Condensation is the number one complaint we hear about pole barns in northeast Oklahoma. On cool nights the metal roof drops below the dew point of the air inside the barn, and moisture from the ground, animals, wet equipment or a heater condenses on the steel. By morning it is raining inside the building.
The fix is to keep moist air from touching cold metal. A layer of closed-cell spray foam bonded to the underside of the roof does exactly that. It also insulates, so the panel surface stays closer to the inside temperature. In many unheated barns, about 1 inch on the roof is all it takes.
We also look at where the moisture comes from: a dirt floor, a concrete slab without a vapor barrier, animals, or a propane heater. Fixing the source alongside the foam gives the best result.
Tulsa tip
Unvented propane and kerosene heaters add a lot of water vapor to a building. If your barn only drips when the heater runs, the heater is part of the problem.
Signs of a Condensation Problem
- ✓Dripping from the roof on cool mornings
- ✓Wet spots on the floor under the purlins
- ✓Rust on screws and the underside of panels
- ✓Mold on stored hay, wood or cardboard
- ✓Water on equipment after a cold night
- ✓Dripping that gets worse when a heater runs
Condensation Control Options
Closed-cell spray foam on the roof is the most reliable fix for an existing building, because it bonds to the metal and leaves no gaps. About 1 inch is typical for an unheated barn, more for a heated one.
Factory anti-condensation fleece or a sealed vapor-retarder facing works on new construction but is hard to add later. Ventilation helps but rarely solves the problem on its own in humid Oklahoma weather.
Pole Barn Condensation Control Services We Offer
✓Roof Condensation Coat
About 1 inch of closed-cell foam overhead.
✓Full Roof and Wall Foam
For heated or humid buildings.
✓Moisture Source Review
Floors, heaters, animals and drainage.
✓Old Insulation Removal
Pulling wet bubble wrap or blanket insulation.
✓Ventilation Advice
Ridge and eave vent recommendations.
Pole Barn Condensation Control Cost in Tulsa, OK
| Project | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Roof condensation coat, 1 in closed-cell | $1.00–$2.00 per sq ft | Roof area and access |
| 30x40 roof, 1 in closed-cell | $1,250–$2,500 | About 1,250 sq ft of roof |
| 40x60 roof, 1 in closed-cell | $2,500–$5,000 | About 2,500 sq ft of roof |
| Walls added | Quoted per building | Height and openings |
Planning ranges for the Tulsa area. Your free estimate gives the exact written price.
How It Works
- 1
Moisture Check
We look at the roof, floor, heater and drainage.
- 2
Prep
Equipment and floors are protected.
- 3
Spray
Closed-cell foam goes on the roof underside.
- 4
Follow-Up
We review the source fixes with you.
Related reading: How to Stop Condensation Dripping Do You Need a Vapor Barrier?