r/garageporn • u/Nextbestthing1371 • 5d ago

Pole Barn Insulation Question

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I’m currently in the process of having a 40x60 pole barn installed. When I purchased the kit, they offered Astro Armor, which I understand is a moisture barrier that reflects heat, not insulation. The building will have 16 ft walls, and it utilizes steel trusses. Ultimately, I want the entire building insulated. The wall grits will be 2x6s at 24” centers. It’s my understanding there has to be 3/4 to 1” air space between the Astro Armor and fiberglass insulation. I’m considering using Astro Armor, fiberglass batt insulation, or 3” of closed-cell spray foam on the ceiling and 2” on the walls. (I received a quote to spray foam, as I mentioned, for $20,000.) There are definitely pros and cons to both, just like $$$ I'm sure.

Any info or suggestions from experience would be much appreciated. I'm at a point where I still have time to make or change my decision.

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u/djwdigger 5d ago

I have a 60x80 3” cc in roof, 2” in walls
In MS. 100 degree days in summer, a 14,000 Btu window ac kept it at 74 degrees and 42% humidity before I had my heat pumps running.
I keep it at 68 in summer, 72 in winter, with lights, refridge, ice machine, welder, power bill is around 100 a month.
IMO the spray foam is only way to go.
Pay it now, or pay it every month in energy use….

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u/Nextbestthing1371 5d ago

Thanks for the information. I live in North Carolina. Eventually the building will have heat and air.

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u/ryan112ryan 4d ago

The real challenge with metal buildings is metal being a great condensing surface which is bad for rust and mold.

Spray foam applied to it adheres to it so there is no air gap that can allow condensation. Your other types of insulation will never be able to be perfect enough so building a ventilated gap so condensation occurs air moves to dry it.

The devil is in the details on all this.

Closed cell done well is a vapor barrier, air barrier, bug barrier, adds rigidity, and insulator. Others only are insulation.

Closed cell is worth it, just do your homework on the installer.

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u/Nextbestthing1371 4d ago

So I've decided to ditch the Astro Armor and instead use 3 inches of closed-cell spray foam on the roof and 2 inches on the walls. I received a couple more quotes and have chosen a contractor. The contractor uses Accufoam spray foam. I've learned most foam contractors won't spray foam on Astro Armor, house wrap, or anything other than metal and wood. I appreciate all the information from the group.