Category Archives: Pole Barn Design

Building Material Prices Increase in November, Led by Lumber

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/19/2024
Building Material Prices Increase in November, Led by Lumber

Building Material Prices Increase in November, Led by Lumber Among lumber and wood products, commodities with highest importance to new residential construction were general millwork, prefabricated structural members, softwood veneer/plywood, softwood lumber and hardwood veneer/plywood. Highest year-over-year percent change (across all input goods) in November was softwood lumber, at 13.7% higher than November 2023. This […]

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Storage Space Strength, Spray Foam on Steel, and Endwall Glulams

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the chance shelves in a storage space could hurt the integrity of the building, his opinion on the effects of spray foam on steel panels, and placement of glulams on endwalls for load transfer. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m creating storage space in post framed […]

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The Advantages of Post Frame Construction

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/17/2024
The Advantages of Post Frame Construction

The Advantages of Post Frame Construction My friend Randy Chaffee wrote this and it is deserving of being shared. Let’s dive into post frame (Pole Barn) construction. It’s a game-changer when it comes to durability, cost-effectiveness and speed. Forget the old days of just housing livestock or farm equipment. Today’s post frame structures are the […]

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Easier to Ask Permission, Than Beg for Forgiveness

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/12/2024
Easier to Ask Permission, Than Beg for Forgiveness

Easier to Ask Permission, Than Beg for Forgiveness Our actual client writes: “I need you to please help me. I need a letter from engineering that states that the ceiling can withstand tongue and groove plywood being hung on it. We decided to keep part of the ceiling vaulted and open and are going to […]

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Insulating a Shed, Addition of Eave Light Panels, and a Small Well Building

Today’s Ask the Guru answers reader questions about insulating a shed used for vehicle storage and a “workshop to piddle in,” the addition of eave light panels to a structure, and if it is possible to build a small building to house a well. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Thank you in advance for your time […]

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Effects of Snow and Wind Loading on Building Cost

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/10/2024
Effects of Snow and Wind Loading on Building Cost

Effects of Snow and Wind Loading on Building Cost My premise, with clients, has always been I wanted their building (in an event of a catastrophic event) to be last one standing. This resulted in my clients often ordering above minimum code requirements for snow and wind loading. My curiosity taking advantage of my available […]

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The Lowdown on Column Uplift

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/05/2024
The Lowdown on Column Uplift

Let’s Not Uplift I learn new things every single day, much in part to loyal readers, the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Building Designers and our clients. Column uplift seems to be a repeating point of contention for me, as it is (in my humble opinion) poorly addressed, if not totally ignored. Reader Dan has some uplift […]

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Adding Insulation, Financing, and Adding a Ceiling

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/04/2024
Adding Insulation, Financing, and Adding a Ceiling

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about options for insulation of an existing steel building, financing options for a post frame home, and adding a ceiling to an existing barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a preexisting steel building with no insulation. I am looking for affordable methods to insulate the […]

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Air Sealing Your Post Frame Barndominium

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/03/2024
Air Sealing Your Post Frame Barndominium

Unless someone reincarnates Nikola Tesla (and he is sane) chances are good energy costs are not going to decrease. Air sealing your post frame barndominium or shouse increases your comfort by reducing drafts and cycle time your heating and cooling systems are running. Air sealing your barndominium reduces humidity increasing comfort levels. A drafty barndominium […]

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ADU’s, Best Insulation, and a Post Frame Home

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/27/2024
ADU’s, Best Insulation, and a Post Frame Home

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building an attached ADU (additional dwelling unit) with a shared wall, the Guru’s thoughts on the best option to insulate a space, and whether specific design choices are possible in a post frame home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are planning to build a shop […]

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Will ICC Adopt a Pole-frame Appendix?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/21/2024
Will ICC Adopt a Pole-frame Appendix?

Will ICC Adopt a Pole-frame Appendix? Reader MATT in PIERRE writes: “Is there any possibility that the ICC will adopt an appendix related to pole-frame buildings. We require engineering in our local jurisdiction at this time and it would be much simpler for customers who want to build a pole-barn if there was a way […]

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Plans for a 4 Plex, Romex Wiring, and Foam Board Insulation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/20/2024
Plans for a 4 Plex, Romex Wiring, and Foam Board Insulation

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about plans to build a 4 plex, running romex wiring in a post frame structure, and the installation of foam board on walls and a better method for wall insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. I’m curious if you could help me with plans to build […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Buildings “Getting It There”

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/19/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Buildings “Getting It There”

