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Radiant barrier is a material that reflects radiant heat transfer. Radiant heat transfer exists in our world in many ways, but primarily people understand the examples of radiant heat from the sun and from heat sources like fire.
Radiant heat is different from conductive heat because it travels through (or across) air until it is either absorbed by an object or it is either absorbed by an object or it's reflected from an object. Here's a simple example: the sun radiates heat toward the earth. The heat from the sun travels through our atmosphere and down toward earth. The sunlight warms buildings, cars, roads, people, etc. This heat from the sun continues while the sun is up and the heat is absorbed into the object. So if you're doing yard work on a sunny day, even if the air temp outside is cool, you can work up a sweat because of the sun's radiant heat absorbing into your skin. What about when a cloud passes over? You notice it, right?
The cloud shades us from the sun's radiant heat and we can feel that difference.
In essence, BlueTex™ insulation is like a shade for your metal building! Just like sitting in an outdoor stadium is unbearably hot on a sunny day, but tolerable on a cloudy one, radiant barrier makes a hot building more tolerable because it reflects the infrared energy (heat) emitting from the sun away from the building. What’s unique is the radiant heat can be reflected from INSIDE the building.
BlueTex™ has a pure aluminum layer that is a great solution to reduce heat flow through roofs and external walls by reflecting 97% of the radiant heat.
What about in winter? Good news! As long as you have a source of radiant heat inside the building (typically radiant heaters or wood-burning stoves), radiant barrier will help stop the heat from transferring through the foil layer to the other side. So in winter this means your BlueTex™ also helps hold heat inside your building.
Radiant heat (the process of heat transfer through air/space with no contact) and conductive heat transfer (the process of heat transfer through direct contact between materials/objects), both play significant roles in a warehouse or metal building environment.
It’s important to recognize that any structure is exposed to both radiant and conductive heat gain, so depending on how you’re using the building, you should consider which one is best suited to your application.
Traditional insulation, with its R-value, effectively slows down conductive heat. R-value simply quantifies how effectively an item or material inhibits heat gain. But in a building that’s not being heated and cooled, would you rather block heat or slow it down? Conductive heat is slowed by traditional insulation with R-value. R-value is simply a measure of how well an item (or material) slows down conductive heat gain.
A radiant barrier isn’t measured with r-value because it doesn’t just slow down heat, it prevents radiant heat from passing through it.
Blocking heat from coming inside in the first place is the most effective way make the building comfortable and easier to cool down quickly, especially if you have an A/C unit that you only run on an occasional as-needed basis.
In a truly non-conditioned building, a radiant barrier alone can sufficiently block heat from entering or escaping so no r-value is needed. For this reason, a radiant barrier is the best choice for semi-conditioned and non-conditioned buildings.
What makes radiant barrier foil exceptionally effective in cooling down a hot warehouse or garage is its ability to block 97% of radiant heat. When it does this, it prevents that heat from being absorbed into spaces such as garages, barns, and warehouses, thereby fostering a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment.
To illustrate, imagine holding a hot brick a few inches away from your arm; you can distinctly sense the radiant heat emanating from it. However, when the brick is pressed against your skin, the heat transferred becomes conductive, as both objects are in direct contact.
Radiant heat, being part of the light spectrum, travels at the speed of light until it is either absorbed or reflected.
You can block radiant heat with a radiant barrier, which is made of a highly reflective sheet of pure polished aluminum foil, laminated to a heavyweight, tear-resistant internal woven scrim.
Functioning virtually the same as a tear-resistant tarp, the product is tough enough to be pulled and stapled/screwed into inside a metal building. Meanwhile, that aluminum surface reflects over 97% of the radiant heat coming toward it. Now, when BlueTex™ is placed between the individual and the hot roof or walls, the highly reflective surface of the radiant barrier foil redirects the heat outward, away from the contents inside the building, thereby maintaining a cooler environment inside the building.
A common question we hear is: How does BlueTex™ radiant barrier compare to other metal building insulation products, like Bubble Foil insulation? Find out the answer to this popular question here.
The main differences are in how BlueTex™ is made versus how Bubble Foil is made. Bubble Foil products are mostly made of plastic and aren't near as strong and durable as BlueTex™ insulation. BlueTex™ is made from pure aluminum and dense foam, creating a tear proof and puncture-resistant, UV protected layer that blocks radiant heat, stops air transfer and protects against condensation. Additionally, unlike Bubble Foil products, BlueTex™ is backed by 20-year warranty and won't break down over time.
