Insulated Vs. Non-Insulated Metal Garages: Which One Do You Really Need?

When buying a metal outdoor shed and building for home, farm, or business, a question that sticks in every buyer’s mind is – should I choose insulation or not? An insulation material is added to the roof and walls of a metal parking garage to keep it warm during winters and cool during summers. But not everyone needs it; some care more about saving money, while others want extra comfort. It boils down to how you want to use your garage.

In this blog, we will compare insulated and non-insulated steel parking garages, look at their pros and cons, long-term benefits, and when to choose one. So, let’s start.

Understanding The Non-Insulated Metal Structures

Let’s get into the brief of what a metal non-insulated garage is, its pros and cons, and when to choose one.

1. What Are Non-Insulated Metal Garages?

A non-insulated 1-car garage is a structure made simply using steel frames with metal panels. It does not have an extra layer that keeps heat out or in, so whatever the weather outside, you will feel it inside.

You can customize a non-insulated parking garage by selecting colors, additional lean-tos, and roofing style. No matter whether you choose a vertical or horizontal metal garage, whether to insulate or not will always be a crucial factor in the long run.

2. Pros Of Non-Insulated Metal Prefab Garages

• It comes with a low upfront cost and is more budget-friendly.
• It has a simple design and takes less time and labor for installation.
• It is a lightweight option with few materials required.
• It is suitable for moderate weather regions where the temperature is comfortable throughout the year.
• It is ideal for storage, such as keeping tools, farm equipment, and items that don’t require temperature control, just shaded and dry space.

3. Cons Of Non-Insulated Steel Garages

• In hot summers, it can get super-hot, while in cold winters, it can get freezing inside a non-insulated metal parking space.
• Lack of insulation can cause condensation, humidity buildup, and moisture retention inside the garage, leading to rust, mildew, and damage to stored items.
• No insulation over the roof can amplify rain, wind, and hail noise and can make a loud racket against the metal panels.
• If you live in extreme weather areas, a non-insulated steel garage can be uncomfortable to work in.
• Running the heater and air conditioner will increase energy bills if you want climate control inside a non-insulated space.

4. Potential Long-Term Benefits Of Non-Insulated Metal Buildings

• It comes with a low cost, saving you money upfront.
• It is easy to maintain as fewer materials need to be monitored, checked, and repaired.

5. When To Choose A Non-Insulated Steel Building

Here are some situations where a non-insulated prefab garage will work the best:

• For storing cars, tractors, farm equipment, etc., in moderate weather zones.
• For keeping seasonal items like holiday decors or sports gear.
• For the buyer looking for an affordable garage choice, simple, no-frills.

You can take advantage of choosing metal outdoor sheds for your backyard, including durability, better security, plenty of customizable options, and low upkeep needs.

Exploring The Insulated Steel Structures

Let’s understand now about a steel insulated garage, along with its perks, and when to go for one.

1. What Are Insulated Metal Garages?

An insulated metal 2-car garage has extra layers of special materials that help in controlling the temperature inside. These materials act like a cozy blanket that keeps heat out in the summer and cold out in the winter.

For example, Carports Advisor offers single bubble and double bubble insulations, which are affordable and suitable for mild weather, and a woven R17 insulator, which gives superior thermal efficiency all year round.

2. Pros Of Insulated Metal Prefab Garages

• It keeps the temperature steady inside the garage building regardless of the weather outside.
• It reduces moisture and water droplets from forming on metal panels, which reduces the chances of mold, mildew, and rusting.
• It acts as sound-dampening during rain, snow, hail hailstorms.
• Insulation will also help seal any gaps, cracks, and edges, to avoid pests and bugs entry inside the garage.
• It saves energy bills as HVAC systems have to work less to regulate indoor temperature.
• It helps garages stay comfortable throughout the year for workshop activities, personal retreat, or livestock shelter. You can also store delicate items that can get damage due to heat or cold.

3. Cons Of Insulated Steel Garages

• It increases the initial costs, such as a single bubble can cost about $1.50 per sq. ft., while a woven R17 can cost about $3 per sq. ft. The price may vary with location and manufacturer.
• It takes longer to install and may require extra specialized labor for installing insulation.
• It will increase maintenance as you may be required to conduct an annual inspection to ensure insulation is intact and working properly.

Since a metal insulated garage costs more than a non-insulated building, you can learn about the basics of metal building financing to make an informed decision.

4. Potential Long-Term Benefits Of Insulated Metal Building

It will protect delicate items from sudden temperature fluctuation and humidity, extending their lifespan.

You won’t need to shell out money on treating rust.

It will make the garage comfortable to work in regardless of the outdoor climatic situation.

It cuts the energy costs of your garage and adds value to your property.

Whether choosing an attached vs. detached garage for your property, you must consider insulation if you want to regulate indoor temperature for comfort, long-term low maintenance, and less frequent repairs.

5. When To Choose An Insulated Metal Building

You can opt for an insulated metal parking structure in the following situations:

• Workshop or hobby space where comfort matters.
• Storing delicate equipment, electronics like a washer & dryer, and power tools.
• Business and farm needs where temperature control is non-negotiable.

Which Steel Parking Garage Should You Choose: Insulated Or Non-Insulated

Here are some factors that will let you decide whether insulation is worth it or not.

Budget: Insulation adds to the overall initial cost at first. But it also helps in reducing heating and cooling costs in the long run. Moreover, insulation also reduces condensation, moisture & humidity, resulting in fewer repairs in the future.

On the other hand, a non-insulated garage cuts upfront costs but may not be comfortable for year round use.

Use Of The Garage: How will you use the garage space? Is it for parking bikes, storing garden tools, and equipment? If so, a non-insulated garage will work fine, but if you want a space for fixing cars, working on weekend DIY projects, or a hanging out space, then insulation helps!

Local Climate: If you’re in a place with super-hot summers or freezing winters, insulation helps control temperature and keep things from getting damaged from humidity.

Local Rules: In some areas, such as Tornado Alley, flooding-prone regions, and heavy snowfall areas, local municipal departments may ask to follow building codes that include insulation. If so, you will have to choose an insulation (with the correct R-value).

Here are some questions that you should ask yourself before deciding whether you should insulate (or not!) a metal parking building:

• Will you spend a lot of time inside the garage?
• Will you store items that are temperature-sensitive?
• How large is your garage?
• Are you willing to pay extra for future comfort?
• Does your local weather pattern require an insulated building?

Insulated Or Not? Make The Right Metal Garage Investment Now!

An insulated garage gives better comfort and longevity, while a non-insulated one offers budget-friendly and basic functional features. So, if your priority is cost and you want to use a metal structure occasionally or just for outdoor tools storage, a non-insulated shed will be ideal.

But if you need climate control, want to use a steel structure year-round, and want long-term efficiency, then go for an insulated one. To discuss steel garage insulation, its thickness, and other custom features, call us at (336)-914-1654.