Category Archives: Pole Barn Design
How to Reduce Condensation in Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/05/2019
How 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 02/04/2019
Today 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: Skirting, Pole And Raftered, Insulation, Spray Foam, Rafters, Crawl Spaces
- 2 comments
Dear Building Officials
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/01/2019
Dear 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 01/31/2019
BUILDING 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 01/30/2019
BUILDING 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 01/22/2019
North 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 01/21/2019
Today 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
- No comments
Concrete Apron Around a Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/16/2019
Concrete 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 01/14/2019
This 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: Columns, Lofts, Lumber, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Posts, Lofts, Snow Loads, Elevated Floors, Wood Types, Species Of Wood Posts
- No comments
Some Pole Barns Deserve a Proper Burial
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/11/2019
Some 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 Structure, Concrete, Footings, Rebuilding Structures, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn holes
- Tags: Permacolumns, Bond Beam, Sono Tubes, Building On Bedrock, Lean-to Shed, Floating Posts, Bedrock
- No comments
What Kind of Trusses Are Pictured?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/10/2019
What 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 01/03/2019
Net 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 01/01/2019
Multi-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 12/31/2018
Today 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 12/28/2018
Simpson 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: Nibs, Driving Torque, Cutting Knurl, Simpson, Timber Screw, SawTooth Point
- No comments
Connecting Trusses Not Dots
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/27/2018
Connecting 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 12/26/2018
Site 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 12/21/2018
Prefab 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 12/20/2018
Wall 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 12/19/2018
Do 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
- No comments
Dead Load, Sliding Barn Doors, and Truss Spacing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/17/2018
This 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: Truss, Double Trusses, Sliding Doors, Dead Load
- 2 comments
Pole Building Columns Without Ups or Downs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/14/2018
Post 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 12/07/2018
What 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 12/05/2018
Customers 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 12/03/2018
The 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: Footings, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete
- Tags: Footings, Red Barn, Junction Box, Outside Lighting, Post-Frame
- No comments
Importance of Constrained Posts
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/28/2018
Importance 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 11/26/2018
In 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: Footings, Columns, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Trusses, Ventilation
- Tags: Stilt Construction, Ductwork, House Design, Insulation
- No comments
Shingles and Roof Slopes Less than 4
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/21/2018
Shingles 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 11/20/2018
Swaying 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 […]
Read moreA Residential Pole Barn, Missing Lumber, and Building on Existing Slab
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/19/2018
Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about plans for a residential pole barn, lumber going missing, and to building an existing slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I’m looking to build a residential pole barn. I would need enough space for 3 bedroom 2 bath. How big of a pole barn would I need? […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete
- Tags: Plans, Slab, Residential Pole Barn, Lumber Missing, Brackets
- 1 comments
Foundations
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/09/2018
Foundations – Post Frame Keeps It Simple Post frame (pole building) construction affords a plethora of savings for a new building owner, chief amongst these are foundation simplicity. I’ve previously expounded upon foundation savings in post frame construction as compared to stick frame buildings: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/10/buildings-why-not-stick-frame-construction/. Today I will add some graphics to reinforce (pun intended) […]
Read moreAnimal Control Shelter Pole Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/08/2018
Animal Control Shelter Pole Buildings Pole (post frame) buildings are ideal structures for animal control shelters. They can be constructed with a minimal financial outlay as compared to other building systems. They can be assembled by volunteers and ready for occupancy in a short time frame. Wide clearspans allow for total flexibility of interior spaces […]
