Industrial Building Insulation: How It Differs

industrial building insulationThere’s no doubt that you’ll have heard all about the different benefits that industrial building insulation can provide, but it’s important to note that there are several different kinds of insulation, all with different properties providing different benefits. Here’s a short guide on the differences between the different kinds of insulation.

Different Types of Industrial Building Insulation

  • Blanket Batt and Roll Insulation

Typically made from fiberglass, this kind of insulation is normally used to insulate walls, ceilings and attics and can be trimmed to fit, meaning it is versatile when it is compared to other kinds of insulation and it won’t leave gaps. Not only is it easy to fit, it can also reduce the amount of energy it takes to warm or cool your property by up to 50%. However, it should not be installed where it would come into contact with moisture, ruling it out for some properties.

  • Rigid Foam Insulation

Unlike batt insulation, rigid foam insulation is water resistant, meaning it’s unrestricted when it comes to placement. Not only that, but it comes with a high R value, meaning that this kind is amongst the best when it comes to providing effective insulation for your property. However, unlike batt insulation, it can leave gaps and needs to be taped together in an attempt to combat these gaps. It’s also susceptible to UV rays, which will damage it over time.

  • Concrete

Concrete is incredibly effective when it comes to insulating the outside world from noises that occur within it, making it perfect for properties such as factories. Not only that, but the fact it is concrete means that you won’t have to worry about termites, moisture or mold having an effect on the quality and strength of this kind of industrial building insulation. However, it’s much heavier than other kinds of insulation and can also cost more too.

  • Spray Foam

Spray foam is a great option when it comes to filling in every nook and cranny of your property. With a high R value and great ease of insulation, there’s no surprise that it’s proven to be so popular. However, it’s not a cheap option, and could lead to problems down the line. Over time, its effectiveness wanes and it can become a hazard, meaning it needs a touch-up every now and again. Not only that, but it can be messy if not done right.

  • Loose Fill Insulation

Often made from recycled newspapers and other recycled materials, this is a green option that results in less air leakage and is easily installed, whilst also being an effective insulator to boot. However, it can succumb to mold.

Pick the Right One

When it comes to industrial building insulation, as you can see there are several factors to take into account. Whether it’s sound or heat insulation you’re after, or depending on the use of the property, some will work better than others, which is why it’s important for you to do your homework properly before making your decision.

5 Questions to Ask a Commercial Building Insulation Supplier

Commercial Building Insulation Commercial building insulation is a great product. Not only will it help to keep your building warmer, it can also save you money in the process. However, these things can only be achieved if you get a product that’s suitable for your needs. With that in mind, here are some questions to ask your supplier.

Commercial Building Insulation – 5 things to Ask Your Supplier

  1. “Can you fit it too?”

All too often today businesses source their materials from one company and hire another to come along to fit it. This is bad for two reasons. Firstly, their schedules may be different, meaning you’ve got a bunch of materials taking up space whilst you wait a few weeks for your fitting guys to come along and finish the job. Secondly, you’re likely to be paying a lot more for this inconvenience. That’s why it’s important to ask if your supplier can fit it, or if they know someone who can – you’ll get the job done quicker, and for less.

  1. “Have you done a job like mine before?”

This is a key question to ask for several reasons. You can gauge their suitability for your needs and if they have the right experience for you and your property. For example, whilst they may have done a great job with a farm and stables, that’s a whole different ball game compared to a factory. See if they’re up to the job and eliminate any potential headaches down the road.

  1. “Can I see examples of your work?”

You’d be surprised how many people don’t ask this question, yet it’s so important. You wouldn’t buy a house you haven’t seen, so why purchase commercial building insulation you haven’t seen? By paying a visit to previous jobs you can gauge the quality of the materials and finish, which will help you decide on picking the right supplier.

  1. “What can it do for me?”

By asking this question, you can be sure on what exactly it is you’re getting. This is important because not all insulations are the same, with some being better at noise insulation, and others performing better when it comes to hot and cold. By having your supplier tell you exactly what the product can do for you, you can be sure that you’re purchasing the right commercial building insulation for your needs.

