Will Insulation Prevent Condensation and Sweating in My Metal Building?

You may know that adding insulation to your steel building results in substantially lower energy bills and ownership costs, but did you know it also helps prevent condensation and sweating? Moisture is a metal building’s worst enemy, and when condensation creeps into your steel structure, it can compromise its structural integrity and shorten its lifespan.

Condensation forms in spaces where there is more moisture in the air than the air can hold. Particularly common in high-humidity environments, condensation takes on two forms.

Visible condensation, as the name implies, refers to condensation that exists in the form of water, frost or ice. You might notice it building up on pipes and skylights, among other areas.

Concealed condensation, on the other hand, occurs when moisture passes through your building’s envelope and condenses on a surface inside. Generally, concealed condensation poses more of a threat to your metal building than visible condensation.

How Insulation Prevents Condensation

Arguably the most effective way to minimize condensation in your metal building is to insulate it. When installed correctly and used with a vapor retarder, insulation creates a barrier between your building’s steel panels and the inside of your building. This helps keep interior temperatures consistent, and it also reduces how much dew builds up on your building’s exterior surfaces overnight.

Condensation can wreak havoc on your steel building, but it is largely preventable. By taking steps to properly insulate your steel building, you can minimize condensation and in doing so, extend the life, comfort and functionality of your metal building.