Metal Building Insulation Comparison: 2mm vs 6mm vs Radiant Barrier – Which Is Right for You?

Selecting the right metal building insulation determines whether your facility stays comfortable, controls condensation effectively, and operates efficiently for decades - or disappoints within seasons despite significant investment. BlueTex offers distinct insulation solutions, each optimized for specific building types, climate conditions, and usage patterns.

Understanding the differences between BlueTex Pro 2mm, Supreme 6mm, foil-only radiant barriers, and Thermal Wrap prevents purchasing products designed for different applications than yours. A warehouse in Texas has fundamentally different insulation needs than a heated workshop in Minnesota, and products that excel in one scenario underperform in another.

This comprehensive comparison examines each BlueTex product category, explaining which buildings, climates, and usage patterns each serves best. Rather than simply listing specifications, we'll explore the real-world performance differences that actually matter when choosing metal building insulation.

Understanding Your Building Type First

Before comparing specific products, identify your building's conditioning level - the single most important factor determining which insulation performs best.

Non-Conditioned Buildings

Buildings never heated or cooled simply need to reach ambient outdoor temperature while blocking radiant heat from superheated metal surfaces. Storage facilities, equipment sheds, and seasonal-use structures fall into this category.

Goal: Reflect 97% of radiant heat to get the building close to ambient and utilizing ventilation to force hot air to escape.

Semi-Conditioned Buildings

Many facilities chose to use occasional heating or cooling during working hours or extreme weather - workshops, garages, airplane hangars, agricultural buildings, and most commercial warehouses.

Goal: "Take the edge off" temperature extremes, making spaces comfortable during occupancy without maintaining constant climate control 24/7.

Fully Conditioned Buildings

Temperature-controlled facilities maintaining constant climate around the clock - barndominiums, office spaces within metal buildings, container living conversions, recreational rooms, or climate-controlled distribution centers.

Goal: Maintain consistent temperature year-round through continuous HVAC operation, requiring both radiant barriers and substantial R-value insulation.

Product Overview: The Four BlueTex Options

BlueTex manufactures four distinct insulation categories serving different building types:

1. Foil-Only Radiant Barriers: Perforated pure aluminum (breathable, not vapor barriers)

2. Thermal Wrap: building wrap made from a tear-proof vapor/radiant barrier, pairs well with spray foam for a fully-conditioned building

3. BlueTex Pro 2mm: Foil-foam combination for warm and mixed climates

4. BlueTex Supreme 6mm: Thicker foil-foam for cold/wet climates and regular heating

Each product shares 97% radiant heat reflection but differs dramatically in permeability, thermal mass, and ideal applications.

Foil-Only Radiant Barrier: The Breathable Option

Product Characteristics

Construction: Pure aluminum foil (double-sided or single-sided with white PE backing)

Key Feature: Micro-perforated (tiny holes every 1/2") making it breathable rather than a vapor barrier

Reflectivity: Blocks 97% of radiant heat

Strength: Tear-proof, puncture-resistant

Best Applications

Climate: Warm climates exclusively

Building type: Non-conditioned buildings never receiving heating or cooling

Primary goal: Pure radiant heat rejection without condensation control needs; the effect is like putting your building in the shade

Typical uses:

• Hot, dry climate storage facilities

• Well-vented structures in southern states

• Equipment sheds in consistently warm regions

• Buildings where moisture can escape naturally through ventilation

Why Choose Foil-Only

Perforated radiant barriers excel when you need maximum heat reflection without vapor barrier properties. The breathable construction allows moisture to pass through naturally, preventing trapped condensation in vented structures.

This product costs less than foil-foam alternatives since it eliminates the foam core entirely. For hot, dry climates where condensation never occurs and heating never happens, foil-only delivers appropriate performance without paying for capabilities you won't utilize.

Critical Installation Requirement

All radiant barriers require a minimum 1/2" air gap on the foil side to function effectively. Without this air space, heat conducts directly through contact rather than reflecting back. It’s recommended to install a foil product on the bottom of roof purlins or wall girts to utilize the natural air gap in the cavities, rather than pressing it up directly against exterior metal.

