Mini Storage Building Materials: The Importance of Proper Installation

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Mini Storage Building MaterialsThe way mini storage facilities are constructed has undergone major changes in the past decade or so. In the past the vast majority of mini storage facilities were cinder block cubes with overhead doors on them. Though these were cheap to build and reasonably secure they didn’t really provide much by way of insulation, which is so important in a place like Toronto. Today, however, insulated metal panels are here to reduce construction times, improve the environment within the storage facility and ultimately improve the profitability of the storage facility itself. It’s crucial however that this type of construction be carried out by experienced, qualified professionals.

The Revolution in Mini Storage Building Materials

Metal insulated panels like those from Eco Insulated Panels enable you to construct your facility quickly and make for a safe, comfortable, energy efficient space with a host of advantages over the old, cold cinder block units. Proper installation of these types of mini storage building materials is vital because improper installation could lead to a variety of problems including:

  • Loss of environmental control – A lot of companies have tried to jump on the insulated metal panel bandwagon but have precious little idea what they’re doing. As a result they sell you poorly designed panels and then do a poor job of installation. When this happens there’s a loss of control over the interior environment and one of your biggest selling points is nullified.
  • Loss of security – Inexperienced installers of insulated panels will often fail to match the component parts with any precision, leaving gaps in the walls that not only compromise environmental control but create a security risk that could be exploited by an enterprising criminal. In such cases the building owner (that would be you) will almost always be held accountable.
  • Wasted money – One of the main selling points of metal insulated panel construction is how quickly the facility can be built when the company knows what it’s doing. When a company is trying to learn on the fly with these mini storage building materials however, they typically make mistakes that wind up costing you money.
  • Wasted time – When mistakes are made with the installation of building materials it can delay the opening of your facility by a significant amount. And all the time you’re not open for business is time you’re not making money. The best way to avoid this type of snafu is to make sure you always enlist the services of Eco Insulated Panels to create your mini storage building.

When you’re trying to get your mini storage facility off the ground you need to be sure that it’s properly constructed and all components of the structure have been properly installed. This is particularly true when it comes to metal insulated panels. These state-of-the-art materials, when installed by the pros at Eco Insulated Panels, will help you create an attractive, energy efficient storage facility that is safe from both intruders and intrusive environmental conditions. Give us a ring to find out more.

Comparing Structurally Insulated Roof Panels to Regular Roof Panels

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Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in CanadaNowadays people are doing all they can in order to conserve energy – whether it’s for the planet or for the wallet. Advances have been made all over the home to try and improve insulation, and structurally insulated roof panels in Canada have proven to be popular. Here’s a guide on what they are, and how they compare to regular roof panels.

What are Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in Canada?

Structurally insulated panels, or SIPs, are a form of sandwich panel that has become more and more popular in construction due to their effectiveness compared to regular roof panels. Resembling an ice cream sandwich, the two outside pieces are usually some sort of rigid wooden board whereas the “ice cream” filling is usually an effective, lightweight insulator like Styrofoam, polystyrene or another similar material.

Benefits of Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in Canada

These kinds of roof panels come with a range of benefits.

  • Perhaps the greatest benefit is just how effective they are when it comes to energy efficiency. Given that they are layered, there’s greater heat retention than conventional wooden panels. Both the outer and inner parts of structurally insulated roof panels are effective at retaining heat, and so when they are used together it well outperforms conventional roof panels in this regard.
  • Not only does that help to keep your property warmer, it can help to save you money too. By minimizing heat loss through the roof, this means you won’t have to run your heating as long or as high, saving on your fuel costs and eventually paying for themselves.
  • A further way that they can save money is in labour costs. SIPs are lighter than regular roof panels and easier to install, meaning fewer men are needed to install them and that the job should be completed much quicker than you might have expected.
  • Not only that, but they come with a high life expectancy of around 50 years. Given that they are airtight, this reduces the possibility of mold occurring on your roof or the elements causing problems such as nail pops or twisting and warping.

Drawbacks of Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in Canada

Whilst they are a quality product, they do come with some drawbacks that you should be aware of.

  • Whilst it may be rare, it’s not unheard of for rodents and insects to bore through the lightweight centre of SIPs, causing potential problems, thought applying insecticides and keeping humidity levels low can help prevent this.
  • Performance during fires is also a concern, fearing they may be less effective than regular roof panels. However, covering them with a substance like gypsum can help them perform better.
  • They’re more expensive than regular panels.

Cost vs. Quality

When it comes to deciding on roof panels for your property, it comes down to cost vs quality. Whilst regular roof panels may be cheaper, SIPs perform better and have more benefits which helps justify their cost – but in the end, that choice is yours to make

Industrial Building Insulation: How It Differs

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.