Drop ceiling options?

[absintheisfun]

40x60 metal building with spray foam insulation. I added r30 fiberglass insulation on the walls and finished it with mdf. I added a 24k minisplit that helps, but once the sun comes out, it loses the fight fast. The ceiling is spray foamed as well, but it's just not enough to fight the sun. I have been looking at options and would love to do a drop ceiling to reduce cooling space, and perhaps roll some additional insulation on top, but the cost is absurd.

I was thinking of getting the T-bars and grid and using iso foam as a ceiling panel, but even that is expensive. Anyone on here make anything that would lower the ceiling without being $5,000+? It's a 12 foot wall that goes to 16ft in the middle. I figure if I can get the height to 12ft throughout, it would reduce the cooling cubic feet dramatically.

Thanks for any help yall can give me.

 

[loganb]

Metal liner panel...aka thinner roofing metal with an indoor rated paint(cheaper) than the roof rated stuff

Easy to put up, no painting or finishing and can easily support insulation on top. Check the mfg instructions for what the span between rafters/trusses is

Bad side is it will make it a bit louder/more echo

 

[bdbecker]

You may also need to add additional cooling capacity - a 24k minisplit is pretty small for that size of a space.

 

[racecougar]

When you say "metal building", are you referring to a red iron style or a carport style building? Is the roof structure rated to support the dead load of an insulated ceiling?

Liner panel certainly works (it's what I use), but will require some framing. I expect you'll end up under, but nearing, that $5k price point with framing, liner panel, screws, trim, and insulation all included at today's prices. That said, location definitely matters here, and we have no idea where you're at.

 

[phred]

Well you’re 2400 sf of area. I don’t know of any material and suspension system that is gonna cost you less than 2 bucks a foot. Even the cheapest diy ACT system is gonna be 2 bucks. You need about 8 tons to cool that volume. You could supplement it by adding a couple large ceiling fans to move the air but unless there is something outside the box I can’t think of your stuck with a $4000 plus cost for a ceiling or another 5-7k on another minisplit.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

I really like my metal ceiling

 

[NUTTSGT]

When you say "metal building", are you referring to a red iron style or a carport style building? Is the roof structure rated to support the dead load of an insulated ceiling?

Liner panel certainly works (it's what I use), but will require some framing. I expect you'll end up under, but nearing, that $5k price point with framing, liner panel, screws, trim, and insulation all included at today's prices. That said, location definitely matters here, and we have no idea where you're at.

Being 40x60, I would guess more like red iron. Ive never seen a car port that style.

Either one is going require some framing for metal liner. Dropping wires and T-bars is probably going to be a huge undertaking for a space that size. If you can find bundles if foil faced poly uso "seconds" it will help significantly with the cost. I'd also suggest using a table saw or jig to cut the panels to nakevthey stay on size and square.

 

[racecougar]

Agreed, but it's all speculation until we get more details from the OP.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

I’m skeptical that adding that ceiling will solve your problem. It likely will help, but a building that size, especially if it’s in the sun all day, and/or has windows, likely needs more than 24k. Before spending big $$$ on a ceiling, I’d be inclined to add a second mini-split. (Actually, I wouldn’t use a mini split in a 40 x60 shop, because I don’t think they have enough air movement capability, unless used in multiples. Add to that their low tolerance for dirty air in a shop.) My 26 x 48 uses a 48k split system with minimal ductwork and laughs at all weather conditions. (It was sized based on heating load, not cooling.) We have a 24k mini split in our 24 x 36 great room in our house and it is marginal on hot days with sunshine. Too much window area.

 

[absintheisfun]

It is red iron, and the temp difference between ground level and near the ceiling is massive. I don't need 70 degrees year round, but 80 in the summer is nice and above 50 in the winter is also nice. If I need to get another minisplit, I will...just exploring options. Also I hate the yellow foam ceiling. Thinking of just painting it and getting another ac, but wanted to know if anyone on here had some ides. I'll post some pics in a bit.

 

[racecougar]

40x60 metal building with spray foam insulation. I added r30 fiberglass insulation on the walls and finished it with mdf. I added a 24k minisplit that helps, but once the sun comes out, it loses the fight fast. The ceiling is spray foamed as well, but it's just not enough to fight the sun.

Also I hate the yellow foam ceiling.

It has a ceiling now? Or do you mean the underside of the roof? Pics would definitely assist us in figuring out what you're starting with.

 

[absintheisfun]

 

[absintheisfun]

Versus when we moved in

 

[loganb]

The fastest solution will be airflow. Get two of the generic/knockoff big *** fans and hang them up. I think you'll find that getting rid of the stratification thru circulation will make a big improvement in consistency and comfort. Once that's accomplished, then you can evaluate whether an additional mini split may be helpful to get to target temp