The most popular metal building insulation is Prodex Total 10M. The following are excellent 5M choices: 48 INCH, FAST ACTION, 62 INCH FAST ACTION, 72 INCH, WHITE, RUSTIC, 24 INCH, 16 INCH.
Other options include: Reflective Bubble Reflective and Foil Fiberglass Vinyl.
Please select an install method to determine which items below that you will need.
- Reflective tape
- Double sided tape
- A utility knife
- Super metal sealant (some retrofit applications)
- A screw gun (some retrofit applications)
- Metal Screws (some retrofit applications)
- Metal Pins and Caps (some retrofit applications)
Double sided tape keeps the insulation from blowing during the installment process and helps attach insulation to the surface.
Super Metal Sealant is used to attach insulation and metal pins to virtually any surface including steel, aluminum, painted metals, galvalume, wood, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastic and concrete.
Pins and Caps are used to attach insulation to virtually any surface including steel, aluminum, painted metals, galvalume, wood, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastic and concrete.
The utility knife is used when you need to cut insulation.
Screws and screw gun - Are sometimes used on metal building with square tubing to attach the insulation on retrofit applications (sheeting is already attached)
Heat Gun is used to seal the seams of 10M Prodex Total. 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
- 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.
- To optimize performance, allow the insulation to sag an inch or two (creating air-gap). Metal sheeting is corrugated so you'll have some air-gap even if you pull it tight. Many don't bother to sag the insulation. All appear to be satisfied with performance.
- Use reflective tape to seal the seams. Fast Action and10M don't require seam tape.
- Attach sheeting.
Insulating a metal building after the sheeting is attached, is known as retrofitting. It refers to structures with or without prior insulation layers.
Run the double sided tape adjacent to a line of glue (super metal sealant) to the underside of the framing. 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. There is a potential that in time the insulation could separate from itself.
To optimize performance, incorporate a 3/4" air-gap or more and seal the seams. 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 Choose Prodex Total for Steel and Metal Building Insulation?
When it comes to insulating a metal building, the choice of material can make or break your long-term comfort and performance. Many who go with traditional fiberglass insulation end up battling hidden moisture buildup, loss of thermal efficiency (R-value), and significant heat gain or loss throughout the year. These issues often remain out of sight—until they lead to mold, corrosion, or skyrocketing energy costs.
Prodex Total offers a smarter, all-in-one solution. It works as a radiant barrier, vapor barrier, and reflective insulation, all in a single, durable product—perfectly designed for the specific challenges of steel buildings and metal structures.
Tailored for Steel Buildings
Steel and metal buildings are prone to condensation. Their surfaces heat up quickly under the sun and cool rapidly in cold weather. This constant temperature swing leads to internal sweating, extreme heat buildup in the summer, and icy conditions in the winter. Prodex Total solves this by stopping moisture at the surface, reflecting radiant heat away in the summer, and retaining warmth during winter.
Unlike fiberglass, Prodex Total doesn’t absorb water, lose its insulation value, or foster the growth of mold and mildew. It’s also resistant to nesting pests and insects. Installation is simple and cost-effective—especially compared to spray foam, which is expensive and still doesn’t stop radiant heat transfer effectively.
Why It Outperforms Other Insulation Types
Bubble wraps often fail in metal buildings due to the heat from the metal skin damaging their structure. Prodex Total withstands these temperature extremes without collapsing or degrading, maintaining consistent performance year-round. Unlike bubble insulation, it delivers real thermal resistance with a proven R-value that holds up in any climate.
Think about why a metal building feels like a sauna in the summer and an icebox in the winter. It’s because metal is an excellent conductor of heat and cold. Prodex Total breaks that cycle. By blocking radiant heat and eliminating condensation, it keeps your building cool, dry, and energy-efficient in hot weather—and warm, dry, and comfortable in cold weather.
Whether you’re insulating a workshop, storage space, or agricultural building, Prodex Total delivers on every front—reducing noise, sealing around penetrations, and working as a standalone or supplemental solution.
Key Benefits at a Glance
Eliminates condensation on metal panels
Reflects 97% of radiant heat
Maintains R-value in humid or wet conditions
Easy to install and cost-effective
Prevents mold, mildew, and nesting pests
Performs in both hot and cold climates
Reduces sound transmission
ICC-ES Recognized and proven in real-world applications
Prodex Total is more than just insulation—it's a high-performance system for controlling temperature, moisture, and airflow in your steel or metal building. When you want the best in insulation for steel buildings, you want Prodex.