When NOT to Use Foil-Only

Avoid foil-only radiant barriers if:

• Your building experiences condensation or "sweating" on interior surfaces

• You're in cold or mixed climates with heating seasons

• You plan any heating or cooling (even occasional)

• Humidity levels create moisture concerns

For these applications, choose vapor barrier products (Pro 2mm, Supreme 6mm, or Thermal Wrap) instead.

BlueTex Thermal Wrap: The Fully Conditioned Solution

Product Characteristics

Construction: 16 mil tear-proof white non-woven slip-resistant base adhered to a heavy duty PE woven fabric laminated to a pure aluminum foil.

Key Feature: Designed for wrapping new buildings and pairing with R-value insulation for fully conditioned spaces

Reflectivity: Blocks 97% of radiant heat

Permeability: Complete vapor barrier (not perforated)

Texture: Back surface accepts spray foam directly or layers with batt insulation, foam board, etc

Best Applications

Climate: All climates

Building type: Fully conditioned buildings with 24/7 climate control

Heating/cooling: Continuous HVAC operation maintaining constant temperature

Typical uses:

• Barndominiums (barn conversions to living spaces)

• Office spaces within metal buildings

• Container living conversions

• Recreational/game rooms requiring year-round comfort

• Climate-controlled distribution centers

• Any metal building serving as primary living space

Why Choose Thermal Wrap

Fully conditioned spaces require both radiant barrier performance and substantial R-value to keep the conditioned air inside the space. We recommend you reference local energy codes and recommendations for the recommended R-value in your climate zone. Thermal Wrap provides the radiant/vapor barrier layer while you add the recommended R-value insulation behind it, toward the interior of the living space.

The textured white backing has a grippy surface that pairs excellently with spray foam, creating integrated systems maximizing thermal performance. Install Thermal Wrap closest to exterior metal (blocking radiant heat first) with the air gap between the sheet metal and the foil, then apply spray foam or batt insulation achieving code-required R-values. You can use hat channels, girts, or furring strips to create the air gap on the exterior before the siding or roofing goes on.

Most cold climates require R-19 to R-30 in walls and R-30 to R-49 in roofs. Consult local building codes for specific requirements in your area.

Installation Strategy

New construction: Install Thermal Wrap first (radiant barrier layer) with the air gap between the foil surface and the exterior metal, then add R-value insulation inside the cavities, during framing and finishing. It can also be laid out over roof purlins below metal roofing (with an air space).

Retrofit: For buildings with existing vapor barriers, we recommend you use a perforated foil-only radiant barrier instead. For buildings without vapor barriers, Thermal Wrap creates the vapor barrier layer before adding R-value.

When NOT to Use Thermal Wrap

Thermal Wrap alone (without added R-value) provides insufficient insulation for fully conditioned spaces. If you're not maintaining constant 24/7 climate control or not adding substantial R-value insulation, choose Pro 2mm or Supreme 6mm instead.

BlueTex Pro 2mm: The Versatile Workhorse

Product Characteristics

Construction: Three-layer system of pure reflective aluminum foil, EPE 2mm (0.08” thick) blue foam, and a PE bright glossy white woven fabric that's easy to clean.

• 97% reflective pure aluminum foil (exterior side)

• 2mm EPE foam core (lightweight, flexible)

• Glossy white PE woven fabric (interior side)

Reflectivity: Blocks 97% of radiant heat when installed with air gap of ½” or more

Permeability: Complete vapor barrier when seams are sealed properly

Strength: Tear-proof, puncture-resistant construction

R-value: Approximately R-1 (honest specification, not inflated marketing)

Widths available: 50" (spans 4' framing) and 62" (spans 5' framing)

Features: 1" peel-and-stick adhesive edge on foil side for ease of installation and overlapping

Best Applications

Climate: Warm and mixed climates

Building type: Non-conditioned and semi-conditioned buildings

Heating/cooling frequency: 5-8 hours per week or less (occasional use)

Typical uses:

• Garages receiving occasional heating during winter projects

• Workshops with portable heaters or AC units used intermittently

• Airplane hangars

• Storage facilities needing condensation control

• Agricultural buildings with minimal climate control

• Equipment sheds in areas experiencing condensation

Why BlueTex Sells 2-3X More Pro 2mm Than Supreme 6mm

The Pro 2mm fits most customers' needs most of the time. Buildings benefiting most from Pro 2mm - garages, workshops, airplane hangars, barns - typically involve work getting done with very little supplemental heating or cooling.