Read morePole Barn Ignorance
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/06/2018
Gordon Miller photo Pole Barn Ignorance After spending pretty well my entire adult life in some facet of my industry, it becomes amazing to me to find pole barn ignorance. Other than recent immigrants to our country, and maybe those who have never traveled outside of urban areas most everyone should have some inkling as […]
Read moreFrost Heave, Sliding Door Dilemma, and Climate Control Plans
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/05/2018
The Pole Barn Guru addresses questions about frost heave, a sliding door dilemma, and plans on climate control. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. Do you have any information regarding how to avoid frost movement with Pole Barn Building designs in stony ground and cold climates such as Norway? There is a building nearby that had […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Heating, Insulation, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Frost Heave, Sliding Doors, Climate Control, Insulation
- No comments
Pole Building Rooftop Decks
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/02/2018
Post Frame Roof Top Decks Question: Can decks be constructed upon a post frame roof top? Answer: Yes, and it may prove far simpler than one might expect. Our typical request from clients generally revolves around having a very slightly sloping roof and to use EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber as roofing over plywood. […]
Read more500 Year Storm and Wind Exposure
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/01/2018
500 Year Storm and wind exposure. Allstate® Insurance has a TV commercial featuring actor Dennis Haysbert. Haysbert sits in an open field and questions why there have been 26 “once in 500 years storms” in last decade, when term alone implies they should only happen every 500 years. View Allstate® commercial here: https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=crmas&p=Allstate+once+in+500+years+storm+commercial#id=1&vid=b134fa05aba0ff046debaea22891c23d&action=click IBC (International […]
Read moreCorrect Pole Size, The Better Building Size, and Drip Edge Placement
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/29/2018
The Pole Barn Guru assists with questions about pole size, the “right” sized building, and a picture is worth a thousand words. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a question on a pole barn. I’m thinking of 50 by 60 and about 14ft high or so. On the 4/4 poles, how far apart should they […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Skirt Board, Truss Carriers, Building Size, Pole Size, Drip Edge, Engineering
- 4 comments
Examining a Light Steel Truss Frame Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/23/2018
Examining a Light Steel Truss Frame Building I have never owned or assembled a light steel truss frame building. A gentleman named Stan Floyd worked for me as a salesman when I owned M & W Building Supply. Stan’s dad had fabricated light steel truss frame buildings in Arkansas and Stan was interested in developing […]
Read moreInstalling Buildings, Additions, and Custom Designs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/15/2018
Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about installing buildings, adding on to an existing structure, and custom designs. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If we purchased from your company do have does it come with installing in Hedgesville WV. Thank you. BRENDA in HEDGESVILLE DEAR BRENDA: Our buildings are designed to be able to be […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Installation, Building Construction, Additions, Custom Design
- 2 comments
Lean To or Not to Lean To?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/12/2018
Lean To, Or Not to Lean To? Over my post frame building career I have seen a plethora of buildings designed with an enclosed clearspan enclosed space plus a shed roof (or lean to) for one or both sides. Most often just a roof, a lean to provides shade and not much else for whatever […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Sheds, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Eave Height, Roof Slope, Clearspan, Shed Roof Only
- No comments
What Size Truss Carriers?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/10/2018
What Size Truss Carriers? It seems every day I am asked to do structural design of post frame buildings – for free. Today’s request comes from BOB in ARKDALE who writes: “Yesterday I asked a question about a double header and single trusses being spaced every 4 feet with 8 foot spacing on posts. I […]
Read moreOklahoma, Is it OK?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/09/2018
Oklahoma, Is It OK? Last weekend my lovely bride and I attended an event hosted by her first husband’s sister and her husband. Event purpose was to celebrate this couple’s upcoming 40th wedding anniversary. Adding to this fun, at least for me, was a new Hansen Pole Building being erected onsite (D.I.Y. husband doing some […]
Read moreDry Set Brackets on Foundation, Unfinished Jobs, and Engineering
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/08/2018
Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses rebuilding on an existing concrete foundation with dry set brackets, unfinished work, and proper engineering. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’ve recently torn down an old machine shed that still has very good 8″ wide by 24″ deep cement foundation walls that I’m thinking about using to erect a new […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure, Footings, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Foundation, Engineering, Footings, Dry Set Brackets, Unfinished Work
- No comments
Ten Tips for Planning a Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/05/2018
Planning a Building – guest blog by J.A.Hansen I am the principle owner and CEO of Hansen Buildings – offering to give Mike a day off from writing a blog. Over the years I’ve done just about everything at Hansen Buildings, including shipping (setting up the original shipping department), ordering materials, writing parts of the […]
Read morePreaching Post Frame Conditioned Spaces – Insulation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/04/2018
Preaching Post Frame Conditioned Spaces – Insulation We smile and greet each other inside the doorway, sharing pleasantries with friends old and new. Once assembled and comfortably seated upon hard wooden pews, we are relieved to be able to stand for a few minutes whilst singing a hymn or two and listening to announcements. Eventually […]
Read moreWhy Most People Should Not Order Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/03/2018
Why Most People Should Not Order Trusses These posts are a part of what I do, to advise people so they will hopefully avoid making costly (or even fatal) errors. Now prefabricated trusses are great and wonderful things. However, most people lack expertise necessary to know right from wrong when purchasing highly engineered components. As […]
Read moreWhiskey Tango Foxtrot! Is It Ventilation?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/02/2018
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! Is it Ventilation? I really enjoy good food. In order to continue doing so and avoid weighing significantly more than I should, I do a treadmill run nearly every morning. To keep from expiring from utter boredom of exercise, I have wall mounted my flat screen LED television within easy viewing distance. […]
Read moreA Redesign, Hansen’s Delivery Range, and Post Hole Backfill
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/01/2018
Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about pole barn a redesign, Hansen’s delivery range, and post hole backfill. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I send you photos of my pole building can you redesign its appearance to make it more attractive? Thanks MATT DEAR MATT: Thank you very much for your interest. Could I […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Concrete, Rebuilding Structures
- Tags: Post Hole Compaction, Design, Redesign, Delivery, Backfill
- No comments
Fairgrounds Pole Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/28/2018
Fairgrounds Pole Buildings (Photo by Patricia Guthrie/Whidbey News Group) A new position, Island County Fairgrounds’ director, was created by Port of South Whidbey since it assumed fairgrounds ownership in March 2017. This directorship position was subsequently filled by Larry Lehtonen. Island County Fairgrounds’ original structure, a pole building, was built in 1937. Lehtonen takes a […]
Read moreTrue Double Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/27/2018
True Double Trusses ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) published ANSI/ASABE S618 “Post Frame Building System Nomenclature” in December 2010. For those who are unfamiliar ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute (www.ansi.org). ANSI is a private non-profit organization overseeing development of voluntary consensus standards for United States products, services, systems and personnel. […]
Read morePlanning Your Equestrian Riding Arena
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/25/2018
Planning Your Equestrian Facility Those of you loyal readers who actually read links in this article are going to see our daughter Bailey Momb’s name frequently. 2018 Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration made for me being a proud dad with Bailey riding to a World Grand Championship (link has results): https://twhnc.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/RESULTS-TUESDAY-EVENING-8-28-18.pdf. Moving forward, reader […]
Read moreA Gambrel Pole Barn, Ceiling Heights, and RV Storage Solutions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/24/2018
Today the Pole barn Guru discusses questions about Gambrel buildings, a minimum ceiling height for a loft, and RV storage solutions. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you make plans for 18 x 20 gambrel roof pole barns? BEN in HOWELL DEAR BEN: Hansen Pole Buildings can provide materials, assembly instructions and engineer sealed plans for […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Lofts, RV Storage, Gambrel
- Tags: RV Storage, Gambrel, Ceiling Ht, Loft Ceiling
- 2 comments
Cold Storage Pole Barns
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/20/2018
Post Frame Cold Storage for Fruits and Vegetables Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rachel passed along this: “Have a client call in asking if we have experience in designing a building for cold storage. Confused I said yes, many building are used for cold storage and are not insulated or heated. He said no I mean […]
