How Should I Insulate My Pole Barn Ceiling?

[trailrider383]

Winter is finally here and I need a project to relieve the boredom. I have a 30 x 40 pole barn with nothing on the ceiling for insulation. I need help on figuring out the proper way to insulate it.

I have read about different ways to do it and I can't make up my mind what to do. I would prefer something easy to install. I am thinking about some kind of foam board. But then I start reading about vapor barriers, etc. I don't need a real high R value, just something to keep it a little cooler in the summer and to hold the heat in a little longer in the winter when I fire up the 110,000 btu space heater (kerosene torpedo heater.)

What I do now is go out and crack a window and fire up the space heater for 10 or 15 minutes til the temp comes up to around 50 and shut it off til I get cold. Sometimes I will let it run and cycle off the thermostat if I'm going to be out there a long time. But not usually, because it is so loud. One thing you should know if you haven't used one of these heaters is they introduce a lot of moisture into the air which then condenses on the metal roof and drips.

This is what I have to work with:

[SilkMoneyLove]

That is a lot of space, maybe install a drop ceiling with foam panels? It shouldn'e add too much weight and should add a few Rs. Might also quiet it down a bit for when you are working with equipment.

[troidus]

I'd have a contractor spray it with A-B foam. Do the walls, too.

[trailrider383]

Originally Posted by SilkMoneyLove

That is a lot of space, maybe install a drop ceiling with foam panels? It shouldn'e add too much weight and should add a few Rs. Might also quiet it down a bit for when you are working with equipment.

I can't do a drop ceiling because I have lights hanging 6" below the rafters. And an I beam for a hoist is up there also. Here is another view:

[troidus]

I still think spray foam is your best bet. It's self-supporting and rot-proof, as long as you keep UV light away. If you're going to weld in there, you might need a portable barrier around your project.

[HapHazard]

I used this "TekFoil" product on the walls and ceiling of my garage, I don't see why it wouldn't work in your barn.
http://www.teksupply.com/farm/suppli...nsulation.html
Staples up quick & easy, is virtually fireproof (I tried on a sample) and keeps the heat in (in the winter) and the sun's heat out (in the summer).
The interior of the garage is way brighter, the lighting is much more effective.

I liked it so much, I used it behind the sheetrock on an addition to my house.

A similar product is available at Home Depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...1&distance_1=5

[trailrider383]

Originally Posted by HapHazard

I used this "TekFoil" product on the walls and ceiling of my garage, I don't see why it wouldn't work in your barn.
http://www.teksupply.com/farm/suppli...nsulation.html
Staples up quick & easy, is virtually fireproof (I tried on a sample) and keeps the heat in (in the winter) and the sun's heat out (in the summer).
The interior of the garage is way brighter, the lighting is much more effective.

I liked it so much, I used it behind the sheetrock on an addition to my house.

A similar product is available at Home Depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...1&distance_1=5

Which one did you use? That link shows about four different types.

[dmftoy1]

If you didn't do the foil/insulation when you put the roof on then the best bet is spray foam followed by normal insulation with a ceiling hanging off the bottom of your trusses. I had to spec that in the design on mine though so if you didn't then I'd go foam. Ymmv

Have a good one,
Dave

[darenative]

Have it sprayed with 2 part foam. BTDT, money well spent.

[trailrider383]

Originally Posted by darenative

Have it sprayed with 2 part foam. BTDT, money well spent.

What did it cost?

[Laconic]

Closed-cell spray foam, about 1" should do what you need it to do. It's flammable, so you would want to sheath the walls with drywall or metal.

It acts as a vapor barrier, so if you ever wanted to increase your R-value you can go with regular fiberglass batt right over it.

A vented heater would be a good investment, too.

We used foam in the house we built a couple years ago and have been very happy with the results.

[trailrider383]

The walls are already insulated and sheetrocked. Thanks for the info.

[dave186]

I have a friend that does spray foam. I dont know much of anything about it but could pass along his number if your interested, Im not far from you.

[trailrider383]

Originally Posted by dave186

I have a friend that does spray foam. I dont know much of anything about it but could pass along his number if your interested, Im not far from you.

That would be helpful. Thanks.

[LI LT Owner]

Originally Posted by HapHazard

I used this "TekFoil" product on the walls and ceiling of my garage, I don't see why it wouldn't work in your barn.
http://www.teksupply.com/farm/suppli...nsulation.html
Staples up quick & easy, is virtually fireproof (I tried on a sample) and keeps the heat in (in the winter) and the sun's heat out (in the summer).
The interior of the garage is way brighter, the lighting is much more effective.

I liked it so much, I used it behind the sheetrock on an addition to my house.

A similar product is available at Home Depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...1&distance_1=5

Forgive my ignorance, do you use this in place of insulation or in conjunction with it?