Aircraft Hangar Heating and Insulation Options

Hangars do not have to be regarded as heated buildings, and if used only for aircraft storage may not need insulation at all.

Hangars in any climate will benefit from roof insulation, as it will reduce condensation, reduce temperature variations and cut down on the noise from rain and aircraft. In cold climates wall insulation will increase comfort within the hangar.

In hot climates using a double skin roof will reduce the comfort inside the hangar by reducing radiant heat from the roof, especially if the roof outer skin is white or very light coloured, and the inner roof liner is white, reducing radiation; there does not seem to be a great advantage in using double skin on the walls (except possibly on the south wall in the northern hemisphere or the north wall in the southern hemisphere. What is more important is correct ventilation (see below). Only if the hangar is to be air-conditioned is there any sense in insulating the whole envelope, and then the maximum value should be used, a U value of say 0.25W/degC/m2 on the roof, and 0.35 on the walls, should be used. But the air-conditioning will require huge energy input and is not advised.

 

Insulated Cladding

insulation_doubleskin Double skin with fibreglass insulation

Liner panel separated from outer sheet by galvanised steel spacer system. Insulated with glass fibre or mineral wool where fire resistance is needed.

60mm fibreglass U value = 0.6 W/m2K

83mm fibreglass U value = 0.45 W/m2K

100mm fibreglass U value = 0.35 W/m2K

160mm fibreglass U value = 0.25 W/m2K
insulation_laminated Laminated fibre glass quilt insulation with decorative facing

Fibreglass insulation quilt with a white reinforced foil or a PVC skin laminated to under face, which forms the internal lining to the building. A cost effective choice for insulating storage buildings.
insulation_sandwich Composite sandwich panel

The outer profiled sheet is normally galvanised steel substrate, colour coated with Plastisol, PvF2, polyester or self galvanised finish as required. The insulation core is an integral closed cellular rigid CFC free isocyanurate or urethane foam with an average density of 35 kg/m3. The inner embossed and ribbed lining sheet is normally 0.4mm thick galvanised steel substrate which may be finished with an off-white colour coat if required. Other insulation options are available.

Many types are not approved by insurers and many types do not give fire resistance. Please ask for advice.

We advise you stop the wall cladding 2.1m from the floor.