Metal Building Insulation Master Guide: Improve Thermal Efficiency

The most popular metal building insulation is SmartShield Total 10M. The following are excellent 5M choices: 48 INCH, FAST ACTION, 62 INCH FAST ACTION, 72 INCH, WHITE, RUSTIC, 24 INCH, 16 INCH. 

• Reflective Tape
• Double Sided Tape
• Super Metal Sealant (some retrofit applications)
• Metal Pins and Caps (some retrofit applications)
• A Utility Knife
• Srews and Screw Gun (some retrofit applications)
• Metal Screws (some retrofit applications)
• Heat Gun

 Reflective Tape It is used to seal the seams of insulation, enhancing its performance. The tape remains effective in extreme temperatures, from sub-zero cold to dry or tropical heat. By creating a vapor barrier, it further improves insulation efficiency. Unlike traditional duct tape, this tape is UV-resistant, does not delaminate or break down over time, and offers easy application along with superior performance.

Double Sided Tape is a type of adhesive tape that is coated with adhesive on both sides. It is designed to stick two surfaces together, often in a way that is not visible in the end product, due to it being in between the objects rather than overlaying them.

Super Metal Sealant is a high-performance adhesive designed specifically for bonding and sealing metal surfaces. It is formulated to provide a durable, watertight, and weather-resistant bond, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

Metal Pins and Caps are essential components used in a variety of applications, from crafting and home improvement to industrial and commercial uses. They come in different sizes, materials, and designs to suit specific needs.

 Utility Knife is a versatile cutting tool designed for a wide range of applications. It features a sharp, retractable blade that can be easily replaced, making it an essential tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Heat Gun is used to seal the seams of 10M SmartShield. The recommended heat setting is between 200 to 350°C. Start with the lowest temperature to avoid damage of the material. You can also use reflective tape to seal the seams of 10M. Better install - New thermal weld system Video

Install Options:

1. New Install Roof And Wall - Installing Over Framing

• Apply double-sided tape on the top of the purlins to prevent insulation from blowing in the wind.
• Roll the insulation perpendicular to and over the purlins.
• Allow the insulation to sag at least two inches (creating air-gap).
• Use reflective tape to seal the seams. Fast Action and10M don't require seam tape.
• Attach sheeting.

2. Existing Structure [Retrofitting] - Installing Insulation After the Sheeting

I. Tubular Framing:

1. Roll the insulation perpendicular to the frame member. The spacing between the framing does not matter because you're running the insulation the opposite direction.
2. Attached with self-drilling screws (3/4" screws with 1.5" self locking washers works well). 
3. Seal seams with reflective tape (10M and Fast Action don't require seam tape)

II. I-Beams - Options A, B, C, D

A. Attach Insulation to Sheeting with Pins and Caps
B. Frame out the inside of the building with wood studs. See how to insulate a pole barn
C. Attaching using straps (see video below)
D. Attach Insulation with double sided tape and glue:

Run the double sided tape adjacent to a line of glue (super metal sealant) on the bottom of the I-beams. The tape serves as the short-term hold and the glue serves as a longer-term hold. This method is not as secure as the other retrofit install methods provided.

 The method used to achieve the air-gap is less important. You can use one of the methods we've described or your own.  The method used to achieve the air-gap is less important. You can use one of the methods we've described or your own.

Why Buy SmartShield SmartSHIELD - Foam Core Reflective Insulation?

Any metal building that uses fiberglass insulation rather than SnartShield Total will have moisture issues (typically hidden behind facing), Loss of R-value (consequence of the moisture) and heat gain.

SmartShield Total Insulation: One solution for Heat, Condensation and Cold. It combines the benefits of a radiant barrier, reflective insulation, and vapor barrier - All in one product!

A metal building insulation system requires a reflective insulation, radiant barrier and vapor barrier. The metal skin causes sweating (condensation), unbearable heat in summer and frigid temperatures in winter. SmartShield serves a true vapor barrier and condensation eliminator. It has a high R-value and also prevents radiant heat transfer.

SmartShield Reflective Insulation is superior tofiberglass in metal buildings and pole barns because its R value is unaffected by humidity or water -- It doesn't mildew, promote fungus growth or the nesting of rodents, bugs and birds. It is also much easier and less expensive to install. Unlike expensive spray foam insulation, SmartShield reflective Insulation prevents radiant heat transfer. It is superior bubble insulation in metal buildings because the heat of the metal skin doesn't cause its polyethylene micro-bubbles to collapse.

Ever wonder why it's so hot and wet inside a metal building in the summer and so cold and wet in winter? The metal skin 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 framing and sheeting rapidly transfers the sun's heat into a building, and in cold weather it rapidly transfers the cold in. When a cold surface comes in contact with warm air it creates moisture on the surface (cold beer can outside in summer). SmartShield eliminates the moisture (condensation) on the metal sheeting, it prevents the heat from

You'll have a cool, dry structure in summer and a warm, dry structure in winter. It is used as a stand-alone or supplemental insulation. It is ICC-ES Recognized - It reflects 97% of radiant heat (the primary source of heat flow). SmartShield works well in HOT and COLD climates. Other benefits of SmartShield include sound deadening and sealing around nails.

SmartShield reflective Insulation : One solution for Heat, Condensation, Cold and Airflow. It combines the benefits of a radiant barrier, reflective insulation, and vapor barrier- All in one product!