Temporary wall

[Captain Spaulding]

Being retired, I thought remodeling a house was a good plan, so I bought one!

It really isn’t too bad. Not updated since the 70s, but maintained. Nothing urgent to fix, but modernizing and adding a bath and a half will make it a much more attractive property.

There is a lightly insulated barn that’s 40x80 with a gravel floor that is fairly weather tight. My plan was to use this as my work area, cutting trim, stripping and sanding and making new mill work. I have my table saw, miter saw, router table and some tables for cutting sheet goods in there.

Works out, but I just can’t keep it warm!

Think about blocking off the area I’m working in and reducing the heated area. 14’ to the bottom of the trusses. I’m thinking I could pick a truss, nail foam board to one side and hang plastic tarps from the bottom cord. Light, cheap and fast. Not good insulation, but I just want to take enough chill off so I can work bare handed and not need to bundle up like crazy. Not heating it all the time, just while I’m there and using it. I had though about framing a wall, but then when it gets hot again I’ll not be able to open doors at both ends for a breeze.

I’m expecting this to be a couple of year project.

Comments or better ideas?

 

[kbs2244]

try it and see if it works
not much money involved

 

[Don1357]

Frame it, but use the plastic sheet. A house cover roll (25' wide) is pretty darn cheap.

Summer comes, cut off a section or two of the plastic. Winter comes, tape the section back up.

You could also frame the wall with doors and windows.

 

[Voi]

I used Reflectix to make a temporary heated area at a rental. Just a few staples held it to the ceiling and then draped to the floor. Worked better than expected.

There are similar materials with a thin layer of foam that might be slightly better.

If you already have the tarps then use them. If you need to buy then I'd at least price these various rolls of radiant barrier.

Yes the stuff is gimmicky and yes the R values are bogus but this is one situation where they are a decent choice.

 

[jpaw]

If the ceiling isn't insulated then it would be a lost cause. If it is you may consider some simple framing and clear plastic stapled to it. Large tarps aren't cheap and the plastic would likely be easier to prevent air leaks.
Also lowering the ceiling height would help a ton with keeping the heat where you need it.

 

[ambenz]

Sometimes permanent walls constrict future plans for large internal spaces.
Why not buy yourself insulated warehouse curtains! Amcraft.
Click on the link....