I have a pole barn that I would like to insulate, and a friend who is in the carpet trade suggested using carpet padding...any ideas on how it would work? I would think that it would collect moisture, but, if I put plastic against the metal walls, would that help?

-- J. Arras (Threearrs@AOL.com), July 04, 2000

Answers

Before using carpet padding test its resistance to fire. I suspect you will find it is very flamable and gives off thick, greasy fumes.

-- Ken Scharabok (scharabo@aol.com), July 05, 2000.

Before moving into a new house, I was told to leave the windows open for a few days so the formaldehyde in the carpet could air out and not poison my bird. Wonder if that stuff is in the padding, also.

Since being introduced to fleas (!), my houses no longer have carpeting. ALL insects will have to go elsewhere to party and increase their family size!

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), July 05, 2000.

I built a metal pole barn a few years ago & insulated it for a shop. I used 1/2" Thermax, (foil covered rigid foam)on the walls and used firring strips on the trusses and did the same, it did fine in the north east winters, heating with wood, my ceiling elevation was 10'. There was a condensation problem and in the beginning and it would drip down on the insulation, I think one would have to have expandable foam placed directly on the tin to over come this problem or good gable end ventilation.

-- Hendo (OR)r (redgate@echoweb.net), July 05, 2000.

A buddy of mine built a hobo shack and lived in it for several yrs. It was insulated with carpet pad and seemed to do a good job. I'd guess it has an R value of about 4.5--5/inch. Thats the good news.

I think your concern about moisture is a good one and someone else warned about flammability and out gassing for new pad.

I've got a question for Hendo. I'm gonna be insulating part of my pole bldg this year. The trusses are on 10' centers with 2 x 4" purlins on 24" centers perpendicular to the trusses. I scored enuf industrial grade 6" fibreglass with white facing to do the whole job. Rather than putting in a ceiling, which seems very material/labor intensive, and then insulating above that I'm thinking I'd like to insulate the roof instead. The insulation pcs are 6' wide so I'll have to cut some of them to 4' to get my total of 10' (6'+ 4'). I think my biggest concern is moisture build-up between the insulation and the metal roof and am hoping a ridge vent would take care of it. Would it? Any suggestions?

-- john leake (natlivent@pcpros.net), July 05, 2000.