Asked by: Laira Radoslavov
home and garden indoor environmental quality

How do you insulate an old pole barn?

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There are many pole barn insulation options. One could use foam board, fiberglass or spray foam. I used 1 1/2" foam board between the purlins and then built a 2x4 stud wall between the posts to use 6" R-19 fiberglass insulation. I use 2x4s instead of 2x6s to provide a thermal break between the stud and the purlins.


Beside this, how do you insulate an existing pole barn?

One option is a light spray foam (about 1") on the inside of the siding and along all the edges of the studs. This will act primarily as a vapor barrier so it is important that it seals all the cracks. Then you can install roll fiberglass insulation or "wet" spray on cellulose (fast and not too expensive).

Similarly, what is the cheapest way to insulate a pole barn? It is easy to cut, but making any adjustments with cuts or compressing will make it less effective and provide little resistance to the airflow. Fiberglass can cost up to $1 per square foot depending on the R-value and the thermal resistance one is looking for. Another option is to use spray foam insulation.

Also question is, should I insulate my pole barn?

Insulating A Pole Barn Numerous types, R values, and product quality. Using the right installation is incredibly important. If you have the money, professionally sprayed on foam insulation is the absolute best option but is very expensive. This type of insulation should be covered since it is very flammable.

How much does it cost to insulate a pole barn?

The projected cost to insulate a pole barn varies between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on the size of the structure and the area that needs to be insulated.

Related Question Answers

Ao Pierson

Professional

What kind of insulation do you use for a pole barn?

Blown in foam insulation is the most effective way to insulate a pole barn. It seals air gaps during the expansion process. Blown in insulation is the most expensive type. Loose fill is less expensive than blown foam.

Samad Birgels

Professional

Can I spray foam insulation myself?

A: Tom Silva replies: Spray foam is great insulation, but it's fairly demanding to apply; the kit instructions have to be followed exactly. In fact, study them before you buy your kit so you know what you're in for. As with spray-foam kits, protect yourself and the floor from the dripping globs of canned foam.

Margarida Kopycinsk

Professional

Should I spray foam my pole barn?

Spray foam is safe to use in your pole barn. Our spray foam is certified Gold Green and has minimal off-gassing.

Mofaddala Badila

Explainer

What OS a pole barn?

Pole framing or post-frame construction (pole building framing, pole building, pole barn) is a simplified building technique adapted from the labor-intensive traditional timber framing technique.

Sylviane Rya

Explainer

How do you install steel siding on an old barn?

How to Install Steel Siding on a Pole Barn
  1. Install treated 2 x 6 lumber horizontally onto the sides of the barn.
  2. Place the first sheet of steel roofing onto the wall beginning at one corner of the barn's exterior wall.
  3. Install the subsequent steel sheets onto the pole barn wall by overlapping the sheet ridges at the edge.

Aiza Habig

Pundit

How do you insulate an existing metal roof?

Use rigid foam insulation to cover wider spans of roof sheathing between joists. Cut each sheet to the desired size using a utility knife, then fasten it in place using staples or adhesive. Avoids nails or screws, which could penetrate the metal roof and cause leaks.

Zona Fournet

Pundit

How do you insulate a metal pole barn?

How to Insulate a Pole Barn: 5 Tips to Help You Do It Right
  1. Determine what your needs are.
  2. Animal confinement buildings often don't need wall insulation.
  3. Consider DripStop condensation control.
  4. Use an air/moisture barrier layer.
  5. Address proper ventilation.
  6. Start designing your building.

Hoover Hek

Pundit

How much does it cost to spray foam a pole barn?

Spray foam insulation runs around $1 per sq. foot per inch. 1” of spray foam offers around an R-7 insulation value. So to get to a R-25 insulation value it would take about 3.5” of spray foam or a cost of $3.50 per sq.

Romulo Fraguas

Pundit

How much is a 30x40 pole barn?

Pole Barn Prices by Size
Size Cost Range Typical Use
30x30 $6,000-$15,000 medium farm workshop, 5 horse barn
30x40 $8,000-$20,000 4 car garage, 8 horse barn
30x50 $10,000-$24,000 farm equipment storage, 10 horse barn
30x60 $12,000-$25,000 6 car garage, 12 horse barn

Tamimount Laghezza

Teacher

What is prodex?

Prodex HIGH R is a space-age technology, multi-layer reflective insulation product that reflects back radiant (infrared) energy from the sun so it does not penetrate your home; while it also reflects radiant heat back inside your house, not allowing it to escape.

Suiju Mayobre

Teacher

How much does it cost to insulate a metal building?

Cost of Metal Building Insulation
Metal Building Insulation Costs Zip Code
Basic Best
Metal Building Insulation – Installation Cost $125.00 - $135.00 $225.00 - $265.00
Metal Building Insulation – Total $165.00 - $180.00 $285.00 - $340.00
Metal Building Insulation – Total Average Cost per square foot $1.73 $3.13

Chunping O'Brien

Teacher

What is drip stop?

DRIPSTOP is a factory-applied material that controls condensation. When temperature and humidity conditions reach the dew point, moisture condenses on the underside of a metal roof and forms drops of water.

Saed Lopez De Briñas

Reviewer

How do I stop my pole barn from sweating?

Fighting Condensation Factor #1 – Keep Moisture From Getting In
  1. Build your structure (where possible) in an elevated position with good natural drainage.
  2. Place a vapor retarder under floor (gravel or concrete)
  3. Ventilate enclosed building when concrete is being poured, and continue to ventilate until it is cured.

Bryam Jeremie

Supporter

How do you cool a pole barn?

Use Air Conditioning
You should also insulate your pole barn to keep the cool air indoors. You can install bookshelf girts, or horizontal planks, between the posts of the outside walls. This will allow you to create pockets to hold the insulation and will also give the building support for drywall.

Reme Yagfarov

Supporter

Will spray foam stick to Tyvek?

Yes. The tyvek is the only thing hanging there and spray foam was sprayed directly onto it.

Rudolph Benyahia

Supporter

How do you repair insulation in a metal building?

Several metal building insulation repair options include:
  1. Upgrade or Modernize Insulation System.
  2. Add to Existing Insulation System.
  3. Replace Insul Bands.
  4. Glue Insulation Pins & Secure w/ Friction Washers.
  5. Lace Banding Overtop Purlins.

Isabelle Nuridjanov

Beginner

What is the best insulation for a metal building?

Economical and effective, fiberglass batts remain the most popular choice for steel building insulation. (Batts are also known as “blanket” insulation.) Vapor Barrier: Acting as a moisture retardant, a vapor barrier helps protect insulation.

Werner Crisp

Beginner

Can you insulate a pole barn?

Insulating A Pole Barn
Using the right installation is incredibly important. Common types are radiant barriers, insulation blankets, batts, blown insulation, and rigid boards. If you have the money, professionally sprayed on foam insulation is the absolute best option but is very expensive.

Dionis Estivill

Beginner

Is foam board insulation better than fiberglass?

Higher R-values indicate better insulating values. With both rigid foam and fiberglass, the R-values are mostly determined by the thickness of the insulating material. Fiberglass insulation packs in more R-value per cubic inch than does rigid foam insulation.