We are in the process of building a new barn, and our contractor and supplier have recommended we use a product called dripstop in lieu of insulation in the roof (I was planning on going to go double bubble route). My main concern is condensation raining down from the roof, so this looks interesting but I’m not finding specific information to horse barns. Has anyone used this product?
I am not really looking to add r value, as the barn will be well ventilated and we plan on keeping dutch doors to outside open as much as possible, but I HATE condensation.
We live in way upstate NY. Long cold winters and lots of snow.
never heard of it but reading about the product, it is applied to metal roofing as it is made.
Roofing panels should be stored in a dry location and installed as quickly as possible after delivery. If this is not possible, panels should be separated from one another to allow for air circulation to prevent panel damage.
Drip Stop is UL 723 approved for flame spread and smoke generation and comes with a 20 year adhesion warranty. It also reduces exterior noise.
The steel panels do require some extra preparation work, prior to installation. Panels are to be first laid with the Drip Stop material facing up. Using a heat gun, the exposed end lap or eave portion needs to be heated to fuse the Drip Stop fibers. Care must be given to avoid overheating any one spot, which could potentially damage the panel’s finish on the exterior side. The Drip Stop material should neither be completely melted, nor fused beyond the lap or overhang area of the panel. Allow panels to cool, prior to installation. Failure to properly prepare panels may result in the Drip Stop material attracting water from outside the building, resulting in possible leaks, mold and/or mildew.
I would worry how much weight you are adding to a roof if that works by holding moisture in the felt material so it doesn’t drip, but evaporates?
What if it gets cold enough up there to freeze?
Obviously they think it works well, but trapping moisture doesn’t ever seem such a good idea anywere, especially where it is more rather than less humid?
Has the contractor used this before? Could he put you in contact with somebody who has it in a barn so you could maybe visit and talk to the owners? Since you’re planning on as much fresh air in your barn as possible, you know it’s going to freeze if it has soaked up condensation before the temperature drops. Might make it next to useless until the next good thaw if it’s saturated.
That is my plan on Tuesday. I’m going to call the manufacturer as well. My contactor has never used it but supplier has sold a ton of it around here, but most applications have been garages, machinery shops, and cattle barns.
This product is pretty new. I could not find any reviews and I don’t like paying to the guinea pig.
I would be hesitant to use/pay a contractor with no experience using/installing.
Read basically the same thing i several articles, forums on the product.
"If anyone has personal experience using this product, feel free to respond and let me know what the pluses and minuses were in using Drip Stop. It sounds like a great product, and may be a step in the right direction for a better moisture barrier than what has been currently available. However, at first glance the application sounds too complicated and somewhat risky for anyone other than someone who has lots of practice installing it. Let me know what you think folks, I am always looking “for a better mousetrap”.
I would like to think after 5 years it would be easy to find reviews and or current discussions.
Personally I would pay more for the roof to be decked and shingled. Which pretty much takes care of condensation issues. Or deck and use metal sheeting. But if it is a budget buster go with what you can afford.
