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Steel buildings are highly durable, and adaptable, for any need. Unfortunately, the steel and metal panels alone don’t offer a barrier to the heat or the cold, so, there is no protection from the temperatures outside.

Insulating offers several key cost saving benefits. It reduces energy consumption, which saves you money, and if applicable, some states offer tax incentives for being energy conscious.

It is important to make sure to insulate your steel building for several reasons. For one, to regulate and help control the building’s inside temperature. For another, insulation prevents moisture from entering or condensating. When your building’s temperature becomes increasingly different from the outside temperature, condensation forms. Once condensation and moisture form, it can cause mold, as well as rust or corrode your building.

Metal is a better conductor than wood and without insulation to regulate the temperature, the building won’t hold heat in the winter and it will make your building extremely hot in the summer.

Insulation on steel buildings is put over the frame instead of in-between studs like normal buildings. This helps give continuous coverage, or a shield, to your building, if you will.

You have many different options when choosing insulation, all come with different costs and benefits so you want to make sure you insulate your building to the needs it has, as well as where you live. Here are a few options below.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is the cheapest and most widely used insulation for steel buildings. Like normal homes, it comes pre-rolled and can be installed without paying a professional. Fiberglass’s ability to insulate is directly related to its thickness. Temperatures, permeability rates and durability are all key components to look at when buying fiber glass.

Reflective Foil

Reflective foil is a lot like saran wrapping your building. It is waterproof and can be installed easily. It is costlier however. Unlike fiberglass using conduction and convection, foil uses radiation to transfer heat. Foil-like the other types of insulation is location based for best results. It is not affected but humidity or moisture so geography plays a role in deciding if you want this type of insulation.

Insulated Panels

Insulated panels are the most expensive form of insulation, but they take less time to build and provide a more uniform insulation and nicer finished appearance. The panels are a foam core that goes between two metal panels. Almost like a sandwich.

If your building is not insulated or you are spending a ton on energy costs with your current insulation, it may be time to upgrade. Spending the money up front to insulate your building now, can save you many times over on monthly energy costs.