Inside Barn Ceiling Ideas

TwinCreek

Member
Hi - I am looking for some good ideas for a ceiling inside an old barn. I have an old hay barn with a high slate roof. I have a wood shop and store equipment in the barn. My problem is that the slate roof makes everything dirty, plus there are bats in the barn who make alot of droppings. I would like some kind of ceiling, either temporary or permanent that I could put in that will keep everything cleaner, plus that could be cleaned off on the top side. I could go the route of framing an upper floor covered with plywood but I was wondering if there is an easier and cheaper way to do this. I don't need it for storage, just want to keep everything cleaner. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
A drop ceiling with insulation batts would be the cheapest and quickest to install and repair as needed.

Any way to exclude the bats?
 
Stretch a large tarpaulin or two and use them as a drop-ceiling. I've done this in several cabins; so I don't see any reason it wouldn't work in a barn. Strongly recommend that you get rid of the Bats first. Put a low-wattage light bulb (appliance light) up in the "attic" space and leave it ON 24/7 . The Bats want someplace dark to sleep, the light being ON will drive them out and then keep them out.


Doc
 

What about Tyvek building wrap ? This material is white so light is reflected , immensely strong and light and is available in ten foot wide rolls . You can staple it on for ease of installation and then follow up with purpose made foil tacks for a more secure fit .
I have seen this material stand up to rain ,gales and strong UV light for more than twelve months without deterioration so it should last for years inside . best of all it is relatively cheap .

http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/construction-materials/building-envelope-systems/brands/water-barrier-systems/products/tyvek-homewrap-superior-house-wrap.html
 
I have been working on the bat problem for years. Problem is that it is an old barn with a million places for them to get in. I may try the light idea. I do not know what else to do about them.
 
Not trying to be a smart alec, but I thought bats had no eyesight. They fly and catch bugs by using sound waves. I may be wrong, just asking.
I do know that in a pre Civil War train tunnel here in the mountains that was never finished, they stay in the back where no light can be seen. But they do come out at night.
Richard in NW SC
 
No way to permanantely get rid of the bats unless you seal up every entry point. If they want to get to stay there, they'll tolerate light, sound, etc. When bats see a barn it's like a Holiday Inn with a Pool and Color TV sign out front.

Drop ceilings are expensive. I would put plywood up just over the work area I wanted to protect. If you don;t put up something sturdy like plywood, there is a risk of someone falling through and you may eventually want to store stuff up there.
 
If you want to get the bats out of your barn maybe the best solution would be relocation. If you google "bat boxes" you will find lots of information. You can put bat habitats outside the barn where they will give the bats a home so they can continue to keep the mosquito population under control. Worth a try.
 
All bats have as good eyesight as a human; some better.
But they are not cats so they use their ears to see better at night.

A light may drive off bats in winter but noise; light; or smell will do nothing to drive off a mother in summer that has pups that can not fly yet.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top