  1. “What will be the final cost?”

Whatever you do, make sure you get a final cost in writing. Too often, people are surprised to see charges like delivery and storage included on their final bill, so make sure that you get your supplier to tell you the final cost so you can budget for it and avoid any nasty surprises.

You’re Good to Go

As long as you take notice of the questions above, you’ll be good to go. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking about price, performance and quality – it’s your property at the end of the day and it’s only natural that you’ll want the best for it.

Top 5 FAQs About Industrial Building Insulation

Industrial building insulation In an age of resource depletion, global markets and climate change the stresses that have come to bear on industrial building practices are intense. No more so than when it comes to building insulation and the best way to achieve that. After all, it’s a building’s energy efficiency that will determine not only its carbon footprint but its operational cost as well. In this post we’re going to look at 5 common FAQs regarding industrial building insulation.

Industrial Building Insulation: Common Questions

Let’s get right into it shall we?

  1. Can the facing of my insulation be painted? – Sure. You can paint the facing of your insulation, but why would you want to? In order to maximize the effectiveness of your insulation it should be sealed within the wall, not used as a finish element. Spend a few dollars more and get both a more appealing building and a higher degree of effectiveness from your insulation. Keep in mind too that painting the face may undermine its fire rating.
  1. Does fiberglass insulation get ruined if it gets wet? – If wet fiberglass insulation is allowed to fully dry and recover its thickness it’s possible it may recover its R-value. It is however, devilishly difficult to determine if the insulation has dried completely and, if there were contaminants in the water, these may also undermine the ability of the fiberglass to recover its R-value. As a general rule, fiberglass insulation that got wet during a flood should be replaced.
  1. What do I need to consider before insulating a metal building? – If your building is in a particularly damp location fiberglass may not be your best choice. The purpose of the building will also drive insulation considerations. If the building is occupied you’ll need plenty of first class insulation. If it’s just used to store construction equipment you can cut back on the insulation a bit.
  1. How should insulation materials be stored before using? – Leaving insulation lying around the jobsite while other processes are completed is never a great idea. Still, it happens. If it happens on your jobsite it’s essential that the insulation materials be stored in a safe, dry place. You should also avoid storing insulation directly on the ground or moving it too often since it can be compromised by repeated moving.
  1. What are metal insulated panels? – Until recently SOPs called for constructing a building’s shell and then filling that shell with insulation. Metal insulated panels however, allow you to eliminate several steps in the construction of your metal building, including having to add industrial building insulation after the fact. With metal insulated panels you simply lock them together using the groove joints and the assembled sections create a fully insulated, airtight envelope.

Industrial building insulation is one of the most important considerations you’ll need to weigh when planning your new building. When you use metal insulated panels from Eco-Insulated Panel Manufacturing solutions to complex issues of industrial insulation have already been engineered directly into the panels saving you time and money.

What You Need to Know Before Buying Commercial Building Insulation

commercial building insulation Building codes are pretty clear: if it’s not a 1, 2 or 3 family dwelling then it’s some form of commercial building. But while building codes separate residential from commercial structures the fact is, when it comes to insulation, both residential and commercial structures must satisfy the same requirements. They must be sufficiently air sealed and meet current government standards regarding energy efficiency. There are several methods of insulation that will result in a structure meeting these requirement and in this post we’re going to look at the most effective ones.

Commercial Building Insulation for Different Types of Buildings

When considering commercial building insulation you need to be sure of two things: that the building is properly sealed against air leakage and that the insulation meets current government standards. Here are the most common forms of commercial construction and which types of insulation would be best for each.

Wood

The number of wood framed commercial structures is relatively low because the potential for a nasty failure is greater the larger the wood structure gets. But even with something modest like a 4 storey wood hotel, if there was air leakage or insufficient insulation in the walls and a pipe froze and burst the potential damage both short and long term could be significant. Nonetheless commercial wood structures do get built and for most of them spray foam insulation should be sufficient.

