New shop insulation

[procharged81]

I put up a 30x32 pole barn 2 years ago. I did 1.5” of spray foam on the walls then 7/16” plywood to cover it up, and painted it white. I’m in NE PA so pretty much same area as OP. LP gas for heat. When in the 20’s outside, it’s 40 inside. Heat gets it to low 60’s. I also have a ridge vent and 1/4” bubble insulation on ceiling so I attribute most of my heat loss to that. Didn’t enclose the ceiling because I was installing a 2 post lift. Walls are 12’ high with scissor trusses so I have wide open ceiling....16’+ to the peak. I know that’s where the heat packs because going up on a ladder after the heat has been running, it’s probably 10-15 deg warmer up there.

Closed cell spray foam wasn’t that expensive to do yourself, you can buy the 2 part system....super easy. Kit comes with 2 cans that look like A/C refrigerant bottles with the hoses, spray gun, etc. Head the warnings about open ventilation and wearing a respirator.

I had Pioneer Pole Buildings come out for a quote, not bad price but very pushy to get me to sign contract.....like phone calls and emails everyday to see where I stand and when can we get it signed.
That pushed me to move on. Glad it did. Lancaster Pole Buildings did it 2k cheaper and got more from them.

 

[02sunsetz28]

There's a website called insulation4less. Any one used there products?
They have some interesting info on how their stuff works.

 

[Jon balch]

I put a barn up last fall, 36x48 and a 10" porch. I will be insulating , pouring floor, electric, and metal inside this spring also. I'm going with fiberglass because I got a really good price on it when I bought the barn materials. So, I will be busy for a while Lol

 

[Allison Winn]

All due respect but working in a 50 degree shop is very unpleasant. I put in a 150 K Reznor heater and keep mine at 68.

 

[73 RS Z28]

Put up a 42x64x14 pole barn in 2007 with radiant heat floor, blown insulation in the walls (R36) and blown in the attic (R50). Did all of the floor heat prep work myself (with help from buddies) and setup/installed the boiler system myself. Under the concrete, I put down Formular200 foam panels so the entire floor sits cradled in foam which insulates it from losing heat into the ground and saves on cost to heat the floor. Plus, because of the plastic and formular insulation, it never sweats any condensation. Boiler burns LP. I put OSB on the inner walls and ceiling. When I’m not working in the shop, I keep it at 38-deg inside, 48 if working in it. The only time the heat kicks on is if it’s zero or below outside for a couple days in a row. It’s insulated so well it takes next to no LP to keep well above freezing inside. I’ve never regretted spending the $5K it cost to insulate the walls and ceiling.

 

[BigBlock73]

I appreciate everyone taking the time to tell there experiences.

I'll be using it for storage and occasional winter use.
I have radiant heat in my house and the attached garage, would like to have it but can't justify the expense. Funds will run out and at that point the project would have to be stopped.
1 sheet of 2" rigid insulation which is R10 is $30 plus tax. A quick estimate, I would need 200 sheets to get R20.

I have a call into a spray foam company to get an estimate.

 

[Allison Winn]

I own a commercial roofing company. Just in case you need a source for your rigid foam insulation - call a local roofing supply - they will have it, and much cheaper than home stores, and much more choices. BTW do not use Foamular or Dow Styrofoam in the walls or ceiling - unbelievably flammable and may not be UL approved for home use (insurance may not cover a fire loss). Use polyisocyanurate (iso board). They will have it is several thicknesses and have screws in every length you might need. I can possibly even set up a delivery if you have an ABC Supply, we have a national account

 

[BigBlock73]

Allison
I have a ABC Supply about an hour away.

 

[7ty-74]

Closed cell spray foam would be my choice

 

[T/A Tom]

I own a commercial roofing company. Just in case you need a source for your rigid foam insulation - call a local roofing supply - they will have it, and much cheaper than home stores, and much more choices. BTW do not use Foamular or Dow Styrofoam in the walls or ceiling - unbelievably flammable and may not be UL approved for home use (insurance may not cover a fire loss). Use polyisocyanurate (iso board). They will have it is several thicknesses and have screws in every length you might need. I can possibly even set up a delivery if you have an ABC Supply, we have a national account

That’s a very generous offer! I’m a remodeling contractor and so many people think we’re all in it for the money. It’s really fun to be able to use your resources to help people out! “You get what you give“. Very classy gesture!