Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Cost to spray foam insulate a pole barn or metal building
Pole barn insulation costs$1.00 to $4.50 per square footor$3,500 to $16,500on average, depending on the insulation type, R-value, building size, and whether insulating the walls, roof, or both. Metal building spray foam insulation costs$0.60 to $2.90 per board footinstalled.
| Size | Square feet of surface area* | Average installed cost** |
|---|---|---|
| 16x16 | 900 – 1,000 | $900 – $4,500 |
| 20x20 | 1,200 – 1,400 | $1,200 – $6,300 |
| 20x30 | 1,600 – 1,800 | $1,600 – $8,100 |
| 24x24 | 1,600 – 1,700 | $1,600 – $7,700 |
| 30x30 | 2,100 – 2,400 | $2,100 – $10,800 |
| 30x40 | 2,600 – 3,000 | $2,600 – $13,500 |
| 30x50 | 3,100 – 3,500 | $3,100 – $15,800 |
| 30x60 | 3,700 – 4,000 | $3,700 – $18,000 |
| 36x36 | 2,800 – 3,100 | $2,800 – $14,000 |
| 36x50 | 3,600 – 3,900 | $3,600 – $17,600 |
| 40x40 | 3,200 – 3,600 | $3,200 – $16,200 |
| 40x50 | 3,900 – 4,200 | $3,900 – $18,900 |
| 40x60 | 4,500 – 4,900 | $4,500 – $22,100 |
| 40x80 | 5,700 – 6,200 | $5,700 – $27,900 |
| 50x80 | 6,700 – 7,200 | $6,700 – $32,400 |
| 50x100 | 8,200 – 8,800 | $8,200 – $39,600 |
| 60x80 | 7,700 – 8,300 | $7,700 – $37,400 |
| 60x90 | 8,600 – 9,200 | $8,600 – $41,400 |
| 60x100 | 9,400 –10,000 | $9,400 – $45,000 |
†Approximate insulated surface area (walls and roof deck) square feet. *Based on a pole barn with 10' to 12' walls and an insulated door.
Average cost to insulate a pole barn
The following table reflects the average cost to insulate a pole barn with spray foam, including labor and materials.
| National average cost | $9,800 |
| Minimum cost | $750 |
| Maximum cost | $20,000 |
| Average cost range | $3,500 to $16,500 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
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Metal building insulation costs by type
Metal building insulation costs$0.50 to $4.50 per square footinstalled, depending on the insulation type and project complexity. Other factors that impact the cost include the building size, areas insulated, climate zone, and whether installing in new or existing construction.
| Insulation type | Cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spray foam | $1.00 – $4.50 |
|
| Batts and rolls | $0.80 – $2.60 |
|
| Foam board | $1.20 – $3.70 |
|
| Blown-in | $0.90 – $2.40 |
|
| Reflective | $0.50 – $2.20 |
|
Pair reflective insulation with blown-in or batt insulation to block all heat transfer forms effectively.
Include perimeter slab insulation when insulating during new construction.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation costs$0.60 to $2.90 per board footwith installation, depending on the foam type, project size, and site conditions.
Closed-cell spray foam is best for exposed pole barn walls due to its durable and rigid structure. Consider lighter, open-cell foam for the barn door.
| Type | Cost per board foot installed* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-cell | $1.30 – $2.90 |
|
| Open-cell | $0.60 –$1.30 |
|
*A board foot is 1 square foot with 1" thickness.
The recommended thickness for closed-cell foam is 4" to 5" on the roof deck and 2" to 3" on the walls.
The recommended thickness for open-cell foam is 6" to 10" on the roof deck and 3" thickness on the walls.
Spray foaming the walls and ceiling provides the most effective temperature regulation.
Spray foam sticks to surfaces like glue. Install housewrap between the metal and the foam to prevent future issues when moving or removing the metal panels.
Pole barn insulation blanket batts and rolls
Pole barninsulation batts and rolls cost$0.80 to $2.60 per square footwith installation, depending on the material and R-value. Batt insulation is DIY friendly due to its standard sizing and simple installation between joists and framing. Use faced insulation or a vapor barrier when insulating a pole barn.
A roll of insulation costs$20 to $90and covers 40 to 75 square feet or more. Choose rolls over batts for larger spaces when possible because they provide more continuous coverage.
Insulating a pole barn with foam board
Insulating a pole barn with foam board costs$1.20 to $3.70 per square footfor labor and materials. Rigid foam board insulation is lightweight and provides a vapor barrier, superior sound dampening, and reduced thermal bridging when installed as continuous insulation over the wall girts.
