Pole barn insulation

[2diamondfarm]

I am looking at heating my barn this winter so I need to insulate what is the best way to insulate the walls?
It has 6x6 posts 8' on center
spry foam is out because of cost
I would like to be flush with the posts and will finish off the walls with ply wood

 

[KennyG]

There are wide fiberglas blankets that can be installed and another option would be rigid foam sheets between the posts. However, both of these would be a good bit of work and cost. The cheapest approach would be to blow in insulation. If you install a vapor barrier inside the walls and then cover with plywood you could then blow the walls full of cellulose through the top of the walls. I would like this approach best if you had house wrap under the metal. If not, you might consider lining the wall girts first from the inside.

Whatever you do, the walls are a lot less important than the ceiling. How do you plan on closing and insulating it?

 

[farmer2009]

We have done the same thing in a couple of barns. We laid a 2x6 on top of the concrete floor then studded the walls with 2x4 on 24 inch centers. Then use r19 faced bat insulation. Then covered with OSB. On one we stood 5/4 decking up edge ways before starting with the OSB. Did this to keep things from punching through it as easily and the decking is more tolerable to moisture like if we ever need to wash the floor.

 

[M5farms]

6" rigid Insulation "ISO" has an r factor of R33 (new standards) R36 (last years standard) cost is about 2.00 a sq ft , simple to install and best insulation R value for thickness.

most people only put 3" = r16 in our area. and the cost id around a 1.00 a sq ft

 

[KennyG]

I insulated my pole barn with polyiso, but the cost would have been prohibitive if I bought it new. I was able to get used roofing insulation sheets in pretty good condition for a lower cost. I ended up with 6 inches of foam for less than $0.50 per square foot. You might call some commercial roofing companies in your area and ask if they ever have salvaged sheets to sell. It's more common than you would expect.