There are numerous options available when it comes to insulating your metal building, such as spray foam, foam board, and reflective “barrier” insulation, to name a few. However, the top sellers are the vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation facings. These viny-reinforced metal building insulations are VR-R (PLUS), WMP-10, WMP-30, and WMP-50. These facings are tear-resistant vapor barriers. They face the inside of the structure when installed. The white or black finish has a clean, attractive look that, for the most part, is desired for metal buildings. They are ideal DIY types because they are relatively easy to install and have high thermal efficiency. They can be purchased as blankets (rolls) or batts (cut lengths) to simplify the erection process. Fiberglass laminators standardly offer 1-6″ tabs or 2-3″ on the blankets/batts insulation. Tabs usually do not include adhesive tape since customers often staple the tabs together or apply tape themselves for the savings.
This article will note the features of each vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation facing and the advantages in relations to each other.
VR-R (PLUS) – Vinyl-Reinforced Metal building Insulation
I’ve been selling vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation for many years. When a customer is looking for a suitable insulation for their metal building or pole barn, they typically ask for VR (Vinyl Reinforce) or just a vinyl backing on their fiberglass insulation. I always give them VR-R (Plus) since I know that is what they mean or want to have. For starters, it is stronger, and because of the volume purchased by laminators, it actually costs less than the inferior VR. Of the four facings, VR-R (PLUS) is the leading seller.
Comparisons of Vinyl-reinforced insulation Types
VR-R Insulation vs. VR Fiberglass Insulation
| VR-R Insulation | VR Fiberglass Insulation | |
|---|---|---|
| Facing Material | Reinforced vinyl (VR-R = Vinyl Reinforced – Reinforced) | Standard vinyl facing (VR = Vinyl Reinforced) |
| Durability | Higher: Includes a reinforcing layer (usually fiberglass scrim) for added strength. | Moderate: Standard vinyl facing, less tear-resistant |
| Tensile Strength | Stronger due to reinforcing material | It doesn’t have the same structural integrity, making it more prone to tearing or sagging. |
| Appearance | It has a similar clean, white finish but is more resistant to wrinkling or stretching. Wrinkled insulation doesn’t look as attractive as unwrinkled. | Clean finish, but may wrinkle or tear more easily under stress |
| Moisture Barrier | Excellent moisture and vapor barrier | It also has a sound moisture barrier but may degrade faster under harsh conditions. |
| Uses | Ideal for high-traffic areas (e.g., warehouses, gyms, metal buildings) where durability is essential | Suitable for standard installations where impact resistance isn’t critical |
| Price | In some cases, it can be higher due to reinforcement; however, because laminatorstend to buy it in a higher volume, the cost is often lower than the inferior VR. | Though it is considered an inferior product to VR-R (PLUS), it is often relatively the same price as VR-R (PLUS) or more expensive since fiberglass laminators purchase VR-R (PLUS) in a higher volume, therefore at a cheaper price. |
| Installation | Some reports state that due to its added strength, it may be slightly stiffer to work with. However, I haven’t had any installers indicate this. | Easier to handle and staple due to more flexible facing |
Structures Best Suited VR-R (Plus):
Agricultural Buildings such as barns, pole barns, greenhouses, and sheds often use VR-R (Plus) vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation for condensation control and basic insulation.
WMP-10 (Vinyl -reinforced metal building insulation)
Whether for metal buildings, warehouses, or pole barns requiring reliable moisture control and thermal protection, WMP-10 vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation offers a stronger, more dependable solution than VR-R Plus or reflective-only insulation. It’s engineered for long-term performance, making it the smart choice for high-quality, code-compliant insulation systems.
WMP-10 vs. VR-R Plus Faced Fiberglass Insulation
| Feature | WMP-10 | VR-R Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Facing Composition | White Metallized Polyester film (WMP) vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation, typically laminated with kraft and fiberglass scrim | Vinyl Reinforced with fiberglass scrim (VR-R) – “Plus” denotes a stronger scrim or thicker vinyl |
| Appearance | White, reflective, slightly metallic surface | Matte white vinyl surface, more plastic-like |
| Reinforcement | Fiberglass scrim (tri-directional reinforcement) | Fiberglass scrim with vinyl overlay (typically heavier in Plus versions) |
| Perm Rating (Moisture Barrier) | ≤ 0.02 perms – Excellent vapor barrier | ≤ 0.02 perms – Also excellent vapor barrier |
| Strength | Good, but generally less than VR-R Plus | Higher – especially in “Plus” grade, designed for heavy-duty use |
| Durability | Moderate – suitable for standard applications | Superior – reinforced vinyl is more impact- and tear-resistant |
| Fire Resistance | Class A flame spread/smoke rating (when tested with insulation) | Also, Class A, depending on the specific product and thickness |
| Suitability | Ideal for clean appearance and reflective value; commonly used in pre-engineered metal buildings | Ideal for high-traffic or high-abuse environments needing extra strength |
| Price | Lower to mid-range | Higher due to heavier vinyl and increased durability |
| Installation | Lightweight, flexible, easy to install | Slightly stiffer/heavier due to thicker vinyl face, requires more effort to handle |
| Light Reflectivity | High (white metallized film reflects light well) | Moderate to high, depending on the finish of the vinyl (matte or glossy) |
Structures Best Suited for WMP-10:
- Warehouses, storage facilities, distribution centers, Barns, machine sheds, grain storage, and livestock shelters, Auto shops, utility buildings, workshops, Riding arenas, indoor sports facilities, and community centers.
