Category Archives: Pole Barn Design
Floor Plans, Pressure Treated Posts, and Temperature Control
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/22/2019Today’s Pole Barn Guru discusses floor plans, pressure treated posts, and temperature control in an insulated pole barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am retiring from the Navy and moving to Knoxville TN. We are looking at land to purchase and home floor plans for our “dream” house. I have read some about pole barns […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Columns
- Tags: Floor Plans, UC-4B, Temperature Control, Insulation, Pressure Treated Posts
- 2 comments
One Pour Pole Barn Post Installation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/17/2019Reader AARON from CARTHAGE writes: “Curious to see your thoughts on the Pro-footer one pour bracket. Would attaching these brackets to the post compromise the pressure treating leading to a chance of rot? I’ve seen their footer cages and their uplift brackets but these seem to be a better choice provided they don’t compromise the […]
Read moreConsideration for Future Building Length Additions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/16/2019Adding on to post frame building length sounds like it should be such a simple process – unscrew sheets of steel and just build away, right? Nope. Long time reader ROB in ANNAPOLIS writes: “I feel like you have answered this somewhere in the past, but when I search past “Ask the Guru” I get […]
Read moreHow Tall? Monitor Style Barns, and Planning a Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/15/2019Today’s PBG discusses “how tall a pole barn” can be, opening on a monitor style building, and planning a buildings for and shop and car storage. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How tall can pole barn be in Cape May County? BUD in CAPE MAY DEAR BUD: This will depend upon how your property is zoned, […]
Read moreHiring an Engineer is Terrible Advice?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/12/2019Registered Design Professionals and Building Officials please weigh in on this one. Is hiring an engineer terrible advice? In a Facebook ‘Barndominium Living’ discussion group this was posted: “Curious as to how many of you consulted an engineer before building (for concrete and steel framing) or simply went with your welder’s design?” First response, from […]
Read moreBarndominium Costs Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/10/2019Continuing my discussion of Barndominium costs from yesterday’s blog… For sake of discussion, we will use 2400 sft (40×60) of finished living space (includes any bonus rooms) plus 1600 sft of garage/shop. To have a GC (General Contractor) turn-key this for you expect an average of: 2400 X $165.67 = $397,608 1600 X $83.50 = […]
Read moreBarndominium is Popping Up Everywhere
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/05/2019Back in 1981 Barbara Mandrell recorded and released a hit song written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan, “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”. Well Barbara certainly has it over me in the looks department and I doubt I will ever have a Top Ten hit with, “I Had a Barndominium When Barndominiums Weren’t […]
Read moreGambrel Barndominium Done Differently
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/03/2019What I Would Have Done Differently With Our Gambrel Barndominium When we built our gambrel roof style barndominium 15 years ago we were in a position financially where we could have done most anything we wanted to. Our property was over two acres in size, so available space was not a determining factor. After having […]
Read moreMaximizing Post Frame Gambrel Space
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/02/2019Maximizing Post Frame Gambrel Usable Space With Trusses Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rachel and I recently had some discussions in regards to maximizing post frame gambrel truss useable space. Most often gambrel roofs are supported by one piece clearspan gambrel trusses. Largest downside to this type of truss system is lack of bonus room width. […]
Read moreTornadoes Reek Havoc
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/28/2019Tornadoes Reek Havoc, Don’t Let Them Wreck You Excerpts in italics below are from an article first appearing in SBC Magazine June 3, 2019: “In the past few weeks, weather systems throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio have had a significant impact on the built environment. As is well known, tornadoes cause severe stress […]
Read moreBarndominium: Building Kit or Building Shell?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/27/2019Barndominium: Building Kit or Building Shell? This was a recent post from a Barndominium discussion group I am a member of: “Kit vs shell; I’m defining a kits as coming with everything like insulation and metal studs (the next step would be mechanical trades) whereas shell would be dried in with nothing. Kit companies would […]
Read more- Categories: Lofts, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Barndominium, Weather Resistant Barriers, Reflective Insulation, Building Shell, Building Kit, Pole Barn Building Kit Packages, Post Frame Building Kit Packages, Pole Building Barndominium
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Temporary Client Insanity – Truss Problems?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/25/2019Temporary Client Insanity – Truss Problems? Long ago someone told me during the course of any construction project there comes a time when every client goes absolutely bat-pooh crazy. Personally, even knowing what I know, I am guilty of freaking out and having had a case of temporary client insanity during our own remodel and […]
Read moreHansen in Washington, Alternate Siding and Roofing, and Post Frame Homes
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/24/2019This Monday, the Pole Barn Guru responds to questions about Hansen’s service area, alternate siding and roofing, and post frame homes. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you service this area? MARELYN in TENINO, WA DEAR MARELYN: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. Not only do we service Tenino and its […]
