Having a metal building installed on your property has a lot of positive aspects. However, like any other structure, metal also needs some protection to make it long-lasting. One of them is insulation. An average American with a 2,500-square-foot house spends anywhere around $2,500 to $11,250 on its insulation - that is $1 to $4.5 per sq. ft. the national average cost of insulation in the US is $4,400.
We have to insulate our metal buildings to protect them and the inside stuff and occupants from cold weather. That being said, let’s see some of the effective ways to warm your steel building in winter.
Effective Ways To Keep Your Metal Building Warm During Winters
1. Insulation
Despite all the advantages that a steel building brings along with it, there is a catch. Metals are an excellent conductor of heat. This means it gets heated during summers and cooler during winters quite easily. To combat this, we recommend installing insulators in your metal buildings. Here is how it works…
Insulators minimize the conduction of heat into the building. It lowers heat dissipation from the structure. This helps in reducing condensation, which in turn reduces moisture levels. We know that’s a lot of jargon. Simply put, the insulator stops the movement of heat from inside to outside and vice-versa.
This lets building HAVC systems work efficiently. That’s why if you see some metal builder sites say steel buildings are energy efficient. But there are so many options in the market on which insulation material you should choose.
Types Of Insulators:
1.1 Fiberglass
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Good for colder weather
- Comes with variable R-values
1.2 Double Bubble
- Can be DIY
- Cost-effective solution
- Good for moderate climate
- R-value is around 3.5 to 4
1.3 Rigid Board
- Difficult to install
- Relatively expensive
- Not fire resistant
- R-value is 6.5 to 6.8
1.4 Spray Foam
- Reduce energy bills
- Good thermal insulator
- Flammable
- R-value is 3.6 to 3.9 for open cell spray & 6 to 7 for closed cell spray
1.5 IMPs (insulated metal panels)
- Expensive
- Quick installation
- Thermal, water & fire resistance
- Built-in insulator
- R-value is 7 to 48 (for thickest panels)
2. Seal & Weather-Stripping Doors And Windows
It is necessary to seal all gaps, holes, and cracks near windows, doors, corners, bases, and eaves. It reduces the entry of cool air inside the building and allows warm air to escape out of the steel building.
You can use caulk, foam, tape, or some other type of sealant to air tight your metal structure.
3. Install Heating Unit & Appliances
If you live in a cooler climate for most of the year, investing in a heater would be a good option. This is especially true for larger size prefab steel buildings. You can choose the type of heater depending on your needs and budget.
4. Insulate Water Pipes
You can DIY or ask a professional to help insulate utility pipes to winterize your steel building. Frosting inside the pipes can lead to water leakage or, worse, pipes may burst out from specific areas. To prepare for winter, insulting water pipes is necessary regardless of what building material you live in.
5. Install Utility Pipes Below Frost Line
The frost line of soil is the area up to which the ground can freeze. It would be best if you could install your utility pipelines below this line. However, it is best to consider this option during installation to avoid additional costs.
Factors That Affect Winterization Of The Steel Building
Your Building Size
One of the key factors that will decide how to keep your prefab steel building warm this winter is the size of your structure. A large structure needs more insulation and more heating units to maintain its temperature. For smaller buildings, insulation might just be enough.
Your Location
Whether you live in Texas/ Florida or Michigan/ Montana, the average temperature throughout the year will play a crucial role in determining how much insulation is required and what type of heating unit needs to be installed in your home.
In case you have difficulty knowing the R-value for your home, the US Department of Energy has given a chart for states along with the R-value.
Direction With Respect To Sun
How much your metal building will retain heat depends upon the amount of sun exposure it gets during the daytime. If your building is situated in direct sunlight, it will receive ample sunlight & get heated quickly.
However, if your structure is surrounded by trees and covered with vegetation, it will receive less sun and eventually need more heating units to keep it warm.
Its Design
The layout of your metal structure will impact the retention of heat. So, while installing your metal building, keep its layout, amount of sun exposure, and direction of sun & wind in consideration.
Its Use
Do you want to use your metal buildings as a garage, outdoor guest house, or living quarters? The intent of use will determine how much insulation your steel structure needs.
Overall, It Is Evident That
Insulation plays a crucial role in keeping metal buildings warm during the winter season. Conversely, it helps keep the same metal structure cool all day during the summer. With proper execution, you can winterize metal buildings easily.
It is important to note that pre-planning, such as installing utility lines beneath frost lines and insulating water pipes, is a small yet crucial factor in regulating the temperature inside a steel building. Keeping a metal structure is not impossible; by following the above-mentioned steps, you can comfortably enjoy the warmth and convenience of modern metal marvels.
