FakeName
Well-known member
OK- deep in planning. Currently, (see images) the ceiling is open, with joists 48" apart. There is no insulation in the rafters. I'm using the "attic" area for long-stuff storage, but have alternatives for that. I'm considering ceiling solutions, and would appreciate your input. The garage measures about 13x21.
One solution would be drywall.
Another would be a drop ceiling, which is more attractive to me because of the ease of changing overhead stuff, like electrical, air plumbing, retractable reels for air hoses, etc. I'd use a set of 2x4 troffer lights- probably 8 units. If I do the drop, do I have to use metal-jacketed wiring? I know I do in a commercial building. If I use drywall instead of drop, can I use the same troffer fixtures? They seem like a cheap solution.
Another would be to insulate along the rafters- (foil-faced fiberglas or the new foil/airbubble stuff?) and keep the attic space open. I'd then use 8' twin-tube fixtures along the joists, probably 8 of those. I like a lot of light. This would allow for the flexibility, but have an "unfinished" look.
Is there a fire consideration here? Is 5/8 sheetrock more fire retardant than the drop ceiling materials? The bare rafters seem like a lot of flammable material. The garage is detached from our home, but only by a few feet.
Another question- I saw another thread where the owner used OSB instead of drywall on the walls. That seems to be an odd choice for fire retardant. Am I missing something? Is there an advantage to using 5/8 on the walls?
That's it. For now.
Thanks.
fn
One solution would be drywall.
Another would be a drop ceiling, which is more attractive to me because of the ease of changing overhead stuff, like electrical, air plumbing, retractable reels for air hoses, etc. I'd use a set of 2x4 troffer lights- probably 8 units. If I do the drop, do I have to use metal-jacketed wiring? I know I do in a commercial building. If I use drywall instead of drop, can I use the same troffer fixtures? They seem like a cheap solution.
Another would be to insulate along the rafters- (foil-faced fiberglas or the new foil/airbubble stuff?) and keep the attic space open. I'd then use 8' twin-tube fixtures along the joists, probably 8 of those. I like a lot of light. This would allow for the flexibility, but have an "unfinished" look.
Is there a fire consideration here? Is 5/8 sheetrock more fire retardant than the drop ceiling materials? The bare rafters seem like a lot of flammable material. The garage is detached from our home, but only by a few feet.
Another question- I saw another thread where the owner used OSB instead of drywall on the walls. That seems to be an odd choice for fire retardant. Am I missing something? Is there an advantage to using 5/8 on the walls?
That's it. For now.
Thanks.
fn