May 6, 2022, 6:05 p.m.

Double-Bubble vs Fiberglass insulation - Which is the right choice for your new metal building?

Man Installing Fiberglass Insulation

When building a new workshop, mancave, barndominium or home it's important to choose the insulation that is right for you.

Why add insulation to your metal building?

If you choose to not insulate your metal building, you are essentially building a large oven or refrigerator. This can cause your heating or cooling costs to go up dramatically. By adding insulation, you are able to reduce the amount of hot or cold air that flows throughout your metal building, making it much easier for you to control the temperature. You will also eliminate the issue of condensation forming on the roof during high-humidity days.

The Benefits of Double-Bubble Insulation

Double-bubble insulation is constructed from multiple sheets of polyethylene that are placed one over the other with air bubbles trapped within. Dubble-bubble insulation is a great option for buildings that are:

Located in areas with high humidity levels
Warehouses, cold storage buildings, and other buildings where condensation can be an issue
Located near busy highways or railways where noise is a consideration

In addition to the above benefits, double-bubble insulation can also help you:

Save on heating and cooling costs by reducing the energy needed to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your building
Lower your energy consumption by reducing heat loss from your building during the winter and heat gain during the summer months

The Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is constructed from fibers of glass spun together to form a blanket. The fiberglass material itself is fire resistant and contains no materials that will burn. When the fiberglass is heavily compressed, it becomes a more efficient insulator due to its ability to stop conduction.

The benefits of fiberglass insulation don't stop there! R-Value, the measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material, is an important factor when determining the proper amount of insulation needed for your home. Most states require at least R-19 in walls, R-38 in cathedralized attics, and R-30 in flat attics.

Note: Even though fiberglass insulation costs more, we recommend its use in buildings that are consistently inhabited like homes or workshops. It provides superior insulation for very hot or very cold climates, saving you money if you plan to have AC or heating in your metal building.

Which should you choose?

So, which should you choose? It depends on your budget and your long-term needs. Double-bubble may be the more affordable choice, but fiberglass insulation leads to greater savings in the long run.