Case Study: Cover Old Insulation

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 the BlueTex™ is installed, we determine the ways it improved the problem and, in some cases, even some unexpected benefits that came from the installation.

Background: An old weld shop in Oklahoma had some aged insulation in the walls and after years and years, it started to look dirty and dingy and was falling off in some areas. The customer recently acquired the building and needed to find a sturdy vapor barrier product that he could use to cover up the old insulation and provide a nicer interior finish.

Type of Structure: metal-framed metal building

Install Date: May 2022

Goal: Cover old, dirty insulation with a new vapor barrier, and create a beautiful, bright interior finish that will help control condensation during the colder months. 

Product used: BlueTex™ 2mm Pro 62" Wide  

Install Details: The building was framed in red-iron and had corrugated metal on the walls and roof. The insulation was yellowed and stained from years of use and condensation drips. This shop had been used for welding and the tools produced a lot of smoke and soot, which contributed to the appearance of the shop walls over the years. The customer bought the property recently and was ok with leaving the old insulation up, but he wanted to cover it up so he could use the shop for his own hobbies. He is in a predominately hot climate with some cold weeks each year. The 2mm Pro was used since it will provide him with a vapor barrier on the walls and roof to help him control condensation. The customer installed the BlueTex™ vertically with sheet metal screws and locking insulation washers, taping the seams as he went.

*Notice, the foil side of his BlueTex™ was pressed directly against the old insulation. In this application he was not looking to block radiant heat, so he didn't need the radiant barrier benefit of the insulation. This is why it was OK for him to press it up against the old insulation. If you want your BlueTex™ to block radiant heat in addition to controlling moisture, you would have to make sure to use furring strips to create an air gap between the foil and the old insulation in order for it to work like that. 

Finish: The glossy white side facing in to the shop instantly brightened the building and the 2mm Pro created a new interior surface that can stay above dew point to control condensation. Plus, BlueTex™ is easy to wipe clean if you need to. The customer left the glossy white surface uncovered because it looked so nice.

Results: The result was stunning! The customer loved how it turned out and gave him exactly what he was after. For a relatively small investment, some time and labor, he transformed this old building into a new space he can use for a long time to come.