Metal Building Insulation: Must Stop Condensation, Heat, Cold and Air
The Ultimate Solution: Prodex Total
Prodex Total combines insulation, radiant barrier, vapor barrier, and air barrier into one innovative product. It's specifically designed to meet the needs of metal buildings in the U.S. and Canada.
1. Stops Condensation
Metal buildings are notorious for condensation issues caused by temperature differences between the interior and exterior surfaces. Condensation can damage stored items, equipment, and even the structure itself.
- How it works: Prodex Total creates an interior barrier, keeping the warm most air inside the building from contacting the cold metal exterior. This prevents the condensation from forming.
- The Result: Your building stays dry, protecting your valuables from water, rust and mildew.
Ideal Applications:
- Barns
- Garages
- Airplane hangers
- Warehouses
- Storage Units
2. Prevents Heat Transfer
Prodex Total effectively combats extreme temperatures associated with metal buildings.
- Summer Heat: When the sun heats the metal sheeting, it radiates unbearable heat inside the building. Prodex Total blocks this heat transfer, keeping the interior cooler and more comfortable.
- Winter Cold: In cold weather, the metal sheeting becomes icy, creating a refrigerator effect inside. Prodex prevents the cold metal from creating an icebox effect. It blocks the interior heat from existing through metal sheeting.
Key Advantage: The R-value of Prodex Total is unaffected by humidity, unlike fiberglass insulation, which loses effectiveness (R) when damp.
3. Stops Air Transfer
Air flow through cracks or gaps in metal buildings can carry moisture, compromise insulation performance, and affect safety.
- Air Barrier: Prodex Total acts as an air barrier, reducing energy loss, preventing the spread of moisture, and enhancing fire safety by limiting airflow that could carry toxic smoke and gases.
4. Reduces Noise from Rain and Hail
The metal skin of buildings amplifies the sound of rain and hail, making it difficult to work or relax inside. Prodex Total provides excellent soundproofing by dampening these noises.
What You'll Notice:
- A quieter and more comfortable environment, even during heavy storms.
5. Prevents Pest Infestations
Unlike fiberglass insulation, which provides and inviting environment for rodents, birds, and bugs to nest, Prodex Total is inhospitable to pests.
- Why It Works: The foil surface is indigestible and provides no support for nesting.
Long-Term Benefits:
- No nests.
- No pest-related damages.
- A cleaner, healthier building environment.
6. Easy Installation
Prodex Total is designed for hassle-free installation, whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast.
- Flexible Installation: Can be installed before or after the metal sheeting is applied.
- Less Labor Intensive: Compared to bulky fiberglass rolls, Prodex Total's lightweight design makes it easier to handle and install.
Pro Tips
- Install before sheeting for the fastest results.
- Multiple installation methods are supported - what our installation videos for step-by-step guidance.
7. Vapor Barrier
Prodex Total serves as a Class 1 vapor barrier, preventing moisture from passing through walls or roofs.
- How it Works: The closed-cell polyethylene foam core and reflective foil facing block water vapor while sealing around nails and screws to prevent leaks.
Key Features:
- Resistant to tears and punctures.
- Durable, even in extreme weather conditions.
No Leak - Prodex Total Plus seals around nails and screws.
8. Resists Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, which are common in metal buildings.
- Prodex Advantage: It's closed-cell structure and resistance to moisture ensure that it doesn't support the growth of fungi like Aspergillus and Penicillium.
Peace of Mind
- A cleaner environment that promotes health and safety.
Metal Building Insulation For Sale - Prodex Total
5M Plus: R17
Select one of these 5M items: 48 inch, Fast Action, 62 inch Fast Action, 72 inch, 24 inch or 16 inch. Thickness: 5mm (0.2") closed cell polyethylene foam covered on both sides with reinforced reflective foil.
WHITE 5M Plus: R15.3
Thickness: 5mm (0.2") closed cell polyethylene foam with reflective reinforced foil on one side and plastic white finish film on the other side. Ideal where white finish is preferred.
Calculate amount of insulation required for your building
COMPARING METAL BUILDING INSULATION
Fiberglass, Spray Foam and Bubble vs PRODEX In Steel Buildings
Fiberglass Loses R-value And Cracks In Metal Buildings
Once fiberglass insulation gets wet (and it will get wet, due to condensation) it will lose r-value! Water trapped between fiberglass insulation and the exterior of a building will also cause mold, fungus growth, rust and oxidation - Conditions that will degrade the metal and shorten the service of the structure. In addition, fiberglass insulation does not prevent radiant heat transfer (the primary source of heat-flow in and outside your building). The Prodex Total r-value is not affected by humidity. This feature cannot be over emphasized. There will always be some humidity in a metal building and your insulation must work in these conditions.
Take a look at the white vinyl facing the next time you're in a metal building - It will be either sagging, or sagging and flaking. This is due to the added weight of water. Behind the white vinyl is a wet, mold filled blanket that will eventually cause the white vinyl to crack and fall off. At some point, when you're exposed to the toxic fibers, you'll be forced to remove the insulation - Hopefully before it does too much damage to the metal framing.