The modest 2mm thickness provides appropriate thermal mass for occasional climate control via heating/cooling, without excessive cost of thicker insulation that is rarely useful. When you're heating a workshop for 4-6 hours on Saturday mornings, the Pro 2mm retains that heat adequately without justifying Supreme 6mm's premium pricing.

Condensation Control Performance

Pro 2mm provides basic to mild condensation control in warm and mixed climates. The foam core plus sealed seams create a vapor barrier, preventing moisture-laden air from contacting cold metal surfaces where condensation can form.

Installation requirement for vapor barrier performance: Use included 1" adhesive edge plus 3" white vapor barrier tape over all seams. Unsealed seams are weak points that allow warm-moist air to leak into the cold cavity, defeating the vapor barrier.

Climate Suitability

Hot climates: Excels at reflecting radiant heat from superheated metal panels (often reaching 150-170°F on sunny days). The white interior surface brightens spaces dramatically compared to exposed metal.

Mixed climates: Provides year-round performance - summer cooling via radiant barrier, winter condensation control via vapor barrier, adequate thermal mass for occasional heating.

Cold wet climates with minimal heating: Works adequately if you're never heating or heating very occasionally (less than 8 hours weekly). For regular heating (8+ hours weekly), Supreme 6mm performs better.

When to Upgrade to Supreme 6mm

Choose Supreme 6mm over Pro 2mm if:

• You're in very cold/wet climates with severe condensation issues

• You heat regularly (2-4 hours daily or 8-10+ hours weekly)

• Maximum moisture control matters more than cost savings

• You want buildings heating faster when HVAC systems run

BlueTex Supreme 6mm: Maximum Cold Climate Performance

Product Characteristics

Construction: Three-layer system of pure reflective aluminum foil, XPE 6mm (0.24” thick) blue foam, and a PE bright glossy white woven fabric that's easy to clean and won’t rip or tear.

• 97% reflective pure aluminum foil (exterior side)

• 6mm XPE foam core (3x thicker than Pro 2mm, dense, robust)

• Glossy white rip-stop PE woven fabric (interior side)

Reflectivity: Blocks 97% of radiant heat when installed with an air gap of ½” or more

Permeability: Complete vapor barrier when seams are sealed properly

Strength: Tear-proof, puncture-resistance (superior to Pro 2mm)

R-value: Approximately R-1 (honest specification, foam thickness adds thermal mass not R-value)

Foam type: XPE (cross-linked polyethylene) - denser and more durable than EPE

Widths available: 50" (spans 4' framing) and 62" (spans 5' framing)

Features: 1" peel-and-stick adhesive edge on foil side for ease of installation and overlapping

Best Applications

Climate: Cold climates (areas with longer cold seasons)

Building type: Non-conditioned and semi-conditioned buildings in cold regions

Heating/cooling frequency: 8-10+ hours per week or 2-4 hours daily (regular use)

Typical uses:

• Heated workshops in northern states

• Garages with regular heating during winter months

• Barns housing temperature-sensitive equipment

• Aircraft hangars requiring condensation control in cold climates

• Agricultural facilities in very cold regions

• Any building with severe condensation/moisture problems

Maximum Moisture Control

Supreme 6mm provides "great condensation control in colder climates using heating." The thicker XPE foam offers superior moisture prevention compared to Pro 2mm's EPE foam.

Why this matters: Cold climate buildings face severe condensation when warm interior air (from heating) contacts frigid exterior metal. Moisture drips onto equipment, creates ice buildup, promotes rust, and damages stored items. Supreme 6mm's enhanced vapor barrier performance prevents this moisture migration more effectively than thinner alternatives.

Faster Heating/Cooling Response

The thicker foam core enables the building interior to more easily stay above the dew point than thinner products like the Pro 2mm. Think of your building like a refrigerator - thicker insulation retains conditioned air longer and responds faster when HVAC systems cycle on.

