Temperatures always rise as Winter turns to Spring. A smart steel building owner should adjust their focus towards taking the necessary steps to prepare their steel building insulation for warmer weather. Hence, they get full warm-weather efficiency with their insulation.   Considering that 67% of low-rise new construction is steel or steel framed because they offer unmatched durability and flexibility, this article applies to a large portion of the building industry. Since steel buildings are the highest conductors of heat, their thermal performance heavily relies on proper insulation—especially during the hot springs in certain states and summer months. Those that fail to address this will undoubtedly experience higher energy costs and discomfort within their structures. Moreover, whatever expense invested in thermal energy efficiency will be recouped in time.

The purpose of this article is to thoroughly guide you through a step-by-step process to optimize your steel building insulation efficiency so that it can hold up to impending warmer temperatures.

Picture of insulated riding area

---

How Can The Spring Season Impact Your Steel Building

As noted earlier, steel sheeting is the highest conductor of heat. Steel quickly absorbs and transfers the outside heat into the structures. In hot climate locations with many days of sun light, radiant heat is the primary issue. The solar radiation will rapidly increase the temperatures of a steel building’s sheeting, which in turn significantly increases the temperature within the structure. Adding a good reflective steel building insulation product can deflect up to 97% of radiant heat transfer. Even if you reside in a northern location, adding a reflective “barrier” insulation can help your thermal energy efficiency. Remember, steel building insulation also addresses condensation issues that an arise. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cooler surface (steel sheeting), the air cools down, and moisture condenses into water droplets.   

---

Evaluate Your Current Steel Building Insulation

Your utility bill can be key in understanding the current steel building or pole barn insulation situation.  So start by reviewing recent bills and see if there has been any notable fluctuation. If your bill is increasing, and the utilities standard rates haven’t changed, you are most likely losing thermal efficiency. Things can dramatically change if you haven’t checked on your insulation in the last 10-15 years.  For instance, if you have fiberglass insulation in your steel buildings, nesting can occur for rodents, bugs, or birds.  If a gap is within the sheeting, a leak allowing moisture to seep in can easily damage the existing insulation.  The air leaks are usually around doors, windows, panels, and vents. All these factors can reduce the insulation’s energy efficiency.  Therefore, when you make your inspection, look for:

• Any moisture stains
• Sagging, rips, or holes
• Bird, rodent or bug nest
• Gaps in the insulation

If any of these items are the culprit, one or more of these following methods can easily rectify the situation

Items to use:

• Metal Building Tapes and Sealants
• Spray foam
• Caulking
• General weatherstripping 

---

---

Evaluate Whether You Need To Supplement the Steel Building Insulation

Sometimes, the issue is more substantial than replacing wet steel building insulation or sealing holes or cracks. You may need to supplement your insulation if you are not getting the desired thermal efficiency. Sometimes, it only takes a large tree to affect the structure’s internal temperature. Whether initially insufficient insulation or external factors changed the thermal dynamic within the structure,  selecting the highest possible R-value supplement would be a wise step. Remember, the higher the R-value, the higher the protection from cold and heat. A higher R-Value will cost more; however, as noted earlier, you will recouped your insulation investment.

R-Values with Related insulation thicknesses: