Wide Clearspan Barndominium Floors Multi-story post frame barndominiums are embracing a great feature found in better stick framed homes – engineered prefabricated wood floor trusses. Loyal reader RICK in MONTICELLO writes: “First off, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in the blog and answering questions regarding post frame construction with us laymen! It is […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about what is included in a residential home kit, the actual size of an enclosed area of a structure, and feedback on the installation of some aftermarket snowguards. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is included in your residential home kits? TOM in SATSUMA DEAR TOM: Hansen Pole Buildings is […]

Where, 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 […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about insulating a small cavity at wall top, adding a dwelling unit above a small garage, and a reader searching for sliding hanger doors. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m confused about the area above the top wood header (circled in red). If I have a ceiling installed already and […]

What Building Code Applies to Post Frame Construction? Being a Plans Examiner in a Building Department would have to be one amongst this planet’s toughest jobs. Besides having to listen to clients who have their own ideas about how things should be built, there are volumes upon volumes of Building Code books and referenced texts. […]

When Attic Insulation is Baffling Proper insulation provisions seem to be one of the least considered items when it comes to post frame (pole building) planning. Here is a case in point from reader JOHN in BEND: “We have just built a 32’ x 48’ pole building with commercial GIRT construction, metal siding, 4/12 pitch […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about pricing on a 2 bed 1 bath with 600-650 square feet, and a shed. The use of inside closures to seal off gaps before spray foaming walls, and if we had a floor plan template used on a 30X32X20 barndominium. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If […]

Unplanned Finishing of a Pole Barn Loft Reader JAKE in QUILCENE writes: “Greetings! I have a roughly 30×40 2-story pole barn that I want to build a semi-conditioned space inside. There is already a loft space over half of the building. The barn has blanket style insulation/vapor barrier wrapped around the entire exterior below the […]

Information on Codes and Shouses *several year later, we still get these same questions and concerns about post frame construction.  I have to admit it was rather flattering to have Southwest Iowa’s Planning Council reach out to me regarding information on Codes and Shouses recently. “Hello. My name is Ashley and I’m a community development […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about the best way to install XPS insulation around a building perimeter, if we know of someone to build locally in Pine City, and a question about how to fix a failed concrete inspection. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello was wondering if you could answer question for me I […]

A Wood Purlin Design Question Chances are good if you have to ask a structural design question, then you are in over your head. Reader LARRY in DITTMER writes: “Can you 2 by 4 flat on an 8 foot span Truss” A few years ago, one of my neighbors bought a pole building kit from […]

This week readers “ask the Guru” about how to best vent gable ends of a structure with no overhangs, if Hansen includes “installation” with purchase of a kit, and Mike asks if these barndos are “livable.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am working on a 30’x40′ pole barn that has no eave overhang/vented soffit. I […]

Today readers “Ask the Guru” if the “Redford” model can be purchased in other colors, if Hansen would provide interior framing lumber, and whether or not we could delivery to Farmington, MO. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you get the Redford Model in other colors? ERIC in PORTAGE DEAR ERIC: All Hansen Pole Buildings are […]

This week readers “ask the Guru” about purlins needed to rebuild a salvaged steel building in Iowa, some guidance on insulation due to potential moisture issues, if doors and windows are include in a Hansen Building Kit. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am putting up a building using salvaged steel pillers and trusts. It originally […]

I Didn’t Plan on How to Ventilate My Pole Barn Attic Reader BRANDON in MILAN writes: “I am looking to install a metal ceiling on my pole barn and insulate. It’s is a 30x40x12 building with metal roofing and siding, with a radiant vapor barrier around the entire building. No soffits or ridge vent. Hindsight […]

Determining Rot in Existing Horse Barn Poles Loyal reader KEVIN in EFLAND writes: “Hello! First, thank you for all the super helpful information about pole barns! Now the context and question…. We’re thinking about making an offer on a house with a 5 stall horse pole barn, probably close to 30 poles, maybe 1,000 square […]

Closed Cell Spray Foam and a Really Loud Roof Reader JAMES in BRUSHTON writes: “I have a pole barn with metal roof with 4.5 ” closed cell spray foam on underside of 2×4 strapping but it’s REALLY loud when it rains how can I make it quiet inside without causing a moisture/condensation trap.” You can […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building a two story pole barn house, condensation in a car storage building, and how to build a post frame house with a concrete basement. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are wanting to build a 2 story pole barn house, it will have an upstairs loft. Would the […]

Concrete Slabs on Grade for Cold Climates Reader TERRI in DULUTH writes: “What type of slab for cold climates do you recommend?” Well Terri, thank you for your patience in awaiting a response, your email address was not included with your question, so I was unable to message you back as quickly as I would […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about plans to insulate and preparations ahead of insulating, recommendation for framing and footing an apartment to prevent movement, and if the PBG knows whether or not the USDA programs apply to post frame homes. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am currently constructing my Hansen provided pole building, […]

Recommendations for Grading Reader ISAAC in BURLINGTON writes: “Do you have any instructions or recommendations on the grading side of things before i buy a post in ground house kit on how much of a pad to build up and how far away from house to slope it to keep water away and post rot?” […]

This Wednesday the Guru answers reader questions about what comes in a residential pole barn kit, floor plans and payment schedule, and whether or not we, “put it together.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What all comes in a residential pole barn home kit? JACQULINE in FAYETTEVILLE DEAR JACQULINE: Our residential pole barn home kits (barndominiums) […]

This week readers “ask the Guru” about “residential kits and how it comes to my site. Is it built or does it need to be assembled,” Designing for Snow Loads in northern Minnesota, and Finding a Builder in Wyoming. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi. I’m interested in one of your residential kits and how it […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about a remedy to eliminate a frost heave issue with post heave, advice for a “house/barn combo,” and shipping a building package to Prince of Wales Alaska. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a question. I have a pole and half the posts are heaving up. The old owners […]

This Wednesday readers “Ask the Guru” about issues such as how to best insulate a residence and garage in KY, the best method to resist uplift, and what the “optimal dimensions” might be for a 2 story, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Insulation questions. Lexington KY Zone 4. Residential req. Roof […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about FEMA information about wind factors like hurricanes, tornado or earthquakes, Delivery to East Jordan, MI, and advice on a header beam for a porch. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I do not see any FEMA information per wind factors like hurricane or tornado or earthquake… Do […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about a Hansen Building using a Horton Stack Door, or a FoldTite Door in an ag building in Florida, if Hansen can design a lean-to addition, and if all buildings are designed with “treated steel.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: 50′ w x 50′ d x 12′ h (possibility of […]

This Wednesday readers “Ask the Guru” about “flashing tape” for a wall to roof transition, if a person could build an indoor skateboard training facility, and if Hansen has a catalog available. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am having a steel pole barn built. Where a vertical wall meets the roof, the builder completed both […]

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

Closed Cell Spray Foam Adhesion to Dis-similar Materials Reader GREG in ASHEVILLE writes: “How long will closed cell foam maintain adhesion/air barrier function to dis-similar materials (sheet metal and lumber in the case of post frame)? I ask because my experience with foam is limited to what was sprayed beneath my floor/floor joists (estimating late […]

Full Frost Wall Foundation? Reader AARON in ROSEVILLE writes: “Assuming (not yet verified) that I don’t need a full frost wall foundation for my barndo, wondering about the pros/cons for full frost wall vs pier footings in southern MN. Obviously there is the cost difference, but when it comes to building performance(in the winter), would […]

Following the severe weather of this morning (Monday June 29th) across the Dakotas, we thought a repost of the question about the safety of post frame in a tornado would be appropriate. This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the safety of a pole barn in the event of a tornado, whether […]

Rehashing Eave Height- It seems we can’t emphasize this enough, having recently been told by a builder that, “a buffer of up to 3-1/2″ is an acceptable height difference.” For those wondering, it is not (acceptable). Eave height on post frame buildings seems to be a challenge for some folks. At Hansen Pole Buildings, we […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about the use of utility poles for post frame “equipment cover,” an Estimated Cost for a 50X80X16 pole barn, and if our kits come with Floor Plans. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have 3 hi-cube 40′ shipping containers configured in a “U” shape ( open on one end). These […]

Adding Heated Space in a Pole Barn Reader THOM in COLRAIN writes: “ I’m creating a 20′ X 30′ heated shop space in the center of a 40′ X 70′ pole barn.  One 20′ side is on an outside wall.  The other three have 2 X 4 studs.  I’m using rough-cut 1″ for the walls […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” if one can raise their barn 2 feet, what would need to be done to make it livable once erected, and if Hansen Buildings can “bring and build in Indiana.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I raise my pole barn 2′? CHRIS in TROY DEAR CHRIS: While it may […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about floor plans offered for a design in Florida, the costs to deliver to Bridgewater Maine, and if a structure can be built on a block wall foundation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Just curious if I draw a rough drawing of how I would like the […]

Reason You Go With Engineered Prints Yes, I know some of you gentle readers are offended by my harping on how important it is to build only from site specific fully engineered plans. Well, here is a case study. Reader AARON in CARBON HILL writes: “Reason you go with engineering prints. My contractor said it’s […]

Will My Purlin-To-Truss Connection be Adequate Against Uplift? Reader CHRIS in RICHMOND writes: “Hi there. I’ve built a sheep barn leaning heavily on your methods and ideas. I absolutely love it. Our farm was struck by a tornado four years ago. We are now building a hay shed to store all of our feed. As […]

Today’s “Ask the Guru” tackles reader questions about whether or not a pole barn is covered with OSB, if Hansen Buildings has crews to build and finished costs, and if we can design a building per their layout and not Hansen’s. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do your pole barns get covered with plywood or OSB […]

Designing an “L” Shaped Dairy Barn Loyal Reader DEVIN in BURLINGTON FLATS writes: “Hello, much appreciate the website and discussions. I am puzzling over a design and haven’t had that ah ha moment yet. Seeking help brainstorming a solution rather than engineered details at this stage of the project. Consistently breezy to moderate wind loads. […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about moisture control, insulating a building with a ridge vent, and a solution for replacing posts that have rotted out. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Thanks for the abundance of technical information you provide your readers. Like many of them, I inherited a pole barn with the same […]

Today’s “Ask the Guru” addresses reader questions about Perma Column Cast Concrete pole bottoms) that seems to be the ticket to eliminate any concern about rot, a list of what is included in a Hansen Building Kit, and if Hansen designs are classified as single family dwellings. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: As a prospective customer, […]

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 […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about an estimated cost for a building kit, concerns about a “moisture sandwich” when adding insulation and vapor barrier, and a risk to packing it to the exterior metal siding (with no air gap)? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: 40×91.5 Calhoun. Looking to potentially build this kit. I was wondering […]

This Wednesday readers “Ask the Guru” about “any rebates or deals available” with a purchase of two buildings, the purchase of only columns and brackets- nope, and a delivery to Soldotna, Alaska. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I purchase 2 buildings, do you have any rebates or deals available or do you give a break […]

Post Frame on a Rock Pile? Reader MIKE in MAINE writes: “Hello , I am looking to purchase a Post and Beam Barn kit, but I have been advised by my excavator guy that I won’t be able to set the sonotubes in the ground due to the mixture of rocks sizes at my location A […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about best the practices for insulating an old 1993 pole barn, if a fireplace can be added to a “bardo,” and whether or not Hansen Pole Building supplies wood wall sheathing for exteriors. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I have a 28′ x 36′ x 13′ high pole barn […]

Designing a Dream Barndominium Loft Reader BRIAN in PETOSKY writes: “ Hi Mike, Mindi told me to email you my lofted floor question for our project. To avoid messing with truss-support floors, we were planning to build a full 26×60 main barn with scissor trusses the full length. Then on one end, we would make […]

Today’s “Ask the Guru” covers questions regarding the use of sheathing on walls, and roofing with trusses 2′ on-center, if a combo residence/horse barn can be built, and a question asking what the “typical” size of animal confinement barns might be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning to build a pole barn garage with […]

Do the poles start to rot out after so many years? That depends on whether or not they are pressure treated. This question was recently posed to me by reader MARK in WOLCOTT. Typically my answer would include some snarky comment such as: “Most certainly, however it might not be during your grandchildren’s grandchildren’s lives!” […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about UC-4B treated columns, advice to connect a new structure to existing building, and if one can customize a monitor style building to eliminate pony wall. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are considering residential post frame construction in southeast Ohio. I’m concerned about wood posts in […]

Looking for a Place for a New Barndominium Reader PATTI in MINNESOTA writes: “My husband and I are knocking around the idea of doing a Barndominium.  We need a 4-5 car garage space and we can barely afford a traditional preloved home that has a 3-car garage which will require us to add another stall […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building over or on an existing slab or concrete, whether of not Hansen sells “just the blueprints” for a pole barn/house, and lending for a pole building set on foundation/footing/wall. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In Arkansas, I want to build a pole barn (or similar) […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about a building set into a slope with use of post brackets, the possible use of “cross bracing” for wall girts, and understanding pressure treated wood. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to build a 32′ x 48′ 2 story pole building where two of […]

Today readers “Ask the Guru” about the “guestimation” of a price for a 500 sq ft pole barn home, if Hansen can provide design and kit for a residence in MN, and if a post frame building can be built upon a basement foundation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am interested in getting a simple […]

Reader KIMBERLY in LINDEN writes: “We are building a 52x40x10 post frame home in East Texas.  The entire thing will be living space.  I have been researching as much as possible on the best way to insulate a post frame home with metal siding and roof.  The information is overwhelming and you get a completely […]

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 […]

This Wednesday readers “Ask the Guru” about costs of a metal “welded” sliding barn door frame, insulating a building with double bubble insulation to avoid condensation, and a question about our sealed plans for a new building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Double sliding metal barn doors, 10′ wide by 12′ height. Metal welded frame. Appropriate […]

Retrofitting Insulation for a Milking Parlor Reader CALEB in SLEEPY EYE writes: “Hello! So many questions! We have a simple 20 by 30 pole shed we are looking to retrofit into a cow milking parlor on one half and a general purpose/milk equipment cleaning area on the other half. We’ll pour concrete, insulate, and then […]

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 […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of radiant floor heat for a post frame building, post treatment that will not rot, and whether or not button staples can be used for housewrap on a post frame house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am researching my build. I wanted to […]

Humidity Levels Within Pole Barn Walls Reader MICHAEL writes: “I have a 36X 48X 12 pole barn that I spent a lot of time insulating an air ceiling and I have a six mil vapor barrier on the warm side I was curious how much humidity wise is breathing from the outside in to the […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the type of foundation and uplift requirements there is for and RV cover and “what not,” building a home on a stem wall or with crawl space, and pluming for a building built on slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: For a 24 x40 x12 pole […]

This Week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about a two-car garage with a loft for office space, a non-insulated, cold storage loft, and wall insulation solutions. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. Wanting to build a two car garage with loft that I could use as my office. Would like this adjacent to my […]

Insulating and Sheeting Interior of a Pole Barn STEVE in EDEN writes: “We have four seasons with temps getting below freezing in the winter and up to 90 in the summer, with average humidity of 70% and 20%, respectively. I have a pole barn with metal skin. The ceiling or inside of roof is insulated […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the availability of a tool for installation of vinyl backed insulation, pouring concrete prior to use of brackets and the limitations of “dry set” brackets, as well as setting vapor barrier once rebar hairpins have been installed. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is there a tool […]

This week clients “Ask the Guru” advice on adding a 16×16 post frame on to an existing structure, if Hansen can design for a 180mph wind load, and advice on ceiling insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in a tiny house and would like more space. Adding on a 16 x 16 foot room […]

