The Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Insulation: Why Prodex Total Reigns Supreme
Choosing the right insulation for your pole barn or post-frame building is crucial for energy efficiency, comfort, and durability. Prodex Total Insulation stands out as the best solution for pole building insulation, offering superior performance
compared to fiberglass and spray foam insulation. Here's everything you need to know about how Prodex Total excels and why it's the ideal choice for your pole barn.
Jump to Section: Key Benefits of Prodex Total
Why Insulate Your Pole Barn?
Insulating your pole barn helps to:
- Prevent Condensation
- Stop Heat Transfer (out in winter, in in summer)
- Block Air Flow
- Deaden Sound of Rain and Hail
- Deter Rodents, Bugs, and Birds
- Enable Easy Installation
- Act as a Vapor Barrier and Prevent Leaks
- Resist Mold and Mildew
Prodex Total vs. Fiberglass Insulation
Moisture Resistance
Fiberglass insulation absorbs moisture, reducing its R-value and promoting mold and mildew growth. Once damp, it remains wet, causing rot and structural issues. Prodex Total, with its reflective reinforced foil facing and closed-cell polyethylene foam, resists moisture and maintains its thermal protection even in humid conditions. Prodex’s R-value is unaffected by humidity, ensuring consistent performance.
Radiant Heat Reflection
Unlike fiberglass, Prodex Total blocks 97% of radiant heat. This critical feature keeps your pole barn cooler in summer and warmer in winter, making it far more effective at managing temperature extremes.
Longevity
Fiberglass deteriorates over time, becoming less effective. Prodex Total is durable and long-lasting, providing consistent performance for years. Think of it as the marathon runner of insulation—always in it for the long haul.
Installation
Fiberglass rolls are bulky and challenging to install between framing and sheeting. Prodex Total Insulation comes in compact, lightweight rolls that can be installed before or after the metal sheeting, simplifying the process. It’s so easy, you might find yourself saying, "Why didn’t I do this sooner?"
Pest Resistance
Fiberglass provides a nesting environment for rodents and insects. Prodex Total’s foil-facing deters pests, ensuring a cleaner, safer environment. No rodent rave parties here!
Prodex Total vs. Spray Foam Insulation
Cost-Effectiveness
Spray foam insulation, while effective, is expensive and often requires professional installation. Prodex Total, on the other hand, not only offers similar benefits such as an air barrier and excellent R-value at a fraction of the cost but also excels in ways spray foam cannot. It blocks 97% of radiant heat and eliminates condensation, keeping your pole barn dry, energy-efficient, and comfortable year-round. It’s like getting a five-star meal at a drive-thru price.
Installation Flexibility
Spray foam is challenging to apply in existing buildings without professional help. Prodex Total is DIY-friendly and easy to install, even in fully constructed pole barns. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist—or even a handyman—to get this right.
Condensation Control
Spray foam may seal gaps, but it struggles to address the root cause of condensation in pole barns. Prodex Total goes beyond sealing by blocking 97% of radiant heat, a critical factor in condensation control. By creating an envelope within the building—a warmer interior surface that doesn’t allow the indoor climate to directly contact the metal sheeting—Prodex prevents moisture from forming on cool surfaces. Unlike spray foam, which can trap pockets of moisture and allow condensation to persist, Prodex eliminates condensation entirely by addressing both heat transfer and vapor infiltration. The result? A dry, comfortable space free from the harmful effects of rust, mold, and mildew.
Weight and Handling
Spray foam requires specialized equipment and can be messy to apply. Prodex Total is lightweight, easy to handle, and simple to install. It’s hassle-free insulation at its best.
Key Benefits of Prodex Total
1. Prevent Condensation: Prodex Total excels at eliminating moisture issues by creating a warmer interior surface above the dew point. Think of it as a raincoat for your pole barn—but much cooler.
2. Stop Heat Transfer: Blocking 97% of radiant energy, Prodex ensures your barn stays cool in summer and warm in winter. R-value is the measure of an insulation material's ability to resist heat transfer—the higher the R-value, the better the performance. By preventing heat from escaping in the winter, Prodex helps maintain a warmer indoor environment, reducing energy costs and improving comfort. It acts like a temperature bodyguard, protecting against extreme heat or cold.
