Has anyone ever insulated a steel building without just building an interior wall/ ceiling?
I have finally come up with a plan, but I have a remaining question.
First, I live in North Texas so keeping the heat out is my primary goal.
My building is the bolt together A style from US Buildings; it has self made 2×4 end walls. Insulation there was no problem. Insulating the steel walls has been the brain teaser.
Using the the protruding ridge bolts on the inside, I have added a coupler and threaded rod. I fasten the 5/4 x 6/4 ripped slats to the threaded rods, keeping about a 16 space between slats. I use the 1″ pink foam insulation and first cut it to fit between the slats so it insulates the valley part of the wall. Then I fasten the full 4×8 sheet of the same insulation to the slats. This makes it easy to follow the bend in the wall.
I did this up to about 6′ from the roof peak. I now plan to blow some cellulose insulation into each ridge section (about 8″ of depth). I know, the valley section of the wall is only getting about r7 insulation, but the ridge section will be better than R15.
That is where I now face a decision. Do I continue this all the way to the peak. Or do I add a hanging ceiling? If a hanging ceiling, what kind?
The biggest advantage of the hanging ceiling I can see is the ability to vent the attic space with a gable fan. It seems to me the heat generated from the sun on the steel building will be largely vented by such a gable fan.
That is my question. Or, questions.
Also, if I go with a hanging ceiling, how much support will I need keep it suspended?
My experience level. I am no pro, but have been involved thru all phases of home construction and remodeling. I have performed every phase of the remodeling in my house but the foundation repair.
I think that covers it. Hope the insulation idea is useful to others. I’d be happy to post pictures if anyone wants to see it.
Kent in Wylie
Replies
Greetings E-,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someones attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
Since keeping heat out is your primary goal, I'd suggest that you look into radiant barrier. The barrier I've used comes in a roll which we've stapled to the bottoms of the top chords of trusses. You could put some 2x4 up in the top of your structure to hang it on, perhaps. If your building is white on the outside you may not get much benefit from radiant barrier (or not as much). The barrier has to have at least a couple inches of air on the side toward the heat - it doesn't work to put it directly onto any other material.
I don't remember the company name, but I got the barrier I used by looking online. IIRC, it came from Indiana.
I agree with your thoughts about a ceiling and power vented attic. In you climate I think it makes sense.
You might also consider adding direct bury foam w/borates all around the perimiter of your foundation. The soil gets very hot and that heat is conducted through the slab to warm the inside of the building. I did the perimeter insulating around the edge of the slab in my steel shelled shop and it stays pretty cool in there if it's closed up and I shade the windows.
"A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel." Robert Frost
Most steel buildings I have seen are 1.) all steel frame and metal siding, or 2.) A pole building a 6x6 post frame with 2x6 stringers and metal siding. In both cases the insulation is done as the building is going up. Anyway as was posted above here is a link to reflective foil, there are several companies this is just one example.
http://www.steelbuilding.com/buildings/accessories_foil.htm