Insulating a pole barn is essential for maintaining a stable indoor environment, protecting stored items, and improving energy efficiency. Proper insulation helps regulate temperature, reduce energy costs, and prevent moisture issues, making the barn more functional and comfortable.
How To Insulate A Pole Barn
How To Insulate A Wood Framed Building With SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation
Most of our customers install SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation without hiring an installer. Below are suggested methods for both new construction and retrofitting applications.
To insulate your pole barn with SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation, you will need:
- Reflective tape
- Double-sided tape
- Staples, nails or screws
- A utility knife
The reflective tape is used to seal seams which enhances the performance of the insulation.
The double sided tape can be used to hold the insulation in place (especially in windy conditions) during install.
The Most Popular item is SmartSHIELD 10MM. The following are excellent 5MM choices: SmartSHIELD 5mm Reflective Insulation and SmartSHIELD 5mm White Insulation . Other options include: Single SmartBUBBLE Insulation or Double SmartBUBBLE Insulation.
New Constructions: Roof/Wall Insulation Over Purlin
Recommended SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation item: SmartSHIELD 10MM, SmartSHIELD 5MM, SmartSHIELD 1/4 Inch, SmartSHIELD 20MM
Alternative insulation: Single SmartBUBBLE Insulation or Double SmartBUBBLE Insulation.
- Roll the insulation perpendicular to and over the frames - To optimize performance, allow insulation to sag a couple inches.
- Tape seams with reflective tape.
- Attach your sheeting.
New Constructions: Roof/Wall Insulation With Two Layers Of SmartSHIELD
Most Use Only One layer of SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation.
Recommended SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation item: SmartSHIELD 10MM, SmartSHIELD 5MM, SmartSHIELD 1/4 Inch, SmartSHIELD 20MM
- Follow steps 1 - 3 above for the outer layer of Insulation.
- For the inside layer - Roll out the insulation over the inside of the framing. Run the insulation perpendicular to the framing.
- Use roofing cap nails, screws with locking washers, or 1/2" staples to attach the insulation to the inside of the framing.
Retrofitting: Roof/Wall Insulation With Or Without Existing Insulation
Retrofitting insulation in your roof and walls can significantly improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort, regardless of whether you have existing insulation.
Recommended SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation item: SmartSHIELD 10MM, SmartSHIELD 5MM, SmartSHIELD 1/4 Inch, SmartSHIELD 20MM
Alternative insulation: Single SmartBUBBLE Insulation or Double SmartBUBBLE Insulation.
- Roll out the insulation over the inside of the framing. Run the insulation perpendicular to the framing.
- Use roofing cap nails, screws with locking washers, or 1/2" staples to attach the insulation to the inside of the framing.
Retrofitting: Roof/Wall Insulation Between Girts
Recommended SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation item: SmartSHIELD 10MM, SmartSHIELD 5MM, SmartSHIELD 1/4 Inch, SmartSHIELD 20MM
Alternative insulation: Single SmartBUBBLE Insulation or Double SmartBUBBLE Insulation.
1. Attach Insulation Between The Framing
- Use roofing cap nails, screws with locking washers, or 1/2" staples to attach the insulation between the framing.
- Leave an air gap of 1 inch or more between the insulation and the sheeting to optimize performance.
2. Attach 2nd layer of Insulation Under The Framing - Most use only one layer.
- For the inside layer - Roll out the insulation over the inside of the framing. Run the insulation perpendicular to the framing.
- Use roofing cap nails, screws with locking washers, or 1/2" staples to attach the insulation to the inside of the framing.
By retrofitting insulation between girts in your roof and walls, you can significantly improve the thermal performance and energy efficiency of your building. Selecting the right insulation materials, ensuring proper installation, and maintaining good ventilation will help create a more comfortable and efficient indoor environment.
Any pole barn that uses fiberglass insulation rather than SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation will have moisture issues (typically hidden behind facing), Loss of R-value (consequence of the moisture) and heat gain.
SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation: One solution for Heat, Condensation and Cold. It combines the benefits of a radiant barrier, reflective insulation, and vapor barrier - All in one product!
Why SmartSHIELD Is the Right Choice for Pole Barn Insulation
Pole barns with metal siding often face two major problems: extreme temperatures and moisture. In the summer, the metal skin pulls in heat. In the winter, it pulls in cold. Either way, the result is the same: uncomfortable conditions inside and ongoing condensation issues.
The Problem with Metal Buildings
Metal is highly conductive. It quickly transfers outside temperatures inside the structure. This creates serious comfort and energy challenges.
- In hot weather, heat is drawn in fast.
- In cold weather, heat escapes just as quickly.
- When warm air hits cold metal, it forms moisture.
Condensation leads to sweating walls, ceiling drips, and long-term damage to insulation and framing.
The SmartSHIELD Solution
SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation from Insulation MarketPlace is engineered specifically for these issues. It combines three functions into one product: reflective insulation, radiant barrier, and vapor barrier.
What makes SmartSHIELD effective:
- Reflects up to 97% of radiant heat
- Acts as a true vapor barrier to stop condensation
- Delivers a high R-value that’s not affected by moisture
- Resists mold, mildew, and fungi growth
- Doesn’t attract rodents, birds, or insects
- Easy to install and lightweight
- Costs less than spray foam or rigid board
Why It's Better than Fiberglass or Spray Foam
Fiberglass absorbs moisture, reducing its performance and increasing the risk of mold. Spray foam is effective but expensive. SmartSHIELD maintains thermal performance even when exposed to humidity and heat, without the high labor cost.
It uses a 5mm closed-cell polyethylene foam core, with reflective aluminum foil on both sides. The foam won't collapse or lose insulation value when exposed to the heat of metal surfaces.
Year-Round Comfort
With SmartSHIELD, your pole barn will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It helps regulate indoor temperature and eliminates the moisture problems that come with metal siding.
You can install it as a primary insulation or pair it with another material for added performance. It’s suitable for barns, workshops, garages, and agricultural buildings.
Built to Perform
SmartSHIELD is ICC-ES Recognized and designed for both hot and cold climates. It resists water, won’t delaminate, and stays effective over time.
SmartSHIELD Reflective Insulation Insulation: One solution for Heat, Condensation, Cold and Airflow. It combines the benefits of a radiant barrier, reflective insulation, and vapor barrier- All in one product!
