Insulating Pole Building (Garage)

[Mike Costello]

I insulated my 30X60 shop with 1/4 bubble wrap before the aluminum was installed. We did the roof and all the walls. In addition I also installed insulated overhead garage doors. Temperatures averaged 15-20 degrees warmer inside before heat. Using a kerosene torpedo heater, I can get it comfortable in about 20 minutes. I have no issues with moisture, which can be rough on tools and equipment. I agree, good insulation is everything in a shop. Mike.

 

[PA hayseed]

i used 2nd hand 3" rigid foam panels around my wall, and when I ran out, I used bats of insulation. On the roof I used about 1" rigid foam panels and threw a whole lot of junk and scrap foam/peanuts on that. It isn't a sauna in winter, but a torpedo will heat it up nicely.

My firend had access to tons of styrofoam peantus. He did his roof inside his building with that. You'd be surprised how little heat he uses. I know what people will say, but he didn't pay a penny for that stuff and kept it warm in ther for about 14 years and going.

I agree, sprayfoam is the best.

 

[wedge40]

There is something missing in some of the responses.
How big are the buildings that we are talking about.

30X60X???? 10? 12? 14? 16?
Need to know cubic feet that you are heating.

Wedge

 

[rswyan]

There is something missing in some of the responses.
How big are the buildings that we are talking about.

30X60X???? 10? 12? 14? 16?
Need to know cubic feet that you are heating.

Was mentioned by the OP in his original post where he referred to his other thread about the construction of the building. It's 24' x 32' with a 12' ceiling, with a 12' x 32' second story attic room.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Spray foam is the only way to go- this will really tighten up the building. I live in northern Wyoming- frequent winds and heavy snow fall are the norm.

2 -3 inches of foam will make a huge difference in your building-

I highly recommend foam- over any other method- cellose- batts- poly bed board etc..


It is worth every cent

I agree. My bar was a traditional 52x32 pole barn with 12' tall doors with walls constructed out of 2x4's between the poles then insulated. It was like this when I bought it and a @^$%#%$ mess. I ripped it all out. Found mice, rats, snakes, 2 dead cats, ect. I simply built a 20x20 shop in one corner and had foam applied. No loose insulation or pink fiberglass in a barn or you will have issues sooner or later.

Chris