How do I attach BlueTex™ to the metal frame? Does there have to be an air space? Will BlueTex™ stop moisture? How much does BlueTex™ cost? Answers to all of these questions and more can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions here.
]]>How does it work? First of all, it is NOT a vapor barrier. Dripstop® works like a sponge, so the metal will still get cold and wet. The DripStop® absorbs condensation (like a sponge) to keep it from dripping overnight, and then it dries out during day. It repeats this pattern over and over - absorbing and drying out. But, like a sponge, you have to have a method to dry it out.
This is the main disadvantage to Dripstop®; you MUST have a well-ventilated building for it to dry out. Which is fine, except if you're in a cold climate and you want to keep your building warmer than the outside temperature - then what? If you're in a cold climate and have to fully ventilate the building, your building interior will be RIPPING COLD. Period. While that may be fine for applications like cold storage, most buildings don't want a super-cold interior when it's cold out. Spaces being used for garages, sheds, barns, workshops or airplane hangars, want SOMETHING to keep it warmer (or cooler) than the outside temperature. So, this wouldn't be a good fit for those applications.
Another disadvantage of Dripstop® is that it offers no heat control (no radiant barrier is used in the product). Your building is still going to be HOT in the summer since it’s just a big bare metal box sitting in the sun.
Let us be clear, we don't think Dripstop® is a bad product, but we do think you can do better and we'll explain how below.
BlueTex™ insulation has the advantage of being able to be used in any building - both new construction and existing buildings so anyone can use it at anytime.
Furthermore, BlueTex™ insulation offers superior heat control in metal buildings compared to DripStop®, especially non-conditioned buildings. There's nothing better than a radiant barrier to take the edge off being inside a metal building in summer. Our pure aluminum layer will reflect 97% of the radiant heat coming off the roof and walls inside your building and redirect that heat back out. The end result is a cooler interior, even without A/C! The building will FEEL like it’s in the shade or it’s a cloudy day. If you're going to go through the process of installing insulation, why not use an insulation that has a radiant barrier too? You have nothing to lose by adding foil insulation to your building, and once you feel the difference, you'll agree. When it comes to condensation control, heat control plays a big part too, so a radiant barrier is a good option to include in your metal building insulation.
Even if you only plan to heat or cool the building occasionally, as needed, to take the edge off, BlueTex™ for metal buildings is still PERFECT for these “semi-conditioned” buildings (buildings that are heated or cooled every now and then). Think of BlueTex™ as a light jacket or a sweatshirt. It’s all you need to keep the building workable when it’s really hot or cold.
One more point about BlueTex™ being a better option than Dripstop® for condensation control. We tackle condensation from a different direction than Dripstop®. Rather than allow condensation to perpetuate daily and just catch and release it, BlueTex™ aims to actually stop the condensation process from happening at all. In our Guide to Moisture Management, we discuss how condensation forms in metal buildings (on metal surfaces) and how to use BlueTex™ insulation to stop condensation from forming on your metal surfaces. We want you to be confident that you can stop condensation from consistently raining inside your building with just a few supplies and a careful installation.
If you'd like more information on how BlueTex™ can help you stop heat gain, help you retain heat in winter, and be a solution to condensation problems in your building, contact us today.
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From a building science standpoint, the absolute best way to approach insulating a steel building is to think of it as one giant refrigerator. That’s basically what it is: a big metal box you're trying to keep cool. The difference is, for a metal building, you’re just keeping relatively cool (maybe 75 degrees) compared to a refrigerator's cool, which is around 40 degrees.
To successfully insulate your metal building, you want both a well-insulated and air-tight box, just like a refrigerator. This will provide the highest level of energy efficiency in your barndominium or metal building.
Here are some reasons why spray foam insulation is best for metal buildings.
Now think about this: would you agree a refrigerator in the shade will be easier to cool and be more efficient than one in the sun? The reason you agree to that statement illustrates the concept of radiant heat. Now, think of how much bigger a metal building is than a refrigerator and you can see how big of an impact insulation has on how much heat enters the building. In fact, when the sun is shining on a metal building it can easily have double the amount of heat entering compared to when a building is in the shade, or on a cloudy day. So, Ideally you want to combine spray foam insulation with a radiant barrier layer for maximum efficiency and comfort.
