Adding Insulation to Pole Buildings: Pros and Cons

If you own or are planning to build a pole building in the Spokane area, insulation is one of the smartest upgrades you can consider—but it’s also one of the most commonly misunderstood. At Stimson Contracting, I’ve worked with property owners across Eastern Washington to insulate everything from workshops and garages to full-time barndominiums.

The truth is, adding insulation to your pole building isn’t always one-size-fits-all. Depending on how you use the space, where it’s located, and what materials you choose, insulation can be a major benefit—or an unnecessary expense. In this article, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of insulating a pole building, so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Table of Contents

1. Why Insulate a Pole Building?

2. The Pros of Insulating Your Pole Building

3. The Cons and Considerations

4. Insulation Options We Recommend

5. When to Add Insulation (Timing Matters)

6. What If You Already Built Without Insulation?

7. Insulating for Seasonal vs. Year-Round Use

8. Moisture and Ventilation Considerations

9. Insulation Costs vs. Energy Savings

10. Conclusion: Insulate with Purpose

1. Why Insulate a Pole Building?

Pole buildings are incredibly versatile—but without insulation, they’re basically giant metal shells. That means:

• Freezing in winter

• Overheating in summer

• Excessive condensation and moisture buildup

• Uncomfortable or unusable interior space

Insulation helps solve all of those issues—but whether it’s worth it depends on how you use the building.

2. The Pros of Insulating Your Pole Building

✅ Comfort: A properly insulated pole barn is usable in all seasons, no matter Spokane’s climate.

✅ Energy Efficiency: Whether you’re heating, cooling, or both, insulation helps you use less energy and save on utilities.

✅ Condensation Control: Insulation (especially with vapor barriers and ventilation) helps prevent moisture buildup that can damage tools, vehicles, and structures.

✅ Noise Reduction: Insulation helps reduce outside noise and echo inside large metal buildings—especially important for workshops and offices.

✅ Improved Resale Value: An insulated building is a more attractive feature to buyers or tenants.

3. The Cons and Considerations

❌ Added Cost: Insulation adds to your overall project budget, especially for larger buildings or premium materials like spray foam.

❌ Not Always Necessary: If your building is used only for dry storage or seasonal equipment, insulation may be overkill.

❌ Improper Installation Risks: Bad insulation can trap moisture and do more harm than good. This is why proper vapor barriers and ventilation are essential.

❌ Retrofits Can Be Tricky: If you’re adding insulation to an existing finished building, it can be more labor-intensive than insulating during the initial build.

4. Insulation Options We Recommend

Depending on the structure and use, we typically recommend:

• Spray Foam: High-performance air sealing, great for conditioned spaces

• Batt Insulation: Affordable and effective in framed interior walls

• Rigid Foam Board: Ideal for floors, ceilings, and slab edges

• Blown-in Cellulose: Useful in attic spaces or pre-framed cavities

Each option has different performance, moisture resistance, and cost implications.

5. When to Add Insulation (Timing Matters)

The best time to add insulation is during the initial construction. It’s easier, more affordable, and allows for proper vapor barrier placement. But if you missed that window, retrofitting is still possible—we help Spokane clients upgrade older pole barns all the time.

6. What If You Already Built Without Insulation?

If your building’s already up and uninsulated, don’t worry—it’s still fixable. We can:

• Frame interior walls to add batt insulation

• Apply spray foam directly to interior panels

• Add ceiling insulation and ventilation

• Address moisture issues before they become serious

We’ll tailor the solution to your building’s structure and use.

7. Insulating for Seasonal vs. Year-Round Use

Planning to spend time in your shop year-round? Insulation is a must.

Only storing tractors in the summer? You might not need much—or any.

We help you match insulation levels to your actual use so you don’t overspend or underperform.

8. Moisture and Ventilation Considerations

Insulation without ventilation can trap moisture—especially in Spokane’s winter climate. That’s why we recommend:

• Vapor barriers in walls and ceilings

• Ridge and eave vents

• Mechanical ventilation for conditioned interiors

A properly sealed and vented building stays dry, clean, and protected.

9. Insulation Costs vs. Energy Savings

The upfront cost of insulating your pole building can pay off quickly in:

• Lower heating and cooling bills

• Extended building life (reduced moisture damage)

• Improved comfort for living or working

We help you find the right ROI balance based on building size, usage, and Spokane’s energy rates.

10. Conclusion: Insulate with Purpose

Adding insulation to a pole building is a smart move—if it’s done for the right reasons and done the right way. Whether you're building a brand-new barndominium or retrofitting an old workshop, the right insulation can turn a basic structure into a comfortable, efficient, and year-round space.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve been insulating pole barns for decades, and we know what works in Spokane’s unique climate. Let’s talk about how to make your building perform at its best—without breaking your budget.