Read morePost Frame Gun Range
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/14/2018
Post Frame Gun Range A few years ago a Hansen Pole Building became a gun range for U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California. It was easy for us, as we were merely given dimensions to provide and only afterwards were we clued in to actual building use. Reader DIANE in FORSYTH writes: “Hello, I […]
Read moreAvoiding Using Pressure Treated Wood
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/13/2018
Avoiding Using Pressure Treated Wood Pressure preservative treated wood remains a mainstay in modern wood construction. United States’ manufacturing and sales of pressure treated wood has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Even with all of this, there are some skeptics. Reader DIANE in MORGANTOWN writes in: “ I want to avoid pressure treated wood. Even […]
Read moreBuilding Within Height Restrictions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/12/2018
Building Within Height Restrictions From small towns to large metropolitan areas, most have restrictions upon heights of buildings. Most restrictive of all are typically those placed upon residential accessory buildings (think garages and shops). In urban planning there are a lot of cases where cities are for and against height restrictions. Mostly because some communities […]
Read moreRoof Slope
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/11/2018
Roof Slope Dang, up jumped an altogether conspicuous term included as a part of every building, and I totally neglected – roof slope. Growing up in low-middle income level suburbia, I had never given much thought to slope of roofs. This oversight existed even though my father and his five brothers (as well as their […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses
- Tags: Roof Pitch, Roof Rise, Roof Run, Roof Elevation, Roof Angle, Roof Grade
- 2 comments
Column Hairpins, Going Bigger, and Cutting Corners
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/10/2018
Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses Rebar hairpins, a bigger build, and cutting corners on the construction process. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, regarding the column to concrete hairpins. I’ve talked to a couple different contractors and they both have cringed when I discussed tying the pad to the columns. They say around here everyone […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Steel Roofing & Siding, Footings
- Tags: Hairpins, Larger Building, Adhesive, Stitch Screws, Concrete, Adhesive Tape
- No comments
Spot Problems with This Pole Barn Photo
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/07/2018
Spot Problems With This Pole Barn Photo One of my Facebook friends had posted this as a timeline photo as it brought back to her fond memories of a childhood spent frolicking in hay lofts. It was so bad, I just had to save it. So, what’s wrong with this photo anyhow? Obviously bird excrement […]
Read moreElevating to Avoid Flood Level
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/06/2018
Elevating to Avoid Flood Level Building in flood zones can be problematic, with one solution being to elevate to get usable spaces above high water mark. Typically jurisdictions and insurance companies want to get structures above 100 year occurrence flood level, however to error towards caution’s side can prove advantageous. Today’s article has been sparked […]
Read moreDIY Savings, Moving an Existing Building, and the Ideal Building Size
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/03/2018
Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses potential DIY savings, moving an existing building, and the ideal building size. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am out of the area of which I can order a premade kit and have it shipped to me. If I wanted to still build it myself and buy the parts local […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: DIY, Savings, Moving, Relocate, Building Size
- No comments
An Advance Article Preview for The Advertiser
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/29/2018
Besides being a semi-regular contributor to Rural Builder magazine, I have also had articles published in several other lumber and wood truss periodicals. I’ve been asked to write an article for The Advertiser (https://www.componentadvertiser.com/), which I share with you below: Increase Your Post Frame Sales Nearly every U.S. and Canadian metal plate connected wood truss […]
Read moreWhy Your Church May Be Too Small
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/24/2018
Why Your Church May Be Too Small Your church too small? Maybe you just don’t know it? More and more congregations are looking towards post frame (pole) buildings as a design solution to their growing membership. Post frame buildings offer more space for dollars invested and, let’s face it congregants like to see their contributions […]
Read moreVenting an Attic Without Soffit Air Intake
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/23/2018
Venting an Attic Without Soffit Air Intake Loyal reader KEN has an attic space with only air exhaust points – a vented ridge, and no air intake. His dilemma, how to adequately ventilate his attic without vented soffits. Ken writes: “I finally was able to make contact with the manufacturer of the open foam like […]
