Quonset Hut Insulation - Guide for Saving Energy and Money

We believe investing in insulation is always money well spent, even for massive constructions like the Quonset hut. The truth is some of these metal structures are well made and designed to withstand different weather conditions, but it all has its limits. You cannot expect them to keep the interior temperature consistent throughout both hot and cold months without proper insulation. Besides that, there are more benefits Quonset hut insulation brings - it contributes to the longevity of a hut, provides sound control and noise reduction, and saves a lot on energy bills.

But let us start from the beginning and explain what exactly a Quonset hut is and why a Quonset hut insulation is a good idea.

Quonset hut is a semi-cylindrical structure made out of steel, which makes it extremely strong and durable. The fact these buildings don’t need beams to support the roof makes them very usable, given that all the space inside will be at your disposal.

These objects were primarily designed for military purposes only, that’s what they were made for during World War I, but eventually, people started relying on them for both commercial and residential needs. It turned out Quonset hut is a great solution for a garage, warehouse, storage unit for bulky items of a different kind, workshop, and even home.

When it comes to the Quonset hut insulation, it is essential to first determine what your plans are for the object, what will its main purpose be so you can then decide on how you want to insulate it and with what materials. Also, the location of your Quonset hut is of greatest importance when it comes to this matter because you probably won’t choose the same insulation type for a hut based in cold or warm climate areas. But one thing is for sure - a well-insulated hut will reduce heat caused by solar radiation, but it will also keep the cold outside and reduce the level of condensation in the interior.

Even though Quonset huts are usually huge in their size, which is why people wonder if it’s possible or even smart to insulate them, we assure you that it is possible and even more desirable to do so. Now, insulating metal buildings can be a challenge, especially those with a half-rounded structure, but it is doable.

There are two options - to do the insulation on your own, with the help of a friend or two, or to hire professionals. This is another thing you need to decide on in advantage given not every insulation option is suitable for DIY type of a project. For instance, Quonset hut spray foam insulation is one of the most popular ones, but even though it seems like an easy thing to do, it really cannot be done properly by amateurs.

Also, there’s the matter of the aesthetics of a hut after you do the insulation. Some people decide to leave it exposed, and in that case, you should consider what kind of texture you want to look at when you are inside the hut. Spray foam we previously mentioned will leave a lumpy and bulky surface, but Prodex Total 5m which has a smooth silver finish, will make your walls look quite charming. This type of insulation is actually perfect for a Quonset hut, given it’s very flexible and suitable for the hut’s cylindrical structure.

Regarding Quonset hut insulation ideas, there are several more we can suggest since they proved to be pretty reliable and effective. Besides foam spray insulation that has a liquid form able to fill all the gaps in your hut, bubble insulation, and Prodex Total 5m, which represents insulation, but also radiant, vapor, and air barrier, there is blanket insulation as well, and it is packed in rolls with the ability to be installed very easily. It’s suitable for wall and roof insulation, and it will do the job of preventing heat transfer and keeping the inside temperature steady no matter the outdoor conditions. But no matter what insulation you find to be ideal for your Quonset hut, we suggest you make sure it’s attached properly by using metal glue sealant. It’s a very affordable product that can attach insulation to pretty much any surface.

It’s not that rare that Quonset hut owners feel skeptical about Quonset hut insulation, mostly because the insulating metal building of that size asks for lots of materials and, therefore, funds. So the question of insulation price is not something unexpected. One of the popular choices is fiberglass. Depending on the thickness of the fiberglass, it will run from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. 

That means you will spend a bit over $1000 to almost $4000 for a hut that’s 40’x60’. But be aware you will spend almost as much if you hire professionals for the job. Now, even though you may find yourself to be surprised by the amount, you should know that by saving each month on the electricity bill, there are huge chances you will get back the investment for two to three years.

As for how to insulate a Quonset hut in an even more budget-friendly way, you can buy Prodex Total 5m for 700 square feet for a little less than $350. Since this is a material you can install on your own, you could definitely save a lot, but you will need proper tools and some sort of education in order to avoid making expensive mistakes.

If you wonder how exactly to install Quonset hut insulation, here is what you need to know:

If you choose to insulate your Quonset hut with Prodex Total 5m, you will need super metal sealant as well as double sided tape to attach the insulation to the structure. The first thing is what will hold the insulation long-term, and the other is an addition to it. The insulation should be placed from the bottom to the top, the first layer, and then the other way around - from top to bottom. We suggest you use a big head screw every four to five feet in order to reinforce the insulation. The main tool for this endeavor is a roller that will allow you to properly spread the Prodex throughout the walls. Also, know that your insulated Quonset hut kit should always include a reflective tape that’s very affordable and suitable to improve the overall insulation performance no matter the climate.

People who decide to go with liquid foam should seriously think about getting the professional team to do this job, mostly because the foam needs to be applied under certain pressure and from a specific angle to adequately seal the whole space. If the hut is empty, the process will be pretty fast, and it will take only a couple of days to end it, but if there are some things inside, it will take additional time to adequately protect everything with plastic covers.