Cold, hard steel probably doesn't make you think of being warm.
However, all the benefits of metal building construction should.
And, if done right, steel buildings can be warm, even in the wintertime.
It all depends on how you design, build and finish your steel structure.
If you live in an area with a colder climate, there are several things you can do to keep your metal building warm in the winter.
We'll go over a few of them in the article below.
Table of Contents
- Metal Building Insulation
- Winterize Your Steel Building
- Your Metal Building Design And Layout Are Important
- Seal Windows, Corners, Base, and Eaves
- Install A Heater In Your Prefab Building
- Sun and Surrounding Structures
- Let CDMG Help You With Your Metal Building Project
Metal Building Insulation
There are several types of metal building insulation you can use to keep your metal building warm in the winter months.
The first insulation option is radiant barrier insulation.
This insulation type consists of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it.
You should install radiant barrier insulation in conjunction with constructing the structure on the exterior metal panels between the panels and support beams.
This steel building insulation will redirect heat into your metal building, helping to retain a warmer temperature.
Another way to insulate your metal structure is by using spray foam insulation.
Spray foam won't collect or hold moisture and is excellent in colder climates.
It works so well because it traps heat and seals your metal building from the cold air outside, as well as pests and insects that might try to find their way into your building.
If you use spray foam, you should focus on the areas between the frame studs and ensuring that it is fully covered.
The last of the types of insulation we'll talk about is fiberglass sheet insulation.
Fiberglass sheet insulation is another option that many people use to retain heat in their metal buildings.
However, fiberglass should be your last option because it's notorious for collecting and holding moisture.
This could result in your metal building actually feeling colder if moisture is trapped inside.
Fiberglass insulation can also cause mold to grow if the moisture builds up over time.
[Check out our article about why pre-engineered metal buildings are great for data centers.]
Winterize Your Steel Building
Another thing you can do to keep your metal building warm in the winter is winterizing it.
Winterizing your steel structure may seem intimidating, but it's an excellent way to keep heat inside of your metal building.
If you've ever noticed cool drafts in your building, it is likely due to air leaks and broken seals in your structure.
Air leaks can be a significant area of heat loss during the bitterly cold winters.
If you took the time to check all of the seals in your metal building and replaced the damaged ones, it will help retain heat in your metal building, making it warm and energy-efficient.
Your Metal Building Design And Layout Are Important
Properly designing your metal building can help with climate control and keep your building warmer in the winter.
Metal buildings in colder climates are easier to heat if they don't have a high ceiling.
Heat rises, so a vaulted ceiling will accumulate the toasty warm air where no one can enjoy it.
Lower ceilings decrease the volume of space that needs to be heated, which can help save energy.
It may also be simpler to heat one large area than many different enclosed spaces within the same building.
But there are several kinds of ways to improve energy efficiency while using your preferred design.
You should always work with an experienced metal building company that will know how to design your building to make sure it stays warm in the winter.
The dimensions of your building will have the most significant impact on the cost of your building.
But the good news is that the bigger the building design, the less it will cost per square foot.
Seal Windows, Corners, Base, and Eaves
If you live in a cold climate and your steel building has older windows, you should reseal them before winter rolls around.
Cold air can easily get into your building through cracked window seals.
If you notice cool breezes when you stand next to a window, you need to fix it as soon as possible.
If your windows are outdated, you might want to replace them altogether.
The spray foam insulation we talked about above is great at sealing air leaks, but it can get expensive.
If you just need to seal the eaves, base, corners, and around all panel ends, you can place fiberglass over the panels.
Even fiberglass installed tight around these areas will significantly stop air leaks.
Install A Heater In Your Prefab Building
If you've done all of the above but you're still looking for a little extra heat, you can install a heater or purchase a space heater for additional warmth.
Electric space heaters, a propane heater, or any other portable heater will go a long way to adding some extra warmth to individual rooms.
If your building is housing items that are highly flammable, you should use a space heater operated a safe distance away from these flammable items.
You should also turn the heat off when you are not working in the area.
Sun and Surrounding Structures
Even in the winter, the sun can help keep a prefab steel building warm because steel conducts heat.
If you align the broad side of your prefabricated metal building with large windows or skylights with the winter sun, it could help capture the benefit of more sunlight.
But if tall trees or other large structures shade your prefab steel building, you will get much less winter sun.
The overall impact may seem insignificant, but it’s something to think about.
Sunlight can also improve the aesthetics of the interior as well.
Let CDMG Help You With Your Metal Building Project
Just because you live in a cold winter climate doesn't mean you should compromise on your next steel building construction project.
When you build a metal structure designed by CDMG, a leading metal building supplier, you can get everything you want out of your building and be highly protected against the harsh winter elements.
Building with a metal building kit will reward you all year long.
CDMG Metal Building Systems come with a long list of standard features to match what you need.
Our partnership with Nucor ensures you get a durable building that can withstand anything winter throws at it.
Click the button below if you're ready to start your pre-engineered metal building kit project with CDMG.
Check out our other metal building kit articles:
What Are The Newest Industrial Metal Building Trends?
Benefits of A Pre-Engineered Metal Building For A Manufacturing Facility
I'm Ben Sparhawk, the Content Writer and Marketing Account Manager for CDMG. I write to showcase the work that CDMG does and everything related to the pre-engineered metal building industry as well as their engineering capabilities. When I'm not working on content, you can find me spending time with my wife and children. You can also find me in the gym, trying to better myself, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking or checking out local parks.