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Rigid Foam Board Insulation Question

19COBRA65 | Posted in General Questions on

Hello,

I am planning the build of a metal building in Oklahoma (hot and humid summers and mildly cold winters). I want to use Polyiso foam board as insulation for both the sidewalls and roof. My question is should I put the foam board against the metal or should I leave an air gap between the foam board and the exterior metal. It’s worth mentioning the foam board has a reflective surface on it and if I left an air gap I could use it as a radiant barrier. I want to avoid condensation on the  inside of the building, I don’t want it raining down on my shop and I don’t want water molding/mildewing between the metal roof and the foam board. Final question is should I use a house wrap or vapor barrier between the metal roof and the foam board or is the foam board enough of a vapor barrier. I plan on heating in the winter and eventually cooling via a mini split in the summer. Thanks.

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Michael Maines | | #1

    I can't answer your question without understanding more about your proposed wall assembly. Is this a typical prefab metal building with horizontal girts and purlins? What will the metal siding be attached to? Be aware that best case, a radiant barrier provides about R-1, and that's only if the surface remains shiny and doesn't gather dust or corrosion.

    1. 19COBRA65 | | #2

      It is a carport style metal building with vertical metal with horizontal girts and purlins which the siding attaches to. I was planning on using 2 inch poly iso foam bard for the walls and 3.5 for the roof.

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