How Much to Spray a 30×50 Metal Building With Closed Cell Foam?

Closed cell foam spray foam insulation consists of a dense material that does not expand much when applied. This density makes the insulation very weather-resistant, making it an especially good option for detached metal garages.

Closed-cell foam costs more than competing forms of insulation, but it is generally the most effective form of insulation. However, in deciding what insulation is best, it is good to compare the material effectiveness, the intended use, and the cost of the insulation.

One of the most important factors is R-values. This is a measure of heat resistance, in this case, the bigger the number the higher the resistance.

The average cost to spray a 30×50 metal building with closed-cell foam is $2,600. Homeowners spend an average of $1.50 per board foot for closed-cell foam insulation, and 3,000 square feet of closed-cell insulation averages $3,000. Open-cell spray foam insulation is cheaper at $0.54 per board foot, and DIY closed-cell foam kits cost an average of $350.

Spray foam, fiberglass, and cellulose are probably the most common forms of insulation. With this in mind, before you decide to install one of them, consider the benefits of each of these. Spray foam is more complicated to install than fiberglass-batt, which can be purchased and placed with ease.

Still, nothing compares with closed-cell foam insulation for R-value. Another possible choice is blown-in fiberglass, but it requires extra equipment.

Cellulose can be purchased at low cost in large, safe, environmentally friendly bags. However, it does not possess high R-values and requires a blower to install. Following are some descriptions of all of these and others to help you decide if spray foam is the way you want to go.

Injection foam insulation is non-expanding open-cell insulation and an alternative to spraying. Thus, it works well for homeowners with older houses that are looking to improve their ineffective insulation. Moreover, this type of insulation can be added to the walls without removing the old insulation. Additionally, the injection foam can be added from the outside of the home, which is convenient for the homeowner.

To install, installers drill holes in the exterior walls to fill all open spaces inside the walls then fill in the holes. Injection foam insulation does have a lower R-value than closed cell insulation, but it possesses other advantages. In addition to the convenience of outdoor installation, it is pliable enough to adjust as the house settles.

Furthermore, it’s moisture permeability allows homeowners to detect leaks in their roof, unlike closed cell insulation. At 1″ of thickness, it costs $.44 to $1.50.

Injected Insulation Per Inch Thickness

Fiberglass insulation consists of small glass fibers and can be purchased in blanket form as batt or ready to blow in. In general, this insulation works by trapping air within it. Thus, it helps to regulate air temperature. The cost per square foot of this insulation is $.64 to $1.19.

Fiberglass batt is unrolled and stapled into place. In addition to regulating temperature, it works to provide somewhat of a moisture barrier by trapping air. Together with its low cost and ease of installation, many homeowners find fiberglass batt an attractive option.

However, fiberglass batt comes with several disadvantages, such as trapping dust and allergens, potentially causing mold growth. Also, homeowners could get particles of glass in their skin, causing irritation.

Additionally, fiberglass installation frequently gets installed incorrectly. That is to say, homeowners often fail to install the insulation with the foil facing the warmer side of the installation area. Moreover, even when correctly installed, fiberglass matt allows airflow, which increases heating and cooling costs.

Rock wool consists of basalt, iron slag, and limestone. Firstly, this is heated in a furnace and worked into tiny strings, twisted, and treated into mats. Next, these mats are so dense they are pressed into place and held by friction and can be cut with a knife to fit where they are needed.

Rock wool has an R-value of 3.0-3.3 per inch and also offers significant sound deadening and non-combustibility. However, it is also hard to acquire, not being readily available in stores. Therefore, you may have to order it specially.

Finally, the last consideration is the price. It is not the most expensive insulation at $1.06 per square foot, but it is not the cheapest either. Special consideration must be taken when applying it since the fibers are extremely irritating to the skin and lungs.

Closed cell foam insulation cost $1.00 to $2.00 per board foot vs $.44 to $.65 for open-cell foam insulation. However, costs may vary depending on how you wish to apply it.

A Foam It Green Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation Kit from Amazon covering 602 square feet at one-inch thickness costs $759. Additionally, they sell safety goggles for $9.99 and a protective coverall with a hood for $24.99.

Likewise, Walmart has Dow Froth-Pak 200, which covers 200 square feet for $349.79, safety goggles for $20.00, and a protective coverall with hood for $29.99.

Amazon sells a Touch N Seal Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation Kit for $839.00 that covers 1000 square feet at one-inch thickness. Likewise, Fastenal sells the same product online for $1280.59.

When filling in gaps or spraying around window or door frames with foam, spray the perimeter around the area first. Then, fill in the remaining area after the boundary dries. Markedly, neglecting this step could prevent a proper seal and may damage the material it’s attached to.

Additionally, spray the edges of the sills. Then, make sure you cover between the edges of your ceiling sill and your wall. Also, if there are exposed roof trusses, some extra work may be required.

Related Questions

Is canned spray insulation closed-cell?

Canned spray insulation can be closed cell or open cell. Therefore, you should check which kind you are buying, since you want to use the insulation that is best for your purpose.

Is closed-cell insulation worth the cost?

Initially, closed-cell insulation costs more than other forms of insulation. However, this insulation effectively reduces energy consumption, making it worthwhile in the long run.

How do I stop my metal building from sweating?

Condensation happens when there’s more moisture than the air has the ability to hold. The most common cause of this happening within metal buildings is because of high interior humidity. To stop a metal building from sweating you need to have proper insulation.Other ways that you can protect your metal building from condensation include ventilating the inside, installing vapor barriers, repairing roof leaks, and placing a vapor retarder between a subfloor and the ground slab.