Case Study: Stopping Condensation and Increasing Comfort in a Quonset Style Metal Building

Each case study offers unique conditions that make it especially interesting to discuss. In the case study we first identify the problem and the expected outcome. Then, after BlueTex™ is installed, we determine the ways it solved the problem.

Background: Our customer from Virginia is in his early 70s and uses his quonset for his woodworking and other similar hobbies. He faced a common challenge in his metal building—a struggle to maintain warmth during colder months and prevent condensation from dripping down onto his tools and equipment. This not only affected the comfort of his workspace but also risked damage to his valuable tools.

Type of Structure: Metal Quonset Hut Style Building (No Interior Framing)

Install Date: February-March 2024

Goal: Hold heat inside the quonset more easily while eliminating condensation dripping down on his valuable items

Product Used: 2mm 62" Wide BlueTex™ Pro 

Install Details: To address these challenges, our customer decided to install BlueTex™ insulation in his frameless metal building. BlueTex, known for its exceptional heat retention properties and moisture-blocking capabilities, was an ideal choice for his needs. He used a system of glued on pins and locking washers to secure the BlueTex™ to the interior of the building without piercing the skin; we detail this method on our Frameless/Quonset insulation installation page. The reflective surface of the BlueTex™ was placed facing out, to minimize radiant heat transfer and keep the interior temperature stable. The glossy white surface was facing inside, brightening up the space and providing a nice looking interior for the customer. As a solo installer, he chose to work with pre-cut smaller pieces of the BlueTex™ that were easy to handle alone. 

Finish: After he finished the installation he snipped the tips of the pins off up to the 10' mark on his wall (to protect anyone from bumping into them) and then he sealed all the interior seams with our 3" wide vapor barrier foil seam tape.

Results: Following the installation of BlueTex insulation, our customer experienced remarkable improvements in his metal building's performance. Almost immediately he observed:

1. Improved Heat Retention: The insulation effectively held in heat, allowing the workspace to warm up quickly and maintain a comfortable temperature even during cold nights.
2. Condensation Prevention: BlueTex™ as a vapor barrier eliminated his moisture problem, stopping the moisture inside so his tools and equipment were no longer getting wet. 
3. Energy Efficiency: With improved heat retention, the customer noted a significant reduction in fuel consumption—less than half the amount of fuel was required to effectively heat his space compared to before the insulation installation.

The customer told us, "The garage is much better to work in without a fan and it stopped raining on me in Virginia's humidity!" and he later reported "[I] accidentally left my torpedo heater on last night. Normally at 37 degrees I use 2 gallons just to warm up shop. Last night it kept garage at 60 degrees all night on 1/2 gallon of fuel." 

This case study highlights the effectiveness of BlueTex™ insulation in metal building applications, offering a practical solution for similar challenges faced by other building owners. If you have a quonset style building that you're trying to cool down, keep warm, or both, contact us to see how BlueTex™ can help you.