“Barndominiums” are becoming very popular these days. I myself am on the barndominium bandwagon, as it seems to be the most versatile and cost effective way to build a house.
For those of you who haven’t heard of the term “barndominium”, it’s a combination of the words “Barn” and “Condominium.” Basically, the idea is to build a freestanding metal building, and finish the inside into a house. Barndominiums typically are much cheaper per sq.ft. to build than traditional wood framed houses, but can have all the same features (brick walls, bay windows, etc.)
Of course, closed cell spray foam and barndominiums go together like peas and carrots. As with any other structure, closed cell spray foam seals up even the smallest openings, preventing wind/moisture/dust/allergen/pest intrusion. It also adds substantial strength to whatever it’s applied to, creating a sort of “shell” which ties the building together.
We have insulated countless metal buildings, many of them built to be barndominiums. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on a very interesting project. Our customer was in the process of converting an actual barn, estimated to be between 75 – 100 years old, into a two story cabin style apartment.
100 year old barn converted to apartment
The basic structure was still in decent shape. The owner had already installed a door and some windows, as well as a compact stairway. They had also replaced the upstairs subfloor. When it was time to consider insulation options, closed cell spray foam was the only logical choice. The shiplap walls were full of large gaps, and there were huge gaps between the tin roof and walls.
Plenty of gaps for wind and dust and little critters to get in.
An excellent candidate for closed cell spray foam insulation.
Notice the huge gaps between the roof and wall, especially above the window. Not a problem for closed cell spray foam!
Since the upstairs side walls already had chipboard installed over the studs, the foam was installed to the outside of the upstairs walls.
The upstairs side wall insulation was installed from the outside.
The finished product was a virtually airtight structure, that will be very inexpensive to heat and cool. Closed cell spray foam adds substantial racking strength to any structure its applied to. It also provides a Class II vapor retarder that is always on the correct side of the wall, no matter what the temperature and dewpoint. This is why we consider it the undisputed king of insulation.
After closed cell spray foam was installed. This is going to be a very energy efficient living space, and you definitely can’t beat the character of the old barn!
Notice how the huge gaps between the roof and walls are all sealed up. Closed cell spray foam expands approximately 30 times its liquid volume to fill even the smallest openings.
I’m glad you explained just what a barndominium is because I keep hearing about it and I don’t really know what it is. Living in one of these things would be really cool. I like the idea of a rustic outside and a homey inside. Maybe when I build my own home one day I’ll build one of these. Thanks for the cool ideas and sharing photos of what a barndominium looks like.