When it comes to insulating a metal building, it’s easy to focus on the obvious areas like walls and ceilings. However, there are often a few sneaky spaces that get overlooked—those hard-to-reach spots that can significantly impact your building’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Insulating these areas properly is essential for maintaining a stable temperature, controlling moisture, and preventing long-term damage.
Let’s go through the best ways to insulate those tricky corners, seams, and hidden spaces. You’ll learn what materials work best, how to install them, and whether DIY or professional help is the right choice for your project.
1. Identifying Hard-to-Reach Areas
Before you begin insulating, it’s important to pinpoint the areas that need attention. While this might seem straightforward, some hard-to-reach spaces are more elusive than others.
Examples: Common problem spots include corners, seams where walls meet the roof, ceiling joints, and wall-to-roof connections. These spaces can be tricky to access, and you might not even realise how much energy is being wasted until you take a closer look.
Assessment Tips: To identify these areas, inspect your building closely, both from the inside and out. Look for cracks, gaps, or any obvious cold spots. You can use a thermal imaging camera (or even a simple hand test) to find spots where heat may be escaping.
If you can feel cold air in a particular spot, it’s a good sign that insulation is needed. For professional advice and materials, head to bluetexinsulation.com.
2. Choosing the Right Insulation for Difficult Areas
Once you’ve identified your hard-to-reach areas, it’s time to choose the best insulation material for the job. Different materials are better suited for different spaces, so you’ll need to make an informed choice.
Insulation Types
Here are a few popular options to consider:
Spray Foam Insulation: Perfect for tight corners and seams, spray foam expands to fill gaps and cracks, making it ideal for tricky spaces. It also provides a strong vapour barrier, which can help prevent condensation.
Rigid Foam Boards: These can be cut to fit into hard-to-reach spots, like around pipes or beams. They provide a solid insulation layer and can be easily installed in places with limited access.
Fibreglass Batts: While not as flexible as spray foam or foam boards, fibreglass batts are a good choice for areas that are a bit more accessible. They can be pushed into spaces with a bit of work, but they may not be the best for irregular gaps.
Material Suitability
The key to choosing the right insulation is matching the material to the specific challenges of the space. If you’re dealing with irregular gaps, spray foam might be your best bet. If the space is relatively straightforward but tight, foam boards might be easier to work with.
Cost vs. Efficiency
Consider your budget when making your decision. While spray foam can be more expensive, it’s often the most efficient, especially for hard-to-reach areas. On the other hand, fibreglass batts are budget-friendly but may not be as effective in smaller or more complex spaces.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Insulating Hard-to-Reach Areas
Now that you’ve chosen the right materials, it’s time to get to work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you insulate those tricky areas effectively.
Preparation
Before installing insulation, make sure the area is clean and dry. Dust, dirt, and moisture can interfere with the effectiveness of your insulation, so take the time to prep the space thoroughly. You should also measure the area to ensure you’re cutting insulation to the right size.
Installation Techniques
For spray foam, you’ll need a can or spray gun, and you’ll want to apply a consistent layer of foam to fill the gaps.
For foam boards, cut the material to size and fit it into the tight space, securing it with adhesive or fasteners. If you’re using fibreglass batts, simply slide them into the gaps where needed, ensuring a snug fit.
Tools for the job
Depending on the type of insulation, you may need a few specific tools:
Spray Foam: Caulk gun or spray foam applicator
Foam Boards: Insulation knife or saw
Fibreglass Batts: Stapler or fasteners Also, don’t forget safety equipment, like gloves and a mask, especially if you’re working with fibreglass.
Safety Tips
Always wear protective gear when handling insulation, especially spray foam or fibreglass. These materials can irritate your skin or lungs, so it’s best to take precautions. Ensure the area is well-ventilated if you're using spray foam.
4. Professional Help vs. DIY
One of the biggest questions you might have is whether to tackle this project yourself or hire a professional. While DIY can save money, it’s not always the best option for everyone.
When to DIY
If you’re comfortable with tools and handling insulation, and the area isn’t too tricky, you can probably handle the job yourself. DIY is particularly viable for small spaces or areas where you already have good access.
When to Call a Pro
For larger or more complex spaces, it’s often worth bringing in a professional. This includes areas that are difficult to access (like high ceilings or behind structures) or if you’re unsure of the best insulation method for a particular space. Professionals will have the right tools and expertise to ensure everything is insulated properly.
Conclusion
Insulating hard-to-reach areas in your metal building might seem like a small task, but it’s one that can make a big difference in your building’s energy efficiency, comfort, and lifespan.
By identifying those tricky spaces, choosing the right insulation material, and following a proper installation process, you’ll be able to keep your building well-insulated for years to come.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.