Ceiling or No Ceiling

[haneyrm]

I'm having a new 30'x30' concrete block garage built at my place in SW Florida. The builder has asked if I want a drywall ceiling or if I want to keep it open. The roof structure is attic style wood trusses. The cost to add drywall to the ceiling is $1,000.

I can't decide if a ceiling makes sense or not for this garage.

Any pros or cons to help with this seemingly simple decision?

Thanks!

 

[The Cobbler]

are you going to insulate?
Do you want an attic space or higher ceilings in the garage?

 

[7echo]

What are you doing in the space?

Will it be cooled?

 

[rburke65]

What does attic space mean? Can you store stuff or walk up there.? Are you going to cool the building?

 

[buildyourown]

I would. A clean white ceiling will make your space more comfortable, cleaner, and have better light.

 

[ItsNemo]

I would...vapor barrier then drywall...so that it can be insulated with blown in.

 

[achirdo]

I'd do it so you could blow insulation in if you plan on having AC

 

[warrens]

Not really necessary unless there's a room above your garage.

 

[JamesW84]

I would...vapor barrier then drywall...so that it can be insulated with blown in.

I think this depends on if he will have attic ventilation or spray foam the roof. If he as attic ventilation, I've been reading that a vapor barrier is not recommended for the ceiling so that the warm, moist air can travel up to the attic and out via ventilation.

 

[matt_i]

I would install the drywall. In hot summer I've been able to feel the radiance on my face in a few open-attic buildings that I've been in. I think the additional layer of building materials would help cut that down.

Also, assuming you want to heat and cool you have less "cube" (cubic volume of air) to process.

 

[Justind97]

Are you physically able/have time to do it yourself?

You’d be in it for about $325 in materials if you did it yourself excluding any mud

 

[haneyrm]

Thanks for the responses. I have no plans to ever condition the garage. The roof is shingle over plywood. The plywood includes a radiant barrier on the underside. The attic trusses will have a plywood floor for storage. No other room or anything above.

Thanks again. I'll probably go ahead and just have him install the drywall. I can do it but 5/8" drywall overhead is not something I'm really interested in messing with. The $1,000 doesn't include painting. It's an additional $1,300 to fully paint the interior of the garage including the ceiling. I'm already having him epoxy the floor so might as well go all the way and get it completely done.

 

[JonBoehman]

I personally would do the ceiling. As for paint do it yourself in white. It is way to easy to do yourself for less than $100. You will appreciated the help with lighting it will do. Install a attic ladder at one end for attic access