Some building codes require additional flame-retardant facing when insulating with rigid foam board.
Blown-in insulation in a pole barn attic
Blown-in attic insulation costs$0.90 to $2.40 per square footor$520 to $1,400on average for a 24' x 24' pole barn. Blown-in insulation is ideal for post-frame attics to effectively fill in all the gaps, nooks, and crannies around the ceiling joists and bottom truss chords.
Cost factors to insulate a metal building or pole barn
Factors that affect the cost to insulate a metal building or pole barn include:
Size – The treated surface square footage impacts the material and labor required.
Usage – A metal building used for a workspace in the winter requires more insulation than one used to store equipment. A pole barn housing horses requires roof insulation but may not need wall insulation because the animals generate heat.
Preparation – The pole barn interior must be free of obstructions. Reduce labor costs by removing equipment, furniture, and tools before installation day. Moving items to the center and covering them is acceptable if the walls have 3' or more clearance.
Insulation material – Fiberglass is the cheapest option. Closed-cell spray foam is the most expensive but the most effective.
Labor – Insulation contractors charge $40 to $80 per hour or $0.50 to $1.40 per square foot on average, depending on the insulation type, project size, and job complexity.
R-value – A higher desired R-value typically requires more insulation material.
Climate – Colder regions require more insulation than warmer climates.
Spray foam thickness – Open-cell spray foam is cheaper but requires more inches to achieve the same R-value.
Housewrap – Installing housewrap separates the metal from the insulation and stops condensation and wind drafts.
Vapor barrier – Closed-cell spray foam acts as an air and vapor barrier. Other insulation types may require an additional vapor barrier.
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Pole barn insulation FAQs
How long does it take to insulate a pole barn?
Insulating a pole barn takes1 to 2 daysor more, depending on the insulation type, building size, and crew size. Insulating with spray foam typically takes less time than other methods because the spray foam air seals and insulates simultaneously.
What is the best way to insulate a pole barn?
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is the best and most effective way to insulate a pole barn. Spray foam provides an air seal, moisture barrier, structural strength, and the highest R-value per inch. It's the most expensive up front but lasts the longest.
Batt and roll insulation is the cheapest and easiest to DIY. However, it needs additional materials for sealing and a vapor barrier. Fiberglass breaks down over time and requires eventual replacement.
Foam board insulation has a mid-range DIY price point, insulates better, and lasts longer than fiberglass. Foam board is more damage-prone than closed-cell spray foam and may require repair over time.
Insulating a pole barn that houses animals typically requires less insulation than one used for daily work, recreation, or vehicle and equipment storage.
What is the cheapest way to insulate a pole barn?
The cheapest way to insulate a pole barn is with fiberglass batts. Using fiberglass batt and roll insulation requires additional steps to seal the structure and add a vapor barrier. Still, the total cost per square foot is cheaper than other insulation types.
Fiberglass insulation has the cheapest upfront cost but requires replacement over time. Spray foam or a rigid foam and spray foam combination are better long-term solutions.
How to insulate a pole barn
Follow these steps to insulate a pole barn:
Choose the insulation type and determine the thickness needed, depending on the pole barn's intended usage.
Remove all equipment, furniture, or other items stored in the structure. Alternatively, move everything to the center, at least 3' from the walls.
Install a vapor barrier if applicable. Consult a professional if necessary to confirm the best barrier location for your climate zone.
Install insulation batts or rigid foam board on clean and dry walls.
Seal all joints and gaps with spray foam.
Install blown-in or batt insulation in the pole barn attic or rigid foam on the roof deck to insulate the space completely.
Consider the "flash and batt" method to reduce costs. This method uses a thin spray foam layer to create an air and moisture barrier, followed by a batt insulation layer to increase the R-value and thermal resistance. Hire a certified technician for spray foam applications beyond gap and joint sealing.
Still have questions? Ask a pro.
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Finding and hiring an insulation contractor
Beforehiring an insulation companyor contractor:
Get at least three quotes to compare.
Ask for a detailed quote including areas to be sprayed, estimated R-value, insulation depth or thickness, and spray foam brand and type (if applicable).
Look for certified spray foam technicians if insulating with spray foam.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select insured and bonded companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for references.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What experience do you have with pole barn insulation?
What type of insulation would be most effective for my pole barn?
Does my pole barn need a vapor barrier?
What is and is not included in the price?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long will the project take?