Masonry

Masonry walls made of cinder block, brick or concrete are very durable and strong but do not provide insulation in and of themselves. Insulation must be added after the fact to bring them up to code. This insulation may be added either on the exterior or interior of the masonry wall. While it’s possible to use blanket insulation on a masonry wall spray foam is more common because it’s better at filling cavities and easier to apply.

Metal

Simply put metal buildings are affordable, take less time to build, are extremely versatile and easy to maintain. If they have a drawback it’s that they’re highly conductive. Without a generous layer of insulation the metal wall will allow enormous amounts of cold and heat to pass through to the building’s interior. Vinyl-covered blanket insulation is a common form of commercial building insulation in metal buildings although there are those who prefer polyurethane spray foam. However, if you are truly interested in creating a metal building there is a better way.

Insulated Panel Construction

Metal insulated panels will provide the ironclad strength you want from a metal structure as well as reduced build time and one more thing as well. Because they are prefabricated, single units with superior thermal insulation capabilities built in, there is no need to engage in after-the-fact retrofitting of blanket insulation or messy and expensive spray foam. Simply lock the groove joints together to create an airtight seal that forms a unified thermal envelope around the entire structure.

To learn more about commercial building insulation and the capabilities of Eco-Insulated Panels call us toll free on 1-855-838-9393. We’re here to help.

Choosing the Right Mini Storage Building Materials and the Impact that Can Have

mini storage building materials When you embark on the construction of a new mini storage facility one of the primary considerations will be which type of material you should use to build it. It’s a question that until recently had a number of potential answers any of which were perfectly reasonable. Because of the advent of metal insulated panel technology, however, the number of reasonable answers has been greatly reduced.

Mini Storage Building Materials: The Choices

As we stated above metal insulated panels have pushed many older mini storage building materials aside in recent years. Still there are a few old fashioned materials that continue to be used including:

  • Concrete Blocks: Storage facilities built of concrete blocks dot the North American landscape. There was a time when they were the defacto choice of building material for this type of structure because they were relatively cheap and the alternatives were few. You’ll still find some new mini storage facilities built from concrete blocks but there numbers are diminishing.
  • 26 Gauge Metal Panelling: Many self-storage facilities today are constructed using 26 gauge metal panelling attached to a framework. Inside, insulation is added after the fact with a finish layer over the insulation. This method is typically faster than building with concrete blocks but there are potentially a number of different trades involved that can run up the cost. Also, creating a shell that is both energy efficient and airtight is a challenge not everyone is up to.

The Rise of Insulated Metal Panels

While concrete blocks and metal panelling continue to be fairly common mini storage building materials their use is declining due to the rise of metal insulated panels. Simply put their advantages extend to every aspect of building and maintenance including:

  • Faster builds – You’ll enjoy a much faster build as single piece insulated metal panels are simply locked together on site to form a completed, fully insulated and airtight shell. No miscommunication between trades causing problems with the finished product.
  • Superior insulation – Each metal panel comes completely insulated with Roxul R-value: 3.6/in, and EPS R-Value: 4.04/in. The panels lock snugly together using discrete fasteners to form a stable interior environment perfect for the needs of a mini storage facility.
  • Real savings – You’ll enjoy lower installation costs as insulated metal panels have a formidable strength to weight ratio that allows for wider spans. Having fewer trades involved also means measurable savings in labour while operation and maintenance cost are greatly reduced as well.
  • Design Versatility – Insulated metal panels come in a wide variety of finishes and colours along with a plethora of different accessories and trims. Keep it strictly modern or go gothic. It’s all possible with metal insulated panels.

The building of mini storage facilities today has become simpler and more affordable than ever as old mini storage building materials have taken a back seat to metal insulated panels from Eco-Insulated Panel Manufacturing. Give us a call on 1.855.838.9393 to find out more.

