Insulating a metal building

[Gadjet]

I recently had a 30x40x12 Morton pole building built behind my house for a spare garage/shop. I'm thinking down the road that I would like to insulate and finish the inside. Spray foam sounds like the best way to go but it's pretty expensive. Anyone have any good alternatives that would be less expensive?

 

[Cedarsavage]

I recently had a 30x40x12 Morton pole building built behind my house for a spare garage/shop. I'm thinking down the road that I would like to insulate and finish the inside. Spray foam sounds like the best way to go but it's pretty expensive. Anyone have any good alternatives that would be less expensive?

I have a similar size I’m getting spray foamed next week. I spent a lot of time looking into it and it was the only one that made sense for mine because my studs run horizontal and 19” so regular batting wouldn’t work. Only other realistic option was foam board and the spray isn’t all that much more at least in my area

 

[Beendare]

I have a similar size I’m getting spray foamed next week. I spent a lot of time looking into it and it was the only one that made sense for mine because my studs run horizontal and 19” so regular batting wouldn’t work. Only other realistic option was foam board and the spray isn’t all that much more at least in my area

I think thats accurate. Even the encapsulated fiberglass is not cheap. You wouldn't want to use fiberglass thats not encapsulated unless you rock or sheet the interior which drives up the cost.

You could do the foam board yourself saving labor cost but it won't be as effective as spray foam due to it not sealing well. If you do end up doing foam board, use the cans of foam to seal the edges.

I would avoid the spray foam kits as if you get a bad mix, you can get off gassing and other problems that will have you stripping the foam out- not good.

Do it right the first time...you won't regret it.

 

[jackrabbitfan]

I know this doesn't help your situation, but I had a metal building built. The "insulation" package was considerable cheaper than having it spray foamed post build. On the ceilings they essentially drape huge sheets of insulation and put the roof on top of it. Between the beams it is held up with steel strapping. Somewhat similar on the walls yet slightly different. It was a great way to insulate. I had another steel building that I was pricing insulation post build and didn't like the spray foam pricing. I had hoped that I could buy the spray foam kits in bulk and save but the pricing of the kits essentially offered no savings over hiring it done. In that case I put fiberglass batting between the framing members/steel studs, vapor barrier, and then sheeted it entirely with steel. Turned out nice as well but just time consuming. That was considerably cheaper than having it spray foamed though.

 

[Briant_az]

are your posts 8’ centers?

 

[PineBrook413]

Double bubble with foil is excellent insulation for pole barns. I've used it many times for customers as well on my personal 40x60x16 pole barn. Its not super super high R value but its super easy to install, very durable, doesn't create the same insect and rodent housing like fiberglass.

I'm not a big fan of spray foam. Its an absolute nightmare in the future for renovations, expansions, repairs & finding leaks etc. Just my .02, no perfect answer. Good Luck!

 

[Gadjet]

are your posts 8’ centers?

Yes

 

[Geewhiz]

You could always stick frame between the posts and throw some batts in there but I'm not sure if that would save you any money by the time you bought all the lumber and batts.

I am building a small shop right now. Originally I was going to build it with a post frame but I decided to just stick frame it so I can just throw some batts in when I'm ready to insulate.

 

[Fred@Exterra]

I usually frame up to eight feet, insulate with batt insulation, and sheet with osb. Then I use two layers of 1 1/2 foam (one layer between the girts & one layer over the top). On the roof, I do a layer of foam board on the top of the rafters.

Probably not the best way to do it, but it is fast and reasonably inexpensive… plus one guy can do it in a couple of days.


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[HiMtnHntr]

I built my barn 40x64x15. Ended up ordering custom bats 8x15’. Not fun to hang but much cheaper.

 

[rookieforever33]

I figured I wanted wall to mount shelves, lights, outlets, and pretty women posters. I framed between my posts and added 6 inch batts covered with plywood. Haven't done the ceiling yet but figure frame and plywood again with blown in insulation will be the way.

 

[Briant_az]

One of my neighbors just build a shop/house and used insulation from this website. I tried to talk him into closed cell spray foam because I think it’s one of the best. He ordered this stuff and I helped him install it. I was pretty impressed with it. Pretty easy to install and works really good.
We used the stick pins and washers to install.

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[SBR Sarge]

If you can swing it, save up and do the foam.

We spray-foamed our house (2006 build) and 30x40 metal pole barn (2024 build). Both with the closed cell foam.

It is superb for insulation, and seems to add sound insulation too.