Read moreAn Oops from a Competitor’s Architect Part Two- Lateral Load
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/21/2019As the Architect Turns In our previous episode, we left Dan tied to railroad tracks in front of a speeding train…. Well close, we left Dan with a post frame building designed by an architect, with some serious structural connection problems. Now I am a guy who watches Science Channel’s “Engineering Catastrophes”. I would just […]
Read moreAn Oops from a Competitor’s Architect
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/20/2019The Pole Bar Guru reviews an oops from an architect in today’s blog. Back in 2017 Hansen Pole Buildings was contacted by a gentleman I shall call “Dan” who had an interest in a post-frame home or ‘barndominium’. For those not familiar with this term: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/02/barndominium/. I have to admit, Dan spoke with a Hansen […]
Read moreNew Pole Buildings Cost Money
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/19/2019New Buildings Cost Money As I recently mentioned, I have joined several Barndominium Facebook groups. It has proven to be enlightening and has given me a great deal of information towards authoring a book or books on Post Frame Barndominiums. In asking for input on chapters for my endeavor, I had one person respond with: […]
Read moreUse Categories, Water Leaks, and Matching a House
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/17/2019Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions regarding Use Categories, water leaks, and matching a house due to HOA rules. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi! I am trying to turn my existing barn into a wedding venue. Why am I being classified as A-2 instead of A-3? Our special use permit says we cannot exceed 300 […]
Read moreDon’t Make Mistakes on Horse Stall Doors
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/07/2019Don’t Make Mistakes on Horse Stall Doors Horse owners please join in, this one is for you: Picture, if you will, your dream barn. You know how many stalls, feed rooms, tack rooms, etc., are needed and how much space they will take up. You have the exterior down pat, but you may not have […]
Read moreMonitor Barn Truss Challenge
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/04/2019When All Else Fails a Monitor Barn Truss Challenge. Monitor style buildings are a popular post frame building design (for background on monitor barns please read: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/building-styles/monitor-building-designs/). In most cases, design, ordering, delivery and construction of monitor buildings goes off without a hitch. On rare occasions a hitch glitch happens – so when all else […]
Read moreA Post Frame Addition, California Muster, and Ventilation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/03/2019Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions regarding a post frame addition, passing the “muster” of California’s building codes, and ventilation of attic space with spray foam. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi. We are wanting to attach a monitor style barn to an existing stick build for additional residential use. Is this tie-in possible? Thank […]
Read moreFeedback Needed From RDP’s and Building Officials
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/31/2019I am asking for feedback from RDP’s and Building Officials because: There is a method to my madness. Seriously. I want to make sure we are doing things 100% correctly. In my humble opinion there are currently numerous post frame buildings being constructed where wall girts do not meet Code or acceptable engineering practice. I […]
Read moreMore Post Frame Ultimateness!
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/29/2019I am not even certain “ultimateness” is a word, if not, it should be! In yesterday’s article I left you with a cliff hanger. Today I will talk you down. We disclosed one solve yesterday, today’s is even bigger. “Can my building’s trusses support a ceiling?” This lament gets answered over-and-over in my every Monday, […]
Read moreThe Ultimate Post Frame Building Experience
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/28/2019Hansen Pole Buildings is on a mission to provide “The Ultimate Post Frame Building Experience™”. (Read about “The Ultimate Post Frame Building Experience™” here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/06/ultimate-post-frame-experience/) In doing so, we often make what I will refer to as ‘tweaks’ to make not only our clients’ experiences better, but also their new post frame buildings better. We […]
Read moreStilt Post Frame on Permafrost
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/24/2019I have written previously about post frame design involving concrete slabs on grade in areas of permafrost: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/04/post-frame-permafrost/. Today we will venture into a land where “stilts” are a design solution. Permafrost is loosely defined as soil and/or rock remaining frozen for more than two years. Big trees do not guarantee an absence of permafrost; […]
Read moreSolving a Massive Pole Building Grade Change
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/23/2019Solving Massive Post Frame Building Grade Change Most everything about post frame building construction is predicated upon “your clear, level site”. But, what happens when (like most of our planet) there is not a flat level place to start with – instead there exists massive amounts of grade change? Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Doug ran […]
Read moreLocal Building Supply is Wrong Choice
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/22/2019With an advent of internet providers such as Amazon (www.amazon.com ) there has been more pressure to “buy local”. Sometimes buying local can be a blessing, but when it comes to a new post-frame (pole barn) building – even an attempt to buy local can prove to be an experience (and not a pleasant one). […]
Read moreSelf-Designed Pole Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/17/2019Spring, When a Young Man’s Heart Turns to Self-Designing Pole Buildings For some obscure reason a plethora of otherwise intelligent people have an idea. This idea being they can structurally design a building to be adequate to resist applied climactic loads, without any actually engineering background. Given an under designed building can lead to failure, […]
Read moreIs an Exterior Sliding Barn Style Door Our Solution?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/16/2019Today the Pole barn Guru answers a question about use of a sliding “barn style door” as an exterior door. As long time readers of this column know, every once in a while I get thrown a question having little to do with post frame construction. However I get a euphus pitch thrown at me […]
Read moreI am Designing a Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/15/2019I Am Designing a Pole Barn…. These words strike fear in my heart. Reader ELISEO in FLOWERY BRANCH writes: “ I’m designing a Pole Barn to be 30’W x 40’L x 12’H. I’m asking for 6 trusses to be placed 8’ on center with a 4:12 pitch. I’m gonna tie them together with 2×4 on […]
Read moreCan a Building Official Deny Approval of a Professional Engineer’s Work?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/14/2019Does a Building Official have the capacity to deny the work of a Professional Engineer? Excerpted from SBC Magazine April 2, 2019 The short answer is no, not according to the law. Why? Simply put, building officials are not granted legal authority over professional engineers. Rather, they only have authority with respect to enforcing specific provisions of the […]
Read moreHow to Re-level a Garage
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/10/2019Auntie Em, Auntie Em My Garage Has Lifted Well, it wasn’t from a twister and this article has nothing actually to do with Auntie Em or actress Clara Blandick who played Auntie Em in 1939’s film classic The Wizard of Oz. For trivia buffs, Blandick also played a part in 1937’s original A Star Is […]
Read moreIgnorance is Bliss and Sometimes Architects are Happy
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/09/2019Ignorance is Bliss and Sometimes Architects are Happy Portions of this article (in italics) are from “County explores options for new Highway building” April 29, 2019 by Nathan Bowe at www.dl-online.com A city plow truck goes by the main shop building at the Becker County Highway Department complex in Detroit Lakes. www.dl-online.com File photo Dear […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Precast Concrete, Timber Frame Building, Ignorance, Pole Barn, Post Frame Building, Shop Building, Concrete Foundations, Gable Roof
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Sturdi-Wall Plus Concrete Brackets
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/08/2019Sturdi-Wall Plus Concrete Brackets Long time readers will recall a previous article regarding Sturdi-Wall Plus concrete brackets: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/09/concrete-brackets-2/ Sturdi-Wall Plus brackets are a heavy-duty engineered anchoring system for attaching wood columns to concrete foundations and are generally used in post-frame buildings but have other applications as well. These brackets are made with ¼ “steel plate […]
Read moreAlternative Siding, Building on Slab, and Ceiling Liner Loading
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/06/2019Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about alternative siding and roofing, whether one can build on an existing slab, and if a ceiling liner can hold insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you build me a steel wall inside and vinyl siding on the outside with asphalt shingles? PAUL in BLUE GRASS DEAR PAUL: A […]
Read morePEX-AL-PEX Tubing for Post Frame Concrete Slabs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/03/2019PEX-AL-PEX Tubing For Post Frame Concrete Slabs Long time readers will recall my prior article on PEX tubing for post frame concrete slabs: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/08/pex-tubing/. I caught up with my friend Les Graham of Radiant Outfitters at the recent NFBA (National Frame Building Association) Expo in Louisville, who I volunteered to do a nice video in […]
Read moreR Panel Gable Vents
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/01/2019R Panel Gable Vents “R” steel roofing and siding panels are typically used on all steel buildings where larger spans occur between wall girts and roof purlins. With a three foot width net coverage, these panels have a 1-1/4 inch tall high rib every 12 inches with two low stiffener ribs between. R panels do […]
Read moreIBC Requirements for Building Wrap
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/30/2019IBC Requirements for Building Wrap When using a building wrap as a weather-resistant barrier (WRB), it must meet 2018 International Building Codes (IBC 1402.2) requirements of a WRB for water-resistance and vapor permeability. A superior building wrap is air- and moisture-resistant, permeable, and has a high UV-resistance and tear strength. It should also be simple […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding, Alternate Siding, Insulation
- Tags: Weather Resistant Barrier, Weather Resistant Wall Envelope, Exterior Insulation And Finish Systems, Water Resistive Barrier, Barricade Building Wrap
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Eave Height, Gambrel Size, and To Tie New to Old Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/29/2019Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses eave height, the size of a gambrel building and advice how to tie new building to existing structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When you refer to height are you measuring to the peak or sidewall? This pole barn will be used as an indoor (uninsulated) riding arena with some […]
Read morePost Frame Building Frame Flood Vents
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/26/2019Where post frame buildings are constructed in a flood plane, two choices exist to deal with flood conditions. Personally I would opt for bringing in fill to raise building above flood level. For those willing to deal with consequences of flood waters going through their building, an option is to provide flood vents. National Flood […]
Read moreMonitor Barn-Heights of Wings and Raised Center
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/24/2019Monitor barns have a tall center portion (usually clearspanned with trusses) and lower single slope (knowns as sheds or wings) roofs on each side. Barns may actually be a misnomer, as many monitor style post frame buildings are used for things like homes and event centers. Reader DANIELLE in SUMMERSVILLE writes: “Is there a minimum […]
Read moreConverting a Pole Barn into a Home
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/19/2019I happen to live in a post-frame home. It was designed to be lived in from day one, so we did not face obstacles in having to convert a pole barn. Reader DAN in SIDNEY writes: “I have an existing pole barn that has no current foundation. It looks like 6×6 pt poles right into […]
Read moreWhen Size (or Lack Thereof) Matters- 4×6 Columns
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/16/2019Prior to Hansen Pole Buildings’ client’s plans being sealed by our third-party engineers, their preliminary plans are uploaded for client review through a login. While review goal is to make certain everyone is working from a same left and ensure doors and windows are properly located, it does trigger some interesting discussions at times. Here […]
Read more5 Reasons to Use Post Frame Construction in Sustainable Architecture
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/11/2019Green building concepts are not a new trend, and so our planet can breathe a sigh of relief, there is increasing pressure on construction industries to go for green initiatives and use sustainable building materials having greater strength and stability. Post-frame construction is proving to be a huge asset to a building industry demanding delivery […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding
- Tags: Energy Efficiency, Compactor Management Company, Scrap Recycling, Erich Lawson, Post-Frame, Post Frame Building
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Pole Barn Guru Blog Review
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/10/2019This is the third year the Pole Barn Guru blog has been in competition for the Best Construction Blog. Last year this blog was second in the world, tying for first in quality, however losing the popular vote. Part of this process is a review of each blog by Mark Buckshon of Construction Marketing Ideas […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation, Uncategorized, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Closed Cell Foam Insulation, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Vapor Barrier, Condensation, Ventilation, Pole Barn Condensation, Construction Marketing Ideas, Dead Attic Space
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A Problem Good Structural Engineering Could Solve Part III
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/09/2019Part III, the conclusion by Dr. David Bohnhoff, Phd., P.E., Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Perhaps only people that engineer buildings understand and appreciate the true dangers and hence insanity of erecting (and then occupying) a structure of absolutely unknown strength. To structural engineers involved in agricultural building design, NOT following the structural […]
Read more- Categories: Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Non-engineered Buildings, Agricultural Buildings, Agriculturally Exempt Buildings, Heavy Roof Snow, Heavy Snow Loads
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A Problem Good Structural Engineering Could Solve Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/05/2019Day 2 of a three part series by guest blogger Dr. David Bohnhoff, Phd. P.E., Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. If you understand the information from yesterday’s blog, then you know that when someone tries to sell a farmer a building “designed to withstand a BALANCED snowload of XXX psf” that farmer should […]
Read moreA Problem Good Structural Engineering Could Solve Part I
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/04/2019This is copied, by permission, from a blog post by Aaron Halberg, P.E. Aaron is a member of the NFBA (National Frame Building Association) Technical and Research committee. (In one of the many discussions following the rash of building collapses experienced throughout the Midwest this winter, I received a copy of the email below from […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Dr. David Bohnhoff, Prescriptive Building Code, Asymmetric Roofs, W, WI Commercial Building Code, International Building Code, Prescriptive Building Requirements, Aaron Halberg
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Steps to Minimize Snow Load Failures
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/03/2019The following article will appear in April 2019’s Component Manufacturing Advertiser magazine (www.componentadvertiser.com). Early every year NFBA (National Frame Building Association) holds its annual Frame Building Expo – where thousands of post-frame builders, design professionals and vendors meet for three days filled with break-out sessions, guest presenters and of course a trade show. In 2019’s […]
Read more- Categories: About The Pole Barn Guru, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Snow Drift Loads, Truss X Bracing, Column Embedment, Lateral Truss Bracing, Roof Diaphragm, Risk Category I, Purlin To Truss Connection
- 2 comments
The Case of the Frost Heave and a Pole Barn Porch
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/02/2019Allow me to preface this post about a frost heaved porch with a reference to Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Holmes and Watson solved fictional criminal dilemmas with deductive reasoning. In my cases, nearly 40 years of experience (plus knowing and relying upon input from many brilliant engineers) allows me to recommend solutions with […]
Read moreSlab on Grade or Crawl Space?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/29/2019Slab on Grade or Crawlspace? Long-time readers of this column recall seeing a profuse number of articles written in regards to crawl spaces. These articles have been on a gradual increase since this first one six years ago: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2013/03/crawl-space/. With residential post frame construction becoming rapidly more popular as more people discover this system’s benefits, […]
Read morePole Barn Videos from Peru
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/27/2019I Went to Peru and All I Brought Back For You Is Pole Barn Videos I’ve been working at reducing my “bucket list” of places to go and things to see and do. My list priorities include places where being physically able proves essential. A visit in Machu Picchu was way towards top of my […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Post-Frame, Pole Barn Video, Peru
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Addition to House, Stone Floor Moisture Barrier
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/25/2019Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses a post frame addition to a house, whether or not one should use a plastic barrier under the stone floor in a steel building, and the ability of a truss carrier to handle imposed loads. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi! We are considering a sizeable addition to our 600 […]
Read morePole Barn Cabin Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/22/2019Today’s blog is a continuation from yesterday….Rick Carr, Senior Building Designer for Hansen Buildings shares his thoughts on planning his new pole barn cabin. From JA Hansen, co-owner of Hansen Buildings….Thanks Rick! Next I dealt with the crawl space: After deciding that I want to do a crawl space, several design issues arise and decisions […]
Read moreDevelopment of My Post Frame Cabin Plans
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/21/2019Thank you to Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rick Carr for today’s guest blog. Development of my Cabin Plans I have been looking at both open land and existing “cabins” in the Southwestern part of the State of Wisconsin where I do a lot of fly fishing for trout in anticipation of eventually retiring. I want […]
Read moreShingled Roof Valleys for Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/20/2019Another true confession, while I carried plenty of roof shingle bundles up ladders and onto roofs when I was young and dumb – I have never installed any other than cedar. One of our clients was requesting a “how to”, so downing my best sleuthing clothes, it was learning time for me. This article took […]
Read moreIs an Ice Barrier Required Under Post Frame Roofing?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/19/2019Like a good novelist, I am going to torture you by forcing you to read this story prior to revealing a super- secret answer. One of our clients will be constructing a Hansen Pole Building in Colorado soon. This particular building is very typical post frame construction as it has steel roofing over open purlins. […]
Read moreHoop Shed Wall, Ventilation, and Pole Barn Footings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/18/2019Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about adding a garage door wall to a hoop shed, ventilation with no sidewall overhangs, and how post frame buildings are “anchored” to the ground. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to close the open 1/2 of the basketball court hoop shed with a pole building face. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Building Overhangs, Ventilation, Footings, Overhead Doors
- Tags: Ventilation, Pole Barn Footings, Footings, Hoop Shed, Wall Materials, IBC Code
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Help Me Insulate My Pole Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/15/2019This story is sad, to me. As post frame building “experts” we (an industry collective we) owe it to our clients to educate them at design phase to avoid a situation such as reader ERIC in SPOKANE VALLEY has become happily (or maybe less happy) involved in. Eric writes: “I want to start insulating my […]
Read moreRoof Collapses Due to Heavy Snow are Largely Avoidable
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/14/2019Roof Collapses Due To Heavy Snow Are Largely Avoidable. Portions of this article are thanks to a February 25, 2019 article by Bill Steffan at www.woodtv.com “Above pic. is the Negaunee Schools bus garage in Marquette Co., Michigan. The roof collapsed under the weight of heavy snow over the […]
Read moreCan You Provide Just Trusses for My New Pole Barn?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/12/2019Back in my owning a roof truss manufacturing plant days, we sold trusses to a building contractor, who was uninsured, and new building owner neglected to insure building. When it collapsed due to builder error (building also was not engineered), our insurance company ended up paying for a replacement building as it was ruled we […]
Read moreBoots on the Ground With Rick Carr
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/06/2019Boots On The Ground With Rick Carr Long time Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rick Carr has a lengthy history in post frame construction – back to his early years where he worked assembling them for a living. Rick is one of those inquisitive sorts, he wants to know not only what a best design solution […]
Read moreI’d Rather Order My New Pole Building Myself
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/05/2019We humans want to do things ourselves. We love GPS because it keeps us from having to ask strangers for help or admitting we are lost. I admit to, at one time in my life, being an extremist at “doing it myself”. Then I learned….. by listening to experts I could learn so much faster. […]
Read moreThe Case of the Leaking Post Frame Building Window
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/28/2019The Case of The Leaking Post Frame Building Window Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s hero – renowned sleuth Sherlock Holmes, was forever solving mysteries entitled “The Case of Something or Other”. To solve this particular mystery neither Holmes, nor Dr. John Watson’s skills will be required. Nor shall we need a call to Scotland Yard. Reader […]
Read moreFree Post Frame Foundation Building Calculator
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/22/2019Free Post-Frame Building Foundation Engineering Calculator No, such a thing as a free post-frame building foundation engineering calculator does not exist. However there always seems to be someone out there who is in search of “engineering for free”. Reader KELLY writes: “Guru, Do you have a link to a pole foundation engineering calculator? Looking for […]
Read moreSafety Information for Post Frame Truss Installation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/21/2019Safety Information for Post-Frame Truss Installation The following article, written by Frank Woeste, P.E., appeared in the February 2018 edition of The Component Manufacturing Advertiser, and is reprinted here, in its entirety. The BCSI-B10 document referenced is included within the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Construction Manual as part of every building kit package provided by Hansen […]
Read moreWhere Oh Where Should My Purlins Go?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/20/2019Where, Oh Where, Should My Purlins Go? There are almost as many methods for assembly of a post frame building, as there are post frame buildings! I kid you not. Amongst differences are how to space trusses – two, four, eight, 12 foot or numerous other possible centers. Along with different truss spacings are how […]
Read moreInsulation Values Reflect Real-World Energy Performance?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/15/2019Insulation R Values Reflect Real-World Energy Performance? Energy efficiency has become huge for post frame building construction. More and more people are discovering post frame buildings as being a cost effective design solution for residential and commercial construction. Long time readers of this column have seen article after article in this vein, increasing with time. […]
Read moreMinimizing Excavation in Post Frame Buildings Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/14/2019Minimizing Excavation In Combination With Post-Frame Frost Protected Shallow Foundations Part II In our last thrilling episode Snidely Whiplash had tied our fair damsel in distress, Nell Fenwick, to railroad tracks. Oops – railroad engineers are not what most of you were expecting! Continuing with a simplified solution response to reader DAVID’s ideas regarding site […]
Read moreMinimizing Excavation in Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/13/2019Minimizing Excavation In Combination With Post-Frame Frost Protected Shallow Foundations Regular readers of this column recognize a groundswell movement towards energy efficient post frame building design. Reader (and Mechanical Engineer) DAVID in CONNECTICUT had some thoughts (after reading a volume of my article pages) in regards to FPSF (Frost Protected Shallow Foundations) and radiant in […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Insulation
- Tags: Skirtboard, Insulation, Vapor Barrier, Radiant Heat, FPSF, Pex Tubing
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Unvented Post Frame Attics
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/08/2019Unvented Post Frame Attics Energy efficiency concerns have literally become a “hot” (pun intended) topic in new construction, and post frame construction methods are no exception to inclusion. Traditionally buildings have had insulation placed or blown into dead attic spaces, directly above a ceiling. Unvented attics have entered fray as an alternative. To construct […]
Read moreA Case for Minimum Post Frame Truss Loads
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/07/2019A Case for Minimum Post Frame Truss Loads Portions of this article were written specifically for Component Advertiser, a monthly truss industry publication. However I feel strongly enough about this subject to use my column to pitch it to both my employers and other post frame building kit suppliers and contractors. In my career I […]
Read moreHow to Reduce Condensation in Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/05/2019How to Reduce Condensation in Post Frame Buildings Condensation occurs when excessive atmospheric water vapor comes into contact with a cold surface. Post frame building condensation will be particularly common in winter time, in regions where temperatures reach dramatic lows, and also in spring and early summer when ground temperatures are still cool but humidity […]
Read moreCrawlspace Skirting, Adding Spray Foam, and Rafters
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/04/2019Today the Pole barn Guru discusses crawlspace skirting, adding spray foam, and building with rafters instead of trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning on building a post frame home with a standard wood framed floor structure. It will have a crawlspace below but will not have concrete stem walls. The building site slopes […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation
- Tags: Crawl Spaces, Skirting, Pole And Raftered, Insulation, Spray Foam, Rafters
- 2 comments
Dear Building Officials
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/01/2019Dear Building Officials I have met (either in person, via phone or technology) more than just a few Building Officials, Inspectors and Plans Examiners over my nearly four decades of post frame buildings. I have even been privileged to be a guest speaker for several groups of these fine folks, regarding Code conforming post frame […]
Read moreBuilding Department Checklist 2019 Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/31/2019BUILDING DEPARTMENT CHECKLIST 2019 PART II Yesterday I covered seven of what I feel are 14 most important questions to ask your local building department. This not only will smooth your way through permitting processes, but also ensures a solid and safe building structure. Let’s talk about these last seven…. #8 What is accepted Allowable […]
Read moreBuilding Department Checklist 2019 Part 1
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/30/2019BUILDING DEPARTMENT CHECKLIST 2019 PART I I Can Build, I Can Build! (First published six years ago, it was more than past time to update to reflect current code requirements!) Whoa there Nellie…..before getting all carried away, there are 14 essential questions to have on your Building Department Checklist, in order to ensure structural portions […]
Read moreNorth Carolina Students Learn Post Frame Construction
