Pole barn ceiling advice

[wguttrid]

Hi guys, have an older type shed pole barn, with 2' centers for rafters and looking at putting up ceiling to help with winter heating. The size I am looking at is an area of about 25' x 60'.

Was thinking either Aspenite (OSB) or tin metal (standard 26 or 29g barn metal siding).

Leaning towards the metal siding, as the bigger pieces should make the work go a bit quicker. Plan on insulating and attaching vapor barrier.

Going to run the sheets parallel to the rafters, or sheet length way against the rafters. Was thinking to order 3' wide by 16' length, but not sure what gauge I should go with.

Will 29g suffice?

Any other tips or recommendations.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[JCB]

W,

I wouldn't have though sheet metal had the strength to go parallel to rafters. I'd worry about sag?

 

[Sumpter]

I would use OSB personally. It would add strength to the structure and won't sag. Plus I think it would look better.

 

[brin]

I used rolls of insulation between the rafters in mind and then OSB and it has worked just fine and held up like new for 15 yrs+ now...

 

[Craig Clayton]

OSB can be heavy for the thickness. In my house when I put in a sub ceiling I used 1/4" plywood. I am still living in the house after 20 years . I strapped then finished with 1/2 " drywall.
So for a barn I might suggest 3/8" plywood.
Craig Clayton

 

[MNBobcat]

Go with the metal. That metal can span trusses 8 feet on center without sagging and without running purlins -- it can screw right to the existing trusses.

 

[LD1]

Go with the metal. That metal can span trusses 8 feet on center without sagging and without running purlins -- it can screw right to the existing trusses.

29ga spanning 8' without purlins?????? Says who????

I personally would not want to do it. 4' MAX for purlin spacing.

And if you choose metal, DONT run parallel to the rafters. Run perpindicular.

But I also vote for osb. 7/16 is what I used because it was the cheapest. like $4.76 for a 4x8 sheet. But prices fluctuate on them. But @ 4.76 that is about $0.15 per sq ft. Metal is about $2.50 or so per foot. That is over $0.83 per sq ft.

Actually mine was a floor for upstairs. Put the osb on the bottom and then blown in insulation. and then the osb on the top. If you have access once the ceiling is on, blown in is a little cheaper. If not, use rolls then cover with the OSB.

 

[westbrooklawn]

I've run 29ga metal over 6' with no sag at all... 8' should be no problem also. As mentioned , run it perpendicular to rafters. This makes a very nice ceiling in a barn/shop. Metal is lighter than osb, and you can get it with a nice painted finish for around $.70/sq. ft.

 

[LD1]

I've run 29ga metal over 6' with no sag at all... 8' should be no problem also. As mentioned , run it perpendicular to rafters. This makes a very nice ceiling in a barn/shop. Metal is lighter than osb, and you can get it with a nice painted finish for around $.70/sq. ft.

If cost is a factor and until OSB goes over 22.40 per sheet, it is still the cheaper way to go. And a 5gal bucket of white paint is cheap and will go a long way.

 

[Storm56]

I used the 29 gauge white painted metal for my ceiling and blown in fiberglass insulation, R-44. Also used 6 inch bats in the sides and the same white metal. Looks fantastic, cleans easy, will never have to paint it, and it makes maximum use of any light. I would not even consider anything else.