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Barndominium Insulation : Everything You Need to Know in 2024

A close-up view of a spray foam insulation application in progress.
A spray foam insulation. Image via Pexel.com

Do you want your home to regulate temperature efficiently? Do you despise having cold walls in your home when the temperature outdoors drops? Are you interested in keeping the outdoor noise outside of your home? If you answer yes to these questions, you have come to the right place. 

This article is all about insulation, a crucial part of a barndominium that helps create a comfortable living space. We will look into various materials that could be the ideal barrier between the interior and exterior of metal buildings. We will see to it that you don’t have to keep your air-conditioner running in the summer and the furnace on in the winter.

How Does Barndominium Insulation Work?

Heat naturally flows towards cold. There are three ways in which heat transfers. These are conduction, convection, and radiation. Typical insulation materials work by reducing the conduction of heat.

It works similarly to how an oven mitt protects your hand from hot objects by keeping the heat away. In essence, insulation works by being a barrier that stops elements like noise, vibrations, and heat from propagating toward the other side. Properly insulated homes can regulate temperature well. 

This means your barndominium home is not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. In cold weather, you don’t have to turn on the heating all the time. When the weather is hot, good insulation ensures the heat stays outside the house, so you won’t need air-conditioning as much. 

If you have made it this far down the article and are unsure about the type of house I am talking about, don’t worry. You can check out our barndominium guide, which has everything you need to know about barndominiums.

Why Insulate Your Barndominium?

Other than adherence to your local building codes, there are several benefits to properly insulating your barndominium home. Some are obvious, as mentioned above; others, not so much. Below are some notable benefits of insulating your barndominium. 

Reduces Noise

The materials used in barndo insulation are extremely good at muffling sound vibrations. This means that outside noise is less likely to enter your home. In addition, sound from inside the house will remain indoors; this is an important privacy feature.

Provides a Vapor Barrier

Other than vibrations, some types of insulation, such as fiberglass batting, provide a vapor barrier. This helps prevent mold growth and wood rot due to condensation. Such preventive measures will help you save on potential repair costs in the future.

 A close-up image showcasing a layer of vapor insulation material.
Vapor insulation. Image via Pexel.com

Improves Energy Efficiency 

This is the most front-and-center benefit of barndo home insulation. Well-insulated barndos prevent heat from escaping through the roof, floor, and walls. In cold weather, your home’s precious heat stays inside. This will save utility costs because you don’t need to heat your house as much. Your home will essentially be more eco-friendly and wallet-friendly. 

Improves Comfort

Your barndominium interior should not only look good, but it should also be comfortable and cozy. Good insulation helps regulate the temperature of your home. This helps reduce drafts and cold areas around the house, resulting in a more consistent temperature throughout your home.

Speaking of interiors, you can follow our Instagram Page for interior design ideas to help you design your living space.

Adds Strength to the Structure

Some types of insulation, such as closed-cell foam, contribute to the rigidity of your home. The material fills up the cavities in the walls and locks itself into place. This results in more strength and durability of the frame.

What is the Best Insulation for Your Barndominium?

Barndominiums have a wide variety of design options and custom floor plan possibilities. The same goes for insulation options. There are several insulation types you can choose from. Some perform better than others, some are easier to install, and some are more expensive. Let’s look into a little more detail about the different insulation types.

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Spray Foam Insulation

In its liquid form, spray foam is sprayed, sometimes injected, into the wall cavity. This is a composite material formed when two chemicals mix. Within this material are tiny pockets, referred to as “cells”, that create air gaps to form a barrier. There are two types of spray foam insulation.

Open-cell foam insulation expands significantly compared to closed-cell spray foam insulation. They have more space in their tiny pockets, making them an effective barrier against air movement and sound vibrations. However, due to the open cells, they are more likely to absorb moisture from the air. Closed-cell foam insulation is more rigid because the cells are more densely packed. They are an effective barrier against moisture.

A close-up view of a spray foam insulation application in progress.
A spray foam insulation. Image via Pexel.com

Rigid Board Insulation

Rigid board insulation, also known as foam board insulation, is typically made from polyurethane. Like spray foam, this material has tiny air pockets that are great for reducing heat transfer. The difference is that they come in rigid panels that make them easier to fasten on the wall. Rigid foam boards offer superior insulation than most other materials, and many homeowners choose this type of insulation. While all of this sounds great, this type of insulation can be susceptible to moisture and condensation, so you have to make sure that the walls of your barndominium are well sealed. 

A photograph displaying a rigid board insulation installation.
A rigid board insulation. Image via Pexel.com

Blanket Batt Insulation

Blanket batt insulation can be made of fiberglass, mineral wool, plastic, and natural fibers. The materials needed are readily available and provide high insulating value. This type of insulation is known for its ease of installation. However, you must wear protective equipment as fiberglass is a lung and skin irritant. Blanket insulation and rolls are one of the cheapest and most common types of insulation. However, it is important to note that installing them on a barndominium home could be challenging as barndominiums have more spacing between the posts.