Advice When Soliciting Quotes for Insulated Metal Panels

Insulated Metal Panels in CanadaWith all the advantages they offer over more traditional materials insulated metal panels (IMPs) still have a kind of ‘other’ status. This is mostly because people aren’t familiar with them the way they are with say, asphalt shingles or plywood and siding. As they grab a larger and larger share of the market this outsider status will no doubt change. Until it does however, here are some things to keep in mind when soliciting quotes for insulated metal panels in Canada.

Be Smart When Purchasing Insulated Metal Panels in Canada

IMPs aren’t just for roofs anymore. All manner of structure from churches to houses can be constructed from these amazing 21st century building materials. But whether you’re interested in building a home or business or just replacing your current roof with IMPs there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind when soliciting quotes.

  • All insulated metal panels are not the same – IMPs vary by type of metal, gauge (thickness of the metal), type and quality of finish and type and quality of insulation. Any of these factors will affect the durability of the finished product as well as its ability to insulate. If someone tries to tell you all insulated metal panels are the same you have to question either their motives or their knowledge of the product, or both.
  • Learn something about the company before accepting a quote – Before you bother to spend your time considering a company’s quote ask them how long they’ve been in the business and if they can supply you some examples of their IMPs in action. Ask them if they also handle the installation as well as manufacturing and sales as it might pay to have one company handle all aspects of your project.
  • Don’t be bowled over by an amazing price – You wouldn’t buy a car based solely on price and the same should apply to IMPs. If one company’s panels are markedly cheaper than those of another company there’s a reason for it. They’re either using cheaper insulation or lighter gauge metal that is less corrosion resistant or the finish is simply not up to snuff. If someone comes in with a lowball bid get them to justify it.
  • Make sure you ask about the right material – Finally, there are a number of factors that go into selecting the right IMPs for your job. Everything from combustibility to moisture resistance to thermal resistance and dimensional stability will need to be considered. So too will corrosion resistance, compressive strength and more.

When soliciting quotes for your building project make sure the company you choose specializes in IMPs, that they have an established reputation for making quality products and selling them for a fair price and that they stand by the products they sell.

Eco-insulated Panel Manufacturing Inc makes some of the most dependable, long-lasting insulated metal panels in Canada. We use only the highest quality metals and insulation for our panels and fasteners and always strive to provide our customers the best possible price.

 

Common Mistakes Made When Buying Structurally Insulated Roof Panels

structurally insulated roof panels in CanadaA structurally insulated roof panel is a panel composed of two layers of metal or another rigid material sandwiching a thick layer of rigid insulation. Structural insulated roof panels serve a variety of functions simultaneously and eliminate the need for having several different trades involved in your building project. Simplicity aside people still make mistakes when purchasing structurally insulated roof panels (SIRP) and in this post we’ll look at a few of those mistakes.

Structurally Insulated Roof Panels Canada: The Devil’s in the Details

Here are 5 of the most common mistakes people make when buying structurally insulated roof panels in Canada for their home or business.

  • Not making sure the fasteners are compatible – Using the wrong type of fastener can and will lead to the SIRP coming loose and/or a negative reaction between incompatible metal types in the fastener and roof panel. It’s crucial to make sure you’ve got the right type of fastener and that you don’t simply grab the first thing that looks good.
  • Failing to specify a colour – In some cases the solar heat absorbed by the outer layer on the SIRP may be significant enough – and the temperature difference between it and the inner layer great enough – that stress can come to bear on the panel as a whole. The situation can be exacerbated by using the wrong colour on the outer layer; one that absorbs heat rather than reflecting it. Make sure you specify the colour early on in the process.
  • Ignoring the manufacturer’s joinery guidelines – In order for structurally insulated roof panels to do their job as an effective air and water barrier as well as insulator the quality of the joinery is critical. Some manufacturers use proprietary joinery systems that can be quite detailed. Ignoring the manufacturer’s joinery guidelines and purchasing any old sealant or gaskets for instance will likely result in joint failure and worse.
  • Failing to account for expansion/contraction – The nature of their construction means SIRPs can be more susceptible to expansion and contraction than other construction materials like masonry or wood. This movement must be accounted for in the overall design and will influence the size of the panels and the joints between them. Failure to do so could again lead to failure of the panel system as a whole.
  • Buying SIRPs with an insufficient R-value – Since SIRPs can be up to 90% more airtight than conventional roofing techniques and materials their ability to insulate is sometimes overestimated and customers will wind up with panels with an inadequate R-value. Make sure you consult closely with the manufacturer to determine the proper R-value for your panels before purchasing.

