Help Me Choose The Right Product

If you are insulating a metal building, pole barn, airplane hangar, storage facility, garage or workshop you are in the right place. Choosing the right PRODUCT to fix a problem is important, but having the right PROCESS is what makes the right product work. We are building science experts so we care about getting it right; we are not just here to sell products.

BlueTex™ offers two popular foil/foam insulation products: the 2mm Pro and the 6mm Supreme. Both products are designed to block 97% of radiant heat, serve as an effective vapor barrier, and feature a glossy white interior surface for a clean, finished look. However, they differ in terms of application and suitability for specific environments.

The chart below gives you some very generic conditions to consider when choosing the right product. If you have a unique application or aren't sure which approach to take, contact us for more help.

Ask Yourself These Questions First

The first thing we ask every customer when they need help deciding on a product/process is “What’s your goal?” and “How are you using the building?”

Are you in a hot area and basically just want the “shade effect" in the summer?
Do you want to keep the building from condensing or “sweating” on the interior?
Do you plan on heating/cooling the building, and if so how often? Is it going to be never (non-conditioned) or occasionally (semi-conditioned) be heated/cooled? Or, are you building a space that will be fully conditioned like a barndominium?

This page fully describes the differences between non-conditioned, semi-conditioned and fully conditioned buildings.

Which Product is Right for Your Metal Building?

We have 4 different options when it comes to insulating your metal building:

Radiant Barrier Foil (no foam core) product comes in 48" wide or 60" wide rolls and is available in double-sided foil or foil + white side. Think of these products as a HEAT SHIELD or “instant shade” and offer a HUGE comfort improvement on hot-sunny days. They're just meant to reflect radiant heat away and offer no vapor barrier. These products are usually used in warmer areas where it’s not a big deal if occasionally you get some condensation inside the building. (It will usually dry out in the day when the sun comes out). And for ATTIC applications ABOVE a fully conditioned work/living spaces like many farm shops or residences. See our website AtticFoil.com for more info on these type of applications.

BlueTex™ Thermal Wrap is a thin, tear-proof vapor barrier and radiant barrier wrap that is best used in new construction, though it can be used in a retrofit application. The product has our original pure aluminum layer to block 97% of radiant heat and a textured white surface on the back that is great for spraying foam onto, or just layering any R-value over it. This product is a vapor barrier and will block moisture from passing through it.

Our Thermal Wrap comes in 4' wide rolls and 2 roll sizes: 500 sq ft (125' long) and 1,000 sq ft (250' long). Thermal Wrap is an ideal product for fully-conditioned buildings or spaces that will plan to incorporate additional insulation in the form of R-value. Pairing Thermal Wrap with R-value creates a very comfortable space no matter what's on the exterior.

BlueTex™ Pro is a 2mm foil-foam insulation intended for non-conditioned and semi-conditioned buildings in ALL climates but tends to be used the most in warmer areas with minimal heating requirements. The foil side reflects 97% of radiant heat (instant shade); it will help control interior condensation in all areas and it will help keep hot/cold air inside the building if you are heating or cooling on an OCCASIONAL basis, to take the edge off and make the building more comfortable. This is typically best for applications with less than about 5-8 hours per week using heating/cooling. To learn more about this product, including pricing and technical specs, see BlueTex™ 2mm Pro Metal Building Insulation.

We actually sell two to three times as much of the BlueTex™ Pro 2mm material than we do of the BlueTex™ Supreme 6mm. Why is that? Obviously the price difference is one factor, but more commonly it's because for most customers, the BlueTex™ Pro 2mm fits their needs MOST of the time. Remember, the buildings that benefit the most from the Pro 2mm are usually garages, workshops, airplane hangars, barns, etc. where work is getting done and very little supplemental heating/cooling is happening.

BlueTex™ Supreme is a 6mm foil-foam insulation intended for non-conditioned and semi-conditioned buildings in warm and cold climates. This product is similar to our BlueTex™ Pro but it's 3x thicker and provides maximum moisture control for buildings in REALLY cold areas. This product is best if you are heating or cooling on a pretty regular basis, to take the edge off. For buildings typically heating/cooling 2-4 hours per day or 8-10+ hours per week, the thicker XPE foam material will enable the building to heat up or cool down faster than without it. Pricing and product specifications can be found on the BlueTex™ 6mm Supreme product page.

