Metal buildings are very durable, low maintenance, and inexpensive, but they can also be extremely energy efficient if they are built and equipped properly. Whether you’re using your metal structure for commercial, residential, or storage, making it energy efficient will save you money in the long run, and is good for the environment. Let’s take a look at some tips and best practices to help you get the most from your metal building in terms of energy efficiency.
1. Insulate Well
One of the most important aspects of making a metal building more energy efficient is proper insulation. It insulates, keeping the building warm in winter and cool in summer. Several types of insulation work well with metal structures, including:
Spray foam insulation: It expands to fill gaps and gives an airtight seal, preventing drafts and heat loss.
Fiberglass insulation: Typically installed in the walls and roof, a budget friendly option with a good balance of insulation and cost.
Reflective insulation: This type of insulation reflects heat away from the building, especially in hot climates, and can help reduce the load on your HVAC systems.
The right insulation will go a long way towards improving energy efficiency in your climate and needs.
2. Choose Energy Efficient Windows and Doors.
However, metal buildings are known to have large windows and doors, and if not properly designed, will result in heat loss or gain. Go with energy efficient windows, such as double or triple glazing with low E coatings that reflect infrared light to keep indoor temperatures in check. Insulated doors, especially for garage or warehouse type entrances, can also help to reduce the amount of energy required to heat or cool the space.
3. Reflective or Cool Roofing
During the summer months, the roof of a metal building can absorb a lot of heat. Using reflective or cool roofing materials helps reduce heat absorption and lowers cooling costs. Cool roofing typically refers to materials that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, thus maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
Galvalume coating: This coating is a popular choice for metal roofs, which are corrosion resistant and reflective of heat, making them energy efficient.
Cool roof paint: A reflective coating on the roof that reflects back solar radiation.
In addition to improving energy efficiency, these roofing solutions also extend the life of the roof by decreasing thermal expansion and contraction.
4. Optimize Ventilation Systems
Metal buildings require proper ventilation for regulating temperature and keeping the air quality in check. Ridge vents, exhaust fans or louvers can be installed to expel hot air in the summer and prevent heat buildup. If you live in colder months, make sure your building has proper ventilation to avoid condensation and keep the air healthy and moving without losing too much heat.
For example, you might consider integrating energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) to recover energy from exhausted air and recondition it to be used on incoming fresh air. It cuts down on the stress on heating and cooling systems.
5. Incorporate Solar Panels
One of the best reasons to install solar panels on metal buildings is because they have large, flat, or gently sloped roofs. Solar panels can be a renewable source of energy and can reduce the amount of electricity you rely on traditional electricity and lower overall energy costs. By generating clean energy on site you can offset your building’s energy consumption, and even sell back excess energy to the grid, subject to local regulations.
By pairing solar panels with battery storage systems, you can store energy when it’s available and use it during peak demand periods, making your metal building even more energy efficient.
6. Eliminate Air Leaks and Seal Gaps
Any structure can be greatly reduced in energy efficiency due to air leaks. Drafts can come in around windows, doors, and where two different building materials come together, increasing the load on your HVAC system. Look around your building to see if there are any air leaks and then use weatherstripping, caulking or foam sealants to seal them.
Seals around the structure need to be maintained regularly, particularly as it expands and contracts with temperature changes, in order to prevent unnecessary energy loss.
7. Think about Energy Efficient Lighting
Energy efficiency in metal buildings typically ignores lighting. Replacement of traditional lighting with LED fixtures can save a great amount of energy. LEDs are eco friendly, they use less electricity, generate less heat, and last long. Finally, motion sensors or smart lighting systems can be added to further cut energy use by only turning on lights when they are needed.
Conclusion
Not only is it good for the environment, but it can save you tons of money in the long run by maximizing the energy efficiency of your metal building. If you invest in quality insulation, energy efficient windows and doors, reflective roofing, proper ventilation and renewable energy sources such as solar power, you can build a structure that stays comfortable all year long and uses less energy. These best practices will help you get a more sustainable and energy efficient metal building whether you are planning a new build or want to upgrade an existing structure.
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