I ordered a pole shed today and it comes with Prodex radiant barrier insulation installed as part of the package. I plan to spray foam the building and the reason i didnt just delete the prodex from the package is i want to have something installed between the steel siding and the spray foam so that if the building ever gets damaged like in a hail storm the siding can be replaced without ripping out all the spray foam. The questions i have are (1) will the radiant barrier have any effectiveness at all if its spray foamed over? (2) will the spray foam stick to the prodex? if not to the prodex will it stick enough to all the wood purlins/girts (2x4's on 2' centers) to keep it in place over the prodex? I cant think of any other concerns at the moment but please post up and problems you might forsee with this. Thanks

Posted By Alton on 07 Sep 2012 09:21 PM

What is the zip code for the location of the pole shed?  Are you trying to keep heat in or out?  Spray foam will usually stick to almost anything.  Closed cell foam would add strength to the building.

zip code is 67575, Its real hot in the summer here and real cold in the winter

Another concern. Had a metal frame barn installed with similar radiant barrier between the metal siding and the girts and purlins. When the wind is strong, it infiltrates causing the barrier to bulge. I would think this regular bulging could cause the floam to flex and crack. Closed cell would be stiffer, but closed might flex more easily. The installer didn't put chicken wire on the interior side of the barrier, which might have helped minimize the bulging. Dave

Spraying foam directly on the radiant barrier would render the thermal effectiveness of the r.b. moot. It'll stick to it pretty well though.

Open cell foam is more flexible than closed cell but I wouldn't count on it holding up forever without cracking if the metal it deflecting a half inch or more at center span. I don't have any experience with it in high-wind zones though- just a concern. If the o.c. foam is thick enough (say 8"+) it won't crack, and if taken beyond it's elastic limits it would just deform (permanantly), at the flexing steel, but not enough to affect it's thermal performance appreciably.

I loved dealing with Insulation for less. The insulation is wonderful to work with. Even a 65 year old woman like me can work with it easily.

My neighbor may purchase from you for his big shop and My son in McMinnville Or. And My Daughter in Alaska are both building big Pole buildings this year.

It is great being able to have it shipped direct to my home. It's a great product. Teresa Ross