Home » Knowledge Base » recommended steel building installation methods
RECOMMENDED STEEL BUILDING INSTALLATION METHODS
Installation of insulation systems with more efficient thermal performance, have added to the immense popularity of steel buildings. Owners of steel buildings invest in insulation in order to ensure a comfortable environment inside the metal structure as well as to reduce energy costs. This article discusses the steps to properly install the insulation, laminated fiberglass, on the roof and walls of the steel building.
ROOF INSTALLATION
Measure the distance from eave to eave. Cut the roof insulation rolls according to the measured length plus a foot. This extra foot will serve as an overhang on each side of the building.
1. Starting at one end of the building, temporarily secure one end of the insulation roll. Attach it to the eave strut using a double-faced tape.
2. Making sure that the vapor barrier toward the building interior, pull the insulation across the purlins. Secure the other end of the insulation with a double-faced tape. This will keep tension on the roof roll while the metal panels are being attached over the insulation.
3. Using the same method, install the next roof roll. Make sure that the rolls are tightly stretched, properly aligned and closely butted.
4. Described below, are the two options for fastening the tabs. Check for rips and tears. It is important to cover them with matching facing tape to ensure a tight vapor seal.
Fastening Tabs
Facings are usually, 6" wider than the laminated fiberglass. This extra facing consists of either two 3" tabs or one 6" tabs, which require different styles of fastening. When using either method, it is advisable to use a starter roll so that the insulation is 12" wider than the metal panels, preventing you to work directly at the panel edge when folding and stapling the tabs. Word of CAUTION: Do not staple too close to the base of the tabs because the staples might fail, resulting in a poor vapor seal.
• The Two-Tab Method (two 3" tabs)
1. Working at the seam where two rolls of insulation are joined together, pull the tabs upward and staple approximately every 8" up to 12" from the bottom of the faced side of the insulation.
2. The next step is to pull the tabs over and staple between each original staple. The objective is to staple the tabs every 4" to ensure a tight vapor seal.
3. Now, that you have completely sealed the tabs, tuck them back into the joint.
4. Again, check for rips and tears and repair them with matching facing tapes.
• The One-Tab Method (one 6" tab)
The procedure can be done from inside the steel building after the metal panels have been placed.
5. Use a high quality moisture-proof double-faced tape and apply it at the back of the 6" tab.
6. Extend the tab over the insulation roll and fasten it.
WALL INSTALLATION
Insulation rolls are properly labeled to indicate their lengths as well as the number of pieces that need to be cut from each roll. It is recommended to cut the rolls in a very clean place to avoid staining the insulation facing. Here are the steps in installing wall insulation:
1. Measure the distance from the base angle to eave strut or rake. Add 6" to 12" to the measured length and cut the insulation accordingly.
2. Using high quality double-faced tape, attach one end of the insulation to the base angle.
3. Pulling from the other end, stretch the insulation tightly outside the girts to the eave or rake. Attach with double-faced tape.
4. Attach the panel to the metal Building structure after making sure that the facing is toward the interior of the steel building.
5. Using the same method, install the next roll, making sure that the edges are butted snugly. Then, fasten the tabs using either of the methods described above.