Structurally insulated roof panels are revolutionizing the construction trades in Canada. But the fact that they seem so straightforward and simple often masks important considerations that should not be taken for granted or forgotten when purchasing SIRPs for your home or business. Talk to the insulated roof panel experts at Eco-Insulated Panel Manufacturing to learn more about structurally insulated roof panels in Canada.

Fiber Insulated Roof Panels and Why the Roof is the Main Risk to Energy Loss

fiber insulated roof panels As much as 40% of your heating costs are associated in one way or another with your roof. This is due to the basic scientific fact that heat rises and so much of the heat you generate to warm the lower floors eventually winds up rising to and escaping through your roof. The rising of heat within the home creates a sort of chimney effect which draws more cold air into the house. The more heat that’s lost through the roof the more cold air gets pulled into the house, the more you’ll have to spend heating that cold air.

Fiber Insulated Roof Panels and Why You Want a Properly Insulated Roof

  • The problem – It’s estimated that as many as ¾ of all buildings, whether homes or commercial establishments, have insufficient insulation in the roof. With so many roofs poorly insulated it may seem that the subject of roof insulation is simply too complex for most builders to fathom. But in reality most roofs are poorly insulated because it’s cheaper to build them that way. The need for proper insulation is actually pretty easy to understand.
  • Wintertime insulation – As we mentioned much of the heat you pay so dearly for rises up through your house and escapes through your roof. As it does in sucks in cold air on the lower floors to take its place; cold air that you then have to heat up before it too winds up escaping through the roof. It’s a vicious, expensive cycle. Installing fiber insulated roof panels will bring much of this heat loss to an abrupt end.
  • Summertime insulation – If you have an attic in your home you know how hot they can get in the summertime. This is due to poor insulation in the roof. As the attic heats up the ceiling of the floor below heats up causing the room to heat up causing the air conditioning system to have to work harder. Installing insulated roof panels will prevent the upper reaches of your home from becoming heat engines that tax your air conditioning system.
  • Don’t stop with the roof – If you’re serious about preventing heat loss through the roof you’ll want to make sure the entire attic is properly insulated – that’s floor, walls, everything – and that the windows in the attic are new, double-pane and sealed up tight to prevent heat escaping through and around them as well. With the 1-2 punch of a properly insulated roof and attic you’ll be shutting down the chimney effect for good.

Insulated roof panels will provide you with the highest degree of air tight insulation you can achieve through normal construction methods. Once your roof is properly sealed and insulated against the elements you’ll begin to see drastic reductions in your monthly energy bills and a drastic increase in the overall comfort of your home.

For top quality fiber insulated roof panels contact Eco-Insulation Panel Manufacturing. We’re leading the way in the adoption of this remarkable, breakthrough construction technique and we can help turn your London property into a paragon of energy efficiency.

Several Ways in Which You Will Benefit Financially from Styrofoam Insulated Roof Panels

Styrofoam insulated roof panelsInsulated roof panels are some of the most sophisticated building materials available today. Deceptively simple in both concept and construction they offer high-quality insulation, ease of installation, lightweight construction and legendary durability. Insulated roof panels can make the difference between a comfortable home environment and one where sweaters and heavy wool socks are required indoors for months at a time. But that’s not all. Styrofoam insulated roof panels:

  • Are easy to install, requiring the services of fewer expensive tradesmen.
  • Provide air tight seal against the cold and shut down the chimney effect.
  • Resist infiltration by insects and other unwanted guests.
  • Will never need to be replaced during your lifetime.

