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How to Seal Gaps in Metal Buildings the Right Way
When you invest in a metal building or carport, you expect durability, strength, and protection from the elements. However, even the highest quality metal structures can have one common vulnerability: gaps. These openings, particularly common with vertical siding due to the corrugated nature of sheet metal, can lead to numerous problems if left unsealed.
At The Carport Co., we understand that proper sealing is essential for maximizing your metal building’s performance and longevity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about identifying, addressing, and preventing issues related to gaps in your metal structure.
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Table of Contents
Understanding the Gap Problem in Metal Buildings
Metal panels, especially those with vertical corrugated designs, naturally create small openings where they meet the foundation, eaves, or other structural components. These gaps might seem insignificant at first glance, but they can lead to several serious issues:
- Energy loss: Heated or cooled air escaping through gaps can significantly increase your utility bills
- Moisture infiltration: Water entering through unsealed areas can cause rust, mold, and structural damage
- Pest invasions: Rodents, insects, and birds can make their way through even tiny openings
- Reduced insulation effectiveness: Gaps compromise your building’s thermal envelope
- Spray foam complications: If you plan to insulate with spray foam, unsealed gaps can lead to messy foam leakage and difficult cleanup
The Critical Role of Foam Enclosure Strips
- Foam enclosure strips (also known as closure strips, foam closures, or profile closure strips) are specially designed foam pieces that conform to the exact profile of your metal panels. These simple yet effective components are the primary solution for sealing gaps in metal buildings.
Types of Foam Enclosure Strips
- Interior Profile Closure Strips: These are installed on the inside of your building where the metal panels meet other components. [Amazon Recommendation]
- Outer Profile Closure Strips: Used on the outside of the building, particularly at eaves and ridges. [Amazon Recommendation]
- Universal Closure Strips (not recommended): Some products are designed to work with multiple panel profiles.
- Black Foam Enclosure Packages: These comprehensive kits include all the closure strips needed for a typical metal building installation.
Benefits of Properly Sealing Your Metal Building
Purchasing your metal building with a foam enclosure package or doing it yourself to save money comes with several benefits:
Energy Efficiency
Properly sealed metal buildings maintain consistent interior temperatures much more effectively. This translates to lower heating and cooling costs throughout the year. In fact, some customers report up to 20-30% reduction in energy bills after properly sealing their metal structures.
Weather Protection
Metal buildings are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, but unsealed gaps can undermine this protection. Foam enclosure strips help prevent wind-driven rain from entering your building and causing damage to the interior, contents, or the metal structure itself.
Pest Prevention
Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small openings—mice can enter through gaps as small as 1/4 inch. Birds and insects seek out these entry points as well. Properly installed foam enclosure strips create an effective barrier against these unwanted visitors.
Preparation for Spray Foam Insulation
If you’re planning to insulate your metal building with spray foam, closure strips are not just beneficial—they’re essential. Without them, the expanding foam will find its way through gaps and create a messy, difficult-to-clean situation on the exterior of your building.
Most professional spray foam installers understand this requirement, but not all do. Before proceeding with spray foam insulation, ensure that all gaps are properly sealed with appropriate closure strips.
Installation Guide for Foam Enclosure Strips
Black foam enclosure packages are specially designed to address these critical gap points throughout your metal structure.
Materials Needed
- Foam Closure Strips (Match Panel Type)
- Construction Adhesive (Butyl Tape or Polyurethane Sealant)
- Measuring Tape
- Utility Knife
- Caulking Gun (If Using Sealant)
- Safety Glasses and Gloves
Step-by-Step Installation Process
- Measure and prepare: Measure the areas where closure strips will be installed. Cut strips to length as needed.
- Clean surfaces: Ensure that all surfaces are clean, dry, and free of debris before installation.
- Apply adhesive: If using adhesive, apply a zigzag pattern to the back of the closure strip.
- Position correctly: Place the closure strip so that its contours align perfectly with the panel profile.
- Secure in place: Press firmly to allow adhesive to bind to panel.
- Continue the process: Work methodically around your building, ensuring no gaps are left unsealed.
- Inspect your work: After installation, carefully check for any missed areas or improperly seated strips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong profile: Closure strips must match your specific panel profile exactly. For most tubular steel buildings, R-panel is used.
- Skipping areas: Every gap needs attention, not just the most obvious ones.