Fiberglass insulation is composed of woven fiber stands. The fiber strands contain hundreds of small air pockets. The air pockets provide the insulation. Once exposed to moisture, the air pockets fill up with water (rather than air) and the insulation loses the ability to provide r-value.
When used in conjunction with Prodex Total, fiberglass insulation can be effective in a metal building.
Prodex Total will keep moisture out of the fiberglass insulation. Prodex allows the fiber air pockets to remain dry. It's important that fiber air pockets remain dry. Once wet, fiberglass insulation loses r-value.
Get More Value Out of Your Fiberglass Insulation
Prodex Total is the perfect complement to fiberglass insulation. Here’s why:
R-value Protection
Fiberglass R-value comes from the air pockets between the fibers, not the fibers themselves. When moisture fills these air pockets, the R-value decreases.
How Prodex Total Helps
Installing Prodex Total (insulation + radiant barrier + vapor barrier + air barrier + condensation eliminator) between the fiberglass and metal sheeting helps keep the fiberglass dry, preserving its R-value over time.
Increased Energy Efficiency
When you buy R-13, 19, 26, 30, or 36, you get R performance you purchased plus all the benefits of Prodex Total, resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced condensation.
If fiberglass is used in a metal building or pole barn without Prodex Total, you'll have moisture issues (typically hidden behind facing), loss of r-value (consequence of the moisture), and heat gain.
Buy Fiberglass Metal Building and Pole Barn Insulation
Disadvantages of Spray Foam Insulation In Metal Buildings
- High spray foam insulation cost
- It doesn't prevent radiant heat transfer (the primary source of heat transfer into and out of a building - especially metal buildings and pole barns.
- Do it yourself spray foam insulation can't be done by yourself to retrofit an existing building structure because of the chemicals and processes involved.
- Nearly impossible to use in conjunction with another insulation type.
- R-value will diminish slightly with age.
- With the exception of cementite foams, spray foam insulation can release toxic fumes when it burns.
- According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, there is insufficient data to accurately assess the potential for exposures to the toxic and environmentally harmful isocyanides which constitute 50% of the material.
- Depending on usage, building codes and environment, most foams require protection with a thermal barrier such as drywall on the interior of the house.
- Can shrink slightly while curing if not applied on a substrate heated to manufacture's recommended temperature.
- Although CFC's are no longer used, many use HCFCs or HFCs as blowing agents. Both are potent greenhouse gases, and HCFCs have some ozone depletion potential.
- Most, such as Polyurethane and Isocyanine insulation, contain hazardous chemicals such as benzene and toluene. These are a potential hazard and environmental concern during ray material production, transport, manufacture and installation.
- Many spray foam insulations are made from petrochemicals and may be a concern for those seeking to reduce the use of fossil fuels and oil.
- Most spray foams require protection from sunlight and solvents.
MJbirdie: Wednesday, March 02, 2020
Dear Insulation4Less,
The spay foam was flaking from the building I just bought. It was a mess. It took me two days to scrap the balance of it off. Your 10M went up quick. I used some big head screws and some metal strips to attach it to my framing. I could tell the difference instantly. Good stuff
John S. Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019
Dear Insulation4Less,
I was considering using spray foam for a retrofit of my 50 x 100 warehouse roof. My primary concern was condensation and heat. I'm glad I went your direction. In addition to saving money, I think I got a better product for my money given my needs. No issues of yet. I'll stay in touch.
Bubble Insulation Compared to Prodex Total In A Metal Building
Take a look at the photos above. Even if you didn't know anything about double bubble insulation or Prodex Total, which would you choose? The obvious choice is Prodex Total. It has a high quality core that keeps its shape when exposed to forces. Prodex Total 5M plus has a nominal thickness of 5mm (0.2"). Prodex Total 10M is 10mm (0.4"). Both are closed cell polyethylene foam covered on both sides with reflective reinforced foil facing.
Under pressure, the Prodex micro-cells do not collapse -- With a pressure of 6 PSI Prodex compresses just 6%. When the load is relieved it takes back its initial shape. The density of the foam is between 1.25 lb/ft (sq) - 1.87/ft (sq). This gives the material real body.
Because Bubble insulation has a core composed of air rather than closed cell polyethylene foam, it lacks the long-term consistence in performance of Prodex Total. Learn more about bubble insulation.
Buy Metal Building Insulation With Confidence
Independent Reviews at Site Jabber. Site Jabber is the leading destination for customer reviews of businesses. We include their link (bottom right of every page) because they only allow customer reviews.
BBB report. For over 100 years, BBB has set the standard for ethical business behavior. We're proud to maintain an "A to A+" rating. This rating takes into account a company's size in its relation to complaints.
ICC-ES Recognized - ICC-ES is an evaluation service that takes independent test data for a variety of products and analyses it against a uniform Acceptance Criteria that is recognized internationally.
