Long-Tab Banded System
Long-Tab Banded (LTB) filled-cavity insulation is a popular and cost-effective method for insulating metal building roofs and walls.
By combining laminated insulation featuring extended facing tabs with heavy-duty metal support banding, the LTB system fills the entire purlin cavity to maximize thermal resistance. Whether you are aiming for high R-values to meet strict energy codes or looking for a versatile, field-friendly installation, Long-Tab Banded insulation delivers exceptional thermal performance and long-term energy savings nationwide.
For roofs, faced fiberglass is installed parallel and between the purlins. Unfaced insulation is installed perpendicular and over the top of the purlins. The metal banding is secured perpendicular and to the bottom of the purlins.
For walls, when a higher R-value is desired, unfaced fiberglass can be installed perpendicular to the girts and faced fiberglass parallel to the girts.
Long-tab banded filled-cavity insulation is a reliable and efficient choice for insulating metal buildings.
Why Choose a Long-Tab Banded System?
1. High R-Value Performance & Code Compliance
Eliminate compressed insulation and thermal bridging to achieve high-performance thermal resistance across diverse climate zones.
- Full Cavity Filling: Extends insulation to the full depth of the purlins or girts, optimizing thermal performance and lowering total building U-factors.
- Energy Code Ready: Meets or exceeds strict ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, and state energy code requirements for conditioned metal buildings.
- Effective Vapor Retarder: Extended facing tabs create a continuous vapor retarder seal when adhered across structural members, preventing condensation and protecting the envelope.
2. Maximum Cost-Effectiveness & Field Efficiency
Designed for straightforward, economical installation without sacrificing thermal performance.
- Lower Initial Material Cost: Delivers high thermal efficiency at a competitive price point compared to complex proprietary liner systems.
- Simplified Jobsite Integration: Easily accommodates internal building systems, allowing straightforward routing for electrical conduit, HVAC ductwork, and sprinkler piping.
- Standardized System Components: Ships complete with premium laminated insulation, heavy-duty metal banding (available in 0.75″ and 1.375″ widths), TEK screws, and specialty bar joist clips.
3. Clean Aesthetics & Bright Interior Finishes
Transform the interior appearance of your commercial or industrial space while optimizing lighting efficiency.
- Smooth Facing Presentation: The long-tab design isolates structural purlins and girts, resulting in a clean, continuous ceiling and wall plane.
- Color Options: Available in high-reflectivity white facing (to brighten interiors and help reduce lighting utility costs) as well as black facing for specialized architectural needs.
4. Reliable Air Infiltration & Vapor Control
The Long-Tab Banded system plays an important role in minimizing air infiltration and meeting code-mandated air leakage standards under IECC and ASHRAE 90.1.
- Continuous Lapped Vapor Retarder: Extended 12″ to 15″ facing tabs are lapped directly over the top of purlins or girts and sealed, creating an effective, continuous vapor and air barrier across structural cavities.
- Controlled Energy Loss: By maintaining a fully filled purlin cavity and tightly sealing facing joints, LTB prevents thermal bypass and reduces conditioned air leakage across the building envelope.
- Moisture Protection: Minimizes the transfer of interior moist air into the roof space, mitigating condensation risks and protecting structural steel from corrosion.
⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:
The Long-Tab Banded (LTB) Insulation System is designed purely as an energy-efficient thermal barrier. It does NOT act as fall protection. Contractors must utilize standard OSHA-compliant active fall protection or safety netting during installation.