Do Screws Back Out of Steel Roofing? I had a question posed of me recently which included: “Where will the water go when the screws back out of my steel roofing”? While I answered the question at hand, I didn’t actually get into the why this might happen, or the solutions. How to avoid the […]

This Wednesday readers “ask the Guru” for advise regarding the adequacy of ceiling joists and hangers, if Hansen Buildings will “actually build the structure” you buy, and the use of I-beams for a raised wooden floor. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning, I have been installing ceiling joists. I am using 2 x 6 SPF […]

Working With a Building Official for footing designs Long time readers have read me opine on how Building Officials are our friends: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/04/i-like-building-officials/ One of our clients recently received this email from his Building Official and shared it with me (red added by me): “The Town of xxxx stopped plan review on your project because […]

Where, 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 […]

This week the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of closed cell spray foam on the roof line of a metal building, what materials are included in a Hansen Pole Building kit, and an inquiry about the types of structures Hansen Buildings will design, such as an apartment. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: […]

Pole Barns Verses Red Iron Steel Reader PAUL in GEORGETOWN writes: “What advantages or disadvantages are there between your pole barns versus the red iron steel barns? The end use is living space and shop.” Here are some thoughts comparing our fully engineered post frame buildings to red iron (PEMBs – Pre-engineered Metal Buildings): A […]

Concrete Slabs on Grade for Cold Climates My lovely bride and I have a shouse (shop/house) in Northeast South Dakota, where it can tend to get chilly in Winter. Reader TERRI in DULUTH is in a similar situation and writes: “What type of slab for cold climates do you recommend?” Well Terri, thank you for […]

This week the Pole Barn guru answers reader questions about an insulation retrofit for a 72×36 pole barn with no ridge or eave vents, if one can add soffit the an existing building with no overhangs, and if the Guru has any pricing knowledge for a fan and heater to hang from a ceiling. DEAR […]

Help, I am Not a Contractor Potential client JERRY in MONETA writes: “Kit would do us no good as I’m not a contractor and these structures certainly don’t come with labor. Being a kit would be no better than its actual builder how does one go about finding a reputable contractor for Hansen pole buildings?” […]

Today’s “ask the Guru” answers reader questions about the “rat guard” around the perimeter of slab, if Hansen Pole Building erects structures in the Portland area, and if we provide aftermarket wainscotting for an existing building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I’m curious about the 2×8 “rat guard” around perimeter of slab. Is it OK […]

Post Frame Barndominium Exterior Wall Questions Reader IAN in RIDGWAY writes: “I am looking for help understanding a couple of exterior wall questions.   My county is enforcing the 2018 IECC for energy efficiency. In my region this requires R-20 cavity + R-5 exterior wall assembly.  From everything I’ve read, this means a continuous layer of […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about converting conventional plans to “post beam frame,” pricing on floor trusses, and possible installation of metal ceiling to eliminate bird issues. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a set of plans for a that were designed to be conventional built. Would you be able to […]

My Wife Does Not Like the Look of Steel Siding DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I hope I’m not taking up too much of your time with this question. BTW, I’m copying Doug (Hansen Pole Buildings Designer) as we’ve briefly discussed this question. My wife does not like the look of steel siding.  However, I’m pretty sure […]

This week’s “ask the Guru” tackles reader questions about the potential weight capacity of trusses with a ceiling liner, options in post frame for vaulted ceilings or exposed beams, and site prep advice for a 30×40 pole barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a building with 8 ft on center trusses and 29 ga […]

Designing a Dream Barndominium Loft Reader BRIAN in PETOSKY writes: “Hi Mike,  Our building designer told me to email you my lofted floor question for our project. To avoid messing with truss-support floors, we were planning to build a full 26×60 main barn with scissor trusses the full length. Then on one end, we would […]

