Aluminum soffit/garage ceiling with radiant heat

[FstEdde]

Not sure what category this would fall into so I thought I would drop it here. I live in SE Michigan so I’ll be heating my garage. I’ve decided to use an overhead radiant tube heater for several reasons. However my plans for a beadboard or a coffered MDF wood ceiling could make for a fire hazard. So I thought of using an aluminum soffit and create a coffered look with beams wrapped in aluminum coil stock. I hung siding for years and so this would be an easy project for me. And my local rental yard has a break I can rent.

What could be some possible issues? I’m thinking vapor barrier, insulation, etc. My plan is to blow in cellulose.

Here an example of what I’m thinking



Also, this an aluminum architectural product designed for porch ceilings



Anyone try this in their garage?

 

[PoorUB]

Most tube heaters only need about 6- 12" above them for clearance. The big issue with most tube heaters is clearance under the heater, most want around four feet or more under the heater so unless you have tall ceilings they will not work. Figure the top of a pickup cab is about six feet, then four feet or more of clearance to the heater, space for the heater itself, then the 12" above, that adds up to roughly twelve foot ceiling height, minimum.

Personally, I don't see the ceiling materiel and issue.

There are a couple manufacturers of residential tube heaters, but I forget who.

 

[FstEdde]

Most tube heaters only need about 6- 12" above them for clearance. The big issue with most tube heaters is clearance under the heater, most want around four feet or more under the heater so unless you have tall ceilings they will not work. Figure the top of a pickup cab is about six feet, then four feet or more of clearance to the heater, space for the heater itself, then the 12" above, that adds up to roughly twelve foot ceiling height, minimum.

Personally, I don't see the ceiling materiel and issue.

There are a couple manufacturers of residential tube heaters, but I forget who.

Thank you for the insight. My ceilings are roughly 9‘6“. I will have to look into clearance under the heater. Seems as though there must be a residential unit that can operate closer to vehicle roofs, etc.

I wonder if the aluminum ceiling would help radiate the heat?

 

[PoorUB]

I wonder if the aluminum ceiling would help radiate the heat?

Shiny aluminum perhaps, but painted aluminum would be fairly comparable to similarly painted drywall.

 

[bluedog225]

There is lots of info on reflectivity and emissivity for alu and for various paints. Most directed at keeping the roof cool under intense sunlight. Coolroof I think is the phrase to search.

 

[FstEdde]

Shiny aluminum perhaps, but painted aluminum would be fairly comparable to similarly painted drywall.

Thanks

 

[FstEdde]

There is lots of info on reflectivity and emissivity for alu and for various paints. Most directed at keeping the roof cool under intense sunlight. Coolroof I think is the phrase to search.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[bluedog225]

This one is brilliant white. Will make the shop easier to light and stays cool to touch on 115 eff days. I suspect it will similarly reflect your heat to the shop. They make a silicone version but I don’t care for it. This is elastomeric.

Goes on a little rough with roller. Not sure if the look is what you want.

 

[Sumboodie]

Most tube heaters only need about 6- 12" above them for clearance. The big issue with most tube heaters is clearance under the heater, most want around four feet or more under the heater so unless you have tall ceilings they will not work. Figure the top of a pickup cab is about six feet, then four feet or more of clearance to the heater, space for the heater itself, then the 12" above, that adds up to roughly twelve foot ceiling height, minimum.

Personally, I don't see the ceiling materiel and issue.

There are a couple manufacturers of residential tube heaters, but I forget who.

And even with 4+ feet, stuff under gets hot!

I had a locker that was directly under a radiant heater pointing downward. It was on the ceiling a good 8+ feet above the locker, Was a Q Hut style building with 16ish foot ceiling at the peak. Tall enough a semi truck could pull through without trouble.

It melted some gear I had on the top of the locker. Could just about cook food on it and I didn't know.

 

[jsmith6752]

I often consider using aluminum soffit. I like the look but not the price.