Category Archives: Pole Barn Questions
How to Frame a Reverse Gable Porch
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/17/2018How to Frame a Reverse Gable Porch Reverse gable porches are an excellent way to protect any door from effects of weather – specifically rain and snow. I personally feel they are an underutilized great feature. For more reading about reverse gable porches: http://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/07/reverse-gable-porch/. Today’s article has been sparked by reader DARRELL in ATLANTA who […]
Read moreClosing Top of Corner Trims
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/16/2018Closing Top of Corner Trims I am so enjoying Hansen Pole Buildings’ client RYAN in ELLENSBURG. Ryan has been assembling his own new post frame building and really cares about his end result. He asks good questions, open to advice and doing a very nice assembly. Ryan recently wrote: “I’m working on putting all the […]
Read moreLean To or Not to Lean To?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/12/2018Lean 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 Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Sheds
- Tags: Eave Height, Roof Slope, Clearspan, Shed Roof Only
- No comments
What Size Truss Carriers?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/10/2018What 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 morePreaching Post Frame Conditioned Spaces – Insulation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/04/2018Preaching 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 moreTrue Double Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/27/2018True 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 09/25/2018Planning 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 moreCold Storage Pole Barns
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/20/2018Post 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 moreBuilding Within Height Restrictions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/12/2018Building 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 moreColumn Hairpins, Going Bigger, and Cutting Corners
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/10/2018Today 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: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Steel Roofing & Siding, Footings, Insulation
- Tags: Stitch Screws, Concrete, Adhesive Tape, Hairpins, Larger Building, Adhesive
- No comments
Elevating to Avoid Flood Level
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/06/2018Elevating 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 moreMaking Framing Work With Bookshelf Girts
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/05/2018Making Framing Work With Bookshelf Girts for Insulation A most simple method to achieve a deep insulation cavity in post frame building walls is to use bookshelf girts, but how to make framing work? Some quick background reading on commercial girts: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/09/commercial-girts-what-are-they/. Reader BRANDON in ST. JOE got today’s discussion going when he wrote: “Hi […]
Read moreSkylights Leaking
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/31/2018Skylights Leaking Reader DIANA writes, ”skylights leaking in 40 year old barn. Is it possible to replace the sky lights with metal.” Skylights in steel roofs are problematic, and not just due to them eventually leaking. You will certainly want to read this article: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/01/one-more-reason-to-not-use-skylights-in-steel-roofs/. Now, considering your entire roof is 40 years old – […]
Read moreVenting an Attic Without Soffit Air Intake
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/23/2018Venting 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 morePost Frame Scissor Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/21/2018Post 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 moreTypes of Construction, Sliding Doors, and Roof Vents
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/20/2018Today the Pole Barn Guru visits with readers about, types of construction, sliding doors, and roof vents. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello Mike – I am working with the NFBA on a study of the post frame (pole barn) building market in the US. Among our objectives is to understand what % of construction in […]
Read more- Categories: Sliding Doors, Pole Barn Questions, Ventilation
- Tags: Venting, Type Of Construction, Post-Frame, Sliding Doors
- 3 comments
Adding a Second Floor to an Existing Pole Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/15/2018Adding 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 moreAttaching Horse Stall Posts to Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/14/2018Attaching Horse Stall Posts to Trusses – Just Say No! Horse housing can be a significant piece of pie for post frame (pole barn) builders and building kit suppliers when economies are good. From 2007 to 2012, as U.S. economy tanked, horse populations decreased by 10%! Well, economies are cyclical and with a strong recovery […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Horse Stalls, Rafters, Prefabricated Wood Trusses, Cribbed Boards, Clear Span Building
- No comments
Garage Door Trims Don’t Fit
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/10/2018Garage Door Trims Don’t Fit Hansen Pole Buildings’ Technical Support Department answers lots of questions for our clients. Most of these questions can be answered, or could be solved, by review of the building’s engineered plans and/or reading appropriate chapter of Hansen Pole Buildings’ Construction Manual. This Construction Manual also provides a step-by-step outline of […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Overhead Doors
- Tags: McElroy Metals, J Channel, Overhead Door Jamb Trim, Jamb Trim, Overhead Door Headers
- No comments
Approximate Price of Sliding and Dutch Doors
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/09/2018Approximate Price of Sliding and Dutch Doors Only Reader PATRICK in FREDERICK writes: “I was looking for a “approximate” price on metal sliding doors for an existing pole barn that is being refurbished. Also interested in the life stock dutch doors. Could you give me a ballpark price on the following items plus shipping to […]
Read morePost Treatments, Screws vs Nails, and “What is This Called?”