- Improper installation: Strips that aren’t firmly secured can come loose over time.
- Waiting too long: Sealing should be done during construction or shortly after, not after problems have already developed.
- Forgetting about maintenance: Periodically inspect closure strips for damage or deterioration.
When to Call a Professional
While installing foam enclosure strips is a manageable DIY project for many building owners, certain situations call for professional assistance:
- Complex building designs with numerous angles and transitions
- Retrofitting older buildings where panels may have shifted or warped
- When combining sealing with comprehensive insulation projects
- If you’re unsure about the correct profile match for your panels
The Carport Co. can help you determine whether your project requires professional installation or can be handled as a DIY task.
Why Choose The Carport Co. for Your Carport or Metal Building?
When you choose The Carport Co., you’re not just buying a metal building or carport—you’re getting a partner who’s committed to your satisfaction. Here’s what sets us apart:
Competitive Pricing: All of our pricing is either factory-direct, or less than factory direct through dealer exclusive sales and discounts.
Nationwide Coverage: We serve the majority of the United States, bringing durable carports to your doorstep (or driveway).
Premium Materials: Our metal buildings are made from prefabricated tube steel (galvanized steel), available in both 14-gauge and 12-gauge for added strength and durability.
Expert Guidance: Our team is here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right structure to installation.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What are foam closure strips made of?
Foam enclosure strips are typically made from closed-cell polyethylene foam, which resists moisture absorption and maintains its shape over time. This material is also resistant to most chemicals, UV radiation, and temperature extremes.
How long do foam closure strips last?
Quality foam closure strips can last 15-20 years when properly installed and maintained. Factors affecting longevity include climate conditions, exposure to extreme temperatures, and physical damage.
Can I DIY install closure strips on my metal building?
Yes, closure strips can be retrofitted to existing structures, though it’s more challenging than installing them during initial construction. You’ll need to carefully clean the areas where strips will be applied and may need to temporarily remove some components for proper access.
Will foam closure strips completely eliminate condensation in my metal building?
While closure strips significantly reduce condensation by limiting air exchange, they’re most effective when used as part of a comprehensive moisture control strategy that might include proper ventilation, insulation, and possibly a vapor barrier.
How do I know which profile closure strips to buy for my metal building?
The best approach is to match your closure strips to the exact profile of your metal panels. You can:
- Contact your building manufacturer for recommended closure strips
- Measure the exact dimensions of your panel profile
- Reach out to The Carport Co. for assistance in selecting the right closure strips for your specific building
Do I need to seal both the interior and exterior of my metal building?
For maximum protection, sealing both interior and exterior gaps is recommended. Interior closure strips prevent condensation and energy loss, while exterior strips provide the first line of defense against weather and pests.
What's the difference between universal closure strips and profile specific strips?
Universal closure strips are designed with a flexible profile that can conform to various panel shapes, making them versatile but sometimes less precise. Profile-specific strips are manufactured to match exact panel contours, providing optimal sealing but requiring exact matching to your panels.
How much do foam enclosure strips cost for an average metal building?
For a standard 24′ x 36′ metal building, closure strips typically cost between $150-$300 depending on the type and quality. This represents a small fraction of your building’s total cost but provides significant protection and efficiency benefits.
Can spray foam insulation be used instead of foam closure strips?
Spray foam insulation and closure strips serve different purposes. Closure strips seal gaps in specific locations, while spray foam provides overall insulation. In fact, closure strips are essential if you plan to use spray foam, as they prevent the foam from leaking through gaps during application.
Ready to Begin Your Project?
Do you think The Carport Co. would be a good fit for you? We’d love to earn your business. Fill out the quote form, and one of our friendly representatives will be in touch with you shortly. We’re here to answer questions you may have, provide personalized recommendations, and get you an estimate on your project.
To speak with someone, call (888) 293-5588 or email [email protected].
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your property with a durable, versatile, and visually appealing metal structure. Contact The Carport Co. today and experience what we can do.
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The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide is a collection of articles by The Carport Co. These articles have been catered to first time steel and metal carport, garage, and commercial building buyers. Our goal is to share as much information with customers as possible, to help make informed decisions, and ensure a customer doesn’t discover an addition they would have liked to added at the time of sale, but was not aware of the option’s existence.
Here is a preview of a few articles. To view the full Buyer’s Guide, please visit the Ultimate Buyer’s Guide page.