Practical benefit: If you're heating a workshop for 3 hours every evening after work, Supreme 6mm reaches comfortable temperature faster and maintains it better, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort during your actual working time.

XPE vs EPE Foam Performance

XPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) in Supreme 6mm:

• Denser, more robust construction

• Superior durability 

• Enhanced moisture resistance

• Better performance in extreme temperature swings

• Justifies premium cost in demanding applications

EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) in Pro 2mm:

• Lightweight, flexible construction

• Sufficient for most warm and mixed climate applications

• Lower cost that still provides excellent heat control (blocks 97% of radiant heat) and minimal moisture control

• Appropriate when extreme conditions don't occur

When Supreme 6mm Justifies Its Premium Cost

Choose Supreme 6mm when:

• Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing

• You're experiencing severe condensation problems Pro 2mm can't solve

• You heat regularly (not just occasionally) and want buildings responding faster

• Maximum durability matters and you want a premium insulation

• Moisture issues threaten equipment, inventory, or building integrity

Head-to-Head Comparison: Pro 2mm vs Supreme 6mm

Similarities (What Both Products Share)

Both BlueTex Pro 2mm and Supreme 6mm deliver:

Radiant heat reflection: 97% blocking capability when installed with proper air gaps

Vapor barrier performance: Complete moisture prevention when seams are sealed

Aesthetic appeal: Glossy white interior surface creating clean, professional appearance (washable and pressure-washable)

Versatile installation: Suitable for walls, ceilings, and rooflines

Easy seaming: 1" adhesive edge on foil side for overlap connections, easy to seal with 3” vapor barrier tape

Mold/mildew resistance: Neither product promotes growth, ensuring healthier environments

Tear-proof construction: Both withstand installation wear and tear

Pure aluminum: Never use cheap Mylar alternatives that deteriorate quickly

Key Differences

Feature	Pro 2mm	Supreme 6mm
Foam thickness	2mm	6mm (3x thicker)
Foam type	EPE (lightweight, flexible)	XPE (dense, robust)
Best climate	Warm & mixed	Cold
Heating frequency	≤8 hours/week (occasional)	8–10+ hours/week (regular)
Condensation control	Basic / mild	Maximum / great
Heating response	Standard	Faster temperature changes
Durability	Excellent	Superior
Cost	Lower	Premium
Most common use	Garages, workshops in warm areas	Heated buildings in cold climates

Climate-Based Selection Guide

Hot climates (minimal heating needs): Pro 2mm provides appropriate performance without wasting money on cold-climate capabilities you won't use.

Mixed climates (moderate winters, hot summers): Pro 2mm handles most applications unless you're heating regularly during winter.

Cold climates (extended freezing temperatures): Supreme 6mm delivers superior condensation control and faster heating response justifying its premium cost.

Creative Cost-Saving Strategy: Combining Products

BlueTex explicitly encourages combining Supreme 6mm on roofs with Pro 2mm on walls in cold climates, providing excellent condensation control at lower cost with minimal effect on heating and comfort.

Why this works:

• Heat rises - roof insulation matters most for heat retention

• Roof surfaces experience most severe condensation from warm air rising to cold surfaces

• Wall insulation still controls condensation but faces less severe conditions

• Combined approach balances performance and budget effectively

Installation approach:

1. Install Supreme 6mm on entire roof/ceiling (maximum condensation control where it matters most)

2. Install Pro 2mm on all walls (adequate performance at lower cost)

3. Seal all seams meticulously regardless of product, connecting the 2mm to the 6mm with the vapor barrier seam tape

This hybrid approach saves 30-40% compared to Supreme 6mm throughout while delivering 90%+ of the performance benefits.

Installation Considerations Across Products

Air Gap Requirements

All BlueTex foil products (Pro 2mm, Supreme 6mm, Thermal Wrap, foil-only) require 1/4" to 1/2" minimum air gap between foil and exterior metal for radiant barrier function. This gap does not have to be vented, but it can be.

Installation method: Attach insulation to bottom of purlins or girts rather than pressing against roof/wall panels. This naturally creates required air space allowing radiant heat to reflect back rather than conducting through direct contact. Otherwise, if you need roof/wall cavities to insulate further, install furring strips first, then add the foil insulation and the regular R-value

Seam Sealing for Vapor Barriers

Pro 2mm, Supreme 6mm, and Thermal Wrap all function as vapor barriers only when installed air-tight.