Read moreMinimum Design Loads and Risk
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/22/2018
Minimum Design Loads and Risk Model Building Codes, such as IBC (International Building Code), offer minimum design loads for climactic forces such as snow and wind. As building permit issuing agencies adopt codes, within their scope they can establish minimum values for their particular jurisdiction. Key word here “minimum” – least values a building may […]
Read morePost Frame Scissor Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/21/2018
Post Frame Scissor Trusses I’d spent summers working for my dad and uncles framing buildings and being low man when it came to a totem pole of laborers, I did my fair share of strong back, weak mind work – such as setting trusses. As a teenager, I had not given much thought to complexities […]
Read moreGetting Easement Permission in Writing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/16/2018
When All Things Apparently Go Wrong Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rachel was contacted by one of her clients, who has had his building delivered and has begun erecting it. Client inquired about adding sheetrock to his building. As with many things, there existed a Paul Harvey (younger readers can Google Paul Harvey). You can read […]
Read moreAdding a Second Floor to an Existing Pole Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/15/2018
Adding a Second Floor in an Existing Pole Building More than one pole (post frame) building owner has an idea of adding a second floor inside their existing building. Or, they plan a new post frame building with an idea of a future second floor being incorporated. This apparently simple proposition has no simplicity involved. […]
Read moreInsulation, Snow Loads, and Best Choice for Condensation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/13/2018
The PBG answers questions about insulation, snow loads, and best choice for condensation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am wanting to finish the interior of my pole barn and have an cathedral like ceiling. If I were to follow the trusses up to the peak with foam board Insulation and use 2x4s spanning between the […]
Read more- Categories: Uncategorized, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Ventilation
- Tags: Insulation, Snow Loads, Radiant Reflective Barrier, Venting
- No comments
A Tornado and a Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/03/2018
Pole Barns and Tornados (Excerpts from a July 21, 2018 Jeffersonville, Indiana News and Tribune article by Jenna Esarey are incorporated in this article) “NEW MIDDLETOWN — With Bobcats, ATVs and chainsaws, many residents of New Middletown spent their Saturday cleaning up after an EF-1 tornado cut a swath through homes, barns and cornfields Friday […]
Read moreInsulating a Room in an Unheated Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/31/2018
Insulating a Room in an Unheated Pole Barn Regular readers of this column recognize insulation as being a hot (pun intended) topic of discussion – not just entire buildings, but also of a room or rooms in an unheated pole barn. Reader RICHARD in WOODSTOCK writes: “I have a 50 x 75 pole barn with […]
Read moreProperly Treated Posts, Hillside Locations, and a Post Frame Option
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/30/2018
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about properly treated posts, building on hillside locations, and an option to build with post frame. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: According to most of the answers on the Internet, if I bury the posts for my deck they will rot away and the whole thing will come […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Hillside Building, UC-4B, Post Frame House, Seismic Load, Super Insulate, Treated Posts
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Poor Pole Barn Plans Lead to Poor Results
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/27/2018
Poor Pole Barn Plans Lead to Poor Results There are a plethora of places people can go to buy a pole barn kit package with plans – Hansen Pole Buildings (I’d like to believe there is a reason we are the industry’s leader), a few online resellers, nearly every lumberyard in America, as well as […]
Read moreSingle-Pane Windows
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/26/2018
Single-Pane Windows When I was first in the post frame (pole barn) building industry almost 40 years ago windows were hardly ever a chosen option, and when they were, they were always single-pane windows. Why? Because the buildings were probably never going to be climate controlled and the single-pane windows were cheap. And, as we […]
Read moreAlmost Round Pen
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/25/2018
Almost Round Pen Our eldest daughter Bailey, as a professional horse trainer, has spent a great deal of her life with horses in round pens. Generally round pens are unprotected in the great outdoors, leading to them not being able to be used in inclement weather. Personally, experience has shown it is far more economical […]
Read moreDecks and Exterior Balconies of Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/24/2018