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings “Getting It There” I have always looked at what we do as being akin to logistical wizardry. When one considers it takes thousands of individual components to create even a modestly sized post frame buildings, it is a miracle anything ever gets built! Until now, we relied upon our third party […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Floor Systems

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/18/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Floor Systems

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Floor Systems I admit to having become easily enamored, early in my prefabricated wood truss career, by floor trusses. To me, they were not only things of beauty, but also made framing a very quick process. But, I had been exposed to them even before then. My 16th summer, I spent […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Shed and Wing Rafters

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/15/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Shed and Wing Rafters

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Shed and Wing Rafters For most people, provided their main building eave height is adequate, placing an attached shed roof on one or both sides seems to be a simple task. With monitor (also known as raised center) style rooflines, shed (wing) roofs are placed on each sidewall, with high end […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Ceiling Joists

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/14/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Ceiling Joists

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Ceiling Joists Because Hansen Pole Buildings provides true double trusses to eliminate possibilities of a single truss failing due to loads beyond design (read more about double trusses here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/09/true-double-trusses/), for ceiling applications, joists must be placed between roof truss bottom chords. For those of you who question reliability of widely […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Buildings Roof Purlins and Connections

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/13/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Buildings Roof Purlins and Connections

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings Roof Purlins and Connections Hansen Pole Buildings has always utilized what is known as recessed roof purlins, where purlins are placed between roof truss top chords. Top of roof purlins and top of trusses are at same height and purlins were connected with typical standard joist hangers. This resulted in clients […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Wall Girts

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/11/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Wall Girts

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Wall Girts Clients (actually usually their choice of building erectors), have voiced concerns about our use of bookshelf wall girts. These concerns are from one or more of these areas: Too time consuming, spacing, too hard to hit with a screw, girts sag, too much thermal transfer. I have previously addressed […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Buildings Connections

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/08/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Buildings Connections

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings Connections For decades wood-to-wood connections for post-frame building construction have been with nails. Usually lots of nails, or (for non-engineered construction) not nearly enough. Hansen Pole Buildings’ engineers have always specified 10d common hot-dipped galvanized nails for connecting 1-1/2” thick wood members to other framing members. Great part for strength, yet […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Building Splash Planks and Bottom Sills

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/07/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Building Splash Planks and Bottom Sills

NEW Hansen Pole Building Splash Planks and Bottom Sills Call it what you want – Splash Plank, Bottom Girt, Grade Girt or Skirt Board, this decay resistant (or at least we sure hope so) resistant member is in contact with or located near soil’s surface. Portions of it remain visible from building exterior upon completion […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Building Columns in Brackets

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/06/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Building Columns in Brackets

NEW Hansen Pole Building Columns in Brackets Even though our glu-laminated columns are pressure preservative treated entirely through, there are some people who are just not convinced of longevity of properly pressure preservative treated wood in ground. We have a solution for you. There is only one commercially available with any significant moment (bending) resisting […]

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NEW Hansen Pole Building Roof Supporting COLUMNS

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/05/2024
NEW Hansen Pole Building Roof Supporting COLUMNS

NEW Hansen Pole Building Roof Supporting COLUMNS Since Hansen Pole Buildings’ inception we have primarily provided solid-sawn timbers for roof supporting columns. Due to cost and availability challenges, we have only included true glu-laminated columns, when required by structural necessity or as a request from our clients. Now solid-sawn columns have not come without their […]

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SPECIAL REPORT: Building in 2024? Then YOU have to read this!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/04/2024
SPECIAL REPORT: Building in 2024? Then YOU have to read this!

SPECIAL REPORT: Building in 2024? Then YOU have to read this! For over 20 years Hansen Pole Buildings thrived based upon a fairly simple model – provide large quantities of fully engineered custom designed post-frame buildings, making a small profit, lots of times. We outsourced most components to wholesalers who would deliver jobsite direct, also […]

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Understanding Steel Roofing and Siding Load Tables

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/31/2024
Understanding Steel Roofing and Siding Load Tables

Understanding Steel Roofing and Siding Load Tables Posted by McElroy Metal ● Aug 15, 2024 8:00 AM Understanding Load Tables can feel complicated, especially if you’re not an engineer, but knowing the basics can help you make informed decisions about your building projects. Here, we’ll break down the key elements of load tables and clarify […]

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Southern Florida Pole Barn, Custom Plans, and Texas Pole Barns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/30/2024
Southern Florida Pole Barn, Custom Plans, and Texas Pole Barns

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the recommendation of a pole barn home in Southern Florida, what type of custom plans Hansen Buildings provides, and pole barns in the great state of Texas. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, are Pole Barn Homes recommended in Southern Florida? It’s hot. If so, I […]

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Solar Inverter Sizing for Pole Buildings: A Guide to Optimal Energy Efficiency

Solar Inverter Sizing for Pole Buildings: A Guide to Optimal Energy Efficiency Imagine you’ve just set up solar panels on your new pole building and are excited to start using solar energy. To make sure you get the most out of your new system, choosing the right solar inverter and solar inverter charger is important. […]

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Together in One Room, Existing Post Use, and Prices Projected

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/23/2024
Together in One Room, Existing Post Use, and Prices Projected

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the design of a small living space with everything together in one room, whether or not one can use existing posts that are still standing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and a reader asks why we don’t post prices of past projects on our […]

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Comfort for Northern Climate Intermittently Heated Shop

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/22/2024
Comfort for Northern Climate Intermittently Heated Shop

Comfort for Northern Climate Intermittently Heated Shop Reader DAVID in WRENSHALL writes: “Hi There, I’m thinking about building a shop on my property. I’m in the research phase. I plan to heat the shop intermittently in the winter when i have projects to work on, but I probably won’t be in there long enough to […]

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Concrete Slab Larger in Footprint Than Building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/17/2024
Concrete Slab Larger in Footprint Than Building

Concrete Slab Larger in Footprint Than Building Reader JAMES in SOUTHWICK writes: “I built my floor wider than the building. A mistake I know! So now I was going to screw a piece of PVC into the bottom of my bottom girt to rest on floor. Then I was going to silicon around PVC to […]

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Tension Cable Location, Double Columns, and Girt Dimensions

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/16/2024
Tension Cable Location, Double Columns, and Girt Dimensions

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the location of ceiling ties for roof tension, if a person needs to double columns when switching building heights, and a clarification about the dimensions of commercial girts to building columns when used for finishing the interior walls. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi. I just […]

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Tyvek Under Roof Steel?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/15/2024
Tyvek Under Roof Steel?

Tyvek Under Roof Steel? Reader BRANDON in MIDDLEBOROUGH writes: “Greetings I’m writing to discuss the best practice for what to place under a metal roof. I am building a post frame, for shop use and will eventually be insulted. I had initially intended to install a WRB, like Tyvek, under the sheet metal roof. My […]

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A Stand Alone Building, Drip Stop in High Dust, and Sliding Door Replacement

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the pitfalls of trying to build a stand alone building within a steel building, drip stop use in high dust environments, and the replacement of two sliding doors in Lester Prairie. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good evening, I’m at my wits end. We have had […]

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Adding a Lean-to aka Side Shed

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/08/2024
Adding a Lean-to aka Side Shed

Adding a Lean-to aka Side Shed Reader PATRICK in REDMOND writes: “I have an existing pole barn that was built in 1999 that I would like to add a lean-to onto. I read your previous blogs about verifying the footing that supports the existing poles – but how do you verify that? Is there a […]

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Fasteners in ACQ, Vapor Barriers, and Buildings in NC

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/02/2024
Fasteners in ACQ, Vapor Barriers, and Buildings in NC

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about use of which fasteners are best to use in to ACQ treated columns, the need for a vapor barrier in Washington State, and Hansen Buildings in North Carolina. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Potential new customer here. Doing a small job on my own right now. […]

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Posts, Trusses and Costs, Slab Thermal Movement, and a Name

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/25/2024
Posts, Trusses and Costs, Slab Thermal Movement, and a Name

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about use of one’s own posts, metal vs wood trusses, and cost of trusses, sealer for slab thermal movement, and what the proper name of a garage, storage, and living quarters would be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The barn is to be built in 78594. 60x40x15 […]

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Trusses – Steel or Wood?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/24/2024
Trusses – Steel or Wood?

Trusses – Steel or Wood? Reader JOE in ELLIJAY writes: “Is it more cost effective to use steel trusses vs. wood and what are the pros and cons to each?” As far as cost – because we manufacture wood trusses in our plant and ship them with your lumber, they are more cost effective than […]

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Barn Doors? Houses? Materials!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/18/2024
Barn Doors? Houses? Materials!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Where can I find barn doors, sliding steel style? They have no internet presence, or else there is a secret name for them. Thank you! BONNY in FRANKFORT DEAR BONNY: If you are in search of a steel covered, metal framed sliding door (which is what the huge majority of sliding […]

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Condensation on Inside of New Vinyl Windows

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/17/2024
Condensation on Inside of New Vinyl Windows

Condensation on Inside of New Vinyl Windows Is it a bad sign if you notice condensation forms on your new vinyl windows inside? is condensation on windows bad? It isn’t a bad sign if you notice water collecting on window’s inside. But, there are a few things you can do to minimize window condensation and […]

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Twelve Foot Addition, Wall Insulation, and Purlin Settings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/11/2024
Twelve Foot Addition, Wall Insulation, and Purlin Settings

This Wednesday The Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about extending an existing 60′ long pole building by twelve feet, the best way to insulate outside walls to prevent sweating, and the reasoning behind setting purlins flush with the top of the truss top chords. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an existing 40 x […]

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Can Trees Cause Uneven Floors in My Post Frame Building?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/10/2024
Can Trees Cause Uneven Floors in My Post Frame Building?

Can Trees Cause Uneven Floors in My Post Frame Building? Tree roots can extend to soil beneath your post frame building and cause shifting leading to uneven flooring. A tree is far larger than what you can see. There is an entire extensive root system below grade, one extending for yards. Though roots are out […]

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Sloppy Construction or a Structural Integrity Issue?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/05/2024
Sloppy Construction or a Structural Integrity Issue?

Sloppy Construction or a Structural Integrity Issue? Reader BRISHA in EARLY BRANCH writes: “This is a barndo that will be our home. Is it acceptable to have metal trusses not come completely together (see pic)? Also, multiple (MANY) screws in the wood that trusses connected to are in at an angle? Is this just sloppy […]

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The Shell or Interior, an Old Barn Fix, and Ventilation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/04/2024
The Shell or Interior, an Old Barn Fix, and Ventilation

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about inclusions of a Hansen Building Kit, some guidance with the renovation of an old barn, and how many sq inches of NFVA do foam enclosures have? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What does it include? Just the shell or interior also? ASHLEY in MONROE DEAR ASHLEY: We typically […]

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Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/03/2024
Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses

Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses Reprinted from a March 2019 article in Structure Magazine authored by Brent Maxfield, P.E. Part 3 of 3: Implementation 1. Building Officials, Contractors, Owners, and Building Designers should be cognizant of and enforce the requirement that the Contractor and the Building Designer review the Truss Submittal Package prior to […]

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Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/29/2024
Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses

Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses Part 2 of 3: The following is a summary of the IRC requirements for wood Trusses (capitalized terms are defined by ANSI/TPI 1-2014, National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction, Section 2.2, published by the Truss Plate Institute (TPI)): · Wood Trusses shall be designed in […]

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A Checklist to Follow, Setting Piers, and to Plumb, Level, and Square

This Wednesday answers reader questions about a barndominium checklist to follow, if one should set piers on virgin ground when adjusting for grade changes, and to plumb, level, and square a building before adding roof sheathing. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I remember you had a checklist to follow when building a barndominium or pole barn […]

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Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/27/2024
Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses

Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses Reprinted from a March 2019 article in Structure Magazine authored by Brent Maxfield, P.E. Part 1 of 3: There are many roles played in the design and delivery of residential wood roof trusses. Engineers can play various roles in this process, and it is essential to understand which role […]

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Footing Diameter, Non-Ground Contact Columns, and Ceiling Insulation

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the required footing diameter for a 20’x24′ pole barn garage, use of non-ground contact columns on a concrete stem wall or thickened edge, and Insulating a cathedral ceiling in a barndominium. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking to build a 20ft x 24ft pole […]

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Glulam Posts Wrapped with an Optional Protective Coating, video #8

Today’s video is the 8th in a series Mike the Pole Barn Guru shot at his tour of Richland Laminated Columns. Glulam Posts Wrapped with an Optional Protective Coating. Come back Thursday the 22nd for the 9th installment.

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Beam Needs, Slab Design, and Attic Ventilation Issues

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/14/2024
Beam Needs, Slab Design, and Attic Ventilation Issues

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about LVL beam procurement, a question about slab in a flood prone area, and A1V in a non vented attic. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I need a 3 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ x 12′ beam. Is this something you can help me with? JAMES in TUCSON […]

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Glulam Finishing Touches, video #5

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/08/2024
Glulam Finishing Touches, video #5

Today’s blog is video #5 in a series from glulam provider Richland Laminated Columns, covering the finishing touches of the process. Tune in Tuesday August 13th for the 6th video in the series.

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Implement Storage, Stumped for Answer, and a Walk-Out Basement

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/07/2024
Implement Storage, Stumped for Answer, and a Walk-Out Basement

Today’s Ask the Guru answers reader questions about sue of beams for an implement storage building, a question stumps the Guru so he asks readers for help, and if a post frame building could be built with a walk-out basement. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to build a Implement Storage 60’ x 24’ pole […]

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Curing Process for Glulaminated Columns, video #4

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/06/2024
Curing Process for Glulaminated Columns, video #4

Today’s blog is video #4 in a series featuring our glulam provider, Richland Laminated Columns, about loading glulams to be cured. Tune is Thursday the 8th for video #5

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Glulam Build Walk-Through, video #3

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/01/2024
Glulam Build Walk-Through, video #3

Today’s blog is video #3 in the series from Richland Laminated Columns with a walk-through of the columns build built. Tune in Tuesday for video #4 in the Richland Laminated Columns series.

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Sliding Door Latch, A Ceiling Mounted Crane, and an Auger Challenge

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about securing a sliding door, some advice on a ceiling mounted crane, and a challenge finding an auger with a 30″ diameter for concrete collars. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How to keep my steel sliding door half open but secured? BRUCE in ROCKFORD DEAR BRUCE: Your […]

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Pulling Apart Glued Wood, video #2

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/30/2024
Pulling Apart Glued Wood, video #2

Today’s blog is video #2 in the series from our Glulam vendor, Richland Laminated Columns, about pulling apart two pieces of glued wood. Tune in on August 1st for the next video in the series.

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Termites, Lumber “Extras” and a new Kit

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/24/2024
Termites, Lumber “Extras” and a new Kit

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about subterranean termites eating the posts, the best resource to acquire commodity items like OSB, and providing a kit sized 16′ x 32′ x 10 height. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What do you do about subterranean termites eating the posts.? Where I’m at they eat treated […]

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Dual Heating And Cooling Solutions For Your Post Frame Barndominium

Dual Heating And Cooling Solutions For Your Post Frame Barndominium Dual heating and cooling systems are a two-in-one solution and can keep your post frame barndominium cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s no secret energy prices are increasingly expensive, with U.S. cooling bills alone set to rise from $661 to $719 by September’s […]

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Post Frame Frost Walls

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/18/2024
Post Frame Frost Walls

From reader Paul in Bismarck: “How do you deal with the requirement for a 4 foot frost wall on buildings that will have plumbing installed in them. Typically, the concrete footing on a stick built structures qualifies as the frost wall. How is this accomplished with a pole building that will be used as a […]

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Endwall Trusses, Valley Flashing, and Roof Sheathing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/17/2024
Endwall Trusses, Valley Flashing, and Roof Sheathing

This week’s Ask The Guru addresses how a single truss is used at endwalls instead of a double truss, use of valley flashing on roof applications, and the need for sheathing on a roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: On a double truss system with 12′ o/c how do you do the gable ends? MICHAEL in […]

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Can This Building Be Saved?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/09/2024
Can This Building Be Saved?

Can This Building Be Saved? Reader BRAYTON in NORTHEAST WASHINGTON writes: “I’ve been previewing your website and am glad I found it! Question: I have been contacted recently by a potential client who had a 40′ x 60′ pole building constructed. The original contractor walked off the job. This client wants me to fix the […]

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Ceiling Loaded Trusses

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/04/2024
Ceiling Loaded Trusses

Part of the mission of any good post frame (pole) building kit package supplier or contractor should be to save the client from making crucial design errors which they will later regret. Among the most often questions I answer in my “Ask the Pole Barn Guru” weekly column is in regards to the ability of […]

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Insulate a Post Frame Building, Ventilation, and Column Sizes

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/03/2024
Insulate a Post Frame Building, Ventilation, and Column Sizes

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the most economical way to insulate a pole barn style building, advice on ventilation, and the best column size for a building in Michigan. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am looking at either building a pole barn style or hybrid Steel column, post and […]

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A Dog Kennel, Types of Foundations for Post Frame, and Kennel Designs

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibilities of building a dog kennel with post frame construction, they type of foundation required for a post frame building, and what possible kennel designs Hansen has done. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: would it be possible to do a dog kennel in a pole […]

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High Humidity in a Pole Barn Home

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/20/2024
High Humidity in a Pole Barn Home

High Humidity in a Pole Barn Home Reader SAM writes: “I had a pole barn home built before pole barn homes became so popular. A concrete floor was poured around the 6×6 posts, and wooden trusses make up the roof. The pole barn walls have 2×6 purlins, and the roof has 2×4 purlins. Fiberglass insulation […]

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Tin Sheet Ceiling, Glulaminated Columns, and Wood on Grade

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/19/2024
Tin Sheet Ceiling, Glulaminated Columns, and Wood on Grade

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding tin sheets to the underside of trusses with insulation added, the use of glulaminated columns over rough sawn 6×6’s, and pros and cons of wood on grade vs concrete. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking at installing metal sheeting on the ceiling in […]

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Beyond Code: Preventing Floor Vibration

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/18/2024
Beyond Code: Preventing Floor Vibration

Beyond Code: Preventing Floor Vibration by Frank Woeste, P. E., and Dan Dolan, P. E Floor vibration, or bounce, is not a safety issue — it’s a performance issue, and one that’s likely to be impor- tant to homeowners. No one likes to hear the china rattling in the cabinet when they walk across the room. […]

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Air Intake, Sliding Door Trolleys, and Footing Costs

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/13/2024
Air Intake, Sliding Door Trolleys, and Footing Costs

This Thursday is another bonus ” ask the Guru” answering questions about proper air intake with no overhangs, replacing sliding door trolleys, and most cost effective footing solution. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am in preliminary stages of designing a post-frame building, that will serve a multitude of functions such as a home gym, work-shop, […]

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Engineer Sealed Drawings, Materials Lists, and Footing Sizes.

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/11/2024
Engineer Sealed Drawings, Materials Lists, and Footing Sizes.

This Tuesday is another bonus “ask the Guru” discussing questions about engineer sealed drawings, a materials list for a post frame garage with sideshed, and footing size questions. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Does it come with engineered Seal drawings as part of the cost? RON in OMAHA DEAR RON: Every building we provide comes with […]

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Framing and Materials, DIY plans, and a Conversion

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/06/2024
Framing and Materials, DIY plans, and a Conversion

This Thursday’s blog is another bonus “Ask the Guru” answering reader questions about Hansen Kits framing and materials, if a readers structural plans are viable, and whether the Guru thinks an old pole barn can be converted into a Barndo. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do your home kits come as a frame tight to the […]

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OSB Sheathing, Plywood for Roof Strength, and Brackets for Helical Piers

This Wednesday the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about adding OSB sheathing under new roof steel, as well as more trusses and carriers to support the new loads, a concern about the need for plywood under roof steel to make a building stronger, and if Hansen has a bracket to use with a helical […]

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Mixed Use Building, Attaching a Deck, and a Flat Roof

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/04/2024
Mixed Use Building, Attaching a Deck, and a Flat Roof

This Tuesday’s blog is a Bonus Ask the Guru discussing some mixed use ideas for a gallery and apartment, attaching a deck, and a flat roof design. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m looking for a mixed used building, Large open plan space ground floor for an art gallery and two two bedroom apartments on second […]

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a BONUS PBG for Friday, May 31st — Column Spacing, Raised Floors, and a Self-Build

a BONUS PBG for Friday, May 31st — Column Spacing, Raised Floors, and a Self-Build DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have spoken to my architect and he is saying to do my column spacing 8′ with truss every 4′. I have looked at your videos and several other videos. I noticed 10′ or 12′ Columns […]

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Insulation, Lean-To’s and a DIY

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/30/2024
Insulation, Lean-To’s and a DIY

A Bonus Ask the Guru for this Thursday’s blog for Insulation, Lean-To’s and a DIY  DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 30×40 pole barn with 6″ purloins mounted between the posts. I’m planning to add minimal insulation using closed cell panels. I’ve seen recommendations to cut the panels to fit between the purloins (would […]

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Building in Japan, Raising a Building, and In-Ground Use Posts

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/29/2024
Building in Japan, Raising a Building, and In-Ground Use Posts

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the feasibility of building in northern Japan, the possibility of raising an existing post frame building, what the best treatment for in-ground use on columns would be, and if post protectors are needed. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m currently evaluating the feasibility of building a […]

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Wall Insulation for a Hybrid Building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/28/2024
Wall Insulation for a Hybrid Building

Wall Insulation for a Hybrid Building Reader MASON in HILLSBOROUGH writes: “I read your blog often and I truly appreciate the wealth of knowledge you openly share. I am in the process of starting construction on a hybrid steel shop that will house a small apartment that the wife and I will move into once […]

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a BONUS PBG for Monday, May 27th — Store Front Windows, Tornados, and Texas

a BONUS PBG for Monday, May 27th — Store Front Windows, Tornados, and Texas DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a customer who is going to have 2×8 and 4×8 store front windows. These window frames need to be as close to the ground as possible. How do I need to build the bottom of […]

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A BONUS PBG for Friday May, 24th — Alternative Siding, Basements, and Purlin Size

A BONUS PBG for Friday May, 24th — Alternative Siding, Basements, and Purlin Size DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In towns that disapprove of houses with rib steel siding, can traditional OSB sheathing on the bookshelf girts w/ vinyl cladding be substituted? Material prices seem similar and no huge difference in labor seems probable. But, will […]

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Florida Approved Wall Panels, Drip Stop Metal Roofing, and Widest Builds

This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses reader concerns about Florida approved board and batten panels for walls, the use of drip stop or condenstop in residential applications, and what the widest build without support poles could be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I need a 4×8 siding material that has a Florida Product Approval Code. […]

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Pole Barn Plans With Clerestory Roofs

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/21/2024
Pole Barn Plans With Clerestory Roofs

Pole Barn Plans With Clerestory Roofs Reader BRENT in HUNTSVILLE writes: “Do you have any plans for pole barns with a Celestial Shed Roof? It seems like a great way to allow natural light into the building while being an aesthetic design.” By coincidence, I have a son named Brent! In architecture, a clerestory is […]

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a BONUS PBG for Monday May, 20th — A DIY solution, a Clear Span, and a Crawl Space. 

a BONUS PBG for Monday May, 20th — A DIY solution, a Clear Span, and a Crawl Space. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi we are looking for something to live in that we can put together ourselves possibly convert to a living space unless you have something that is affordable that is already residential use. […]

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A BONUS PBG for Friday May, 17th– Roof Insulation, Column Sizing, and a Moisture Issue. 

A BONUS PBG for Friday May, 17th– Roof Insulation, Column Sizing, and a Moisture Issue. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi Mike. I built a post and beam shop and am trying to figure out how to insulate the roof on the second floor. The bents are true sawn 6×6 on ten foot centers (building is […]

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PEX and Rebar Hairpins

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/16/2024
PEX and Rebar Hairpins

PEX and Rebar Hairpins Reader BRIAN in LEROY writes: “I want hydronic floor w/ PEX embedded into concrete slab on grade at MN-IA area. Blogs show rebar through holes in poles that are bent into the concrete at about 45 degree angles presumably to tie all elements of building envelope firmly together. In this area, […]

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An I-Beam Size, Plans for Permit, and Moisture Control

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/15/2024
An I-Beam Size, Plans for Permit, and Moisture Control

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about an I-Beam size for a lean too, plans for a county permit- included with purchase of a Hansen Building, and advice for use of insulation and barriers for new build. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey Mike I’ve got a question for you, I recently just […]

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The Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation in Pole Barns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/14/2024
The Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation in Pole Barns

The Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation in Pole Barns Spray foam insulation is an all-in-one solution that can effectively regulate temperature, reduce noise, and prevent moisture in your pole barn. Although all types of insulation minimize heat transfer, spray foam is the only material that can also seal against air leaks, potentially resulting in energy […]

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Raising a Ceiling, Foundation Wall Build, and an Indoor Riding Barn

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibility of raising a ceiling 4′ – 6′ for pickleball, the advice of whether or not to attempt to add a post frame building on top of an 8″ foundation wall– don’t, and the maximum clear span of an indoor riding barn. DEAR POLE […]

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A Wood Frame Basement, Inside Dimensions, and Steel vs Wood

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/01/2024
A Wood Frame Basement, Inside Dimensions, and Steel vs Wood

This week the Pole Barn Guru about building a wood frame basement with “daylight space,” the inside dimensions of a 40′ x 80′ structure, and a debate between steel vs wood construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’d like to build a post frame building with a daylight basement space. I’d been researching permanent wood foundations […]

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MSR Lumber Producers Council Today

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/30/2024
MSR Lumber Producers Council Today

MSR Lumber Producers Council  Today I am a MSR Lumber Producers Council presenter in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lumber grades take into account natural characteristics, including knots, splits, checks, shake, and wane. Lumber design values are assigned to lumber grades to provide a means for using this material in structural applications. These values are published in […]

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Things Hansen Pole Buildings Does Better Than Any Other Post-Frame Building Provider

Things Hansen Pole Buildings Does Better Than Any Other Post-Frame Building Provider To those of you who have read my previous 13 articles, this will serve as a recap. For you who have not, please peruse when you have an opportunity. STRONGEST GLULAM COLUMNS While manufactured from lumber 157% as strong as what is typically […]

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13 Can Be Very Fortunate

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/24/2024
13 Can Be Very Fortunate

13 Can Be Very Fortunate Thank you for participating (hopefully) in my past dozen articles about our “NEW” Hansen Pole Building. If not, I would greatly to encourage you to peruse them. I believe you will find them useful in being able to know you are getting greatest value for your hard-earned building dollars. In […]

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Why it’s Critical to Understand Lumber Species Groups

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/04/2024
Why it’s Critical to Understand Lumber Species Groups

Why it’s Critical to Understand Lumber Species Groups Originally published in SBCA Magazine January 6, 2024 For consumers of structurally graded lumber the two key elements of the lumber’s grade stamp are the assigned grade and the species or species group. These two elements establish what published design values should be referenced for that piece […]

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Vapor Barriers, Post Longevity, and Spray Foam

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/03/2024
Vapor Barriers, Post Longevity, and Spray Foam

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the need for a vapor barrier, the longevity of properly treated posts, and the better spray foam between open and closed cell. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello Sir, hoping you can help answer a question I cannot get a straight answer on. Currently building a […]

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Wouldn’t Field Laminated Posts be Stronger and Possibly More Economical?

Wouldn’t Field Laminated Posts be Stronger and Possibly More Economical? Reader CHRIS in AIRVILLE writes: “Wouldn’t field laminated posts be stronger and possibly more economical? I have searched your previous blogs and found some information regarding this but they all seemed to refer to the laminated posts being ordered and pre-built. I would think that […]

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Thru Screwed Steel Screws – Pull-Over and Pull-Out

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/28/2024
Thru Screwed Steel Screws – Pull-Over and Pull-Out

Thru Screwed Steel Screws – Pull-Over and Pull-Out Hi, my name is Mike, and I am addicted to watching engineering disaster videos. No, there is not yet a 12 step program for this addiction. I have learned a few things from my addiction. When it comes to construction failures, most of them come down to […]

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Under Slab Insulation XPS or EPS?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/26/2024
Under Slab Insulation XPS or EPS?

Under Slab Insulation XPS or EPS? Way back (okay, 2021 it just seems like it was long ago), I had extolled virtues of expanded polystyrene (EPS) for barndominium concrete slab insulation boards/ Full article can be read here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2021/11/barndominium-concrete-slab-insulation-boards/. If there is one thing I have learned in my construction industry career, it is insulation […]

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YouTube Design of a Post-Frame Mezzanine

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/21/2024
YouTube Design of a Post-Frame Mezzanine

YouTube Design of a Post-Frame Mezzanine Reader CHERIE in MARYVILLE writes: “I am in the process of designing a post-frame building for my business. It is a 55x110x16′ building. I am moving my business to this new building and I already have a pallet rack supported mezzanine that I will install in the new building. […]

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A Basketball Court, A “Dog Trot” and Proper Insulation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/20/2024
A Basketball Court, A “Dog Trot” and Proper Insulation

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a basketball court within town height restrictions, building a “dog trot” and some advice on the proper way to insulate a red iron building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have been on the pole barn Facebook group for over a year and was strongly […]

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Introduction to Post-Frame Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/19/2024
Introduction to Post-Frame Buildings

Introduction to Post-Frame Buildings Rather than me chewing up a portion of your life you will never get back, I am deferring to Chapter 1 of NFBA’s (National Frame Builders Association) Post Frame Design Manual. Here is my overview when it was first published: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/03/post-frame-building-3/ Please take a few moments to read this first chapter, […]

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Ballpark Figures, Blueprint Costs, and Condensation Drip

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/13/2024
Ballpark Figures, Blueprint Costs, and Condensation Drip

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about ballpark figures to estimate costs of a barndominium, the costs for blueprints for a 40x60x20 building, and what the best way to stop condensation drip on a post frame building would be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’ve got a very general question, hope you can […]

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Concerns About Truss Sizes and Overhangs When Designing a Floor Plan

Concerns About Truss Sizes and Overhangs When Designing a Floor Plan Reader ART in EADS writes: “Hello Mike, my wife and I are making floor plans for a future pole barn house. We see that numerous companies offer buildings in common L x W x H dimensions as well as some customized sizes. We want […]

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How Grading Agencies Establish Lumber Design Values

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/07/2024
How Grading Agencies Establish Lumber Design Values

How Grading Agencies Establish Lumber Design Values Originally published in SBCA Magazine January 16, 2024 Nearly all roof trusses and floor trusses are created using cutting-edge software. Embedded in that software are engineering principles outlined in the National Design Specification, Design Values for Wood Construction (NDS), as well as published design values for the sizes […]

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