Open ceiling

[78C-10]

Hello everyone, I have a question regarding my pole barn, northern Illinois and 30x40. I am going to insulate and finish the walls. I know most everyone here will say to install and insulate a ceiling. This would be cool but I actually like the open truss look. I will at some point heat this building, looking at the possibility of a hanging radiant tube heater. I have a full length ridge vent and vented soffits. I know the heat will rise and go right out the vent. I am wondering if a few ceiling fans blowing down would ease some of the heat loss?

I do plan on working out there in the winter and storing a classic truck out there as well. There are a couple of reasons for the open truss look:
1)I like the look of the open ceiling
2)I can keep an eye on things above a ceiling(leaks, critters, etc.)

I appreciate all of the opinions and advice received, thank you in advance.

 

[matouse3]

Ceiling fans will do nothing to alleviate your heat loss with your open ridge vent. You can insulate against the roof and keep your open truss look. Spray foam would be the easiest way to do this, but probably the most costly.

 

[Highbeam]

I have this situation right now with an unfinished pole barn and ridge/soffit vent. You may as well be outside since your ventilation will take away the heated room air.

That's the key though, your heating system will not be designed to heat the air. A radiant system works like the sun to heat you and the objects and the heated air is not necessary.

I don't like foam on a roof for several reasons, especially leakage identification. I am adding a ceiling so that I can get up there in the ventilated attic and still check for leaks.

Your desire to be able to inspect your roof from below will limit the ability you have of heating your shop. You can certainly be warmed by radiant heat despite this and the hanging radiant heaters you describe are a great way to go. Instant on and instant off so no energy is wasted.

 

[Fueler]

My shop is a pole barn and I can recommend the radiant heat route for your application. Best deal going in my opinion.

The ceiling...I have the same issue and have been looking at adding that bubble stuff on the underside of the roof as opposed to adding a ceiling. Note that my building already has that insulation, such as it is, between the metal and the walls/roof.
http://www.insulation4less.com/Insulation4lessTechnicalArticles-20-Pole-Barn-Insulation.aspx

The walls I packed with closed cell Styrofoam and tape followed by smooth sided OSB. Also taped and painted.