Prodex adds an extra layer of credibly by submitting these rolls to the ASTM Rima International verification program. By having a third party verification, Prodex assures its clients that the insulation complies with industry standards, and is suitable for any construction system.
Over a million order totaling more than 5 billion square feet of insulation sold.
Dear Insulation4Less,
My name is David. I am the Warehouse Manager for Schlossadler Wines, Inc. We are an international boutique wine distributor with a 9,300 sq. ft. warehouse in Oceanside, CA. Approximately one month ago the owner of the company (my boss) came to me with the task of researching, ordering, and installing insulation for the ceiling of the entire building by myself. With limited experience in this particular area under my belt, I accepted the project anyway. I honestly didn't even know where to start. I sent detailed photos along with our information and questions to your sales team. They replied promptly with very easy instructions and recommendations as to "what type" and "how much" product should be ordered to complete our mission. Now, one month and about 200 hours later, my boss is extremely happy, our stock is cool, and I've received a very generous bonus!!
Thanks Insulation4Less, I will definitely spread around the words: "foil-foam-foil!"
Sincerely,
David W.
Warehouse Manager
Schlossadler Wines, Inc.
Oceanside, CA
INSULATION + Radiant Barrier + Vapor
Barrier + Air Barrier
ALL IN ONE PRODUCT!
One solution to Cold, Heat and Condensation - You'll be warm in winter, cool in summer and dry all the time.
Insulation for metal buildings plays an important role in weather protection, noise and more. Without it, you can end up with leaks, mold, mildew and even unwelcome critters.
Whether you have a primary drive for insulating your metal building or you’re eager to reap the entire list of benefits, your insulation must stop heat, cold, condensation and air to provide the best value.
Metal building insulation can be used in commercial buildings and warehouses, airplane hangars and metal churches, barns and garages, garden sheds and Quonset huts, shipping containers, crawl spaces, and home structures, such as basements, attics and storage spaces.
In other words, if the structure requires protection from either, heat, cold, moisture or air, you’re likely to benefit from the protections of insulation.
Scorching sun, freezing wind or rattling hail? No problem. Deafening noise interrupting your home office meetings? Easily solved.
Prodex is a new-generation multifaceted product that serves as an all-in-one: it stops condensation, heat, cold and air, absorbs the sound of rain and hail, helps prevent rodents, bugs and birds, and prevents the occurrence of fungi like mold and mildew.
The reflective nature of Prodex keeps the temperature consistent on the inside and outside of the sheeting and prevents condensation. It creates an air barrier that is directly related to the safety of the building in case of fire.
Due to its light weight, it is easy to install, work with and transport, which makes it a preferred alternative for insulation of metal buildings, for both professional insulation companies and DIY homeowners.
In hot sunny climates, the use of radiant barriers like Prodex can significantly lower cooling costs due to decreased heat transfer and reduced need for air-conditioning appliances.
Insulation4less provides quality insulation for steel buildings corresponding to your needs, preferences and budget. We also provide fast delivery services, installation methods and expert advice to help ensure you get the best value for your money.
From our Fast Action Prodex Total to our 10M, we have many different Prodex options to choose from and each will leave you with lasting benefits for your metal building insulation project.
In home applications, Prodex Total is used as stand alone and supplemental insulation - The choice depends on your insulation needs.
Because bubble insulation has a core composed of air rather than closed cell polyethylene foam, it lacks the long-term consistency in performance of Prodex Total Insulation.
Bubble wraps are composed of either one (single bubble) or two (double bubble) layers of air bubbles sandwiched between two metalized surfaces. Once the surface of single or double bubble is punctured, it collapses.
Foil only radiant barriers are typically perforated and composed of two metalized surfaces with a mesh woven in for strength. It is not a vapor barrier - It is not insulation. Because foil only products have no membrane (substance between the layers of reflective material) transference of heat and or cold can occur.
Reflective Insulation is a system that reduces the transfer of heat across air space by the use of two surfaces having high thermal reflectance and low emittance (typically metalized film) + an inner substance + trapped airspaces.
The R-value of reflective insulation is the measurement of the system rather than a measurement of just the product. Measuring the R-value of the system (a real-world application) is a truer measurement vs. a measurement of the product only. For example, what good is the posted R-value of fiberglass given that once installed in an environment that includes any moisture it loses R-value? Virtually all real-world environments include some humidity. Unlike fiberglass the R-value of Prodex Total insulation is NOT affected by humidity.
Equipment needed: Reflective tape, a utility knife, a staple or screw gun
Insulation Over Trusses
- Drape the selected Prodex type over the trusses.
- Let the insulation sag a minimum of 2 inches.
- Apply decking.
- Apply the selected Prodex directly on the decking.
- Use 1”x 3” furring strips on top of the insulation.
- Install tiles.
- Apply the desired Prodex insulation directly on decking or shingles.
- Use 1”x 3” furring strips on top of the insulation.
- Install the metal roof.
