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Insulation for Steel Structures

10 February 2022

IN BRIEF

• Steel building insulation can positively impact the energy efficiency and comfort of your structure.
  
  
• The decision to insulate or not depends on the building’s intended use and your budget, however insulation is usually recommended to ensure the structure is compliant with the Building Code and with relevant standards.
  
  
• Insulation choices we recommend are based on the building’s purpose, environment, and the activities carried out in the building – Steelcorp’s common recommendations are Kingspan Insuliner and Fletcher Permastop building blankets.

Insulation 101: Insulation Options for Commercial Steel Buildings

The right insulation for your steel building will keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing energy costs and making it more comfortable for you and your team.

When it comes to your building design, your insulation requirements are something that should be taken into account at the beginning of the project. The purpose of the building or its intended use, your environment, and the activities happening inside will all play a part in how hot or cold the interior is likely to get.

For example, a building that houses manufacturing equipment that generates a lot of heat will result in a different insulation requirement to a hay storage shed. Discussing the intent of your building is part of the discovery and design process that the Steelcorp team undertakes with all our clients, to ensure you’re getting the right structure for your needs.

To Insulate or Not To Insulate?

Good insulation is critical for some buildings, whereas for others it is an optional extra. The decision on whether or not to insulate, or where you can reduce the price of your structure by removing insulation, comes down to its ultimate purpose and your budget.

High-quality Australian-made insulation costs more, and insulating the walls as well as the roof will increase the cost. Conversely, choosing a cheaper style of insulation and only insulating the roof, not the walls, will reduce the cost of your project.

Whilst opting for less insulation results in a price reduction, it can affect the amenity of your building in the future. Think about your business plans and the potential for changes, growth and expansion in the future, and ask yourself if it’s worth saving a few dollars now to get a less than ideal building.

We always suggest to our clients that they think long term: design it properly from the beginning and you’ll get a building that is fit for purpose for many years to come.

Types of Insulation for Steel Structures

The most common types of insulation we use are Kingspan Insuliner and Fletcher Permastop building blankets.

Both types of insulation are designed for large industrial and commercial steel roofs and walls, helping to create a moisture-resistant and fire-resistant structure.

Popular Insulation Choices for Steel Structures

Kingspan Insuliner is made from a closed-cell core sandwiched between reflective foil facings to create the silver internal lining you commonly see inside a large commercial building. Because it’s designed for warehouses and commercial or industrial structures it’s our wall insulation of choice, offering excellent thermo-reflective insulation properties and advanced fire performance characteristics.

Permastop Building Blanket from Fletcher Insulation is a thick blanket-style product made from up to 80% recycled content. This building insulation is designed to provide effective thermal and condensation control for metal roofs, plus it has excellent acoustic properties and helps to reduce rain noise. It minimises condensation and like all insulation, it helps to reduce energy usage.

Building Code Requirements

Advice on Steel Building Insulation