We have finally found an old warehouse type building to move into. The usual flat roof (good condition, light insulation) and concrete block construction. What is going to be the best way (heavy consideration on the cost, present and future)to make it somewhat energy effecient. About 60% of the second floor ceiling is batted. The rest is not but does have a suspended ceiling. I'm mainly concerned about the outside walls. Do we stud, insulate and sheetrock the inside or eps and "drive-it" the outside? Or is there a better way? The building is two story, 5k per floor. Help! By the way, we're in Oklahoma, so the summer sun is a definite consideration. Respectfully, Ron Moore
Either way will work. If you want to spruce up the outside, the Dryvit system may be the best way.
If you are looking to keep heat in more than heat out, I'd go with inside insulation. Remember, the block walls will act as a heatsink. The summer sun will warm them up, making the eps/Dryvit system appealing, but in the winter, you'd have to heat the walls some before the insulation becomes effective.
Are the block walls inside OK appearance wise? If you want to spruce up the shop a bit, eps sheets (or any other insulation) on the inside, then sheetrock will do. Since the walls are already structurally sound, the studs can be 24" centers.
OTOH, consider how you will be mounting any shelves or cabinets on the inside and frame accordingly. Ed snipped-for-privacy@snet.net
Dan, Thanks for the response. We have a contract on 4900 N Sewell in OKC. Thats just east of Broadway and just south of NW 50th. We close on Jan 29th or before, hopefully. I guess we'll be almost right behind Ellis Construction referred to in your links. I don't know if there will be access to the ccblock wall for filling. Why does foam filling effect the R value when the concrete has such a low value (1.1 /in)? Are you with one of the local companies? We would like to put a much better roof on the building but from a cost standpoint we will probably live with the existing for a while and finish insulating the ceiling inside. So many options, it's hard to knoww where to go first. Thanks again. Respectfully, Ron Moore
Filling the cores is often done with new construction. You can buy inserts that go into the blocks, or, after construction bead can be blown into the cores. They both work, but not as good as full insulation. Products like Poly Core and Korfil can only be used in new construction before the block is laid. Loose filling can be done as long as there is access to the top course openings. It will not fill voids under windows unless done in new construction before the window is placed. In either case, the mortar lines and webs are still poor insulators. Ed
The studs are a significant thermal leakage path through the insulation, one more reason to got to 24 OC.
Metal studs are significantly worse thermal leaks than wood studs. I don't have the numbers handy but you can probably find them with the help of Google.
No, no connection with local contractor. I work for Putnam City Schools, facility management.
The foam work we have had done was through the masonry contractor on new work, so I have no direct recommendation. When we have had the foam fill work, the contractors elected to drill multiple holes above and below bond beams to inject the foam. Block work typically has a horizontal and vertical concrete filled block every 4 feet each way. The holes were quite small. I think it would work quite well for existing especially if it easy to get to the walls, though we have not done so. We tend to spend our dollars on window, roof, and equipment upgrades.
EIFS (Dryvit) provides an excellent method to upgrade the exterior look and insulation factor of the building. Bruce Moss at Moss plastering or H&W plastering would be good ones.
We tend to stay with modified bitumen roofing over foam board insulation on the roofs. Southwest Roofing, perhaps the largest in the state, will be one of your new neighbors (they face Sante Fe) If you want a smaller, service oriented, contractor call Larry Hedinger at G&L Roofing. We are looking at foam roof possibilities, a young man in that business is Keith Durham, H&H roofing, 417-5463, if you want to look into it.
What type of facility are you creating? I don't imagine there is any relationship with Ron Moore glass company in Edmond. If I can be of assistance, send me a personal email.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Keep the whole world singing. . . . DanG
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.