The best way to know if your metal building needs insulation is to consult with an expert. They can help you find the best solution for your building and provide guidance on follow-up services to keep your building performing well.
Retrofitting your existing home or business with new insulation can significantly reduce energy costs and prevent drafts. There are several different options for insulating walls in an existing home.
Batts
When an existing home is retrofitted, a variety of materials are used to add insulation. These include fiberglass batts, mineral wool, cotton (made from shredded recycled denim), and cellulose (which has boric acid added for fire resistance).
When installed properly, these options provide good thermal performance. The best choice depends on the home’s location, climate and cost.
Adding batts, usually to wall cavities, is the cheapest way to increase insulation. They can be done by a do-it-yourselfer, but it is better to have the project handled professionally to ensure the job is carried out correctly.
Blown-in insulation can also be an option for older homes. This involves cutting access holes in the walls and then blowing in new insulation. The process is called retrofitting and is generally done by professionals. They are able to cut the holes with less intrusion and also know how to repair them afterwards. This method can be used in the attic, under floors and crawl spaces as well as walls. It offers R-values of up to 4.3 per inch.
Blankets
Insulating an existing building can cut back on energy costs, improve occupant comfort and help prevent moisture from disrupting consistent indoor temperatures. It also helps keep out pests, rodents and mold. When it’s done right, an insulation retrofit can provide a more attractive facility appearance, too.
A high-performance envelope, combined with a new HVAC system, can significantly diminish the energy demand of existing buildings. This approach requires the development of effective and cost-efficient integrated retrofit technologies, based on engineered insulating concrete form (ICF) panels.
This innovative integrated retrofit technology is based on a layer of ICFs inserted in the outer shell of existing reinforced concrete and masonry buildings. It is designed to deliver a contemporary improvement of seismic and energy performance in a single installation stage, operating exclusively from the exterior.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) combine framing, sheathing and insulation in one unit. They are manufactured under factory controlled conditions and are custom designed for each project. SIPs save builders time by reducing labor requirements compared to framing, insulating and sheathing stick-framed walls. They also help reduce energy costs.
SIPs are made of oriented strand board (OSB) facers sandwiched around a foam core. The most popular SIPs use EPS foam, but alternative options include expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene and rigid polyurethane foam. The OSB facers are glued together with a wood adhesive that is low in or without formaldehyde.
The foam core provides excellent thermal efficiency. The gap between panels is filled with a block spline or surface spline connection that eliminates thermal bridging and maintains higher insulation values at panel joints. The spline is attached to the OSB using either composite spline or mechanical locks, and it can be made from dimensional lumber, OSB, plywood or other materials. SIPs are prone to moisture damage, which degrades the outer OSB skin and lowers insulation value. They are also prone to pest infestation and must be treated with insecticides.
Foam Injection
A building’s walls make up the largest surface area and are the most common way to improve its energy efficiency. This retrofit technique increases the thermal resistance of existing structures and can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
Foam injection can be used in steel buildings where moisture problems are a concern or to address gaps in insulation between wall girts. It can also be used in existing homes to retrofit between wall studs, and can help seal air leaks and increase energy efficiency.
This method of insulating walls can be disruptive and require temporary removal of items such as skirting boards or fitted cupboards, but it provides significant energy savings. It is especially suitable for older homes, and can be combined with other methods like fitting cladding to the exterior. Many clients opt for this type of insulation for a combination of reasons including wanting to control energy bills, reducing their carbon footprint and ensuring a warm, comfortable home for years to come. It can be expensive, but will pay for itself in reduced heating bills.
Loose-Fill Cellulose
When compared to fiberglass insulation, loose-fill cellulose is a better option for existing homes and offers excellent energy savings. It is typically made from recycled paper and treated with boric acid to resist mold growth, fire and pests. This enables cellulose to retain its R-Value even during extreme cold weather.
This type of insulation can be blown into wall cavities, attics or other enclosed spaces using one of two techniques. It can either be dry sprayed (which requires no moisture) or damp-sprayed where a small amount of water is added to the application nozzle, causing the insulation to cling together. It may be installed in new construction or retrofit applications.
Loose-fill cellulose is one of the greenest options available and is comprised of up to 85% recycled material. This includes old newsprint and other paper products that would otherwise end up in landfills, producing harmful greenhouse gases as they decompose. Cellulose insulation also takes less energy to produce than other types of insulation, such as fiberglass and foam. This is referred to as embodied energy and is an important consideration when making the decision to install a new or upgrade your existing home’s insulation.