Pole Barn Insulation:  What To Look For Before You Buy

A pole barn insulation system requires a radiant barrier, vapor barrier and reflective insulation - Why? The sun's rays on the metal surface creates unbearable heat inside a metal building in the summer. Cold winter temperatures are exaggerated by the metal roof and wall sheeting making it frigid inside. Warm temperature on a cool metal roof or wall creates sweating (condensation). Prodex serves a true vapor barrier and condensation eliminator. It has a high 16 R-value and it prevents radiant heat transfer (primary source of heat-flow). It's superior to fiberglass batt in pole buildings because it is unaffected by humidity or water -- It doesn't mildew or promote fungus growth and it keeps the barn cool in the summer -- It doesn't promote nesting for rodents, bugs and birds. It is also much easier and less expensive to install. It is superior to double bubble insulation in pole barns because the heat from the steel roof and walls doesn't cause its polyethylene micro-bubbles to collapse. With a pressure of 6 PSI Prodex compresses just 6%. When the load is relieved it takes back its initial shape. The density of the foam is between 1.25 lb/ft (sq) - 1.87 lb/ft (sq). This gives the material real body.

1. R-value not affected by humidity

The Prodex 16 R-value is not affected by humidity. Other insulations such as fiberglass and cellulose lose R-value once damp (and It Will Get Damp in a Pole Barn). Once any mass insulation gets damp, it will stay damp. Once damp it loses R value. Not only will you have trapped moisture in the blanket causing rot, rust, oxidation, mold etc, the damp blanket will provide less and less R value as the moisture builds. Couple this with the fact that fiberglass and cellulose insulation do not prevent radiant heat transfer (primary source of heat flow) and you can see why these insulation types are not the recommended for metal buildings. 

Recommended insulation for your pole barn: Prodex Total 48 Inch : Prodex Total Fast Action 48 Inch : Prodex Total 72 Inch or Prodex Total 24 Inch

2. Eliminate Condensation: Pole Barns Can Seem Like A Rain Forest  

In addition to providing vapor protection it also eliminates condensation. When a cold surface comes in contact with warm air it creates moisture on the surface (cold bottle outside in summer). Prodex eliminates the moisture (condensation) from forming on the metal sheeting. Water trapped between fiberglass insulation and the exterior of the barn will, in time cause, rust, oxidation, rotting, mold and fungus growth - conditions that will degrade the metal and shorten the service of the building. Condensation can also result in ruined crops or bacterial growth. 

3. Radiant Heat Barrier: It Gets Hot in A Pole Barn

Ever wonder why it's so hot and wet inside a pole barn in the summer and so cold and wet in winter? The metal sheeting magnifies the heat of the summer and frigid temperatures of the winter. Metal is a very good conductor of heat and cold. In hot weather, metal sheeting rapidly transfers the sun's heat into a building, and in cold weather it rapidly transfers the heat out of your building. When warm air comes in contact with the cool metal sheet, condensation occurs.

Prodex reflects 97% of the radiant energy (primary source of heat flow) that strikes it. It also reflects back the heat inside your building. Each unit of radiant heat energy that is reflected away from your barn in the summer, and each unit that is reflected back during the winter, means less operation of your heating and air conditioning system - Less wear and tear on your equipment - Less money you pay in utility costs.

4. A Vapor Barrier: Protect Your Contents In The Building

Prodex is a class 1 vapor barrier. A vapor barrier (moisture barrier) refers to any material that prevents moisture from passing through the walls or roof of a building. This material can be plastic or better yet, Prodex Total Insulation - 13/64 inch, 5mm closed cell polyethylene foam covered on both sides with .0012-inch (00.03mm) aluminum foil facing. Prodex Total Insulation (Vapor Barrier, Class 1. perm<0.1 ).

5. Prevent Nesting of Rodents, Bugs and Birds

Unlike fiberglass insulation, Prodex does not provide for the nesting of rodents, bugs and birds. Rodents, bugs and birds aren't able to digest the aluminum.

6. Easy Installation

It's a lot easier to install a 5mm roll of Prodex than a bulky 6 inch roll of fiberglass. Pinching 6 inches fiberglass between the framing and sheeting is not easy. Installation methods I-beam frames : Installation methods Quonset Huts

7. Sound Deadening

The sheeting on a pole barn can exaggerate the sound of rain and hail. Prodex has an excellent 19db sound deadening. 

8. Increased Lighting Efficiency

Prodex provides a bright, attractive finish to your building. It reflects the light, making it easier to light the building interior.

9. Credentials - What agencies have reviewed the product?

Prodex Total is ICC-ES recognized and Energy Star Qualified. Link to BBB report is posted bottom right of every page. Real-time customer reviews are posted top left of every product page. 

Recommended insulation for your pole barn: Prodex Total 48 Inch : Prodex Total Fast Action 48 Inch : Prodex Total 72 Inch or Prodex Total 24 Inch

October 19, 2013