In pre-engineered steel buildings, the Simple Saver System provides high insulation values, isolates the conductive steel purlins/girts, and seals the insulation from interior air and moisture infiltration. On a metal building, every system is designed to perform at the specified R-value

In-place insulation values are obtained by installing insulation in an actual structure, determining the average thickness and multiplying by the tested R-value per inch. The conductive losses through purlins and girts are negligible when thermally broken and isolated from interior air by the Simple Saver liner fabric. The calculations of ASHRAE accurately predict insulation values of the Simple Saver method. Insulation R-values and thicknesses shown are for 0.6 lb./ft. density fiberglass. High density yields higher R-values with less overall thickness.

Outdated insulation methods are often represented as the pre-installed R-values. This table reveals the truth about the traditional over the purlin/girt method.

Based on NAIMA Formula: U=.012 + [0.255 / (.31Rf +t) ] (1-N / L) + (.198 + .065n) / LVariables:
Rf = The sum of inside and outside air films R-value of .78 used for all calculations.
t = Pre-installed insulation thickness = see below.
N = Number of purlins or girts in the L dimension = (L/spacing) +2.
L = Dimension of the building section in linear feet = 100 foot width used.
n = Fastener population per linear foot of purlin = one per linear foot used.
U = Heat loss in BTU per square foot- hour- degree Fahrenheit.

Notes:

The Simple Saver System is a multi-purpose system that performs many functions with minor variations such as strap patterns, color, insulation thicknesses and types, layers, thermal break options, vented systems, etc. The system can also be used in many different types of structures, thus it is important to read the project instructions carefully and call Bay Insulation if there are any questions regarding installation procedures. We have attempted to cover each type of installation in sufficient detail; however it is impossible to cover every circumstance. The basic concept of the Simple Saver System is:

1. Create a platform with tensioned steel straps (installed in area to be insulated).

2. Position and pull out the specially folded fabric liner on the strap platform and clamp in position (generally a bay at a time).

3. Fasten the steel strap platform supporting the fabric liner to the bottom of the purlin flange with the self-drilling washer head screws provided for that purpose.

4. Seal the fabric liner perimeter edges to the abutting main frames and eave struts with the special contact adhesive provided for that purpose. Syseal® Tape from Bay Insulation will be used at any fabric liner splices. As an option, Syseal® Tape may also be used to seal the fabric liner to the bottom of the eave struts.

5. Unroll and position the insulation in the purlin cavity. It is recommended to thermally break the roof panels from the top of the purlins
Production rates for an R-30 two-layer roof insulation system are generally in the range of 150-200 sq. ft. per man-hour for the complete system installation in a typical pre-engineered metal building. Upwards to 300 sq. ft. per man-hour have been reported in larger buildings with experienced installers. The labor is approximately 1/2 strapping, 1/4 fabric liner and 1/4 insulation placement. Poor site conditions will affect the production rates. The fall protection feature can dramatically increase production rates by allowing workers to insulate and roof safely without being restrained by lanyards.


Installation training is available to contractors for a fee. Video taped instructions are available free of charge. Written instructions and project detail drawings take precedence over video instructions which are general in nature and intended to show technique. Installation of the Simple Saver System during the roof sheeting operation is much faster than retrofit installation, which is completely installed from the underside of the structure. The chart below gives ranges of production rates for use in estimating labor costs for installation.

There are many factors that affect production rates on every type of construction. Insulation systems are no exception, therefore judgement is required in considering variables such as experience of the crew, available equipment, building height, weather likely during installation period, etc. The production rates below are ranges normally encountered under average conditions with an experienced erection crew properly equipped to perform the work. We have timed many installations and find it fairly easy to achieve 150 square feet per man-hour on first time new construction installations. Experienced crews are known to achieve nearly 300 square feet per man-hour under ideal new construction conditions. We suggest close observation of production rates to obtain experience rates for your own crew as being the best method of determining production rates.

*These rates are for typical metal buildings with eave height up to 30 feet. Add for additional height costs.