WMP-30 (Vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation)
Engineered for more arduous conditions, WMP-30 vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation delivers advanced moisture protection, enhanced thermal efficiency, and reinforced durability over WMP-10, making it a top-tier solution for insulation systems that demand reliable performance in more demanding environments. Compared to foam board, it fits between purlins and girts, unrolls easily across large spans, and works with standard installation methods. Foam boards often need to be cut and fitted, which is labor-intensive and less flexible for large or irregular structures.
| Feature | WMP-30 | WMP-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Facing | White vinyl film laminated to kraft paper and heavy-duty fiberglass scrim | White metallized polyester film (Mylar) laminated to kraft paper and standard fiberglass scrim |
| Facing Type | Vinyl-reinforced metal building based facer | Polyester-based (Mylar) facer |
| Reinforcement | Stronger scrim reinforcement (higher tensile and tear strength) | Standard scrim reinforcement |
| Vapor Barrier | ≤ 0.02 perms – Excellent vapor barrier | ≤ 0.02 perms – Excellent vapor barrier |
| Durability | High – built for rugged environments and abuse-prone areas | Moderate – suitable for general-use conditions |
| Tear Resistance | Superior – vinyl facer offers better resistance | Standard – more prone to rips under stress |
| Appearance | Matte white vinyl finish, clean and durable | White metallized film, smoother and slightly more reflective |
| Fire Rating | Class A (flame spread ≤ 25, smoke ≤ 50) | Class A (same) |
| Light Reflectivity | Moderate – vinyl is less reflective than polyester | Higher – polyester film reflects more light |
| Installation | Heavier and stiffer – may take more effort to handle | Lightweight, flexible, easier to install |
| Cost | Higher, due to enhanced strength and material | budget-friendly option |
Structures Best Suited for WMP-30:
- Manufacturing plants, processing facilities, logistics hubs, Refrigerated or temperature-controlled buildings, Aircraft Hangars, Maintenance Facilities, Indoor Sports Facilities & Arenas such as Ice rinks, basketball courts, indoor soccer fields, dairy barns, food processing barns, indoor grow operations, Armories, vehicle bays, and training centers.
WMP- 50 Facing (Vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation)
WMP-50 vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation is significantly cheaper than spray foam when you factor in that the average person doesn’t have the equipment to install spray foam. Therefore, a professional installer is usually utilized. Spray foam (closed-cell) is 3–5x more expensive per inch of R-value than WMP-50 for budget-conscious commercial/industrial projects. In most cases, WMP-30 systems win on cost without sacrificing performance.
Most will agree, having installed both WMP-50 and WMP-30 vinyl reinforced metal building insulation as a pole barn insulation, that the WMP-50 offers increased moisture resistance, improved thermal performance, and more excellent durability. It is the ideal choice for high-performance insulation in the most demanding environments.
WMP-50 vs. WMP-30 Faced Fiberglass Insulation
| Feature | WMP-50 | WMP-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Facing | Thicker vinyl-reinforced metal building insulation facer laminated to kraft paper and heavier fiberglass scrim | Standard vinyl facer laminated to kraft paper and durable fiberglass scrim |
| Facing Weight | Heavier – higher basis weight (approx.. 11–12 lb/1,000 sq. ft) | Moderate weight (approx.. 8–9 lb/1,000 sq. ft) |
| Vapor Barrier | ≤ 0.02 perms – Excellent vapor barrier | ≤ 0.02 perms – Excellent vapor barrier |
| Strength | Superior – designed for maximum tensile and tear strength | High – durable under moderate to high stress |
| Tear Resistance | Highest in WMP line – resists damage in high-abuse environments | Strong, but slightly less resistant than WMP-50 |
| Surface Finish | Matte white heavy vinyl surface | Matte white standard vinyl surface |
| Fire Rating | Class A (flame spread ≤ 25, smoke ≤ 50) | Class A (same) |
| Durability | Maximum – built for extreme use and long exposure | High – suitable for most industrial or commercial uses |
| Installation | Heaviest and stiffest – may require more labor or support | Easier to install than WMP-50 but heavier than light-duty facers |
| Light Reflectivity | Moderate – vinyl surface (less reflective than polyester-based facers) | Moderate – similar vinyl reflectivity |
| Cost | Highest among standard WMP facers | High, but less expensive than WMP-50 |
Structures Best Suited for WMP-50:
Indoor swimming pools, aquatic centers, car washes, wastewater treatment facilities, Refrigeration facilities, food storage, processing plants, Power plants, chemical plants, mining operations, steel mills, Hangars, tactical equipment storage, mission-critical buildings, Cannabis cultivation, hydroponic farms, mushroom production, Distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and loading docks with exposed insulation
