Insulating A Metal Shop

[SteveM]

Part of my building was already insulated but has 16 ft ceiling(arched). I framed in the larger section, 28x31 and framed 8 ft walls with batt insulation and blew insulation behind that. As I type they are finishing the spray foam on the ceiling and gables. Am believing it will be easy to heat and cool but we'll know soon

 

[Firestopper]

Ok firestopper that is one large swamp cooler. how much water does it hold, It almost seems like that would put to much moisture in the air.

The wet sections are 2.5" deep x 10"wide x 30" long so about 3.2 gallons of water at each end, and no noticeable moisture in the air. I do maintain all surfaces on machines year round, but no light surface rust ever noted on bare steel stock on rack. During Monsoon season, I still find it comfortable.

Southern Arizona has low humidity levels for the most part. Insulation is key for a cooling system to work at optimum. The temperature difference inside vs outside prior to cooling/heating makes a huge difference in final outcome. To be clear,I would not recommend a evaporative cooling system in a hi humidity environment. Not knowing what the average annual humidity levels are in Lindale, Tx, I can only share my experience to your question.

Like stated by others, your darker exterior color will put you behind the eight ball. I went with a white roof and light almond walls for this reason. Most flat roofs on homes (around here) are cool coated white for this same reason.

 

[scsmith42]

John, I have the double bubble foil insulation in one of my wood kilns. The nice thing about it is that it is extremely effective in keeping heat inside the kiln; however it is very poor when it comes to passive insulation. It would not be my first choice for a shop.

 

[jocat54]

Thanks to all who replied, I have ordered white vinyl faced fiberglass insulation. Not really much more expensive than the bubble stuff.
Now look forward to having to move everything around and install it----NOT!!

 

[planeflyer21]

Thanks to all who replied, I have ordered white vinyl faced fiberglass insulation. Not really much more expensive than the bubble stuff.
Now look forward to having to move everything around and install it----NOT!!

It will all be worth it, when you are nice and cozy in your shop and weather rages outside.