Insulation or not in new shop?

[aggie11]

I am in the planning stages of a new shop and wanted to get yalls opinion. Is insulation really necessary? I plan to build a 30x40 metal shop with 14' wall height and will have roll up doors on each end to let air flow through when I am working in it. If I do this is insulation really needed or with the tall ceiling will the heat stay up pretty high? Anyone have this size without insulation and it still comfortable during summer?

[Krivoman]

The bubble type insulation is pretty cheep and actually works pretty good. Especially notice in the winter.

[FIRETX12]

Low E.
Only put fiberglass if you're going to air-condition it.

[Drycreek3189]

If yo don't insulate, you will probably get lots of condensation forming and falling on your noggin, and your tools, etc.

[Tmag]

If yo don't insulate, you will probably get lots of condensation forming and falling on your noggin, and your tools, etc.

Yep!

[Hunter Todd]

I have a 24x36 shop with no insulation and it is mostly in the shade. I have a 30x40 shop that is insulated and is in NO shade. The insulated shop is noticeably cooler even though it is in direct sunlight. I'd insulate if I were you. It also seems quieter in the insulated shop. jmo

[Bodey]

Insulate it if you can afford it. You will be glad you did.

[Electrican]

Insulate it for sure! Not that much more money now. I have same size shop as yours and its insulated walls and ceiling. Still hot during summer but couldn't even imagine what it be like if it wasn't insulated. I have been in metal shops with no insulation and you can feel the heat radiating off the tin several feet away.

[gonehuntin]

If it's in your budget it's worth the extra cost to do this. It helps a lot in the summer time. My equipment barn is not insulated and the west side of the barn gets awful hot in the summer time. Uninsulated barns will sweat 20 to 30 times a year with the right weather conditions.

[Ironman]

Absolutely!

[cj7zrcool]

I just built a 40x60 & put the standard vinyl faced fiberglass insulation in it......now I wish I'd sprung for the other $4K and had it foamed like the house. It's getting HOT in here already.

[ldoyle]

Insulation pays not cost. Do it. You won't regret it. Easier to cool , easier to heat.

[ColinR]

Even if you decide to save some money on full insulation you can put the thin insulation with radiant barrier under the roof( I think they call it heat shield) and it will make a big difference. The most important is having the doors on both ends preferably north and south to get some breeze.

[J-Fish]

Insulation is just as important as the metal on the outside.... Even if it's just to keep your goodies nice, dry and unweathered. I have early "eFoil". It was about 5 years old when all the wall insulation started cracking and falling out.... 13 years later and what is in the ceiling is still in one piece. Don't have a clue what or why but the local rep even came out and cut me a check dollar for dollar of what I paid for it.

Go with the regular old drape insulation R-13 with the fiberglass strings in the vinyl backing.... worth what ever it cost in the long run. Don't let them overstretch it, looks good but kills the R value.

[FIRETX12]

Low E insulation has a 97% emmisivity factor. This means that it blocks out 97% of the radiant heat of the sun. It takes 19 inches of fiberglass to equal that. This is Texas. Our biggest problem is keeping the heat out, not the cool in. Fiberglass is only necessary if you're going to put A/C in. Low E has come a long way. It's really good stuff and makes a great moisture barrier. Basically, it's 1/4 inch bubble wrap with a space blanket on both sides. You don't have to get the shiny on both sides. You can get it with white on one side.