Most people don’t realize that the majority of fiberglass vinyl-faced insulation installed within metal buildings or pole barns is not out of sight. The insulation is exposed and not covered by drywall or other materials, so it is located front and center before you. In most warehouses, gymnasiums, and agricultural structures, it is exposed to whatever the internal conditions present, such as machinery, people, or animals. This means it is required not only to look presentable, but also to hold up to whatever physically engages with it. It is for this reason that I believe fiberglass vinyl face insulation is the preferred choice.
Vinyl-faced insulation is cost-effective, easy to install, and the most popular insulation type for DIY projects by laymen. It is an all-in-one product that offers both aesthetic appeal and soundproofing, as well as thermal efficiency. Whether you are insulating a riding arena, industrial shop, or manufacturing plant, a reinforced vinyl-faced metal building insulation will deliver a professional look, as well as reduce utility costs.
In this post, I will attempt to describe what vinyl-faced insulation is and why it is the preferred choice over other popular insulation types.
Description of Vinyl-Faced Fiberglass Insulation?
Fundamentally, fiberglass insulation is made from fine glass fibers. They are woven together for the purpose of trapping air, which reduces the transfer of heat and sound. A fiberglass insulation patent was established over a hundred years ago. You can find it in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
When utilized in metal buildings and pole barns, it is often “faced” with a laminated outer layer. This facing acts as both a vapor barrier and a tear-resistant protective cover, enhancing its appearance.
Four popular facings are WMP-VR-R (plus), WMP-10, WMP-30, and WMP-50.
- WMP-VR-R (plus) features a metalized polyester back that allows it to reflect radiant heat away from the structure. Its tensile strength is approximately 35 lbs. per inch. The Mullen Burst PSI is 100. It has a perm rating of 0.9, which still meets a Class A-1 vapor barrier standard. With its tri-directional scrim, you have all the integrity you need.
- WMP-10 features a tensile strength of approximately 40 lbs. per inch. A perm rating of 0.2, which easily exceeds a Class A-1 vapor barrier standard. It is made of polypropylene/scrim/kraft (PSK) laminated facing material. One selects WMP-10 over WMP-10 for projects that require a better vapor barrier than WMP-VR-R (plus).
- WMP-30 has a tensile strength of approximately 40 lbs. A Mullen Burst PSI of 70 lbs. A Class A-1 fire rating. This is the ideal insulation for structures that will be exposed to wear and tear, such as retail stores, gymnasiums, recreational centers, and heavily populated shops. This insulation gives you the same perm rating of 0.2 as WMP-10, but adds slightly tougher resistance to tears and punctures.
- The WMP-50, featuring its tri-directional scrim, boasts a tensile strength of 65 lbs. per inch. The Mullen Burst PSI # is 120 lbs. Perm rating is 0.2. It also has a metalized polyester face that allows it to reflect radiant heat away from the structure. This facing is perfect for high-abuse areas where the exposed insulation requires additional durability.
Why Fiberglass Vinyl-Faced Insulation over other insulation types?
1. Strength & Durability
Nothing is more appealing as a selling point than durability. Who wants a steel building insulation that effectiveness will soon wane? No matter the price savings, longevity is important! Vinyl facing adds a rugged, tear and puncture-resistant layer to fiberglass insulation. Again, in most metal building applications, the insulation is exposed and subject to accidental damage from tools, machinery, and animals. Having reinforced fiberglass vinyl-faced insulation will add an extra layer of needed protection.
2. Attractive Appearance
Let’s be honest, we all care about looks! If you don’t have protective vinyl-face over the fiberglass, the insulation will look ragged and uneven. With most suppliers, you can order black or white colored facing. The black facing is usually a few cents more per square foot
3. Vapor Barrier
The word vapor barrier is another way of saying moisture control. The skin of the metal building sweats (condensation) due to the different temperatures within the building and the outside. The vinyl facing acts as a vapor retarder, which is key to reducing the moisture building up on the metal skin. If you have a structure utilized for food processing, indoor pools, or climate-controlled warehouses, a vinyl-faced insulation is mandatory.
4. Easy Installation and Maintenance
All of us like things to be as easy as possible. With vinyl-faced insulation, installation is even easier. For new construction, one simply rolls it over the purlins and girts and pins the insulation down when installing the metal sheeting. Regarding maintenance, it can be easily wiped down to remove dust and debris.
Here are structures where Vinyl-Faced Insulation is used
Let me start by saying that one can find vinyl-faced insulation in just about every form of construction. Here are some examples:
- Industrial shops, such as warehouses
- Agricultural buildings like riding arenas and barns
- Manufacturing facilities
- Recreational centers like gymnasiums
- Cold storage facilities
- Retail Operations like car dealerships and clothing warehouse-type stores
- Airplane hangars
The vinyl-faced insulation creates a comfortable climate, attractive appearance, and added thermal efficiency within these types of structures.
A Few things to consider when selecting your vinyl-faced insulation
- Which tear-resistant facings: As a rule of thumb, the thicker the vinyl facings, the stronger and durable they will be. The WMP-VR-R and the WMP-50 have a tri-directional scrim.
- The Vapor Barrier choice. The lower the perm #, the stronger the vapor barrier. WMP-VR-R (plus) has a 0.9. the WMP-10. WMP-30 and WMP-50 have 0.2.
- Fire rating: All the facings vinyl-faced insulation facings listed within the blog a Class A fire ratings when tested in accordance with ASTM E84.
- Metalized Material:WMP-VR-R (plus) and WMP-50 have a metalized polyester back that allows it to reflect radiant heat away from the building
Whether this is new construction or you are retrofitting an existing building, vinyl-faced insulation is an ideal choice. It provides you with durability, an attractive appearance, and ease of installation. You have four facings available to choose from.