Think of your building like a refrigerator or a hot box: a thicker fridge uses less energy but needs more insulation, while a thinner fridge uses less insulation up front, so it will take more energy to stay cool or heat up later. Your building is similar in that the better you insulate it now, the less energy it will take to cool it down or heat up when you need to. So, there is tradeoff between how fast you can heat/cool the building and the additional cost of using the thicker Supreme 6mm Product.

Comparing the 2mm Pro to the 6mm Supreme

BlueTex™ insulation products are engineered to provide reliable performance, no matter which option you choose. Here are the key features shared by the 2mm Pro and the 6mm Supreme:

Reflective Foil Layer: Both insulations block 97% of radiant heat, making them highly effective at controlling temperature and reducing energy costs.
Vapor Barrier: They act as a vapor barrier, protecting your building from moisture and preventing issues like rust or structural damage.
Glossy White Interior Surface: The interior surface is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, offering a clean and professional appearance.
Versatility: Both can be installed on walls, ceilings, or rooflines, making them adaptable to various insulation needs.
Adhesive Edge: The foil side of each product includes an adhesive edge for easy overlap and seamless installation.
Mold and Mildew Resistance: Neither product promotes the growth of mold or mildew, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.
Tear-Proof Construction: Both options are designed to withstand wear and tear, providing long-lasting durability.

Differences Between 2mm Pro and 6mm Supreme

While both the 2mm Pro and 6mm Supreme offer exceptional performance, they are optimized for different climates and building uses.

Thickness and Insulation Power

2mm Pro: This thinner option is ideal for warmer climates where the primary goal is to reflect heat and prevent radiant heat gain.
6mm Supreme: With its thicker design, the 6mm Supreme is perfect for colder climates or buildings that rely on heating systems regularly. The extra thickness provides enhanced insulation, making it better suited for retaining heat in cooler environments.

Foam Type

2mm Pro: Features EPE foam, which is lightweight and flexible, providing sufficient insulation for warm-weather applications.
6mm Supreme: Uses XPE foam, which is denser and more robust, offering superior insulation and durability in buildings with extreme temperature swings or moisture issues.

Climate Suitability

2mm Pro: Most commonly used in hot or moderate climates, where radiant heat is the primary concern.
6mm Supreme: Designed for cold climates or for buildings with moisture problems, ensuring comfort and protection year-round.

Ideal Building Applications

2mm Pro: Great for buildings that don’t require consistent heating, such as garages, storage sheds, or workshops in warm areas.
6mm Supreme: The go-to option for heated buildings, barns, or any structure where maintaining a warm interior is essential.

Common Questions About BlueTex™ Products

Can I combine the 2mm and the 6mm in the same building?

YES. You can COMBINE the Supreme 6mm on the roof and the PRO 2mm on the walls to provide great condensation control in colder climates at a lower cost, with minimal effect on heating costs and comfort.

Can I install BlueTex™ insulation on the roof portion only and skip the walls?

Some customers choose to install BlueTex™ just on the ROOF ONLY and this is fine, if your main goal is to control condensation (most condensation forms on the roof and not the walls). This method is best when you are rarely or never heating/cooling the building.

If your goals include keeping the heat out of your building in hotter months, we recommend you install BlueTex™ on the roofline and the walls.

What if I plan to heat and cool my building consistently, like 24/7, so it's more like a livable space?

Going fully conditioned with your metal building means you are heating/cooling the space 24/7 to maintain a constant temp at all times. Common applications for this install method include container living conversions, barndominiums/shouses, recreational/game rooms, and office spaces. If this is your plan for your building, then you need to combine the power of a radiant barrier with some r-value, using the amount recommended for your area. For this type of application we recommend the BlueTex™ Thermal Wrap. More info on this type of install and products to use can be found here: Insulating Conditioned Buildings

Installation Made Easy

No matter which product you choose, BlueTex™ insulation is designed for straightforward installation. The adhesive edge on the foil side makes overlapping seams simple, ensuring a tight, professional finish. For walls, ceilings, or rooflines, both options can be cut to size and secured with minimal effort.

If you’re covering large areas or need extra reinforcement, both the 2mm Pro and 6mm Supreme work well with additional fasteners or support systems.

Transform your metal building into a comfortable, energy-efficient space with BlueTex™. Order your free sample kit today and see why our insulation is trusted by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike!