Metal Building help!

admin

Location:  Pacific Northwest (SW Washington).  The last year has been a frustrating situation to build a dedicated welding shop.  Currently, I weld in nice weather just outside my wood working shop (made of wood).  I don't like to mix wood and metal for many reasons (fire for one).  This last year has been the development of a 21 x 17 x 12' high metal building.  Foundation is a 4" thick slab/12" thickened perimeter.  I've sealed the concrete before the building arrived.  Fast forward about six months of pain, the metal building arrives (October 2021).  I had to install my own rollup door 10x10.  Shop looks pretty good.  First rain (Pacific Northwest), I have three leaks, which I was happy it was only three.  Guys came back and "fixed" them, which of course results in one fixed.  I've been chasing leaks since then.  I believe I have one more to fix (typically has been putty in the hole and new washer/screw.  I've now resorted to caulking on top of the screws, which I hate.  Now for my next phases....Electrical - All my electrical will be routed in EMT of course.  Just got the 100 amp lines to the breaker in the shop and still planning on 220/110 locations.I know the terms Vent and Insulation well to prevent condensation; but I'm not sure the best approach to my situation.Condensation and venting - Noticed several times now with all the rollup and man door shut, it started to "rain" inside pretty bad.  I've rolled the door up all night and it appears to have stopped and stays dry.  Thus ventilation is needed.  I thought since I paid extra for the bubble wrap insulation that would have helped (like R2)  I believe it's playing more of a vapor burier (or am I wrong).  I believe it's sealed too tight and I plan on going up under the eves and seeing about opening it up for venting?  The bubble wrap goes up and over the peak as well, so venting there might be tricky.I'm not sure the best way to vent this building?Roof Insulation - Additionally, I was thinking of buying that 3/4" or  1" thick foam and sliding in between the purlens.  Spray foam sounds good; but how would it go with this wrap in the walls and ceiling??What's is a good solution for Roof insulation here? Where should materials go?Walls - I have extras of the bubble wrap and was thinking I would drape it on the inside walls as much as I can to add to wall insulation efforts.  Then I would install same metal siding on the inside walls as well (about 8'-10' up the wall).  This will protect the bubble wrap from all the welding sparks, etc.  I think when money permits, I could slide 2" thick foam insulation down in between.  Any issue with that idea?


I'm going to reseal the concrete one more time.I would like to have an electric heater some day to take the chill off when I work in there.  Will that cause dramatic issues after insulation?Should I plan on moving my welder, plasma cutter, and band saw out of there during the winter months?Need to resolve the sweating issue before I start moving equipment in.  I'm really starting to regret building a metal building; but I'm a fighter and will not let this building win over me

Appreciate any advise you might have.Scott
Reply:

Originally Posted by frostyford

Location:  Pacific Northwest (SW Washington).  The last year has been a frustrating situation to build a dedicated welding shop.  Currently, I weld in nice weather just outside my wood working shop (made of wood).  I don't like to mix wood and metal for many reasons (fire for one).  This last year has been the development of a 21 x 17 x 12' high metal building.  Foundation is a 4" thick slab/12" thickened perimeter.  I've sealed the concrete before the building arrived.  Fast forward about six months of pain, the metal building arrives (October 2021).  I had to install my own rollup door 10x10.  Shop looks pretty good.  First rain (Pacific Northwest), I have three leaks, which I was happy it was only three.  Guys came back and "fixed" them, which of course results in one fixed.  I've been chasing leaks since then.  I believe I have one more to fix (typically has been putty in the hole and new washer/screw.  I've now resorted to caulking on top of the screws, which I hate.  Now for my next phases....Electrical - All my electrical will be routed in EMT of course.  Just got the 100 amp lines to the breaker in the shop and still planning on 220/110 locations.I know the terms Vent and Insulation well to prevent condensation; but I'm not sure the best approach to my situation.Condensation and venting - Noticed several times now with all the rollup and man door shut, it started to "rain" inside pretty bad.  I've rolled the door up all night and it appears to have stopped and stays dry.  Thus ventilation is needed.  I thought since I paid extra for the bubble wrap insulation that would have helped (like R2)  I believe it's playing more of a vapor burier (or am I wrong).  I believe it's sealed too tight and I plan on going up under the eves and seeing about opening it up for venting?  The bubble wrap goes up and over the peak as well, so venting there might be tricky.I'm not sure the best way to vent this building?Roof Insulation - Additionally, I was thinking of buying that 3/4" or  1" thick foam and sliding in between the purlens.  Spray foam sounds good; but how would it go with this wrap in the walls and ceiling??What's is a good solution for Roof insulation here? Where should materials go?Walls - I have extras of the bubble wrap and was thinking I would drape it on the inside walls as much as I can to add to wall insulation efforts.  Then I would install same metal siding on the inside walls as well (about 8'-10' up the wall).  This will protect the bubble wrap from all the welding sparks, etc.  I think when money permits, I could slide 2" thick foam insulation down in between.  Any issue with that idea?


I'm going to reseal the concrete one more time.I would like to have an electric heater some day to take the chill off when I work in there.  Will that cause dramatic issues after insulation?Should I plan on moving my welder, plasma cutter, and band saw out of there during the winter months?Need to resolve the sweating issue before I start moving equipment in.  I'm really starting to regret building a metal building; but I'm a fighter and will not let this building win over me

Appreciate any advise you might have.Scott