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/06/2018Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses post treatment, the use of screws instead of nails, and what type of structure we are looking at. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you please tell me is there a blog post/article on some type of coating or treatment to put on 6×6 posts for wet holes, high water […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Fasteners
- Tags: Structural Screws, Column Treatment
- No comments
Why Build Roof Before Walls?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/02/2018Why Build the Roof Before Walls? Sometimes I can get so deep into a forest I cannot see trees – I miss things which should be otherwise obvious. For whatever reason a client contacted his Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer, rather than first contacting Technical Support. Building Designer Gregg aptly forwarded client’s request directly to our […]
Read moreBrick Ledge on a Pole Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/01/2018Brick Ledge on a Post Frame (Pole) Building Whilst it would not be my personal preference for finish on a post frame building, there are instances when either aesthetics (trying to match other existing structures), local Planning Departments or HOAs (Home Owner Associations) mandate use of brick or stone exteriors. Whether for a wainscot or […]
Read moreInsulating a Room in an Unheated Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/31/2018Insulating 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 morePoor Pole Barn Plans Lead to Poor Results
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/27/2018Poor 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 moreHigh R-Value Overhead Doors for Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/17/2018High 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 07/13/2018What 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 moreVinyl Gable Vents for Pole Barns
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/12/2018Vinyl Gable Vents for Pole Barns Attic venting for post frame (pole barn) buildings is a challenge which can be resolved by the use of vinyl gable vents. Reader KEN in BERRYTON writes: “I have a pole barn with the ribbed siding, 3/4″ high ribs at 9″ spacing, with two smaller ribs in-between at 3″ […]
Read moreSplashwood
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/10/2018Splashwood™ 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 moreMy Pole Barn Needs Ventilation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/09/2018My Pole Barn is a Sauna in Summer- and needs ventilation! “Hey there Pole Barn Guru, got a question about ventilation. Just bought a house with a pole barn on the property. I believe it’s only about a year old. 30 x 32. It has no soffits or windows, only a standard garage door and […]
Read moreIsolating Pole Barn Poles from Concrete Slabs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/05/2018Isolating Pole Barn Poles From Concrete Slabs The fear factor – comes up again and again in construction. Today’s fear is a concrete slab being poured against the poles (columns) of an existing pole barn will cause the columns to decay. “We have a 25 year old pole barn with 12 main 8×8 poles sunk […]
Read moreFear of Concrete Slab Cracking at Post Corners
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/04/2018Fear 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 moreInstalling Joist Hangers
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/29/2018Installing 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 moreConditioned Post Frame Crawl Space
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/27/2018Conditioned 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
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/22/2018Adding 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 06/21/2018Geothermal 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 morePole Barn Insulation, Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/15/2018Continued 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 morePole Barn Insulation, Oh So Confusing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/14/2018Pole Barn Insulation, Oh So Confusing How to best insulate any building can be confusing – with pole barns being right there with any other structural system. “Best” also has to include a balance between the upfront investment and the long term savings, throwing in the wild guess as to what future costs of heating […]
Read morePlastic Under Roof Steel?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/13/2018Plastic 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 06/08/2018Please 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 moreHow to Install a Steel Roof Over Shingles
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/05/2018How to Install a Steel Roof Over Shingles Absolutely true story, with me as part of it! My lovely bride bought a raw weed covered property along the South Dakota shore of Lake Traverse in the early 1990’s. For a home, she had a double wide manufactured home set up on the property. A few […]
Read moreInsulating a Post Frame Building the Right Way
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/01/2018Insulation 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 moreConcerns of a Post Frame Building Kit Shopper
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/29/2018Hopefully 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 moreBuilding Your Own Gambrel Barn Wood Roof Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/25/2018Gambrel 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 moreDo Screws Back Out of Steel Roofing?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/24/2018I 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 potential problem completely……use the right part, properly […]
Read more- Categories: Fasteners, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Osb Sheathing, #9 Diameter Screws, Plywood Sheathing, #12 Diameter Screw, Screws, Green Lumber
- No comments
3M VHB Tape
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/18/20183M™ VHB™ Tape Reader WILLIAM in DYER writes: “I’ve been researching pole buildings, and the weak point for putting one up seems to be the screws and washers. Have you looked into using 3M™ VHB™ tape instead of screws and fasteners for attaching the metal exterior sheeting? What are the pros/cons of tape only? Thanks.” […]
Read moreThe Drip, Drip, Drip of Condensation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/17/2018Reader 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 […]
Read moreThe Effect of Temperature Upon Concrete and Lumber
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/11/2018The Effects of Temperature Upon Concrete and Lumber Every time I begin to think I could never possibly hear something new, I have to be corrected as something new crops up. In this particular instance it was a reasoning to not embed properly pressure treated columns in the ground surrounded by concrete. Rot? Nope – […]
Read moreThe Dual Splash Plank Dilemma
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/10/2018The Dual Splash Plank Dilemma I’ve never been a fan of stacking splash planks. Even when they are center matched (think tongue and grooved) the two boards never seem to want to bend, twist, warp and/or cup the same direction leading to gaps. Gaps which lead to water getting through and spoiling an otherwise fun place […]
Read moreHangar Doors in Eave Side of Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/08/2018Hangar Doors in Eave Side of Buildings Reader KEN in ZEPHYRHILLS writes: “To facilitate use as an aircraft hangar can the sliding doors be located on the side rather than the end walls?” I have been involved in more than a fair number of airplane hangars, starting way before my days in the post frame […]
Read moreMold in a Post Frame Building Attic
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/01/2018Hansen Pole Buildings’ client BRENT in WASHOUGAL writes: “We have your 40×80 pole barn built sept. 2014, and it’s having problems with mold forming over the purlins. I’m wanting to know my options to prevent a future problem. Thanks.” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: First – get rid of the mold. Mix in the […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Building Overhangs, Ventilation, Fasteners
- Tags: Vent Fans, Attic Space, Ventilation, Gable Vents
- 2 comments
How Not to do a Post Frame Sheer Wall
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/27/2018How Not to Do a Post Frame Shear Wall Reader DAVID in MIDDLETON writes: “Hi we are currently building a 40/72 pole barn. We are wrapping the bottom 4 feet in OSB for sheer strength along with sheeting the roof with osb. We want to insulate the walls and put a drop ceiling in the […]
Read moreIs the Double Truss System Stable for the Midwest?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/20/2018Is a Double Truss System Stable for the Midwest? Reader SHARON in NORTH DAKOTA writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I have attached some pictures of a 62×96 pole barn with 12ft sidewalls. I am rather ignorant about truss systems, but this one looks atypical to others I have seen. What type of truss system is […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Knee Braces, Column Spacing, Steel Connectors, Truss Spacing
- 2 comments
No Leak Overhead Door Dog Ears
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/17/2018No Leak Overhead Door Dog Ears The key to cutting trims for no leak overhead door dog ears for post frame buildings comes from careful cutting and installation of pieces to water flows in front of, rather than getting behind, each piece as it works down the building. It also helps to utilize a trim […]
Read moreThe Perma-Column Price Advantage?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/06/2018My good friend John owns (among other things) Heartland Permacolumn. I’ve borrowed this from his website (https://www.heartlandpermacolumn.com/products/the-perma-column-price-advantage/): “Perma-Column products give you the ultimate price advantage. You simply cannot put up a building on a concrete foundation for less money. Yet some may say, “They’re too expensive…” HOWEVER, the only people who ever say this install buildings using […]
Read more18 Foot Span Roof Purlins?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/04/2018The Possibility of 18 Foot Span Roof Purlins? Reader CHRIS writes: “I have a building I want to build but I am not able to add the height I need on the side walls. My plans are 24 deep by 30 wide with 8 foot walls. Roof trusses would be 24 ft. My problem comes […]