Financial Advantages of Styrofoam Insulated Roof Panels

Insulated roof panels and their cousins, insulated wall panels, have taken the construction industry by storm forcing older companies to adapt and newer companies to prove their mettle when it comes to the manufacturing and installation of these breakthrough products. As with most progress their success is driven in large part by their financial viability. On the homeowner’s side of the equation that financial viability takes several forms including:

  • Reduced heating bills – Once 40% of your heat stops leaking out through your poorly insulated roof you’ll see immediate and substantial reductions in the cost of heating your home. And while it’s true that home heating costs are lower at the moment you can bet your bottom dollar they aren’t going to stay that way for very much longer. Once they do begin their inevitable rise once again, you’ll be prepared.
  • Reduced air conditioning costs – A properly sealed roof not only means less heat escaping in the winter but less heat intruding during the summer. The cumulative effect of heat rising through the home and radiating through the roof in the summertime can turn your upper floors into a virtual sauna that will put enormous strain on your home’s air conditioning system and cost you money. Insulated roof panels will put an end to that waste.
  • Save on installation – Building a new roof in the traditional manner calls for the involvement of several different building trades working for weeks and sometimes months at a time. By contrast creating a new roof using styrofoam insulated roofing panels can be done, start to finish, by a single crew over the course of a weekend or two.
  • Save on maintenance – Shingled roofs typically need to be replaced every 10-15 years. They may also need to be remade following a severe weather event or if you’re thinking of putting your home on the market. Styrofoam insulated panels by contrast, will last a lifetime and won’t require any regular or costly maintenance in order to do so.

Styrofoam insulated roof panels from Eco-Insulated Panel Manufacturing are the fast, easy, affordable way to keep your home looking great while also reducing your carbon footprint and helping to leave a better world for the kids. If you’ve decided it’s time to remake your roof give us a call and learn more about how this simple but revolutionary product can benefit you.

Would Structurally Insulated Roof Panels Be Suitable for Your Home?

If you are building a new home, it is definitely worth doing some research on structural insulated panels (SIPs) to see if they would be a good choice of roofing material. If your home was built many years ago and the roof is beginning to show its age, SIPs are also worth considering as a replacement for the existing tiles or shingles. Many homeowners avoid using metal roof panels because they assume that they would look too “industrial” but with the choice of colours and finishes available today, this is simply not the case.

Why Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in Canada Are Becoming More Popular.

Insulated metal roof panels have been around for decades, but recently they have become considerably more popular with owners of domestic properties across Canada. There are a number of reasons why, and a read through the most commonly cited should help you to decide whether structurally insulated roof panels are suitable for your roof or not.

  1. Longevity – High quality steel roofing panels can literally last a lifetime, making them a great choice for those who would rather spend their money on other things other than home maintenance.
  2. Aesthetics – Modern structurally insulated roof panels in Canada are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, along with profiles and trims that can be used to enhance their visual appeal. If you have been holding back from using metal panels on your roof because of aesthetic concerns, now would be a good time to check out the range of structurally insulated roof panels currently available in Canada.
  3. Long-Term Cost Benefits – Although insulated metal panels are far from the cheapest option as far as domestic roofing materials are concerned, their durability makes them one of the most cost effective options when considered in the long term. Unlike clay tiles, asphalt shingles or wood, high quality steel with integral insulation will not deteriorate appreciably over the years.
  4. Insulating Properties – Airtight joins and highly efficient insulation material makes structurally insulated roof panels very effective at keeping heat in during the winter and keeping it out during the summer.

To summarise: if you are looking for a high quality roofing material that looks good, will last for many decades, is inexpensive and easy to maintain, and will help you to save on your utility bills, structurally insulated roof panels in Canada should be at the top of your list. Please contact us at 1-855-838-9393 or info@londonecometal.com.