Decks and Exterior Balconies of Post Frame Buildings Post frame buildings and residential construction have finally met and the marriage happily looks to be a long term one! Along with this marriage, post frame has to familiarize itself with structural areas which were previously unfamiliar. Amongst these are decks and exterior balconies. The 2018 IBC […]
Read moreWhat To Do With an Old Dollar General Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/19/2018
What to Do With an Old Dollar General® Pole Barn In the fall of 2016 the town of Reading, MI purchased the pole barn which had previously been the home of a Dollar General® store. The original plan was to convert the pole barn into a new city hall, but, after seeing the estimated price […]
Read moreHigh R-Value Overhead Doors for Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/17/2018
High R-value Overhead Doors for Post Frame Buildings When my lovely bride and I had our post frame building home constructed, energy efficiency was important for us. At the time Hansen Pole Buildings was ordering our overhead doors through my friend David Vance, owner of Rainer Building Products in Western Washington. I approached David with […]
Read moreWhat Size Posts Should I Use?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/13/2018
What Size Posts Does My Building Need and How Deep Should They Be? Reader ANONYMOUS in BENTON writes: “1. If my building has 16 posts and posts are 12 feet apart do I need 4×6’s or 6×6’s? 2. If the plan shows 16 feet above grade how much do I need underground? 3. If the […]
Read moreSplashwood
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/10/2018
Splashwood™ Reader MIKE in ORLANDO writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I bought a 38×42 Pole Barn kit from a reputable supplier. The posts are 8″ x 8″ – but do not have the AWPA markings that you describe in your Blog. These posts have a tag stapled to the end that says “SPLASHWOOD, Saltwater Splash […]
Read moreFear of Concrete Slab Cracking at Post Corners
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/04/2018
Fear of Concrete Slab Cracking at Post Corners Nothing appears to add to the self-importance of a contractor more than instilling fear into the hearts and minds of their clients. If I had a dollar for every fear mongering story I have heard over the years, I would be a wealthy man! Hansen Pole Buildings’ […]
Read morePost Frame Homes Proliferate
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/03/2018
Post Frame Homes Proliferate Post frame homes have been a well-kept secret for decades. Well, not only is the bag the cat was in open, but the cat has also leaped out and is running rampantly! Here at Hansen Pole Buildings, we have noticed a significant surge in requests for quotes, as well as general […]
Read moreInstalling Joist Hangers
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/29/2018
Installing Joist Hangers on Opposite Sides of a Double Truss My friend and loyal reader LONNIE in COLORADO SPRINGS is one Hansen Pole Buildings’ client who truly puts thought into the assembly of his new post frame building. Lonnie writes: “I’ve been pondering and pondering this and I may have a solution that I want […]
Read moreWhy Should Air Barriers be Incorporated into Post Frame Construction?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/28/2018
Why Should Air Barriers Be Incorporated into Post Frame Construction? Energy efficiency of post-frame buildings has become a huge topic of discussion. Rather than trying to impress you, gentle reader, with my limited degree of knowledge, here are the words of an expert. The general public does not get to read Frame Building News. Here […]
Read moreConditioned Post Frame Crawl Space
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/27/2018
Conditioned Post Frame Crawl Space Recently I had a reader ask about Conditioned Post-Frame Crawl Spaces, a subject I quickly did an internet search on, and found nothing. Dear gentle readers: In the event you should Google any post frame related information and cannot find the answer you are searching for, please drop me an […]
Read moreAdding a Lean-to on a Pole Barn Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/26/2018
To continue from last Friday’s blog on adding a lean-to onto an existing pole building… Moving onto the design of the lean-to itself: The lean-to can be placed to either begin at the same height of the existing building eave, or the high side can be placed lower along the original building wall. If the […]
Read moreAdding a Lean-to on a Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/22/2018
Adding a Lean-to on a Pole Barn In six years and nearly 1500 articles written it is hard for me to believe I have actually overlooked the topic of a lean-to being added to a pole barn! For the biblical readers amongst you, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find” […]
Read moreGeothermal Heating/Cooling
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/21/2018
Geothermal Heating/Cooling for Post Frame Buildings I’ve opined upon geothermal heating and cooling for post frame buildings in the past (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/12/modern-post-frame-buildings-geothermal/). Reader STEVE in BOYNE CITY had some further questions and writes: “You said you pump (approx.) 55 degree liquid through pex in ”wells” in the ground (I think is how you put it) through […]
Read moreCardboard (or Plastic, Foam, Metal) Eave Baffles
