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If you're thinking about adding a metal building to your property you're probably doing your research and learning that there are basically 2 options for a new metal building: a pre-fabricated kit (think large-scale Lego® style) that you'd install yourself (or with hired help) and a broker who will deliver and assemble/build the metal building on site at the time of delivery. 

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.

When it comes to regulating the temperature of an indoor building, there are two choices: proper insulation, or over-relying on your property's AC or indoor heating system.

Not only is building insulation more cost-effective than using your AC or indoor heating, but it's also more environmentally-friendly, improves your privacy, and can even help to improve the air quality in your property.

So, what are the advantages of building insulation? From saving money on energy bills to reducing noise, we're going to discuss the benefits of insulating your property in the following guide - so let's take a look!

What is building insulation?

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.

Advantages of Building Insulation

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:

Reduced energy bills

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.

Environmentally-friendly

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.

Reduced noise

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.

Moisture and condensation protection

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.

Improved air quality

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.

Which type of insulation is best for me?

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.

Moisture control is an essential aspect of maintaining the longevity and efficiency of metal buildings; excess moisture can lead to a range of problems, including rust, corrosion, compromised insulation, mold growth, and even reducing your property value. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of moisture control for metal buildings and share practical tips to help you protect your investment and maintain a safe, durable, and comfortable space. Let's dive in!

Why do metal buildings sweat?

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:

Warm, moist air

The air within or around the metal building may contain moisture due to various factors, such as humidity, occupants' activities, or weather conditions.

Temperature differences

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.

Formation of condensation

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.

Why is moisture control important for metal buildings?

So, why is it important to control condensation? Moisture control is crucial for metal buildings for several reasons:

Structural integrity

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.

Insulation performance

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.

Mold and mildew growth

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.

Condensation damage

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.

Pest infestations

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.

Decreased property value

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.

Moisture control tips for metal buildings

Install proper insulation

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)

Ensure adequate ventilation

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.

What is causing condensation in my metal building?

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:

• Water related appliances inside the building. This can include anything from washing machines to any products or appliances that emit steam.
• Plants and other produce.
• Storing compost or manure, as these contain lots of moisture.
• Animals and livestock.

BlueTex™️ Insulation for Metal Buildings

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.