An image showing a blanket batt insulation installation. The insulation material consists of long, flexible sheets of insulation
A blanket batt insulation. Image via Pexel.com

Blown-In Insulation

Another common type of insulation is loose-fill insulation or blown-in insulation. This material is easy to work with as it can be blown into walls, ceilings, and attics without tearing down the structure. This makes them a perfect choice for small spaces where other forms of insulation are a hassle to install. This loose material is made of fiberglass, cellulose, or wool.

An image showcasing a blow-in insulation installation.
A blow in insulation. Image via Pexel.com

Radiant Barriers

Unlike other types of insulation that regulate the amount of thermal loss, radiant barriers work by reflecting heat. Materials with reflective properties, such as aluminum foils, are used for radiant barriers. They are often supported by backings such as cardboard, kraft paper, or a foam sheet. Radiant barriers are effective in warm climates, usually installed in attics. They help limit the heat outside from entering your home. In winter months, they aren’t effective on their own. As such, they are often combined with other insulation systems, such as foam.

An image featuring a radiant barrier installation.
Radiant barrier insulation. Image via Pexel.com

Structural Insulated Panels

Structural Insulated Panels, also known as SIPS, are another type of insulation you should consider for your barndominium. The panels have an insulating foam core sandwiched between two rigid boards. These factory-made panels are excellent at blocking noise, and their insulating capabilities are among the highest of all types of insulation. They can be more costly than other insulations, but the airtight seal of SIPS means that your barndo home is energy-efficient.

An image featuring the installation of structural insulated panels
Structural insulated panels. Image via Pexel.com

By joining our Facebook Group, you can ask other barndo owners about their types of insulation. Feedback from others can help you decide which type of insulation is best for you.

How to Choose the Best Insulation for Your Barndominium

Now that you know why barndominiums are insulated and the types of insulation available, we can now go over the things to look for and factors to consider when choosing the best insulation for your barndo.

Effectiveness

Thinking about the effectiveness of your insulation is paramount to choosing the best insulation. You need to make sure the insulation serves its purpose well. Different types of insulation provide different levels of R-value; this is how materials are rated on their ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating effectiveness.

Durability

Another important thing to consider is the durability of the material. How well would it hold over the years? Will it lose its effectiveness over time? You need to know the answers to these questions before you decide.

Cost

The cost is a huge factor in choosing your insulation as it will impact your overall barndominium cost. The type of material will affect the cost. As well as how much of the material you need. It is recommended that you don’t skimp out on your insulation. 

Choosing the cheapest option at the expense of quality could be costly in the long term. Understandably, sticking to a budget may be your priority. However, we recommend using superior insulation and including the cost in your overall budget. This information is important when you are planning on financing your barndominium.

Climate

Your local climate is also something you should take into account. Houses in California, Texas, and Florida have different insulation needs compared to houses in Montana or Washington. If you are building your barndominium in a place known for its harsh and cold climate, you need insulation with the highest R-value ratings.

Ease of Installation

Barndominium enthusiasts are known to go for DIY options. If you plan to install the insulation, consider the time and skill required to accomplish the task. How much insulation you need and how long it will take to install can also depend on your floor plan design. Having a good understanding of how to install will save you from potential problems.

How to Properly Insulate Your Barndominium

Now that you know how to choose the right insulation material, we will go over how to insulate your barndo home properly. First, make sure you have sealed all air leaks. Before installing the insulation, you need to check all gaps around the doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, and the gaps between the wall panels. Making sure your home is as airtight as possible will help prevent air from entering and escaping your home. 

Next, you can start installing insulation in walls and ceilings. Depending on the type of insulation you choose, you may need help from a professional to ensure this important step is done correctly. After that, you can start installing insulation on the floors. Barndominiums typically have a concrete slab foundation that is pretty conducive to heat. Insulating the concrete floors will help mitigate heat loss. 

Finally, you can also consider using radiant barriers on the attic or roof to reflect the heat away. This is a great way to reduce energy costs in the summer. After all that, your barndo should be well insulated. Don’t forget about the ventilation; this will help prevent moisture buildup and mold growth, which can cause many issues in the future.

Final Thoughts

Barndominiums, pole barn homes, shipping container homes, and tiny homes have become popular housing alternatives. They are known for their affordability and durability. However, proper insulation is crucial when building your dream barndo home. Not only does it ensure that your home stays comfortable in any weather conditions, but it also helps you save on energy costs. Choosing the right type and amount of insulation material will depend on the essential factors mentioned, such as your local climate and the effectiveness of the insulation. Proper installation is also important to maximize its performance and lifespan.

The bottom line is, investing in quality insulation for your barndo can provide long-term benefits, including comfort in your everyday living, and will help save both the environment and your bank. Follow our Pinterest account for content on barndominiums and other alternative housing solutions.