I have a 22x30 detached garage. It's got a steep roof, and there's an 8' ceiling in the lower part and a large loft above. The ceiling/floor joists are 2x12. The building is bricked and has a 18' door in the front. Currently the downstairs is divided into a 22x22 and 8x22 sections by a wall that runs through the middle. It's also helping to hold up the loft obviously. There's interior stairs in the 8' room in the back. The exterior walls are insulated with blown in cellulose and the ceiling has R30 batts. Despite the framing, the upstairs has a ****** 3/8" osb floor.
I am using the downstairs as a woodworking shop and 22x22 is pretty cramped, so I am going to get rid of that interior wall and move the stairs outside to the back of the building.
I am investigating the feasibility of using the attic loft as additional workshop space. Currently it's just attic storage. The framing is a little weak for living space standards, but for a workshop it should be okay. The issue is that one side of the roof faces due south and warms up those asphalt shingles real good. I'm in MS, zone 8, and it's hot here. I also have no windows for through-the-wall air conditioners and would be limited to (mini) splits. I don't want to keep it conditioned 24/7, just to be able to make it comfortable when I need it. The colder the better; I'm not going to work up there unless I can get it under 70 degrees.
The attic is currently vented with perforated soffits, a ridge vent, and a big gable vent in the back. Asphalt shingles. Want to keep those knee walls open for storage.
So I guess my question is -- what do I do? Put in a 3-ton mini split and only use it at night or when it rains? Seal up all the vents with open or closed cell foam--what about moisture issues if I don't keep it conditioned 24/7 (I don't want to)?
Some kind of improvised (cheap) solution like fiberglass batts under the roof decking, and a big a/c?
Any ideas are welcome!
P.S. I am also wondering how necessary those knee walls are. Sure would like to get rid of them.
I am using the downstairs as a woodworking shop and 22x22 is pretty cramped, so I am going to get rid of that interior wall and move the stairs outside to the back of the building.
I am investigating the feasibility of using the attic loft as additional workshop space. Currently it's just attic storage. The framing is a little weak for living space standards, but for a workshop it should be okay. The issue is that one side of the roof faces due south and warms up those asphalt shingles real good. I'm in MS, zone 8, and it's hot here. I also have no windows for through-the-wall air conditioners and would be limited to (mini) splits. I don't want to keep it conditioned 24/7, just to be able to make it comfortable when I need it. The colder the better; I'm not going to work up there unless I can get it under 70 degrees.
The attic is currently vented with perforated soffits, a ridge vent, and a big gable vent in the back. Asphalt shingles. Want to keep those knee walls open for storage.
So I guess my question is -- what do I do? Put in a 3-ton mini split and only use it at night or when it rains? Seal up all the vents with open or closed cell foam--what about moisture issues if I don't keep it conditioned 24/7 (I don't want to)?
Some kind of improvised (cheap) solution like fiberglass batts under the roof decking, and a big a/c?
Any ideas are welcome!
P.S. I am also wondering how necessary those knee walls are. Sure would like to get rid of them.