3. Air Barrier: By blocking air flow, Prodex reduces drafts and stabilizes indoor temperatures, creating a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment. An effective air barrier like Prodex Total also enhances safety in the event of a fire by helping to limit the spread of toxic smoke and gases. By separating conditioned spaces from garages or other areas where fumes might accumulate, Prodex provides an additional layer of protection for both the building's integrity and its occupants. Say goodbye to sneaky breezes and hello to peace of mind.
4. Deaden Sound: Whether it’s the sound of rain or hail pelting your barn’s metal roof, Prodex Total minimizes noise to create a quieter, more peaceful environment. Silence never felt so insulating.
5. Pest Deterrence: Rodents, bugs, and birds find no home here. Prodex Total’s foil-facing is inhospitable to pests, ensuring a clean and safe space.
6. Easy Installation: Lightweight, flexible, and compact, Prodex Total is designed for quick and hassle-free installation. Whether your pole barn is brand-new or already standing, you’ll feel like a DIY superstar.
7. Vapor Barrier: Acting as a Class 1 vapor barrier (perm < 0.1), Prodex Total prevents moisture infiltration. This critical feature safeguards against condensation and rust, keeping your pole barn dry and secure.
8. Mold and Mildew Resistance: Prodex Total is highly resistant to mold and mildew, ensuring a healthier environment for your pole barn. Its closed-cell polyethylene foam structure does not support the growth of fungi, including species such as:
- Aspergillus niger
- Aspergillus avus
- Aspergillus versicolor
- Penicillium funiculosum
- Chaetomium globosum
By eliminating the conditions that promote fungal growth, Prodex protects your building from the damaging effects of mold and mildew, such as unpleasant odors, structural decay, and potential health hazards. With Prodex Total, you can trust that your pole barn will stay clean, safe, and mold-free without the drama
9. Leak Prevention: By sealing tightly around nails and screws, Prodex Total prevents leaks and ensures long-term protection against the elements. It’s as watertight as your barn deserves.
10. Lightweight Yet Durable: Unlike heavy or bulky alternatives, Prodex Total combines lightweight design with high durability. This makes handling and installation a breeze while offering long-lasting performance.
11. Cost-Effective: Prodex Total provides top-tier insulation benefits at a fraction of the cost of spray foam, saving you money while enhancing performance.
Why Prodex Total is the Best Pole Barn Insulation
- High Performance: Maintains R-value in all conditions, unlike fiberglass and spray foam.
- Cost-Effective: Provides top-tier benefits at an affordable price.
- Multi-Functionality: Combines the roles of thermal insulation, vapor barrier, air barrier, and radiant barrier in one product.
- Versatility: Suitable for walls, ceilings, and even retrofitting existing pole barns.
Conclusion
When it comes to pole barn insulation, Prodex Total stands head and shoulders above the competition. Unlike fiberglass, it resists moisture, maintains its R-value in all conditions, and deters pests. Unlike spray foam, it’s cost-effective, lightweight, and easy to install. With Prodex Total, you get an all-in-one solution that blocks radiant heat, eliminates condensation, and creates a comfortable, energy-efficient environment year-round. It will keep your building warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry all the time.
Pole Barn Insulation Rolls 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.
BLACK 5M Plus: R15.0
Thickness: 5mm (0.2") closed cell polyethylene foam with reflective reinforced foil on one side and plastic white finish film on the other side.
UNDER CONCRETE 5M
Thickness: 5mm (0.2") closed cell polyethylene foam with reflective on one side.
Ideal for driveways, radiant floor and basements.
Bubble Insulation In A Pole 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.
Fiberglass Moisture Issues In a Pole Building
If you use fiberglass as your pole building, you will have moisture issues (hidden behind facing), Loss of R-value (consequence of the moisture b) and heat gain from radiant heat transfer.
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 structure 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).
Take a look at the white vinyl facing the next time you're in a pole barn - 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. If you insist on using fiberglass, use it in conjunction with Prodex Total, so the Prodex can keep the moisture out of the fiberglass.
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 pole barn.
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.
