DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you sell in Louisiana? Considering building a hanger on my small farm in Louisiana. Needed to house a Bi wing Stearman. Thanks, JOE IN LOUISIANA

DEAR JOE: We provide post frame building kit packages in every state, even Louisiana.  Having grown up flying (see https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/tag/hangar-barns/) I always get excited when we are helping our clients with hangars for their planes. For those readers unfamiliar with the Stearman, here is an interesting story I ran across: https://www.pilotfriend.com/aircraft%20performance/stearman.htm

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: One of the builders is curious on the “hairpin” rebar going through the posts to the concrete.  They have frost and they are wondering if it is better to let the concrete “float”. They are worried about the concrete lifting. RACHEL IN BROWNS VALLEY

DEAR RACHEL: The slab will only lift if the fill below it is not properly done. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/10/pole-building-structure-what-causes-frost-heaves/

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: On a 30′ wide by 40′ deep barn with posts 10′ OC, is it acceptable to set 4/12 trusses (30’3″ long) 10′ OC, directly over the posts (to carry the bulk of the weight using a double 2×6 header) and then use 2×4 purlins spaced 2′ apart for a metal roof skin with no decking? DON IN SEYMOUR

DEAR DON: This is why you would be most prudent to invest in an engineered pole building from someone who really knows what they are doing. If you are unsure of what someone is trying to sell you – there had better be original “wet” engineer’s seals on the plans (as well as your name and site address).

First, if the distance from outside of column to outside of column is 30′, then the trusses should also be 30′ in length (plus any eave overhangs). If the trusses are placed directly on the columns there is no reason to have a header, other than to spend more money. Using a roof live load of 20 psf (pounds per square foot), a 2×4 purlin of #2 grade might just barely be able to carry the load placed 24 inches on center (note: Southern Pine is not strong enough), however do you seriously want to stand out in the middle of a 2×4 spanning this far? I’d sure feel much more comfortable with the purlins be 2×6 on edge.