Condensation can cause a great deal of damage to a post frame building.  It’s simply one of those areas that you have to prepare for in constructing your new pole building.  Your buildings purpose may also contribute to the humidity levels that cause condensation.  When the temperature and humidity conditions reach the dew point, moisture condenses on the underside of metal roofing and forms droplets of water, which can cause damage to the contents of your building.  Fortunately, there are options to prevent condensation build up and long term damage to your building.

Condensation Damage

Water Droplets

Water can quickly condense on the walls and ceiling areas. Aside from being unsightly, it can damage anything you are storing in the building. For long term storage, condensation can quickly lead to external damage and material rot. For livestock, this can also put the health of your animals at risk.

Corrosion

Over the long term, condensation can cause the metal in your post frame building to start to rust and corrode, which will weaken the building’s structural integrity.  This can certainly lead to reducing the lifespan of your building and its performance.

Damage To Wood Purlins

Much like the metal components, wood is also susceptible to damage. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause wood to warp and rot. This will weaken the overall structure strength and over prolonged periods can reduce the life expectancy of the entire roofing system.

Prevention Methods

Fanfold Insulation

This type of insulation is affordable and easy to install, but does have drawbacks. While it does provide initial protection, it can have gaps underneath the surface roofing metal and may allow some condensation.  Overtime this type of material tends to erode and pull away from the roofing system thereby minimizing long-term functionality.

Rigid Insulation

This insulation is very strong and when properly installed should prevent thermal leaks. However, it can be difficult to install, and if you live in an area with adverse weather conditions (i.e. wind), some extra effort may be required.

Vinyl-Reinforced Fiberglass Insulation

The R-value (measure of how well it blocks heat transfer, key in preventing condensation) of this insulation is R6. This product is installed between the roof purlins and the metal roofing material and provides very good long term protection against condensation.

Moisture Vapor Barrier

This is a cost effective method of preventing condensation from entering a structure by shedding the moisture. However, it lacks the ability to displace heat. It may not be effective where high levels of condensation will be created such as a livestock facility.

Factory-Applied Condensation-Control Membranes

This product is factory applied directly to the roofing panel.  This anti-condensation membrane works throughout the day by providing a medium for trapping the moisture in specially designed pockets formed in the membrane.  This material holds the moisture until the conditions go back below the dew point and is then released back into the air in the form of normal humidity.

As you can see, the damage condensation can cause to your post frame building can be quite severe. But with careful planning and prevention techniques you can prevent damage to your new property. Above all, it pays to be prepared. Don’t wait until the first signs of damage, by then it may already be too late. A local, professional builder will know how to properly prepare and protect your post frame building from humidity caused by local weather conditions and your building use.