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 Pole Barn Insulation
Fiberglass Pole Barn Insulation Pricing
Spray Foam Insulation Won't Stop Radiant Heat Transfer
In addition to being very expensive, spray foam insulation won't prevent radiant heat transfer (the primary source of heat-flow in and out of your metal building). Without a radiant barrier, when your roof gets hot it radiates solar-generated heat down. This often results in it being hotter in your building or house than out. It's also suggested you supplement open cell foam with a vapor barrier. Why not get the vapor barrier all in one product?
Buy With Confidence
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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 orders totaling more than 5 billion square feet of insulation sold.
Yes. Without it, you’ll have an unhabitable building, Insulation in a pole barn regulates the temperature, prevents condensation, blocks noise and reduces energy costs.
The primary need for pole barn insulation is to stop heat, cold, condensation and air.
A pole barn insulation blanket is made of fiberglass. This commonly used insulation has white vinyl facing. It comes in 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-foot widths. The thickness ranges from 3 to 6 inches. Prodex Total can be used as a supplemental insulation with the blanket. Prodex Total will a protect the blanket from moisture and prevent radiant heat transfer.
See our Insulation Calculator, which is available at the top section of all the pages.
Roll pricing is on every product page. Discount volume pricing is in the shopping cart.
Yes. Pole barn insulation will increase the value of your building. It will protect its contents. I will reduce your energy costs.
Virtually all our customers install themselves. With a good screw or staple gun, you're halfway there. Measure, cut and screw. That’s basically it.
Some say you can never have enough R. A more appropriate answer is: The amount of R-value you seek will depend on your climate. It’s important that you don’t lose R due to moisture. Unfortunately, fiberglass loses R when introduced to moisture. That’s why it’s so important that if you do use fiberglass, that you supplement it with Prodex to protect it from moisture and to also stop radiant heat transfer.
Prodex Total will keep your pole barn cool in the summer, warm in the winter and dry all the time.
Prodex Total 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 lb/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 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.
The R-value of Prodex Total 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.
With plans in hand to build a 4,600+ sq' custom designed barn the last thing I wanted was a beautiful barn with the constant condensation drip that goes with metal roofing/siding and temperature changes. I've seen way too many barns, outbuildings and commercial buildings that have structural water damage and staining and/or rust as well as damp interiors and damage or degradation to stored items like hay, tack and tools from the regular drip of condensation. I couldn't find a product that had the qualities or guarantees I wanted until I stumbled across Prodex insulation during an internet search. It seemed to have all the qualities I was looking for so I took the plunge and ordered enough 72" Prodex to do the entire building shell, 7200 sq' plus the recommended tape. It's easy to handle and installed easily. It's also a tough material and didn't blow off in the wind if I didn't get the metal on it immediately. I believe it has helped to keep the interior of my building significantly cooler than it would have been otherwise and I have had none of the condensation issues I've seen elsewhere. I will recommend it be installed in every barn, outbuilding or similar project I build and have even been asked for an installation quote by someone with an unprotected barn to remove their roofing and siding and re-install the metal over Prodex after they saw how well this recent project performed. I waited a while to post this review so I could see how it performed through the summer/fall/winter temperature changes and it has exceeded my expectations in every regard.
In addition to the great product at what I now feel is a very reasonable price for how it performs, I also got excellent customer service when I needed it most. I found the product while the project was under way when I had to replace another substrate material I was sold by the metal roofing company. A close review of the warranty information for the rolled good they provided showed it to be improper and unsuitable for my type of construction. It's warranty information said it could only be installed over sheet goods and I already had purlin/strapping style framing 2' on center mostly installed. I returned it improper material, initiated my internet search then decided on, and ordered, the Prodex. The insulation shipped same day and arrived quickly but some of the material was significantly damaged by the trucking company during transportation. As this barn was going to be the site of a large wedding reception, the project delivery date was absolutely inflexible and a lot of people would be disappointed if the project wasn't complete on time. Kathy at I4L immediately saw to it that the damaged product was replaced via FedEx within just a few days so my job's progress wasn't slowed down in the least. We finished on time and delivered the building to the bride and groom for their finishing touches with a few days to spare thanks to Kathy and her prompt attention to my service needs. I am a 100% satisfied Customer/Owner/Builder. Tip for consumers: The insulation4less website is self-serve without call center for most part but no worry, Additional service, if needed, is excellent. Order with confidence.
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