What about buildings that you are not heating and cooling all the time, or just occasionally adding heat and cooling to? These are called non-conditioned or semi-conditioned buildings. Since you are not continuously heating and cooling, you really don’t build a refrigerator, you need something more like a light jacket just to take the edge off. This is exactly what BlueTex™ Insulation is designed for. Metal buildings that you will want the shade effect for, like garages, airplane hangars, workshops, storage facilities, etc. and buildings that need to control condensation, but don’t want to pay the high price of spray foam insulation, will benefit most from BlueTex™ foil foam products.
]]>First let's clear up a common misconception. Moisture is not a bad thing, it's a natural part of our environment - lots of things get wet and dry out every single day, including metal buildings. The issues arise when things get wet and stay wet for extended periods of time.
If you have a metal building that is continuously accumulating moisture inside faster than it can dry out, or it is producing so much condensation that it appears to be raining inside and damaging your property, then it's time to decide what to do.
At a simplistic level, there's really only two options for dealing with moisture in metal buildings:
1) Dry the building out quickly with ventilation whenever condensation occurs.
2) Seal the building up air tight and and create conditions that impede/prevent condensation from happening in the first place.
We discuss the basic metal building insulation guide on our site and we also have an in-depth page about Moisture in Metal Buildings, but this page is meant to be a quick summary of how to address this problem.
Dry the Building Out
Using either active or passive ventilation, move air from outside through your building to keep things dry. You can use fans or just open windows and doors, but you should have enough outside air moving into the interior of the building, which pushes relatively warm-moist air inside the building to the outside. When the interior air temp of the building is equalized (or close to) ambient temp, it will be almost impossible for condensation to occur with less than 100% relative humidity.
Pros of this approach: it's simple to do (opening doors/windows) and is low (zero) cost.
Cons of this approach: the building could be hot inside (ambient during summer) or super cold inside (during winter) with this approach, so it may not be usable on some days.
Add a Vapor Barrier and Seal The Building Up
As we discuss on our Moisture in Metal Buildings Guide, if you can seal up the metal building and create a new, interior layer that can stay warmer than the dew point, you can stop condensation from forming inside your building. In this method you use BlueTex™ insulation as your new interior (instead of the inside surface of the exterior sheet metal) and you install it according to our instructions, sealing up the seams air tight. This new layer is a different temp than the exterior metal so it reduces the chance of moisture forming in the first place when you are are occasionally heating/cooling the space in semi-conditioned buildings.
Pros of this approach: You can use heating/cooling in your building on those days when you need it, no matter what the temp is outside. This means your building can be used year round.
Cons of this approach: It's more labor intensive and requires an investment, but both pay off almost immediately when you consider the comfort and usability of the space.
No matter which way you go (option 1 or option 2), you can reduce or stop moisture in a metal building with a few simple steps and a little building science knowledge. If you still have more questions, check out our Ultimate Guide to Moisture in Metal Buildings.
]]>Quonset huts/buildings are semi-cylindrical buildings like have a flat base and an arched roofline that ties into the walls. Quonset huts are extremely cost-effective buildings that can support practically any use you may have. These buildings are lightweight prefabricated structures typically made of corrugated galvanized steel so they're unique because they have no frame.
As a storage building that is typically not using heating or cooling, there is nothing better to temper the heat gain that a radiant barrier inside a quonset building. Read on for more information on the quonset metal building insulation guide and why insulating a quonset is a great idea.
Adding BlueTex™ insulation to a frameless building involves some ingenuity and extra prep, but it's 100% worthwhile because the foil layer will reflect 97% of the sun's radiant heat away from the quonset, making it that much cooler and mimicking the effects of shade. This is important in a quonset style building because they are typically built without any insulation and so the heat permeates the metal and heats up everything inside the structure. This makes these buildings unbearably hot in the summer and impossible to use on a daily basis. See How to Install BlueTex™ Insulation on a Quonset Building
Here is an example: Think of your building like a car WITHOUT air conditioning. You and I both know that for a car with no A/C, there is a HUGE difference between when the car is parked in the SUN versus when it's parked in the SHADE, right? Just like the car example, since the foil side of BlueTex™ metal building insulation reflects 97% of radiant heat, it’s basically creating a shade from the HEAT (not the light) of the sun and the benefit is felt inside the building. Even with the doors of the building staying open, the building will FEEL significantly cooler/warmer than without the BlueTex™. Now consider this, if you parked your car in the sun and put a big thick blanket over it, would it be as cool as if you parked in the shade? No! This is why using radiant barrier technology is the best option to cool down a building, even over something like spray foam. Nothing out there blocks radiant heat like BlueTex™'s foil layer, nothing. You want to reflect the heat away, and make the building cooler immediately. This is why a quonset hut needs BlueTex™ metal building insulation - it keeps the heat out in summer, reflects heat back in during winter and it even offers some basic to full moisture control, depending on the product you choose.
