Is it your dream to build your new home or commercial building from scratch? Taking on a new build of any kind requires a large investment of both time and money, so it’s important to get the best return possible on that investment. Insulated metal buildings are gaining popularity thanks to their modern look, diverse design options, durability, and cost savings. Choosing an insulated metal building can help enhance the energy efficiency and comfort of your new structure, creating the opportunity for long-term savings over traditional builds. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most important benefits of insulated metal buildings.
Benefits of Insulated Metal Buildings
Sustainability & Cost Savings
Insulated metal buildings are constructed using metal sheeting, which is typically composed of steel or a combination of steel and aluminum. Metal structures (especially when fitted with metal roofs) can be highly energy efficient and, due to metal’s recyclability and light weight, support more sustainable building methods than other materials. Metal buildings can also be designed to optimize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Due to the low maintenance nature of metal buildings, upkeep expenses are lower than with traditional buildings.
Streamlined Construction
Unlike conventional construction, which requires workers to create the building on site, piece by piece, many metal buildings are pre-engineered in a factory. The framing pieces are shipped straight to the build site, ready to be assembled quickly and efficiently. Even if you don’t go with the pre-engineered metal building, the construction process for a custom insulated metal building is also fast and efficient.
Durability
Steel-framed buildings typically weigh less than their wooden counterparts because greater building strength can be achieved using less material. The result is an incredibly durable, sturdy, and safe structure that can withstand almost any temperature and weather. Because steel has an incredibly long life and holds its value and appearance for years, insulated metal buildings require much less maintenance and upkeep than wooden buildings.
Customizable Exterior
Metal buildings are also incredibly versatile and have almost endless design possibilities. Contrary to popular belief, metal buildings can really look how you want. Exteriors can be finished with stucco, cement board, brick, stone, or other materials to fit your style.
The Importance of Insulation
Arguably the most important component of a metal building is its insulation. Proper insulation not only helps maintain consistent interior temperatures, but it can also help prevent mold, mildew, and rust by preventing condensation. Appropriate insulation will minimize energy loss, allowing the HVAC system to work less and reducing energy costs. The right type and correct installation of insulation in a new metal building can go a long way toward keeping the structure comfortable and efficient for years to come.
There are various insulation options available for metal buildings, but what matters most is that the insulation material is installed properly to achieve optimal comfort and energy savings. In a metal building, insulation is typically installed above the framing rather than between the studs like traditional construction. This placement better prevents heat transfer and blocks moisture from collecting between the framing, exterior roof, and wall panels. The most common types of insulation for metal buildings are spray foam, batt or blanket, loose-fill, and rigid board. When choosing insulation, pay attention to the R-value. The higher the R-value, the less heat transfer it allows. Without a high R-value, Midwest metal buildings would become extremely hot and humid in the summer and frigid in the winter.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation is, as the name implies, sprayed directly onto the wall panels in an even layer. It then gradually expands and hardens. It is popular due to its flexibility and ability to create a leak-proof seal in even the most awkward spaces. However, it is important to consider that the temperature of the spray foam is high, which can cause condensation during the application process. Any moisture trapped beneath the hardened foam could cause the metal panels to deteriorate over time.
Batt or Blanket
Batt, also known as blanket, is a common form of insulation that comes cut and rolled. The fiberglass sheets fill gaps between framing efficiently and cost effectively. Batt insulation is also known for high soundproofing quality. Consider blankets with a waterproof laminate on one side to help prevent mold growth in your metal building.
Loose Fill or Blown In
Another common insulation for metal buildings is loose fill, sometimes called blown in. It contains s a blend of particles like plastic, mineral, foam, and even paper. Loose-fill insulation can fill most crevices and narrow corners like its spray foam counterpart, but it can also trap moisture and be more expensive than other options.
Simple Savor Method
At Pro-Line, we also utilize the Simple Saver System, a high performance insulation and finishing system. This is specifically designed for roofs and walls for low rise commercial buildings. Simple Saver is a liner system: the base is a gridwork of tensioned steel straps that are installed below the bottom plane of purlins and secured at primary structural members. On top of that grid is a Syseal fabric system installed below purlins and sealed around the perimeter. The last and top layer is uncompressed fiberglass insulation, the bottom half of which is installed parallel and between purlins, and the top half installed perpendicular and on top of purlins. The Simple Saver System can result in reduced HVAC costs while increasing the comfort of the building.
At Pro-Line Building Company, our trusted professionals can help you maximize the benefits of a new insulated metal building. We have extensive experience in constructing these buildings and offer tailored, customized solutions to meet your specific requirements for functionality, comfort, and energy efficiency. To learn more, subscribe to our blog or take a look at what we do.
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