Sealing process:

1. Use included 1" peel-and-stick adhesive edge for initial overlap connection

2. Add 3" white vapor barrier tape over all seams for proper sealing, press tape firmly on seams to initiate a bond

3. Seal around all penetrations (HVAC, electrical, doors, windows) with tape or spray foam

4. Pay special attention to perimeter edges where insulation meets walls, roofs, openings, if need be, use wider tape for large areas

For cold climates: Add 3" foil tape on the exterior side during new construction for reinforced sealing.

Foil-only exception: Perforated radiant barriers don't require seam taping since they're intentionally breathable. You can tape them for finished appearance but it's not functionally necessary.

Roof-Only vs Complete Installation

Can you install BlueTex on the roof only and skip the walls?

BlueTex's answer: It depends on your goals. If you're primarily addressing condensation on roof purlins or keeping roof radiant heat out, roof-only installation delivers significant benefits. However, comprehensive installations covering walls and roof provide maximum comfort and condensation control throughout the building.

Many customers start with roof installation (where heat transfer is most severe) then add walls later if needed.

Common Questions and Answers

Can I use different products in the same building?

Yes! Combining Supreme 6mm on roofs with Pro 2mm on walls saves money while providing excellent cold-climate performance. This approach balances performance and budget effectively.

Which product heats up or cools down faster?

The radiant barrier layer on all of our products is the same foil. When installed with the air gap on the foil side, all products will reject heat gain similarly. If you’re in an extreme climate, you may find that the Supreme 6mm's thicker foam enables faster heating inside semi-conditioned buildings. 

Do I need R-value insulation with BlueTex products?

For non-conditioned and semi-conditioned buildings: No. Pro 2mm and Supreme 6mm provide appropriate performance alone.

For fully conditioned buildings (24/7 climate control): Yes. Use Thermal Wrap paired with spray foam or batt insulation meeting local code requirements.

What if I have severe condensation problems?

Warm climates: Start with Pro 2mm ensuring meticulous seam sealing. Most condensation issues resolve with proper vapor barrier installation.

Cold climates: Supreme 6mm provides maximum moisture control. If condensation persists, verify complete seam sealing and consider adding additional R-value inside to keep the surfaces above the dew point.

Can I install BlueTex myself or do I need professionals?

BlueTex products are DIY-friendly. The adhesive edges, tear-proof construction, and straightforward installation process suit both professional contractors and capable DIY builders.

Installation time: Most single-bay garages complete in one day with at least 2 helpers. Large commercial buildings may take several days depending on square footage and crew size.

How do I know which width to order?

Match roll width to your framing spacing:

• 50" wide rolls: Span 4' on-center framing with 1" overlap each side

• 62" wide rolls: Span 5' on-center framing with 1" overlap each side

Wider rolls reduce installation time and create fewer seams requiring taping.

Making Your Final Decision

Choosing the right BlueTex product depends on three primary factors:

1. Building conditioning level: Non-conditioned, semi-conditioned, or fully conditioned?

2. Climate: Hot, mixed, or cold?

3. Heating/cooling frequency: Never, occasionally (≤8 hrs/week), or regularly (8-10+ hrs/week)?

Decision framework:

Hot climate + no heating = Foil-only radiant barrier (if vented and dry)

Hot climate + no/minimal heating/cooling = Pro 2mm (most common choice)

Mixed climate + occasional heating/cooling = Pro 2mm (fits most needs)

Cold climate + regular heating = Supreme 6mm (maximum performance)

24/7 climate control regardless of climate = Thermal Wrap + R-value insulation

Still unsure? BlueTex offers free sample kits allowing hands-on comparison of material thickness, foam density, and construction quality before committing to full orders. Their building science experts provide genuine technical guidance beyond mere product sales, ensuring you select appropriate solutions rather than simply pushing highest-cost products.

Visit BlueTexInsulation.com to explore complete product specifications, order free samples, access detailed installation guides, or discuss your specific building with their technical team.