clean finished look on the interior and exterior of the building.

They consist of 3 layers: an exterior metal skin, a foam insulation core, and an interior metal liner.

The R-value of foam insulated panels is 7.5 per inch, making them a popular choice for metal buildings.

Fiberglass blanket insulation is a common type of insulation used in metal buildings due to its low cost and ease of installation.

However, it has a disadvantage: heat conduction at each purlin and girt reduces the overall R-value.

Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are available in various colors, sizes, and finishes, giving you a distinctive look for your building.

They have outstanding insulating quality and are lightweight and easy to install, saving field-assembly time and cost.

However, they come with a relatively high cost and require expertise for installation.

To increase the R-value of metal roof insulation, you can use a two-layer system, such as the long tab and banded system or the fabric liner/multilayer system.

The fabric liner/multilayer system has become very popular due to its better thermal performance and excellent air/vapor barrier.

However, it can be difficult to install the first time, and other trades may not have easy access to the bottom flange of the purlins.

Here are some common insulation systems for metal buildings: