Converting a Traditional Framing Plan to Post-Frame Hansen Pole Buildings’ client SHAYNA in PHILADELPHIA writes: “Hello, I am looking to convert my traditional; framing plan to post-frame framing to get my walls up quicker. I would like to know what requirements need to be followed. The information I already have is that it’s best for […]

Dead Air as an Insulator Are you considering building a climate controlled post-frame building? If so, then proper insulation is (or should be) at the top of your list. If you have not seen ridiculous claims of double digit R-values from reflective radiant barriers yet (aka ‘bubble wrap insulation”) you will. Read more about these […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the safety of a pole barn in the event of a tornado, whether a new post frame garage can be added to an existing home, and the standards to run utility wires and pipes through posts. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How safe are pole barn […]

Attic Trusses for Post Frame Construction Reader RICK in LEWISTON writes: “I’m researching post frame construction as I’d like to build a 28×40 shop this summer. We really need storage and I’d like to use attic trusses for the area it offers. I’m a little confused as to how the full length header is attached […]

Regarding Post-Frame Home Design Reader MAUREEN writes: “Hello. I was forwarded to you because I have some questions for you regarding my home design. What are the most economical size of trusses? What brand of doors and windows do you use? Can Hansen Buildings be built on a crawl space foundation? Can in floor heat […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about likely condensation challenges with a closed envelope in coastal South Carolina, an addition of a 16′ wide garage door to an existing building, and if the Guru knows any pole barn movers in central Illinois. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to keep my building […]

Loft in a Weld Up Steel Building Reader CINDY in TYLER writes: “I am constructing the interior of a welded metal house that’s 20x18x12. I am trying to figure out how to add a loft. The building framing is constructed of I-beams and the walls have 2 rows of heavy 8” C-channel per wall, Though […]

An Alternative to a Very Flat Roof Extension Reader BOB in SANDPOINT writes: “Hello we want to add a patio / work on car / whatever, extension off the front of an existing shop with a metal roof – joining the existing metal roof with the metal roof of the extension with a sort of […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about setting trusses on a Hansen Building with endwall overhangs, a solution for an insulation question, and the possibility of building on steep sloping ground with some exposed columns. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are all trusses set at the same height are the end trusses lower […]

TERESA in BEDFORD writes: “Can you build a pole barn in a bank barn style?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers: A bank barn is a style of barn noted for its accessibility, at ground level, on two separate levels. Often built into hill sides or banks, upper and lower floors could be accessed from […]

Code Official Questions Post Frame Slab Edge Insulation Code Official MATT in PIERRE writes: “As a code official, I have approved pole barns for storage/garage use. they have not been conditioned. a new person wants to build one as a residence, how do the slab edges typically get treated? Would they need to extend to […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about the possibility of adding a brick exterior to a pole building to satisfy HOA restrictions, if Hansen provides a sealed plans only option so a reader can reuse parts of current building, and geotechnical concerns about site prep and dirt for post frame construction. DEAR […]

Updates to Make to Your Pole Barn in 2023 Entering the new year comes with resolutions, and while some may be personal, there are plenty that end up becoming a part of your to-do list. Starting with a clean slate means you can really hone in on what improvements you may need, or what you […]

Comparing Rockwool and Fiberglass Insulation   Fiberglass insulation has long been a popular option for slowing heat transmission through building walls and ceilings. While it may have an added benefit of creating a fire-resistant layer between interior and exterior walls, fiberglass still may not measure up to Rockwool’s natural abilities. Like fiberglass, Rockwool is an insulation […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about installers in Detroit, how wide of a clear span a timber frame building can be built, and if one can raise the height of an existing building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you install and/or can you recommend installers in Detroit? Thanks! MARIANNE in DETROIT DEAR […]

Post Frame and Glulaminated Columns When it comes to using glulaminated columns in post frame buildings, most envision ones where lower portions (usually six to 10 feet) are pressure preservative treated and upper remain untreated. Most of these are products of highly graded Southern Pine and/or MSR (Machine Stress Rated) or MEL (Machine Evaluated Lumber). […]

Termite Resistance of Stone Wool Insulation Could you possibly share whatever information you might have on a product that is termite proof/termite resistant to insulate my slab on my building. The only thing I have found somewhat useful is Cellofoam. It’s a EPS product that is infused with insecticide.” Mike the Pole Barn Guru says: […]

This week Mike the Pole Barn Guru discusses reader questions about the practicality of adding a pool to an existing pole barn, if the trusses in a gambrel might hold the load of a deer while processing, and what square footage might give the best “bang for the bunk?” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am […]

Hi Guru, I Need Your Guidance Reader CHRISTINA in MILFORD writes: “Hi guru, I need your guidance. I am looking to build a 30x135x14 commercial building for dog daycare. I have no experience in building/ordering a pole barn and want to get it right. Bullet points: I need 4000 sq ft. broken down: 3000 for […]

Stud Walls Between Post-Frame Columns for Alternative Sidings? Reader JAKE brings up an interesting question: “Hello! I was looking at the blog for a question I had about wall girts for post frame buildings… I was wondering that if a form of siding is installed on the building other than sheet metal, needing wall sheathing, […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about what financing is available for a post frame building, a question about ventilation for a metal trusses pole barn, and a comparison of concrete costs for post frame vs red iron buildings. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m looking to build a 25′ x 50′ pole […]

I Have Limited Experience, Can I Correctly DIY My Pole Building? Reader MIKE in WISE writes: orf “I have been reading a lot of your posts, trying to gain as much knowledge as I can. You are truly the Guru. I have a couple questions that I hope you can answer for me. The first […]

 Answers About Post-Frame Interior Concrete Slabs American Concrete Institute (ACI) lists factors playing a role in how thick covering concrete must be to support rebar. Cast-in-place concrete requires placement of wet concrete around rebar, then holding it in place as it sets and dries around it. This is usually done with rebar supports helping hold […]

Today’s Ask the Pole Barn Guru discusses reader questions about an option to layer insulation between purlins, the actual building width for 36′ trusses, and the recommendation against the use pit material when performing site prep. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, I have the traditional roll type insulation with the white backing. My question is […]

Questions About Post-Frame Interior Concrete Slabs Reader KYLE in SALEM writes: Hello again, Mike! I hope this finds you well. Setting the stage (some of the following details are merely to paint the broader picture or for interest although perhaps not all will be relevant to my following questions ;-): I built a 48’ x […]