Insulating A Metal Shop

Part of my building was already insulated but has 16 ft ceiling(arched). I framed in the larger section, 28x31 and framed 8 ft walls with batt insulation and blew insulation behind that. As I type they are finishing the spray foam on the ceiling and gables. Am believing it will be easy to heat and cool but we'll know soon

kvt said:

Ok firestopper that is one large swamp cooler. how much water does it hold, It almost seems like that would put to much moisture in the air.

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The wet sections are 2.5" deep x 10"wide x 30" long so about 3.2 gallons of water at each end, and no noticeable moisture in the air. I do maintain all surfaces on machines year round, but no light surface rust ever noted on bare steel stock on rack. During Monsoon season, I still find it comfortable.

Southern Arizona has low humidity levels for the most part. Insulation is key for a cooling system to work at optimum. The temperature difference inside vs outside prior to cooling/heating makes a huge difference in final outcome. To be clear,I would not recommend a evaporative cooling system in a hi humidity environment. Not knowing what the average annual humidity levels are in Lindale, Tx, I can only share my experience to your question.

Like stated by others, your darker exterior color will put you behind the eight ball. I went with a white roof and light almond walls for this reason. Most flat roofs on homes (around here) are cool coated white for this same reason.

John, I have the double bubble foil insulation in one of my wood kilns. The nice thing about it is that it is extremely effective in keeping heat inside the kiln; however it is very poor when it comes to passive insulation. It would not be my first choice for a shop.

Thanks to all who replied, I have ordered white vinyl faced fiberglass insulation. Not really much more expensive than the bubble stuff.
Now look forward to having to move everything around and install it----NOT!!

jocat54 said:

Thanks to all who replied, I have ordered white vinyl faced fiberglass insulation. Not really much more expensive than the bubble stuff.
Now look forward to having to move everything around and install it----NOT!!

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It will all be worth it, when you are nice and cozy in your shop and weather rages outside.