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/22/2019North Carolina College Students Learn Post Frame Construction The following article by Dan Grubb appeared first in the December 5, 2018 Sampson Independent “Sometimes the building blocks to success look more like beams than blocks. Students at Sampson Community College’s Building and Construction program know this first hand as work continues on a facility the […]
Read morePlacement of Sliding Doors, Extreme Snow Loads, and Custom Quotes
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/21/2019Today Mike addresses questions about placement of sliding doors, extreme snow loads, and quoting for a specific design. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m building a 32 wide 48’ long 14’ tall hay barn. 6×6 posts. Looking at my barn I have one post in the center and want two 16’ wide sliding doors to access […]
Read more- Categories: Sliding Doors, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Building Design, Sliding Doors, Snow Loads, Heavy Roof Snow
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Concrete Apron Around a Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/16/2019Concrete Apron Around A Pole Barn My lovely bride and I live in a post frame (pole barn) home along South Dakota’s Lake Traverse. Long time loyal readers of this column have seen photos of it more than once. For those who have missed out, our home was featured on NFBA’s (National Frame Building Association) […]
Read moreElevated Floors, Snow Loads, and Species of Wood in Posts
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/14/2019This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about elevated floors, heavy snow loads, and what species of lumber posts are cut from. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We own a site that was fully treed so the soil is not so great. We are interested in doing a pole barn design however a few engineers […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Columns, Lofts, Lumber
- Tags: Posts, Lofts, Snow Loads, Elevated Floors, Wood Types, Species Of Wood Posts
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Some Pole Barns Deserve a Proper Burial
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/11/2019Some Pole Barns Deserve a Proper Burial Reader STEPHAN in OGDENSBURG writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I have a 30ish year old 32 by 54 feet horse pole barn where half the poles heaved some for more than 1 foot over the years. I need to fix it this year because I am afraid that […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn holes, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Rebuilding Structures, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Permacolumns, Bond Beam, Sono Tubes, Building On Bedrock, Lean-to Shed, Floating Posts, Bedrock
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What Kind of Trusses Are Pictured?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/10/2019What Kind of Trusses Are Pictured? This question was posed by Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Doug. Photo isn’t of a Hansen Pole Building, probably raising questions in Doug’s mind as it looks rather foreign. Only actual trusses in photo are in raised center portion of this monitor style building. Interior trusses were probably sold to […]
Read moreNet Zero Post Frame Homes
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/03/2019Net Zero Post Frame Homes Energy efficiency has become a huge focus in every type of home construction. Post frame homes can be net zero, just as well as stick frame. Our environmental commitment allows us to design post frame homes to reduce environmental impact. High performance design and advanced engineering make it easier and […]
Read moreMulti-Story Pole Barns
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/01/2019Multi-story Pole Barns Hansen Pole Buildings has developed a reputation for taking potentially challenging post frame (pole barn) building projects and developing them from concept to fruition. This leads many clients, with an interest in multi-story pole barns, to our doors. My own post frame building home, along Lake Traverse South Dakota side, features both […]
Read moreHorse Barn Trusses, A Pole Barn Face lift, and Double Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/31/2018Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about custom trusses for a horse barn, a face lift for a pole barn and where to use double trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, I am looking to build a horse barn next spring, and had a question on the trusses that you offer. The barn will […]
Read moreSimpson Strong-Drive SDWS Timber Screw
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/28/2018Simpson Strong-Drive® SDWS Timber Screw In yesterday’s article I discussed attachment of roof trusses in post frame building construction. In most cases, Hansen Pole Buildings utilizes Simpson Strong-Drive® SDWS Timber screws. It was more than twenty years ago Simpson Strong-Tie changed fastening world with introduction of a heavy-duty structural connector screw used in wood construction […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Fasteners
- Tags: SawTooth Point, Nibs, Driving Torque, Cutting Knurl, Simpson, Timber Screw
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Connecting Trusses Not Dots
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/27/2018Connecting Trusses Not Dots This feature is probably not overly mentioned, however as most structural failures involve connections, it probably should be. FEATURE: Double trusses notched into sidewall columns and connected with Strong-Drive® SDWS TIMBER Screws BENEFIT: Trusses placed in a notch cannot slide down columns and Strong-Drive® SDWS TIMBER Screws resist uplift forces without […]
Read moreSite Built Roof Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/26/2018Site Built Roof Trusses In penning my recent article about sexy prefab roof trusses, recalled from recesses of what little mind I have yet, was a story I will share with you about site built roof trusses. I was not long into my position as truss plant manager for Lucas Plywood and Lumber when a […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Steel Connector Plates, Engineer Sealed Truss Designs, Truss Jigs, Gussets
