How Do You Keep Metal Buildings Cool in the Summer (and Warm in the Winter)?

Metal buildings are a popular choice for indoor athletic facilities due to their flexible design, longevity, ability to host large spaces, and cost efficiency. However, it’s important to make strategic choices for optimal climate-control to make sure your customers, guests, and members keep coming back to enjoy your facility. Here’s how to keep your indoor athletic facility regulated and comfortable.

• Use High Performance Insulation

The right insulation is the foundation of any good climate-control solution, whether you live in areas of high heat summers or very cold winters. Spray foams can provide a seamless, airtight seal to prevent leakage and moisture buildup. Rigid board insulation comes with high R-values and a solid structure that is perfect for walls. Your builder can use the right combination of insulations to create the ultimate barrier between heat and cold, minimize condensation, and reduce energy costs.

• Install Efficient HVAC Systems

Using a properly sized modern Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is essential to actively managing the climate in such a large space. Your builder will optimize for the size, number of occupants, activity level, and outdoor climate. You can even use a zoning system to keep some areas warmer, while other areas cooler.

• Leverage Reflective Roofing and Wall Panels

You can utilize passive cooling techniques as well, including using reflective roofing and wall panels to reflect the solar radiation away from the building. Special coatings can help reflect a significant portion of heat, and ease the strain on the air conditioning system.

• Optimize Ventilation and Add Skylights

Improving ventilation and air flow can reduce moisture buildup and keep a nice even temperature in larger areas. Roofing vents can let hot air escape so less air conditioning is needed. Adding skylights not only adds natural light, but can also be designed to be energy efficient and reduce incoming solar heat.

• Take Advantage of Smart Thermostats and Sensors

Smart technology continues to advance, giving property owners and managers the ability to automate climate control and respond to realtime usage. Occupancy sensors can adjust dynamically to provide additional heating, cooling, or ventilation. By optimizing for different needs, you could see energy savings overall.

• Explore Dehumidification Systems

Moisture control is always important, but can be critical in indoor athletic facilities that include pools, locker rooms, and high-intensity areas. By reducing the indoor humidity, you can protect your building against mold and mildew, as well as provide a more comfortable environment to view or participate in activities.