BTANN

We are taking the space next to us and expanding. Our existing space has an open ceiling (or no ceiling), and seems to stay cool and comfortable. The "new" space has a drop ceiling. Should I leave the drop ceiling, or take it down?

It would be cheaper to leave the drop ceiling, but I am afraid it may get too hot. Also, it will be simplier and cheaper to take down the drop ceiling now, versus deciding to do it later.

Give me so advice, pls!

clubtan1

Geez, I'd think it would be the other way around. It should take less energy to cool with a drop ceiling. On ther other hand, I'd think you'd want both sides to look the same. Taking the ceiling down should not take very much effort. Would you have to paint the upper ceiling?

caribbean tan man

i have drop ceiling and vent my machines above it!

body tan

The drop ceiling is there to hide wires, plumbing, elec. It may feel cooler without the drop ceiling. But your paying more to cool a bigger ares. Also if you do not have a drop ceiling and insulation your roof must be insulated.

BTANN

All excellent points I have considered. The main expense with removing the drop ceiling is painting the area now exposed , plus reconfiguring the now exposed wires and utilities - making it presentable and not an eyesoar. Also, the exisiting light fixtures would need to be converted to exposed/self contained fixtures.

This new space will not be conncected directly to my old space, except at the lobby area. So, I can have one area with a drop ceiling and the other with an open ceiling and it really won't look odd. Our existing lobby does have a drop ceiling, so it will blend fine with the section of the new space that will be use as lobby space.

I do agree in theory why insulation is beneficial either above the drop ceiling, or at the roof area. But, unless there are building codes that require it, I don't think you have to have the insulation. The insulation will keep the summer heat from coming in from the roof area. Most retail buildings have metal roofs which get extremly hot in the summer.

Great points, thanks. Any other thoughts?

Electric_Sun

I think there was a discussion on this topic a little while back. you might want to do a search.

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Ban Virgin

movieking

I personally prefer the look of open cielings but have learned that the cost of converting is rarely worth it. If you are going for open cielings during new construction the cost is about the same but to tear down a drop cieling, rearrange all the electrical, plumbing, ductwork, add new high bay lighting and painting from the deck down you will easily spend 10-15 dollars per square foot.

BTANN

Our estimated cost to tear down the drop ceiling and retrofit all the above utilities,wire, lighting etc... is $4k, for a 1200 sq ft area. That's with me doing as much of the labor myself, that I can.

body tan

You also need to talk to a a/c person to se how much more a/c you need, also if there is no insulation on the roof your elec. bill will soak your ***. On the building that have metal roofs, most of the time the will be insulation between two layers of decking so by just looking at it you wold never know if these is any ins. I see your located in the south. So you know how bad the heat is in the summer.

vt800ho

if the drop is 12 feet up then i would keep it , any less maybe worth taking it out.