Covering the rafters

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I am looking a way to cover the rafters so I can blow insulation in the attic of my building. I thought about 4x8 sheets of Gator Board but I cannot find any of it that is cheap. What have you guys done in your building?

 

[nadogail]

I used OSB

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I would love to use OSB but I will be doing this by myself and I could not lift it up the latter 12 foot. I need something lite.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

If your intent is to insulate the attic- why not just staple batts up?

However, using drywall will give you fire protection also- and you can use a drywall lift; even if you want to use OSB.

 

[Redwolf947]

Yep you can rent or buy a cheap drywall lift for OSB install

 

[gungatim]

they make a mesh netting that can be stapled up for open cavities like that. it can be dry walled over later if need be.

 

[-Brent-]

Or, kill two birds with one stone and staple up some radiant barrier to retain the blown in material. It's light and easy to put up and it will add to insulation benefits.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

Since everything is metal including the beams I would have to glue or tape.

If your intent is to insulate the attic- why not just staple batts up?

However, using drywall will give you fire protection also- and you can use a drywall lift; even if you want to use OSB.

 

[gungatim]

pics would help, when you say rafters we usually think site-built wooden rafters...I worked in a warehouse with a steel roof system, for insulation they took steel studs (metal 2x4's) cut to fit between and they nailed them between the I-beam's. they used a new at the time process, gas powered cordless nailer with hardened steel pins that shot into the I-beam like a powder actuated fastener in concrete. obviously those are common now but when I watched them do it and asked about it the contractor said paslode had just come out with the system...

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

Here is a picture I post the other day on a different thread.

 

[gungatim]

wow never seen anything like that. I imagine it is some sort of mfg'd kit? does the mfgr. offer anything in the way of clips, or an insulation package? can they put you in touch with other owners who may have done something similar? seems you'd need a couple different type products for the sides and the attic...

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

The manufactor installed radiant barrier insulation in the roof panels. If I cover the panels with OSB I can use rolls of insulation or blown in. I just wanted to use something lite that I could screw in place such as gatorboard or white card board to just support whatever insulation I put up there.

wow never seen anything like that. I imagine it is some sort of mfg'd kit? does the mfgr. offer anything in the way of clips, or an insulation package? can they put you in touch with other owners who may have done something similar? seems you'd need a couple different type products for the sides and the attic...

 

[Jedduh01]

I would consider venting the top ridge or the back wall very high up with a pusher fan to exhaust the hot air.

Then consider a simple foam board insulation above your rafter truss bar.... that then you could put some more insulation on top. you dont hav emuch space to work with.

Does anyone put foam board between the beams of the roof?

What about spray foaming the ceiling completely?

Just throwing all options onto the wall / Ceiling.
Hot in NC - That building is probably like an Oven!

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I am 60 miles or so from the coast....97 degrees today that building is hot like hell! Thanks for your ideas

I would consider venting the top ridge or the back wall very high up with a pusher fan to exhaust the hot air.

Then consider a simple foam board insulation above your rafter truss bar.... that then you could put some more insulation on top. you dont hav emuch space to work with.

Does anyone put foam board between the beams of the roof?

What about spray foaming the ceiling completely?

Just throwing all options onto the wall / Ceiling.
Hot in NC - That building is probably like an Oven!

 

[GSRinmyCRX]

I think spray foam would be the way to go in your situation.

 

[shelteredV]

Spray foam

 

[jgorm]

Spray foam

And $10,000 later he will have an insulated roof! That stuff is $1 per board foot. 6" thick is $6 for 1x1'