Insulation and Vapor Barrier, Rich-e Board Insulation, and a Tear-Off
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/22/2023
Today’s “ask the Guru” answers reader questions about best applications of insulation and vapor barriers, the Guru’s experience with Rich-e Board insulation, and how to avoid a “tear-off” of a roof by adding layer of framing and insulation on top of old roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am building a pole building in […]
Read moreWhy Are You Stuck on Bookshelf Girts?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/21/2023
Why in World are you Stuck on Bookshelf Girts? Reader JAMES writes: “Why in world are you stuck on bookshelf girts. For instance with ‘normal’ pole barns one could SPF the walls and roof and have almost no heat loss through the lumber. One could argue your “bookshelf girts” and purlins between trusses makes the […]
Read moreBest Practice for Closing and Insulating 2×10 Headers
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/16/2023
Best Practice for Closing and Insulating 2×10 Headers Reader DAVE in VIROQUA writes: “Best practice for closing and insulating 2×10 headers. My pole barn has building wrap then closed cell spray foamed walls. Ceiling not yet installed but want to use blown in fiberglass with vapor barrier. The spray foam on walls goes up to […]
Read moreSteel Posts, a Pole Barn Conversion, and Column Size
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/15/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of steel posts for a lean-to, converting an existing pole barn with an open wall into a one-bedroom tiny home, and columns for a post frame remodel and addition. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m building a lean to up against my 40′ high […]
Read moreParcel Theory and More Thoughts on Dave’s Insulation Dilemma
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/14/2023
Parcel Theory and More Thoughts on Dave’s Insulation Dilemma Reader DAVE in GALES CREEK writes: “You said: Because Code requires an inch of clear space between insulation and roof deck, from eave-to-ridge. Keep in mind that we have no roof deck or plywood, just bare bones metal and rafters. Okay,.. so with all of that […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Insulation
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Allowable Variations in Concrete Slabs on Grade
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/09/2023
Allowable Variations in Concrete Slabs on Grade Growing up, I witnessed my Father forming and pouring four foot squares of concrete for our backyard patio. He would alternate them between smooth finish and exposed aggregate to create a variation in appearance. Oh how he made it look all so easy. Me – I know very […]
Read moreRafter Size, Lean-to on Slab, and “Barndominium?”
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/08/2023
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles questions regarding rafter size for a lean-to addition, adding a Lean-to to an existing building on a monolithic slab, and “the difference between a pole barn home and a barndominium?” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a lean-to on an existing pole barn. It is 32′ long […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete
- Tags: Rafter Size, Barndominium, Lean-to, Post Frame Home, Slab, Pole Barn Home, Monolithic Slab, Rafter
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Barndominium Bookshelf Wall Girt Ghosting
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/07/2023
Barndominium Bookshelf Wall Girt Ghosting Are you starting to see bookshelf wall girts through your barndominium’s gypsum wallboard (drywall)? If so, you are witnessing a phenomenon called wall ghosting. It occurs when condensation interacts with trapped dust and can have a couple of different causes. It results in shadowy-looking lines on your walls or ceilings. […]
Read moreConcrete in Contact With Treated Pine
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/02/2023
Does Concrete in Contact With Treated Pine Cause Premature Wood Decay? Four decades plus of post-frame (pole) buildings (roughly 20,000 of them) with no premature decay of a single properly pressure preservative treated wood post has led me to be a staunch support of columns embedded in ground. Actual scientific studies do seem to back […]
Read morePole Barn Pricing, Idaho, and a Pole Barn Addition Moisture
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/01/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru pricing of a pole barn with a link to a full blog regarding costs of various sizes, whether or not Hansen Buildings ships kits to Idaho- YES! and moisture control on a new post frame addition. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Quick question 30′ x 40/50′ x 14′ high Garage. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Ventilation, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Heating
- Tags: Post Frame Addition, Moisture Control, Pole Barn Pricing, Idaho, Ship To Idaho, Pole Barns In Idaho, Condensation Control, Pole Barn Costs
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Properly Insulating Between Roof Purlins
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/31/2023
Properly Insulating Between Roof Purlins Reader SAM in MATTAWAN writes: “Hi, I have a wood framed pole barn that is fairly unique in design and doesn’t have any “attic” space. It’s very similar to what a steel building would be. There are 2×8 roof purlins to support OSB sheathing. My question is regarding ceiling/ roof […]
Read moreLots of Bad Advice for Retrofitting Roof Insulation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/26/2023
Lots of Bad Advice for Retrofitting Roof Insulation Reader DAVE in GALES CREEK writes: “I’m desperate, or I wouldn’t be bugging you with this. We have a 38×48 pole barn / shop with concrete pad that was on our property when we bought it. There are 4 sections between trusses, and one of those has […]
Read morePost Frame Footings, Delivery Limitations, and Foundation Types
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/25/2023
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about common gable post frame footings, weight limitations for a building delivery and the possible solutions, and what types of foundations Hansen Buildings can design for in Weld County Colorado. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is a common gable post footing compared to a main truss […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Building Interior, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn holes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete
- Tags: Materials Weight, Jobsite Restrictions, Foundations, Crawl Space, Slab On Grade, Column Footings, Post Frame Footings, Footing Thickness, Materials Deliveries
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Residential Pole Barn Foundation With Clay Soil
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/24/2023
Best Residential Pole Barn Foundation with Clay Soil and High Water Table Reader BOB in MOUNT PLEASANT writes: “What would be the best type of pole barn foundation for ground that is primarily clay, and has a water table that is generally as shallow as 24″? We are looking to build a residential pole barn […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Drainage, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Geotechnical Reports, Geotechnical Engineer, Clay Soil, High Water Table, Silt, Sandy Clay Loam, Clay Loam, Silty Clay Loam, Sandy Clay, Silty Clay
