Are you thinking about insulating a steel building? Many people opt to go without insulation because they see it as an unnecessary expense. However, insulating a steel building is important for several reasons.


Why Insulate A Steel Building 


First, it helps keep the temperature comfortable. If you plan on working inside the building during the summer and winter months, the insulation will make it bearable in extreme temperatures. It also helps prevent condensation from forming.


The condensation that builds up can make its way onto the metal parts. This can result in rust over time. Insulation will help prevent mold buildup as well. It may not affect the metal, but moisture will affect the other materials.


Now how do you go about installing insulation for steel buildings? You want to start by choosing the right type of material. There’s fiberglass, reflect foil, insulated panels, and foam boards. Look into the pros and cons of each type of material to make a decision on which material to go with.


construction worker on construction site


You’ll find that each type of material has an R-value. This is a rating given to measure the material’s ability to resist heat. The higher the R-value, the more resistant it will be to heat. This helps keep the interior cool during hotter months and will also help reduce the condensation inside steel buildings. There will be different prices based on R-values and material.


Choose where to insulate. If you live in an area that gets some rainfall, it may only be necessary to insulate the roof. On the other hand, if you are in an area that deals with heavy snowfall, you’ll need to insulate the walls as well. This will prevent the water from getting to the foundation.


Install the insulation properly. The best place to place the insulation will be above the skeleton of the building. This means the core metal frames that contribute to the shape and structural integrity of the building. Installing it there will prevent outside heat and moisture from transferring onto the skeleton of the building.


That’s a quick overview of how to insulate a steel building. You’ll want to do other things such as installing proper ventilation, allowing for good air circulation, and looking into other temperature control solutions.


With over 20 years of industry experience, Coverco Buildings is the team you can trust when it comes to fabric and steel structures. We offer versatile solutions by providing economical and customized pre-designed buildings for the oil & gas, agricultural, mining, and recreational industries. Our superior engineering is what separates us from the rest, as we emphasize structural integrity, guaranteeing that our buildings can stand against all sorts of terrain and weather changes. With 50-year warranties, we offer you the best service in Ontario, Calgary, and Regina. Call us on 855-931-8600 today.

For steel buildings, insulation is a must. 


If you think of the benefits, you can see why investing in proper insulation can go a long way to sustaining and maintaining your building. You can enjoy the following advantages: 


  • Temperature control
  • Negating condensation
  • Reducing the growth of mould and mildew 
  • Higher R-value 
  • Vapor barrier
  • Better economic value
  • Better eco-friendly value and reduced energy costs 
  • Doesn’t allow nesting for rodents, birds or bugs

While those benefits are a must, choosing the right steel insulation for your building can be tricky. It is, therefore, essential to know which systems are available to you. 


Let’s take a brief look at some of the best insulation options available for your steel buildings


Roofer worker in protective uniform wear and gloves

The Best Insulation Systems for Steel Buildings 

Loose Fill:

  • The insulation type consists of loose fibers or pellets that are blown into the wall cavities with specialized equipment. It is ideal for walls, attics, and floors and reduces the air leakages while promoting insulation. You can choose from three material options: shredded recycled newspapers, fibreglass, and rock wool. 

Spray Foam Cellulose: 

  • This is a polymer spray that can be injected into steel walls and ceiling cavities. The chemical mixture expands quickly, drying into a solid mass of air-filled cells. When expertly applied, it can fill every tiny crevice within a steel building. It also is cost-effective and successfully absorbs noise.

Rigid Board: 

  • Also known as foam board insulation, rigid insulation works by trapping air in the foam’s cells. Easy to install, rigid board insulation can work within any tiny or tight space and long-term investment. However, it does require additional flame-retardant, and insulation can suffer after several years. 

Fiberglass Batt: 

  • Also known as Fiberglass Blanket Insulation, ‘Batts’ are the top choice. Economical and effective, Batts is considered the most popular choice for steel building insulation. The insulation is outfitted with a vapor retarder and tested for fire safety, and is also mold and moisture resistance.

What To Consider When Choosing A Steel Building Insulation 

Selecting from an insulation system based on these options can be difficult. Make sure you consider the following factors, so you know you’re getting the best insulation: 


  • The Workability (As specific types of insulation cannot be shipped or installed in cold weather during winter). 
  • The Facing of the Insulation (Facing material must be carefully selected if it is going to be left exposed)
  • The Cost-Effectiveness (Are you planning to use the steel building for a long-time? If so, consider what is the best bang for your buck!) 
  • The Appearance (Aesthetics matter for businesses, so make sure you select a choice that brings out the best in your building)

Insulation serves several important purposes in steel buildings, so make sure you make the right choice for yours. 


With over 20 years of industry experience, Coverco Buildings is the team you can trust when it comes to fabric and steel structures. We offer versatile solutions by providing economical and customized pre-designed buildings for the oil & gas, agricultural, mining, and recreational industries. Our superior engineering is what separates us from the rest, as we emphasize structural integrity, guaranteeing that our buildings can stand against all sorts of terrain and weather changes. With 50-year warranties, we offer you the best service in Ontario, Calgary, and Regina. Call us on 855-931-8600 today.