With a little prep, you can install BlueTex™ insulation inside your quonset building in as little as 2 days. This means you can get back to enjoying your building year-round. With all these benefits, it's easy to see why BlueTex™ is the right choice for insulating your quonset hut - call us today for a fast quote!
]]>A metal or steel building kit is just what it sounds like. You're getting a "building in a box" with all the framing, fasteners, siding/roofing, and accessories needed to complete the shell. One advantage of buying a metal building kit is that it's usually cheaper and faster to have delivered than the alternative. Although your kit may include everything you need to build it, the don't include insulation so oftentimes people are left trying to figure out what insulation is right for them. If you're getting a metal building kit, you need to choose the best metal building insulation for it.
You want to look for an insulation that provides protection from radiant heat and an insulation that is a vapor barrier to help control condensation. BlueTex™ offers both in one simple layer; pure aluminum reflects 97% of the sun's heat back and away from the building interior, and the foam & glossy white layers prevent moisture from passing through so your building can stay dry and moisture-free. We also provide full installation instructions for how to add the metal building insulation before or after the frame is constructed, so you have options no matter how you're building your metal building kit.
If you have a choice, ideally you would install this insulation on the exterior of the metal frame as the building is being put together. This allows for the maximum wall cavity depth (for adding R-value if it's a conditioned building) and make installation seamless. However don't sweat it if you can't install during the build, you can always add your metal building insulation later on, from the inside of the building.
A steel building kit is a durable and flexible way to add a metal building to your property and they're readily available too. You can control how fast the installation takes and when you're done, you'll have a durable building for just about any use. Plus you get to choose the best insulation for your building's use so your building can be more energy efficient and comfortable than traditional buildings. When you consider all the pros of going this route, it's easy to see why steel building kits are a popular choice for many people looking to build a metal building.
]]>Building insulation refers to the process of controlling heat flow into your property; without sufficient insulation, a building can easily become too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter. Plus, if your property is incorrectly ventilated, it could also become vulnerable to moisture and condensation damage, which is where correct insulation comes in useful.
There are many different types of insulation, but some of the most common types include fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. At BlueTex™, we specialize in metal building insulation, and offer an innovative and effective aluminum foil solution that can help to regulate your indoor temperature, while also protecting your property against condensation and moisture damage.
So, what are the advantages of building insulation? Whether you're looking to insulate a smaller building or something industrial and large-scale, here are just some of the benefits that insulation can offer:
One of the key benefits of building insulation is the extra dollars you'll save every month on your utility bills. By installing high-quality insulation, your building will be better equipped to retain heat during cold weather, while also remaining cooler during those hotter summer months. This means relying less on your central heating system, your air conditioning or any other high-powered fans you use when temperatures become uncomfortable. With less spent on your electric bill, you'll enjoy more money in your pocket at the end of the month.
If you care about preserving the environment, you'll be happy to know that insulation is inherently eco-friendly, and can help you cut back on your carbon emissions. With professional and efficient insulation in your home or building, you'll find that you rely less on your indoor heating or your AC to regulate temperatures during the changing seasons; in fact, one study showed that installing insulation can reduce a building's carbon output by 16%. Given that buildings represent 40% of the US's total energy consumption, small changes such as these could have a positive impact in the global struggle against climate change.
In addition to improving your property's energy efficiency, insulation can also help minimize unwanted noise from around your building, whether it be passing traffic, a nearby football stadium, or noisy neighbors. Insulation can even improve your own privacy by blocking sound from inside residential buildings; you won't have to worry about having your conversations overheard, or worry about your neighbors hearing you re-watch your favorite movie for the 7th time this month.