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How Far Can a 2×6 Purlin Span?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/19/2023
How Far Can a 2×6 Purlin Span? Reader WILL in COMFORT writes: “How far can a 2×6 purlin on a 6:12 sloped roof span?” The following describes 2×6 SYP #2 purlins spanning a 14′ bay, with an on-center spacing of 24″ (sf). Purlins are recessed between rafters with their top edges flush with rafter top edges. […]
Read more- Categories: About The Pole Barn Guru, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure, purlins, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Simpson Joist Hangers, Beam Span Length, 2x6 SYP #2 Purlins, Wind Load, Purlin Density, Snow Load, Live Load, Dead Load, Purlin, American Building Components, 6-12 Roof Slope
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Scout Camp Pavilion, Post Frame Financing, and Lot Size Needed
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/18/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about providing a 20x40x10 pavilion for a scout camp in Florida, what sort of financing options Hansen is able to provide, and how much land or lot size might be needed to build a pole building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We need a 20 x 40x […]
Read more- Categories: Uncategorized
- Tags: Post Frame Financing, Scout Camp, Lot Size, Pavilion, Financing, Zoning
- 2 comments
How to Cut Shed Rafters
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/17/2023
How to Cut Shed Rafters Reader MICHAEL in MILACA writes: “Building a Loafing type pole shed, I have a question how to cut the rafters? I am building a 24 x90 loafing shed and I am using a 1-3/4″ x 24″ wide x 28 foot long LVL for the rafters. I do I figure the […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Sheds
- Tags: Grid Barn, Rafters, Rafter Crown, Rafter Slope
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Knee Braces in Post-Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/12/2023
Knee Braces in Post-Frame Buildings With Diaphragm-Action Design Long time readers will recall several articles by me in regards to knee bracing, including this one: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/01/post-frame-construction-knee-braces/ May 2023’s Frame Builder magazine (official NFBA magazine) published an article by Dimitry Reznik, P.E. and Dr. Kifle Gebremedhin specifically regarding knee braces in post-frame buildings with diaphragm action […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department
- Tags: Eave Deflection, Knee Brace Loads, Truss Design, Knee Braces, Building Diaphragm
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Clip-Lock Standing Seam, Adding a Ceiling, and Knee Brace Issues
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/11/2023
This week Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about replacing roofing with clip-lock standing seam and what the PBG recommends in the scenario, creating a wood shop in an existing structure and wondering if ceiling weight can be held, the possibility of removing knee braces in order to install a ceiling. DEAR POLE […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Buildings History, Trusses, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Ceiling Load Trusses, Ceiling Joists, Standing Seam Roofing, Standing Seam, Roof Load, Clip-lock Standing Seam, Knee Braces
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How To Vent An Attic Below A Lean-To Porch
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/10/2023
How to Vent Attic Below a Lean-To Porch Long time reader JON in SPRINGDALE writes: “Hi Mike, long time reader. Thanks for the info you provide. These questions come from your home town area. I was talking to my local building department and attic ventilation came up. He said that using a ridge vent and […]
Read moreHow to Frame an Overhead Door Opening
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/05/2023
How to Frame an Overhead Door Opening Reader DAVID in SPURGEON asks: “How to frame in an opening for a 10 foot by 10 foot overhead door?” This except from Hansen Pole Buildings’ Construction Manual should get you going: Chapter 24: Overhead Door Openings Most Common Mistakes: Column(s) next to door turned the wrong direction. […]
Read moreTermite Barriers and Wind Speed, Hidden Fasteners, and Truss Modifications
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/04/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about termites that can destroy treated lumber in an area wind 80mph winds, if one can install a roof with hidden fasteners over trusses or if it needs an underlayment, and the possibility of modifying a truss chord in order to accommodate a overhead door operator. […]
Read more- Categories: Fasteners, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Footings, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior, Budget, Lumber, Columns, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Wind Speed, Treated Columns, Osb Under Steel, Termites, Vult Wind Speed, ACQ Treated Lumber, Standing Seam Roofing, Hidden Fasteners, Truss Modification
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How to Prevent Existing 6×6 Columns From Future Settling and Rotting
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/03/2023
How to Prevent Existing 6×6 to Prevent Future Settling and Rotting Reader BARRY in FREDERICKTOWN writes: “I recently acquired some property with an existing pole barn “house” on it. It is an unfinished 20’x30′ room with corrugated steel siding, a trussed, steel covered roof and several doors and windows. It was built with a raised […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn holes, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Barndominium, Footings, Budget, Columns, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Hairpin Rebar, Premix Concrete, Silicone Caulking, Temporary Bracing, Galvanized Rebar, Brown Rot Fungi, Rebar, Premature Post Decay
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A 100×100 Pole Building, Shingles to Steel, and Double-Bubble
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/27/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibility of a 100′ x 100′ pole building, the consideration of switching from asphalt shingles to steel roofing, and if one can reuse the “double-bubble” when replacing roof steel. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I build a 100 ft X 100 ft. pole building? […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Ventilation, Pole Barn Questions, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Building Interior, Roofing Materials, Columns, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Condensation Control, Double Bubble, Double Bubble Radiant Barrier, A1V, Pole Building Span, Steel Roof, Interior Columns, Asphalt Shingles
- 2 comments
Does 24 Gauge Steel Make Sense?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/26/2023
Does 24 Gauge Steel Make Sense? Reader TED in INDIANAPOLIS writes: “In terms of longevity, long term resistance to weather damage and price difference, does a painted AZ50 galvalume R-panel with PBR-leg in 24 gauge (min. .0239″) make more sense than a 26 gauge panel?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers: In all reality, even […]
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