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Should I put double bubble in my metal garage?

Fattdogs | Posted in General Questions on
I’m about to construct a metal garage, I have a few questions, and what is the best moisture barrier/insulation method for the exterior of the building, I plan to add 2-3in of rigid board on the interior between the studs (4′ OC) so this is purely for between the hat channel and frame. My ideas:
 
1) 1/4in Rigid board fan fold wrapped vertically around the building
 
2) Double bubble insulation also taped and wrapped vertically around the building
 
3) Basic home wrap
 
4) Cheap perforated radiant barrier I bought for my attic and never used
 
I’ve found conflicting information about double bubble, and rigid board fan fold seems to be cheaper and more reliable? Also was just curious if a home wrap was even a viable option, I live in Charlotte NC, so it gets hot and humid.
 
Also any other suggestions or tips are appreciated, thanks!

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Replies

  1. gusfhb | | #1

    Bubble wrap is not 'real' insulation. Sure it does insulate, just at a fraction of what is claimed. I I would choose literally anything else.

    1. Fattdogs | | #2

      Is a radiant barrier worth it or should I just go with polyiso?

  2. gusfhb | | #3

    Again, radiant barrier is not insulation per se, so iso is going to be better insulation. If you are trying to create an air barrier, either I would think could do that job

  3. walta100 | | #4

    Just to be 100 % clear Double bubble insulation is 100% a scam!

    Independent labs tests come back at R1 or about the same as single pane glass.

    Do not believe the bull stuffing they print on the package.

    The studies I recall seeing about radiant barriers did not look good Is I recall.

    Think about it the .0002 thick mylar is going to reflect something that got thru the 22 gage siding at .036 the is 180 time thicker. Get real.

    https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/stay-away-from-foil-faced-bubble-wrap
    https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/a-new-look-at-foil-faced-bubble-wrap

    A steel and pole buildings are great low cost places to keep you stuff dry but when you decide to condition the air inside absolutely every thing the made it cost less to build now makes it cost more to make energy efficacy. Do the math before you build.

    Walta

    1. Expert Member
      BILL WICHERS | | #5

      Aww, Walta, it's not 100% a scam, only maybe 90% :-D The two layer stuff I think is more around R2. Either way, minimal R value. Radiant barrier is of limited real benefit in most applications.

      For the original poster, I'd go with polyiso here too. See if you can get reclaimed or factory seconds to save some money.

      Bill

      1. Expert Member
        DCcontrarian | | #6

        Hey Bill, it's good to see you. I haven't seen you post in a while.

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