Read moreMinimum Headroom for Overhead Doors
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/23/2018Mike address “headroom” needs for overhead garage doors. Reader JEFF in ROSEBURG writes: “If my roll up door opening is less than 2′ from wall height, 18″ is what I have, is there a roll up door that would work? Or is 2′ below wall height the absolute minimum?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru writes: […]
Read moreInsulating a Semi-Trailer Truck
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/22/2018Insulating a Semi Trailer The beauty of being available to answer questions on the ‘net is one hears just about everything – even challenges which do not involve buildings! Here is a recent one asked by reader BOB in NORTH CAROLINA: “PolebarnGuru, Purchased a 53foot x 8.5ft dry van all metal trailer (like tractor trailer) […]
Read moreProper Foundation and Slab, Two-Story Buildings, and Door Parts
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/19/2018Proper Foundation and Slab, Two-Story Buildings, and Door Parts DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Dear Sir, I read the details of pouring a concrete slab after building the barn. I live in Montana with some pretty cold winters. If I were laying a slab for a conventional stick built structure i would be required to dig […]
Read moreWhat is the Minimum Size for a Two Car Garage?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/27/2018Reader REBECCA in PEYTON posed this question: “What is minimum size you would recommend for two cars?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru writes: As my lovely bride tells people, “the cost of putting up a new building is deciding to build at all. Once one has decided to build, put those four corners as far […]
Read moreIndiana Class 1 Building Must Have Posts on 4′ Centers?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/22/2018Indiana Class 1 Building Must Have Posts on 4’ Centers? Reader GARY in CONNERSVILLE writes: “I am going to build a 60 x 160 , 18′ ceiling height for a sawing operation at our plant. I am told being a class 1 building, employee occupied, that the side posts need to be on 4′ centers, […]
Read moreWhen the Pole Building Insulation Problem is Larger Than Imagined
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/21/2018When the Pole Building Insulation Problem is Larger Than Imagined From questions I have received from loyal readers over the past year, post frame (pole) building insulation is right there at the top of the list for priorities. Sadly, it seems the same concern is not often put forward by those who are designing, providing […]
Read moreFormula for Calculating Wall Girts
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/15/2018An Excel Formula for Calculating Wall Girts, Post Size and Hole Depth John Minor and I have been friends for nearly 30 years – since his then father-in-law (and my business partner at the time) convinced me John could sell post frame buildings. Well Rod was correct, John could sell buildings – not only for […]
Read moreSoil Bearing Pressures Challenge
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/13/2018Soil Bearing Pressures Challenge Fast and Loose With Numbers and Terms DAN from MOUNDS VIEW is the first reader who admits they are an addict to my blogs – for this, I love you man!! Luckily there is no 12 step program to cure you, so you are just going to have to keep feeding […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Uplift, 2100 Soil Rating, Soil Load
- 4 comments
Spray Foam Insulation, Steel Roofing and Corrosion
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/09/2018Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rachel recently had an interesting discussion with a client. The gist of the discussion was the client had heard spray foam insulation will corrode the steel and void the warranty of the steel. Rachel did some research and found this article: https://www.greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/can-i-apply-spray-foam-insulation-directly-to-the-underside-of-a-metal-roof. When I added the external elevator shaft to the […]
Read moreSupporting Drywall in Post Frame Construction
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/08/2018Loyal reader SCOTT writes: “Good Morning, First, thank you for the amount of information you post through the Pole Barn Guru section. There have been a wide variety of questions, and thoughtful responses posted. One of the points my father had was, why do a post frame if you have to go back and stud […]
Read moreRetrofit a Mezzanine in a Converted Racquetball Court
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/07/2018Considering a Retrofit to a Mezzanine in a Converted Racquetball Court Reader JOHN writes: “…… is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization rooted in Bayfield, WI (population 500). We provide and support affordable access to facilities, programs, classes, and events that promote health, activity, and fun. We have a racquetball court that has been converted to a […]
Read moreBuilding a Pole Barn House
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/06/2018Reader JEREMY writes: “Good Morning and Happy New Year! We are currently in the process of building a house inside a pole barn, and have noticed condensation on the inside walls and roof when we heat it. We do not have any vents installed yet, and would like to know if the condensation will stop […]
