Metal buildings are known for their strength and durability, but as summer temperatures rise, especially during the increasingly hot Pacific Northwest summers, they can quickly turn into heat traps if not properly managed. Whether you own a warehouse, workshop, or agricultural structure in Washington, managing indoor temperatures is key to protecting equipment, livestock, products, and people.
At Sea Con, we’ve spent years designing and constructing high-performance metal buildings across the region. Here are five expert-backed tips to help you keep your metal building cool and efficient this summer.
1. Upgrade Your Insulation
The first and most effective step to cooling your metal building is proper insulation. Without it, metal walls and roofs absorb and transfer heat rapidly.
- Use reflective insulation or radiant barriers to bounce sunlight away from your building.
- Consider spray foam insulation in key areas like the roof and upper walls for higher thermal resistance and air sealing.
- In Washington, where temperatures vary by region, an insulation strategy that balances summer cooling and winter heating is essential.
Pro Tip for the PNW: Buildings east of the Cascades face more extreme heat, making insulation especially critical in areas like Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and Spokane.
2. Install a Cool Roof System
Standard metal roofs tend to absorb heat, but cool roof coatings can significantly reduce heat absorption. These light-colored or specially treated roof finishes reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperatures by up to 50°F.
- Reflective coatings or pre-painted panels with high solar reflectance index (SRI) ratings are ideal for Washington’s mix of sun and cloud cover.
- Metal roofs are particularly well-suited for these coatings and can be easily retrofitted without a full replacement.
3. Maximize Ventilation
Airflow is crucial in removing hot air and bringing in cooler outside air.
- Ridge vents, louvered side vents, and exhaust fans can all improve air exchange.
- In larger facilities, consider powered ventilation systems to enhance performance during peak summer heat.
- For Washington’s coastal areas like Seattle or Bellingham, cross ventilation using cooler marine air can be especially effective.
4. Add Shade Strategically
Reducing direct sunlight exposure on your metal building will help control internal heat.
- Overhangs, awnings, or even trees can create shade on sun-exposed walls and windows.
- Installing solar screens or reflective window film can cut down on solar heat gain through glass.
- In more rural or open locations across Washington, consider planting fast-growing trees or using modular shade structures to create natural cooling zones.
5. Use Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems
If you rely on active cooling, make sure your system is optimized for metal structures.
- Mini-split systems work well for individual rooms or zones within a building.
- Evaporative coolers (swamp coolers) are ideal for the drier climates in Eastern Washington.
- Pair your cooling system with programmable thermostats and fans to control usage and keep energy costs down.
Keep Your Metal Building Comfortable Year-Round
Whether you’re storing sensitive materials or just want to make your building more comfortable to work in, these tips will help you beat the summer heat. At Sea Con, we don’t just build metal buildings, we help you make the most of them with smart, region-specific strategies for performance and comfort.
Need expert guidance or retrofitting services? Contact Sea Con to speak with a Pacific Northwest metal building specialist today.
Looking for more steel and building information – check out our guide.
