What R-Value Do Pole Barn Walls and Roofs Need in Oklahoma?

There is no single required R-value for an unheated pole barn. The right amount depends on how you use it. A heated shop in Oklahoma typically uses about R-13 in the walls and R-13 to R-20 or more overhead. A barndominium used as a home follows the residential energy code like any house.

Common Targets by Use

• Unheated hay or equipment storage: often just a 1-inch closed-cell roof coat, about R-6 to R-7, to stop condensation
• Shop heated part time: about R-13 walls and R-13 to R-20 roof
• Shop heated and cooled: about R-13 to R-20 walls and R-20 or more roof
• Barndominium living space: residential energy code levels

What Gets You There

Closed-cell spray foam gives about R-6 to R-7 per inch, so 2 inches is roughly R-13 and 3 inches roughly R-20. Faced fiberglass blanket commonly comes in about R-13 for walls and R-19 for roofs.

Why Air Sealing Matters as Much as R-Value

Pole barns leak air at the eaves, base trim, doors and every panel lap. Air carrying heat and moisture around insulation undercuts its R-value, which is one reason spray foam performs well in metal buildings.

Get a Recommendation

Tell us how you use the barn and we will recommend a thickness for the walls and the roof separately. See metal building and shop insulation and the best insulation for a pole barn.

Pole Barn Insulation Pros Tulsa offers free on-site estimates and written quotes seven days a week, 8am to 7pm. Call (918) 880-2499 or request a free quote online.