Another benefit of building insulation is the protection it offers against moisture and condensation, both of which can be damaging to the structural integrity of your building. At BlueTex™, our aluminum insulation solution comes with a foam interior that helps to prevent condensation from forming, which can protect your property from structural decay caused by moisture and mold.
However, do note that some forms of insulation can actually worsen moisture or damp problems; fiberglass, cellulose and mineral wool are ineffective when wet.
When used in combination with other ventilation systems, insulation can also help improve the air quality in your property: the insulation materials can work to control the flow of air from outside, meaning that you'll notice a reduction in the amount of dust, pollen, smoke, and other allergens present in your property.
When selecting insulation for your property, it's important to consider not just its R-value, but also its effectiveness in your space. The R-value is a measure of how well insulation can stop the flow of heat through it; however, different types of insulation may have different efficiencies depending on the climate where you live, as well as other factors (such as airflow within your home or property.)
It's also important to consider if an existing layer of insulation needs to be removed before adding a new layer of insulation - this is something that is best discussed with one of our experts. We can help you choose the right product for your building.
Whether you're looking to insulate a large industrial building or something smaller in scale, the team at BlueTex™ are on-hand and ready to help with any of your questions. Give us a call on 800-595-8772, or fill in our contact form on our website and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Metal buildings - by which we mean non-conditioned buildings - "sweat" due to a process called condensation, which occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface. In the case of metal buildings, the metal surfaces (such as the roof and walls) can become significantly cooler than the surrounding air, especially during the Spring and Fall when outside temperatures drop significantly at night.
Here's how condensation happens in metal buildings:
The air within or around the metal building may contain moisture due to various factors, such as humidity, occupants' activities, or weather conditions.
When the warm, moist air encounters the cooler metal surfaces, the temperature of the air near the surface drops. As the air cools, it loses its ability to hold moisture, which then condenses into water droplets on the metal surface.
The condensation appears as "sweat" on the metal surfaces, which can lead to water droplets or damp patches on walls, ceilings, and floors. In non-conditioned buildings it may be impossible to eliminate all condensation, problems occur when the condensation remains on the surface and stays wet for an extended period of time without being able to dry out.
So, why is it important to control condensation? Moisture control is crucial for metal buildings for several reasons:
Excess moisture can cause rust and corrosion on metal surfaces, compromising the building's structural integrity and leading to costly repairs or replacement of affected components.
Moisture can reduce the effectiveness of insulation materials, resulting in decreased energy efficiency, higher heating and cooling costs, and less effective temperature regulation within the building.
When moisture accumulates in a metal building, it can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew can damage building materials, cause unpleasant odors, and even pose health risks to occupants, especially those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
As we already mentioned above, moisture in metal buildings can cause condensation to form on interior surfaces, leading to water damage, staining, and potential deterioration of walls, ceilings, and floors.
Damp conditions within a metal building can attract pests like insects and rodents, which can cause further damage to the building materials and pose health risks to occupants.
Moisture-related issues such as rust, mold growth, and damaged insulation can reduce the overall value of your metal building. By taking preventive measures to control moisture in metal buildings, you can protect the structure's integrity, maintain energy efficiency, and ensure a safe and healthy environment for those who use it.
Adequate insulation and vapor barriers are vital for moisture control in metal buildings, as it helps to regulate temperature and prevent condensation. Choose insulation materials suitable for metal buildings.
NOTE for next paragraph: There is a big difference between ventilation (outside air) and air flow or circulation (same air being recirculated)
Proper ventilation is essential for moisture control in metal buildings. Good ventilation helps to regulate temperature, control humidity levels, and maintain indoor air quality. Install vents, fans, or an HVAC system to promote adequate ventilation throughout the building. Or, in non-conditioned buildings, ventilation with outside air will help flush out the warm moist air. That being said, do note that ventilation can result in an incredibly cold interior during the winter months.
Before attempting to fix a condensation problem in your metal building, it’s helpful to first understand where it might be coming from. Here are a few factors that can contribute:
If you’re dealing with a persistent condensation problem in your metal building, BlueTex™️ can help. Our unique insulation product works to block the formation of condensation by moving the interior surface of the building to the inside surface of the insulation material - eliminating the cold metal. Plus, the radiant barrier of BlueTex™️ also reflects heat, meaning that you’ll enjoy a cooler temperature in your building during the warmer months, without having to rely on ventilation alone.
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