Metal Buildings
Metal buildings can get extremely hot in summer without the right cooling strategy. Learn proven techniques including ventilation, insulation, coatings, and more.
Why Metal Buildings Get So Hot Metal is a highly conductive material that absorbs solar radiation efficiently. On a sunny summer day, the exterior surface of a dark-colored metal panel can reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit or more. That heat transfers directly through the panel to the interior, turning an uninsulated metal building into an oven. The interior air temperature can easily exceed 120 degrees in direct sunlight, making the space uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for both people and stored items. Heat buildup also damages vehicles, electronics, paints, adhesives, and many other materials commonly stored in metal buildings. The good news is that several proven techniques can dramatically reduce interior temperatures, and most can be implemented affordably. Insulation: The Most Effective Solution Insulation is the single most effective way to reduce heat in a metal building. By creating a thermal barrier between the hot metal panels and the interior air, insulation can reduce interior temperatures by 20 to 30 degrees compared to an uninsulated building. For maximum summer cooling performance, insulate both the roof and walls. The roof is the most critical surface because…