This week readers “ask the Guru” about reroofing a pole barn with shingles, ventilation or new roof, vapor barrier to insulate properly, and insulating an existing pole barn without spray foam. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We have a pole barn it was purposely built to have an apartment upstairs; it originally was a stable below. […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the types of exterior materials which can be chosen from, a foundation into a sloped site, an education in post frame to an unfamiliar reader, and building on a crawl space. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am thinking of getting one of your buildings for […]

Planning a Post Frame Building Upon Sandstone Reader GEORGE in FARMINGTON writes: “Mike, in the early stages of planning a pole barn 32’x48’x12′ on a newly acquired piece of property. We’ve cleared the land and found the area we want to erect the building is 100% sandstone. Everywhere we’d have to drill for poles is […]

This week’s Ask the Guru answers reader questions about insulating a open bay with no ceiling, use of a vapor barrier on steel ceiling with blown in insulation, and a question about what gauge metal we use at Hansen Pole Buildings. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I built one of your barns (project 24-0503F). It’s 36 […]

Can You Provide Me With Engineer Sealed Blueprints? Reader PARKER in PORT SAINT JOE writes: “I’m looking to get a pole barn built and for my county I need engineer stamped prints before i can pull a permit, can you provide me with blueprints for the size I am wanting?” www.HansenPoleBuildings.com is America’s leader in […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of radiant floor heat for a post frame building, post treatment that will not rot, and whether or not button staples can be used for housewrap on a post frame house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am researching my build. I wanted to […]

Help, I am Not a Contractor Potential client JERRY in MONETA writes: “Kit would do us no good as I’m not a contractor and these structures certainly don’t come with labor. Being a kit would be no better than its actual builder how does one go about finding a reputable contractor for Hansen pole buildings?” […]

This Wednesday, the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about use of hurricane straps to anchor 8×8 posts to sill plate, the possibility of adding a beam to old a loft for open concept, and if we do site specific engineering for Panama City Florida- yes. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey I’m on the starting […]

Replacing Rebar in Concrete Slabs on Grade?? Or not?? Hansen Pole Buildings client JOSH writes: “I am wondering if I can substitute the #3 rebar 16″ O.C. for fiber concrete with a higher PSI rated mix for the 6″ cement floor? If so, would I be able to get a letter from your engineer stating […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about how to best seal gaps at wall tops and a roll-up coil door, creating a moisture problem, and advice for girts, columns, and wiring. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What can I do to seal these gaps? We live in the garage and it’s getting cold […]

Bugged By Bugs Reader FRANK in ARVA, ONTARIO writes: “I am actually in Ontario. How to keep bugs from getting behind the steel wall siding voids in the area left behind where the ribs are? Interior is finished with vapor barrier/batt insulation/osb. Exterior has steel “barn” siding and Tyvek wrap underneath. Z flash at bottom […]

Today’s “Ask the Guru” answers reader questions about adding a vapor barrier between a ceiling and attic, adding a pole barn to a manufactured home, and how many bedrooms can fit into a barndominium. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, my concern/ question is vapor barrier between my steel ceiling and attic before insulation “fiberglass”. I […]

Post Frame Barndo-castle? Reader STEVE in MILWAUKEE writes: “I think it would be neat to have 4 rectangular structures placed such that each is the side of a larger square, so that there is a courtyard in the middle of it. I see plans that show 2 structures in an L or 3 structures in […]

Today’s “Ask the Guru” tackles reader questions about erecting a kit on a basement foundation, how to find and repair a leaky roof, and some advice on raising bays to add height to a structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to erect one of the pole barn kits on a basement foundation? LUCAS […]

Reason You Go With Engineered Prints Yes, I know some of you gentle readers are offended by my harping on how important it is to build only from site specific fully engineered plans. Well, here is a case study. Reader AARON in CARBON HILL writes: “Reason you go with engineering prints. My contractor said it’s […]

Thinking Stick Frame Rather Than Post Frame Reader BRAD writes:“Real question…I’ve been doing lots of reading and love this site. I am building a 40x60x14 this spring. I originally thought I was going to go pole barn and now I am thinking stick frame. Reason….1. I am going to have insulated concrete foundation with in […]