- 2 comments
Prefab Wood Trusses are Sexy
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/21/2018Prefab Wood Roof Trusses Are Sexy Though In 1952, in Pompano Beach, Florida, an inventor named Carroll Sanford had been experimenting with building prefabricated roof trusses using plywood gusset plates and varying concoctions and combinations of glue, staples, nails and screws. Eventually he conceived of light gauge steel plates with punched teeth to connect wooden […]
Read moreWall Girts Are Not Sexy
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/20/2018Wall Girts Are Not Sexy Thought I had forgotten about Features and Benefits? Guess again! My 1990’s salesman Jerry was proud of his ability to rattle off a litany of features, without explaining to clients benefits of any of them. This one feature I can imagine meant little or nothing to clients, as wall girts […]
Read moreDo I Need Any Additional Vapor Barrier?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/19/2018Do I Need Any Additional Vapor Barrier? Reader TOM in NEW LONDON writes: “Have a 40 x 60 pole barn which I have poured a 20 X 60 6″ concrete floor with radiant heat. I have installed 1 1/2″ R 7.5 rigid pink board between the 2 X 6 side boards against the steel. I […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses
- Tags: Knee Braces, Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber, Condensation In Pole Buildings, Kraft Faced Batts, Concrete Sealant, Gypsum Wall Board, Trusses, BIBS Insulation
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Dead Load, Sliding Barn Doors, and Truss Spacing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/17/2018This weeks PBG discusses a bottom chord dead load, installing sliding barn doors, and truss spacing. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Ok, just to make sure I understand that 10lb psf dead load rating would cover the bottom chords supporting ducts either resting on or suspended from them inside the conditioned space? My thinking is if […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Doors, Trusses, Sliding Doors
- Tags: Dead Load, Truss, Double Trusses, Sliding Doors
- 2 comments
Pole Building Columns Without Ups or Downs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/14/2018Post Frame Columns Without Ups or Downs Once post frame building columns are placed into those holes in ground, there needs to be (or sure should be) a solid plan to keep them from being sucked out of ground, or sinking down into it. FEATURE: Pre-mix concrete bottom collars attached to columns with pounded in […]
Read moreWhat About Poles Themselves?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/07/2018What About Poles Themselves? Well poles of “pole barn” fame have transformed into today’s post of “post frame” buildings. Round posts just do not lend themselves to ease of construction unlike square or rectangular columns. FEATURE: Glu-laminated or solid-sawn grade stamped columns, depending upon marketplace availability. BENEFIT: Glu-laminated columns have a superior strength to weight […]
Read moreCustomers Didn’t Care About Pole Barn Features
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/05/2018Customers Didn’t Care When I originally dove into pole barn kit package sales in 1980 it appeared customers didn’t care about features or benefits of our buildings. If they did, they certainly were not asking me! Advertising was simple – newsprint (regional farm paper and free shoppers). Our ads listed dimensions (width, length and eave […]
Read moreA Red Barn, Traditional Footings Not Needed, and Added Lighting
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/03/2018The Pole Barn Guru answers questions about a traditional red barn, footings, and additional lighting to outside of building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, We are looking to have a barn built by the Amish community, but are having trouble finding someone to contact. I see on your website you have had several things […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings
- Tags: Outside Lighting, Post-Frame, Footings, Red Barn, Junction Box
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Importance of Constrained Posts
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/28/2018Importance of Constrained Posts In structural design of post frame (pole) buildings, an ability to transfer wind shear loads from roof to endwalls to ground becomes a key to cost effective design success. When sidewall columns are in a properly constrained condition (usually by attachment to a concrete slab-on-grade) shear forces are reduced by 25%. […]
Read moreStilt Construction, Ductwork, and House Design Options
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/26/2018In todays blog, the Pole Barn Guru discusses stilt homes, ductwork in attic, and post frame house design options. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Pole Barns for Stilt Construction – Just read your Kitty Hawk story – And FEMA backs you up. From FEMA-DRs-4085-NY Foundation Requirements and Recommendations for Elevated Home – Piles can be used […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Trusses, Ventilation, Footings, Columns
- Tags: Ductwork, House Design, Insulation, Stilt Construction
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Shingles and Roof Slopes Less than 4
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/21/2018Shingles and Roof Slopes Less Than 4/12 I have never felt asphalt composition shingles to be an adequate design solution for any building, much less a post frame one. Some potential post frame building owners look to shingled roofs in an errant idea of added protection against hail (not so, read more here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/09/steel-roofing/). Asphalt […]
Read moreSwaying Roof Only Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/20/2018Swaying Roof Only Pole Barn Yes indeed folks, as probably every owner of a roof only post frame (pole barn) building can and will attest, they sway with the wind. Reader MIKE in ORLANDO was concerned about his new (not from Hansen Pole Buildings) roof only pole barn moving just from his installing steel roofing […]
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