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Seeking advice on insulating a Metal Building — Summer heat is brutal
Hey DIYers — I run a retail shop inside a 1942 quonset hut that becomes dangerously hot in summer. When it’s 90°F outside, it’s easily 110°F+ inside. I’ve nearly passed out from the heat, and I can’t keep the shop open during the worst months. The challenge: I love the interior — exposed corrugated metal, vintage-industrial vibe — and I don’t want to cover it with spray foam or plastic. Ideally, I’d insulate from the outside, but I’m open to inside solutions that still look good and are fire-safe. Someone suggested barn wood panels with insulation behind, but I’m unsure about cost, weight, and feasibility. I've contacted countless contractors and roofers for quotes and ideas but they haven’t been much help — most have no idea what to do with a structure like this and have no interest in the project. I'm hoping someone here has dealt with quonset huts or similar metal buildings and has a smart solution. Photos of the space are attached. I’d really appreciate ideas that: Insulate from the outside while keeping the inside exposed Or offer a visually fitting interior option Are safe for a 1700+ sq ft retail space Any tips, photos, links, or experiences welcome. Thanks in advance! submitted by /u/giddyuphut [link] [comments]
Hey DIYers — I run a retail shop inside a 1942 quonset hut that becomes dangerously hot in summer. When it’s 90°F outside, it’s easily 110°F+ inside. I’ve nearly passed out from the heat, and I can’t keep the shop open during the worst months.
The challenge: I love the interior — exposed corrugated metal, vintage-industrial vibe — and I don’t want to cover it with spray foam or plastic. Ideally, I’d insulate from the outside, but I’m open to inside solutions that still look good and are fire-safe. Someone suggested barn wood panels with insulation behind, but I’m unsure about cost, weight, and feasibility.
I've contacted countless contractors and roofers for quotes and ideas but they haven’t been much help — most have no idea what to do with a structure like this and have no interest in the project. I'm hoping someone here has dealt with quonset huts or similar metal buildings and has a smart solution.
Photos of the space are attached. I’d really appreciate ideas that:
- Insulate from the outside while keeping the inside exposed
- Or offer a visually fitting interior option
- Are safe for a 1700+ sq ft retail space
Any tips, photos, links, or experiences welcome. Thanks in advance!
[link] [comments]
