New Construction Metal-Framed Buildings Installation

Ready to stop moisture and control radiant heat? BlueTex™ insulation is an excellent vapor barrier and can be used in any building where a vapor barrier is needed. BlueTex™ also includes a pure aluminum side that can block 97% of radiant heat when installed with an air space on the foil side.

Looking for just a vapor barrier only?

If you're just trying to control condensation, use BlueTex™ as a wrap for the building and apply it over the frame before your metal siding. Use our 3" seam tape or our 6" seam tape to get all seams air tight and you're good to go!

Wanting to block 97% of radiant heat transfer in addition to moisture control?

For a new metal frame building the basic application is to wrap the metal frame on the exterior with the reflective foil facing outward. Then create a required airspace between the foil and the exterior surface (metal, wood, siding etc.) using some type of girt, spacer, or hat channels. If your framing is on 60" centers, install the BlueTex™ vertically (parallel to the frame); if it's on anything other than 60" OC, install the BlueTex™ horizontally (perpendicular to the frame).

Below is the BASIC install guide for smaller metal buildings like garages, sheds, barns, mini-storage, etc.

Because we know there are many variations for these type buildings, these instructions are meant to be a general guide that can be tweaked or adjusted to apply to all. However, if you have a specific question on how to use BlueTex™ in your building contact us. If you have pictures and/or drawings, you can send those to us too.

*For larger non-conditioned or semi-conditioned building using red iron steel construction, see install info here.

STEP 1

Preparation:

How do you attach BlueTex™ to metal framing? You are basically going to WRAP the metal frame with the BlueTex™ Insulation either vertically (if you have 60" OC supports) or horizontally.

You need a way for the BlueTex™ to stay on the metal just long enough until you install hat channels (later on in construction) which will secure the BlueTex™ to the metal frame. We suggest you use either double sided tape or use self-tapping screws with a washer to attach the insulation on the framing.

Does Your Building Have Hat Channels?

No problem! You can install BlueTex™ one of two ways:

Option 1: You can install BlueTex™ first (foil side facing toward outside of building and then place your hat channels directly on top of the foil surface of the BlueTex™ before the siding/roofing goes on. This application will create a small thermal break as well. Another benefit to installing BlueTex™ first, before the hat channels, is that you will create an uninterrupted white interior surface that can be see from the inside of the building (ie. you won't see the hat channels while inside the building).

Tip: If you plan to use the hat channels to square the building up, install them as normal and then when you pull the BlueTex™ across the frame and meet the hat channel, unscrew it in a couple places and slide the BlueTex™ beneath the hat channel. Use our sheet metal screws and locking washers to attach the BlueTex™ under the hat channel so that everything is flush against the frame. Then re-attach the hat channels.

Option 2: You can install BlueTex™ over (on top of) the hat channels. Int his approach, you wont' be able to visibly see the hat channels from outside when you install the metal siding or roofing, but they will be easy to find since they'll cause the BlueTex™ to protrude from the frame.

The difference between this approach and the previous option is that the hat channels will be visible on the inside of the building. This option may be a lot easier since the hat channels will go on first and are used to square up the building. Make sure to use the screws and locking washers to keep things as tightly fastened as possible.

STEP 2

WRAP IT: Run BlueTex™ Insulation vertically up your first cavity with the foil side facing you and the white side facing inside the building. You can go all the way up the wall and onto the roofline and down the other side.

If you're installing on a frame that does not have 60" centers, run your first piece of BlueTex™ horizontally along the bottom edge of building and secure in place.

Use double-sided tape* or pan-head screws to attach BlueTex™ to the metal frame while keeping it pulled tight.

*If using the double-sided tape, just remember you're not looking for a permanent seal, you just need it to stay in place long enough to get the exterior sheathing attached. When you're putting the BlueTex™ on, you can even wrap it around the corners and continue down next side. If your roll ends, it’s best to cut it at the edge of the framing, and then start new piece a few inches back to keep going.

STEP 3

KEEP GOING: Install the next run, lining up the new run so it overlaps the first one. Attach the overlap with screws/washers for a tight, permanent hold.

At this point you can use your double-sided tape to hold the top of the second run in place until you secure it under the 3rd run.

STEP 4

FINISH: At this point you want to continue the coverage on all walls and roofline.

If you're installing horizontally, go up all the walls and then move on to the roofline.

DO THE ROOF: *Horizontal Installation Only* Start at the bottom edge and work up toward the ridge, using the same technique in steps 1 & 2 for the walls.

Roof Ridge: Overlap the insulation 6” on the ridge of the roof.

Roof Edge: Run BlueTex™ insulation 3" to 4” over the edge of the roof and onto both the side walls and gable ends. Then, screw or tape the insulation onto the frame. If needed, use tape to secure the edges.

STEP 5*

*optional

This next step is optional and it will not change the reflectivity or performance at all, but it looks nice and some people prefer to do it. Tape the foil seams on the outside. This will “clean up” the installation if you have any loose flaps, edges, seams, etc.

The main benefit from taping the seams is that it will reduce the possibility of moisture or condensation from occurring on the inside of the building at the seams, which if it did form, would be minimal, thus the reason this is an optional step.

STEP 6

INSTALL HORIZONTAL HAT CHANNELS OR GIRTS:

Use metal hat channels (these are typically installed 2' to 4’ apart from one another) on the exterior, over the BlueTex™ insulation. If you aren't using hat channels, you can use our plastic spacers, or even foam or wood spacers to fit.

We suggest you check the manufacturers recommendations for the metal/siding/etc. that you're using on your building.

Examples of spacers between the exterior sheathing and the foil surface. You can use wood, foam, or plastic spacers.

This will create the required airspace for a radiant barrier to work between the metal skin and the reflective foil layer on the BlueTex™.

STEP 7

INSTALL EXTERIOR CLADDING (METAL / SIDING): Finish the install by adding metal, wood or siding onto the girts to finish your outer layer or “cladding" using the screws recommended by the metal manufacturer.

Then, finish with any trim pieces on your corners, the ridge, around the doors, windows etc.

If you have any questions about this install process, feel free to contact us!