How long should the insulation last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
(Video) Do not use SPRAY FOAM until you watch this! Our SPRAY FOAM ventilation and humidity nightmare!Are there rebates available, and do you apply for them?
Do you offer financing options?
FAQs
2023 Pole Barn Insulation Cost | Spray Foam & More? ›
There are many great benefits that come along with choosing spray foam insulation for your pole barn aside from the main benefit allowing less heat to escape. It will also keep out any drafts from your space creating a boundary around your building.
Is spray foam worth it in pole barn? ›There are many great benefits that come along with choosing spray foam insulation for your pole barn aside from the main benefit allowing less heat to escape. It will also keep out any drafts from your space creating a boundary around your building.
What is the cheapest option for insulation in a pole barn shop? ›Fiberglass. This is the industry standard and the most commonly used. It's lightweight and often the lowest cost insulation option. Fiberglass insulation comes in rolls, batts, or loose fill, in which case it's blown in.
What is the best insulation for an existing pole barn? ›ALWAYS insulate with a closed cell rigid insulation board such as a Closed Cell Foil Faced EPS (Delivers the most R-Value on the market for the money) OR Closed Cell Polyiso (AKA Closed Cell Spray Foam In 4'x8' Sheets).
Is spray foam cheaper than insulation? ›On the whole, spray foam insulation costs two to three times as much as fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass insulation costs around $0.40 per square foot. Spray foam can be significantly more expensive, but can lead to bigger savings on heating and cooling costs.
What are the cons of spray foam insulation roof? ›- Placement Errors During Installation. ...
- Potentially Attracts Water Damage. ...
- The Material May Shrink Overtime. ...
- Long Dry and Cure Time.
- It Can Lead to Mold. Spray foam insulation mold problems are quite common. ...
- It Can Have a Foul Odor. Spray foam insulation is mixed on the job site, and improper ratios of chemicals are common. ...
- It Can Lead to Termite Damage. ...
- It's Too Airtight.
R30 and R19 are recommended for the walls and roof. Condensation blankets provide minimal R-value and prevent indoor condensation. Double bubble radiant barrier insulation and 2-inch vinyl-backed post frame insulation are used.
What is the least expensive way to insulate a metal building? ›Fiberglass is the most popular insulation solution for metal building systems because it provides the lowest installed cost per R-value.
Do I need a vapor barrier in my pole barn? ›Even if you have an air barrier on the outside of your building, if you are in a colder climate, you still need to install a vapor barrier on the inside. If you choose not to insulate your post-frame building, a vapor barrier is still useful in keeping out drafts.
What is the most economical way to heat a pole barn? ›
Wood and pellet stoves are a fairly cheap and easy way to heat a pole barn. If you have excess wood to burn, running a wood fired stove may be the lowest cost way to heat your pole barn through the winter.
Can you spray foam the inside of a pole barn? ›Spray foam insulation can be installed in homes, commercial buildings, and agricultural pole barns as long as the cavities are open. You can use closed-cell or open-cell spray foam when insulating a pole barn. However, we recommend using closed-cell spray foam on exposed walls and open-cell spray foam on ceilings.
What is the best way to insulate a pole barn ceiling? ›If you're wondering how to insulate a pole barn ceiling the most common way, you'll want to consider using batts and blankets. These are pads of varying thickness often made of fiberglass, mineral wool, or cotton that can be laid in between the top or bottom cords of the truss to form a thermal barrier.
Is spray foam worth the extra cost? ›Spray foam insulation is worth it – in fact, depending on the type of insulation you currently have (or don't have), spray foam insulation could save you up to 50% on your energy bills. Its highly effective heat retention means you simply don't need to use as much energy to heat your home.
What is the R-value of 2 inches of spray foam? ›R-Value In 2 Inches Of Spray Foam
The R-value ranges from R-3.5 to R-3.6 per inch. The filling of a 2×4 cavity yields about an R-13.
Closed-cell spray foam will cost between $5,000 and $10,000 to insulate this space. Cellulose insulation will cost between $2,500 and $5,000 to insulate the same area.
When should you not use spray foam insulation? ›DON'T use expanding foam around outlets and recessed can lights. In the quest for a draft-free home, it's natural to want to add some insulation around electrical outlets, but expanding foam might not be the best type of insulation there.
Does spray foam insulation rot wood? ›Polyurethane has closed-cells and therefore has a reduction in breathability which could lead to wood rot in timbers.
How long does spray foam insulation last? ›Both types of spray foam insulation can last anywhere from 80 years to 100 years, with closed cell spray foam having a slight edge in terms of durability. For most families, this represents the lifetime of the house and then some!
What are the problems with spray foam insulation? ›Spray foam insulation has been used without incident in many homes for over thirty years, though there have been reported problems including: Reducing ventilation within a roof space; Causing condensation and stopping moisture from escaping; and. Placing roof timbers at risk of decay.
Do you need attic ventilation with spray foam insulation? ›
Yes, attic ventilation is necessary even when using spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation forms a tight seal around gaps and cracks, preventing air and moisture from entering the attic.
Does spray foam insulation decrease home value? ›Spray foam insulation can cut your energy bill by up to 50 percent thanks to its energy efficiency and temperature regulation. This will increase the value of your home while appealing to future home buyers.
What is the best way to insulate a pole building? ›Fiberglass. Blanket Insulation provides a cost effective way to insulate a pole building, by reducing the load required to heat and cool the space. Home Comfort uses Owen's Corning unfaced fiberglass blankets covered with visqueen as a vapor retarder.
What is the best insulation for post frame building? ›EcoFoil Bubble Insulation is the recommended product for use in post frame buildings. It's designed to be installed in the walls and roof to help keep your building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
How much R-value does a 2x4 have? ›Fiberglass and rock wool batts—2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products. Generally, batt insulation is the least expensive wall insulation material but requires careful installation for effective performance (see page 4).
What is the most cost-effective insulator? ›Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a premier material for protecting homes, foods and sensitive materials because of its cost-effective, efficient insulation qualities. In fact, EPS leads the pack when it comes to R-value per dollar.
Which insulation is more expensive? ›Spray foam insulation is the most expensive insulation, and it is available in open cell and closed cell options.
What is the cheapest and efficient insulation? ›Unfortunately, if you're looking to save money with your home's insulation, fiberglass is by far the most cost-effective solution.
Should a pole barn be vented? ›Having ventilation at the top of your pole barn roof can be very important. The peak or ridge of your roof should be vented to allow warm and moist air to leave the building. This type of ventilation is important because hot air rises, and a vented ridge will allow this air to escape.
Should you put concrete around pole barn posts? ›This is one area you simply cannot afford to let nature take its course! Also, be aware that simply setting posts in concrete will not prevent rot. The wood won't be in contact with the ground, but moisture is absorbed by the concrete and pulled up into the wood. Over time, rotting will occur.
Do you pour concrete around pole barn posts? ›
You should not have your concrete slab poured before building your pole barn. After the poles are set and skirt board is placed around the perimeter of the poles, you will have a form to pour your concrete foundation. Concrete is normally poured through the large door opening.
What is the best way to prevent condensation in a pole barn? ›To help avoid condensation, insulating your barn with spray foam, for example, can really help. A vapor barrier is another great solution to condensation control. It is a material that retards water vapor migration and is typically installed on the inside surface of insulation.
How much does it cost to insulate and heat a pole barn? ›The projected cost to insulate a pole barn varies between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on the size of the structure and the area that needs to be insulated.
How many inches of spray foam do I need for a pole barn? ›Pole barn spray foam thickness really depends on which material is being used. We usually recommend open cell spray foam to be 6- to 10-inches on a roof deck or ceiling and 3-inches on the walls. Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5-inches on the ceiling or roof deck and 2- to 3-inches in the walls.
What are options for insulating a pole barn? ›Altogether, fiberglass batts and spray foam are the best insulating materials for your post frame building. Fiberglass batts are a cost-effective solution that works uniquely with pole barn columns. Spray foam insulation provides superior R-value and airtightness.
How do you vent an insulated pole barn? ›Additional doors and windows will both help increase the general flow of air through your pole barn. Place them in ways that allow air to enter and exit in a clear path to maximize the movement of air. Face your pole barn to allow proper airflow.
How much does a 55 gallon drum of spray foam cover? ›½# Open Cell Spray Foam 55 gallon kits: 16,000-21,000 board feet coverage We also have Open Cell Spray foam insulation for your project.
Is 2 inches of spray foam enough? ›2 inches of spray foam is enough in particular situations while using a particular type of foam, but it is not a universally accepted standard for sufficiency. When using closed-cell foam in walls, it is generally considered sufficient when 2 to 3 inches are sprayed.
Is spray foam the future? ›Trends in the industry
From 2019 to 2024, the North American spray foam insulation market is expected to grow at a rate of 6% year over year. This is largely due to the fact that spray polyurethane foam proves to be more efficient, dependable, and promising than traditional insulation methods.
Vapor barriers are often installed in basements and crawl spaces to prevent ground moisture from leaking in. In houses with spray foam insulation, however, vapor barriers are not necessary.
Which is better open cell or closed-cell foam? ›
Closed cell foam is the best choice for robust insulating where space is an issue, as it can achieve 2x the R-Value of open cell inside a standard wall. Its rigid nature also adds to the structural integrity of the building and E84 fire rated versions are available.
How thick should foam insulation be? ›For closed cell spray foam, you'll want to make sure that your foam is 2-3 inches thick on the walls and 4-5 inches thick on the roof deck. For open-cell foam, the same thickness is needed for the walls, but the roof deck should be sprayed to be 6-10 inches thick.
What is better than spray foam insulation? ›Cellulose insulation is another environmentally friendly option as it's made from about 80 percent recycled paper materials. The costs of these insulation materials will also be more wallet-friendly than spray foam.
What is the most expensive foam? ›Which expanding foam expands the most? High expansion foam expands the most. It's capable of expanding 200 to 300 times the liquid size, while low expansion foam can only expand up to 30 times its liquid size.
Can you use spray foam insulation in a pole barn? ›Spray foam insulation can be installed in homes, commercial buildings, and agricultural pole barns as long as the cavities are open. You can use closed-cell or open-cell spray foam when insulating a pole barn. However, we recommend using closed-cell spray foam on exposed walls and open-cell spray foam on ceilings.
Should I spray foam my metal building? ›Spray foam insulation for metal buildings is an excellent way to control the climate in your business. Spray foam has effective insulation capabilities. The R-value depends on the application. We can help you choose the right amount and type of insulation for your building, climate, or business.
Do I need a vapor barrier in my pole barn walls? ›Even if you have an air barrier on the outside of your building, if you are in a colder climate, you still need to install a vapor barrier on the inside. If you choose not to insulate your post-frame building, a vapor barrier is still useful in keeping out drafts.
How thick is spray foam for pole barn? ›Pole barn spray foam thickness really depends on which material is being used. We usually recommend open cell spray foam to be 6- to 10-inches on a roof deck or ceiling and 3-inches on the walls. Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5-inches on the ceiling or roof deck and 2- to 3-inches in the walls.
Can you spray foam insulation against metal roof? ›absolutely! Some building owners don't realize that spraying over metal is an option. If you have a roof leak with your metal roof, installing spray foam over top can close all those leaks and provide you with more R value. In fact, spray foam has a 100% chemical adhesion across the entire metal roof.
What type of spray foam is the best for metal buildings? ›Choose closed-cell spray foam for insulating your metal building. Closed-cell is the ideal choice of spray foam for your metal building for two reasons: its waterproofing capability and high racking strength. The cellular structure of closed-cell spray foam is tightly-packed.
What is the cheapest way to insulate a metal building? ›
Fiberglass batt insulation: The most cost-effective insulation option for metal buildings, fiberglass batt material is widely available, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install. Reflective foil insulation: Reflective foil insulation is inexpensive, easy to install, and can be effective in hot climates.
How thick should spray foam be for metal building? ›For metal buildings, if the primary reason you are insulating is to simply stop condensation from forming, then 1” of closed cell Foam it Green is all you need. If you are looking to insulate for heating and cooling purposes, we generally recommend 2” of foam for the walls and 3” for the roof.
What is the most efficient way to heat a pole barn? ›Gas fired or electric furnaces are a great way to keep your pole barn comfortable all winter long. If the pole barn has a gas line, adding in a gas furnace is rather simple. Furnaces don't take up too much room and can be coupled with controls to automatically keep the pole barn at the desired temperature.
How do you keep moisture out of a pole barn? ›To help avoid condensation, insulating your barn with spray foam, for example, can really help. A vapor barrier is another great solution to condensation control. It is a material that retards water vapor migration and is typically installed on the inside surface of insulation.
What is the best way to insulate a metal barn? ›Fiberglass is the most popular insulation solution for metal building systems because it provides the lowest installed cost per R-value. With various facing solutions, the fiberglass insulation will result in a durable and attractive finish.
Should I vent my pole barn? ›Having ventilation at the top of your pole barn roof can be very important. The peak or ridge of your roof should be vented to allow warm and moist air to leave the building. This type of ventilation is important because hot air rises, and a vented ridge will allow this air to escape.
Do pole barn posts need to be in concrete? ›Every building, including a pole barn, needs a foundation to prevent settling and avoid uplift. The foundation for a pole barn generally consists of pressure-treated columns embedded in concrete back-filled holes in the ground.