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/19/2018
Cardboard (or Plastic, Foam, Metal) Eave Baffles The model building codes (IBC and IRC – International Building Code and International Residential Code) require enclosed attic spaces, in most cases, to have ventilation. The most efficient ventilation design solution is to have enclosed vented soffits at the eaves as an air intake, and a vented ridge […]
Read morePole Barn Insulation, Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/15/2018
Continued from yesterday’s blog: (1) Storage – if you ever believe anyone might ever in the future desire to climate control then provision should be made for making it easiest to make future upgrades. At the very least a reflective radiant barrier (single cell rather than wasting the money for the extra approximately 0.5 R […]
Read morePlastic Under Roof Steel?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/13/2018
Plastic Under Roof Steel? Reader Loren is persistent, he wanted to ask a question in regards to placing plastic under roof steel to prevent condensation, however the wonderful world of technology was making it a challenge. Thinking – Loren emailed me directly. Here are Loren’s own words: “I’ve been trying to submit a question to […]
Read moreEngineering Your Pole Building for Free
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/08/2018
Please Let Me Engineer Your Post Frame Building For Free Because I am not a Registered Design Professional, I can’t engineer your new post frame building for you. And, if I was, I most certainly would not be doing it for free. Typically an engineer should be compensated somewhere in the area of 8 to […]
Read moreInsulating a Post Frame Building the Right Way
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/01/2018
Insulation is the hot (pun, intended) topic. Everyone seems focused on energy efficiency in their post frame buildings. Reader CHRIS in TRAVERSE CITY got my head spinning on it once again: “I recently purchased a property with a 24×30 pole building (metal siding, wood trusses and 3 tab shingle roof). I would like to insulate […]
Read moreMy Cousin Did Not Buy a Pole Building From Me
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/31/2018
My Cousin Did Not Buy a Building From Me I truly love my cousin Randy. In the past few years he and his lovely bride have had a home and a post frame shop constructed on their farm southwest of Spokane, WA. Through a set of unfortunate circumstances Randy did not get a Hansen Pole […]
Read moreConcerns of a Post Frame Building Kit Shopper
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/29/2018
Hopefully most, if not all, of my loyal readers are those who have concerns when it comes to investing in a new post frame building (I do know some of you just enjoy my slightly skewed sense of humor, or find my writings otherwise entertaining). For those of you who are avid kit shoppers, I […]
Read moreRetro Insulation, Cost of a Hipped Roof, and Slab Prep!
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/28/2018
Today Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about Retro Insulation, Cost of a Hipped Roof, and Slab Prep! DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Retro Pole barn wall insulation: should a person put plastic or some sort of vapor barrier against outside tin on interior, then put fiberglass blanket up? Which Is a better option faced or […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Concrete
- Tags: Hipped Roof Trusses, Gravel, Concrete Preparation, Insulation, Visqueen, Hipped Roof
- 1 comments
Building Your Own Gambrel Barn Wood Roof Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/25/2018
Gambrel style rooflines are often enticing, they offer the feeling (however not the reality) of getting added space for free. Building your own gambrel barn trusses might appear on the surface like a way to make this even a greater savings. This was prompted by an inquiry from reader DON in WAYNE. Don writes: “I […]
Read moreWays You Can Integrate Cost Effective Heating
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/23/2018
Ways You Can Integrate Cost-Effective Heating Into a Self-Build Thank you to today’s guest blogger is Chrissy Nicholson Only 65% of homeowners in America have mortgages and with an average down-payment of just under $13,000, it’s not surprising consumers are looking for alternate ways to own their own homes. One of the most cost-effective ways of owning […]
Read moreTo Learn More, A Roof Steel Replacement, and Ideal Height
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/21/2018
An Engineer wants to Learn More, Roof Steel Replacement, and the ideal Building Height to Accommodate an RV! DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m a licensed engineer in KY. I would like to learn more about pole barn design. Do you have any references that you would recommend? James in KY DEAR JAMES: The NFBA Post […]
Read moreThe Drip, Drip, Drip of Condensation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/17/2018
Reader JIM in HOODSPORT writes about condensation issues: “New Completed 40’ x 60’ pole barn with 16’ side walls and 24’ peak. Walls and ceiling insulated, 60’ long ridge roof vent. Full cement Pad with plastic vapor barrier under it. Cement was 60 days old when barn was completed.. rained just about every day. No […]
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