vinyl back insulation

[mechanic]

I'm looking at building a red iron shop. I talk to the builder that has been doing these buildings for years says that vinyl back is the only insulation he uses and never has any trouble with it. This building will have no wood at all only steel. What are your view points on this subject. What other insulation is there. No spray foam. I have hear to much negitive about it. Thanks

 

[Stimw]

I had a 40' X 60' red iron put up a year ago and had the insulation put on the ceiling only.
That type of insulation seems to be standard.

 

[mechanic]

This contractor uses it on ceiling and walls. I had it in one of his building he did for me back in 2007. Never had any trouble with it. Is there any reason I should only have it put in the ceiling?

 

[Redlands Okie]

Do everything if you got the money. If budget is to small then do the roof first. Then walls that you can. South perhaps for summer heat or north for winter cold depending on your needs. Walls can be done at a later date much easier than the ceiling. The vinyl backed type of insulation is fine, way better than some. At least it creates somewhat of a moisture barrier for condensations problems. Blown in paper insulation can actually rust the metal in some areas due to humidity. Not to mention spark / fire issues. Expanding foam works great but cost more and for some reason its not on your preferred list

 

[AGRIMAN]

No spray foam. I have hear to much negitive about it. Thanks

I'm not trying to change your mind, but I think you owe it to yourself to at least talk to a few of your local foam contractors. As a spray foam contractor, I can tell you that red iron buildings are foamed everyday. We work with several red iron builders in our area and currently have two new buildings on the books to be sprayed when completed.

We also spray a lot of existing buildings. A few months back, we cut the old sagging vinyl back insulation out and replaced it with foam on a 19k square foot roof line.

If you are still against the foam, then the vinyl back insulation is a good option.

 

[davedj1]

What negative have you heard about foam? I use it in some of my buildings that I renovate.

 

[sailfast]

No foam because you don't want your building to be stronger. ...
Or you just aren't really interested in insulation?

 

[EddieWalker]

What negative have you heard about foam? I use it in some of my buildings that I renovate.

Same question. What is wrong with spay foam? While I'm against open cell foam on a metal building because it absorbs moisture and will lead to rust, closed cell has the reputation of being the very best option out there.

 

[KWentling]

I used the blanket fiberglass when I put mine up. If I had it to do again, it would be spray foamed. I'm thinking about adding 20' on the end of it, and if I do, it will be spray foamed. Makes for a tighter building. The blanket gets squeezed between the sheeting and frame work and reduces the R value of the blanket also. I also had trouble keeping it in place until I could get a sheet on it. The wife and I put it up and could have used more hands in the Wyoming wind.

 

[jimmysisson]

Another vote for foam, if you can swing it. Check about flammability and insurance - might need fire-resistant coating ($).
Also I actually think it's easier to do the ceiling later if you have to wait for one or the other - less junk you've leaned in the way! Good luck.
Jim