Read moreConcrete Floor Thickness for Heavy Equipment
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/02/2018Concrete Floor Thickness for Heavy Equipment Reader KRIS writes: “Dear Guru, My husband and I are getting ready to construct a pole barn 40 x 80. He wants 2 x 14′ doors, 1 x 10′ and a service door. It will be used for heavy equipment storage and workshop/florist shop to keep critters out. We […]
Read moreInsulating a Post Frame Home Crawl Space
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/01/2018One of our clients has been erecting a post frame home in Colorado Springs, which is over a crawl space. Here is our discussion in regards to insulating the crawl space. “While I have your ear, I had asked you a question earlier about getting the code required R30 in the 2×6 floor joists of […]
Read morePVC Pipe for Post Sleeves
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/31/2018Reader TOM in PURVIS shares a concept I had neither seen before nor had I even contemplated – using PVC pipe to protect post frame (pole building) columns from decay. TOM writes: “ I know your posts are treated, but I live in the damp state of MS. In recent years 3 of my friends […]
Read moreTop Plate
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/30/2018Top Plate (Truss Carrier) Size With Attic Trusses Question from reader JEFFREY in STAPLETON: “I’m building a gambrel pole barn 30ft x 50ft , these are attic trusses with a 16ft room sitting @ 2ft oc, will 10ft pole spacing with double 2×12 top plate be sufficient, any suggestions?” Mike the Pole Barn responds: […]
Read moreMinimizing Condensation When Building Over an Existing Foundation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/26/2018Minimizing Condensation When Building Over an Existing Foundation Reader ROSS writes: “Hello, I have a question about venting of my building. I currently am in the process of building a shop myself. I had an existing foundation of 75 x 42 that had 8ft concrete walls all the way around. I’m building my building on […]
Read moreBuilders Who Make No Upgrades in Twenty-Five Years
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/25/2018Builders Who Make No Upgrades in Twenty-Five Years. Why? We’ve Been Building This Way for 25 Years In the event you happen to hear this from a pole builder – run away from them as quickly as possible. Why? Because every three years there is a new version of the Building Codes and often those […]
Read moreConverting a Pole Barn to a Residence
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/23/2018Converting a Barn to a Residence Reader MARK in PORTLAND writes: “I have a pole barn structure that was converted to a residence without a permit. The slab is 4″ thick with a 4×4 skirt edge around the perimeter. Since the foundation is a pole (pier) system, does the slab edge (non-load bearing) need a […]
Read moreFinishing a 15 Year Old Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/19/2018Finishing a 15 Year Old Pole Barn Reader BOB in WASHOUGAL writes: “I have a 30’x60′ pole building. It was constructed in 2003. I would like to finish the inside with a concrete floor, Insulation, and sheet rock. My question is…How long do the posts last before they rot off at ground level? (I have […]
Read moreCall a Geotechnical Engineer
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/18/2018When is it time to bring in a Geotechnical Engineer? Reader WES in RAVENNA writes: “I am building a 36×48 pole barn w/ attic trusses on a piece of property were the water table is quite high. The wettest hole contained about 3 feet of water and caved in to about 5 or 6 feet […]
Read morePost Frame Ramadas
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/17/2018For the uninitiated, here is the definition of ramada from the source of all human knowledge, Wikipedia: “In the southwestern United States, a ramada is a temporary or permanent shelter equipped with a roof but no walls, or only partially enclosed. Ramadas have traditionally been constructed with branches or bushes by aboriginal Americans living in the region […]
Read moreBuilding on Existing Concrete
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/11/2018Building on Existing Concrete Which is Below Grade Trying to utilize existing concrete slabs on grade in new post frame building can bring with it some unique challenges. Reader DARREN has one of these situations which most people do not face. Please read on: “I want to build a pole building on an existing cement […]
Read moreCondensation Under Roof Steel
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/09/2018Condensation Even With Radiant Barrier Installed Under Roof Steel It seems every winter I get a few messages similar to this, So far, this winter, I have gotten two, both from newly constructed post frame buildings and from the same area of the United States (which is known for high humidity). Reader SAM in GREENBANK […]
Read moreFlood Rebuilding, Retrofitting Stem Wall, and Platinum Engineering
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/08/2018DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi. I am an architect with a flood victim client in Houston whose 1500 sf house must be rebuilt 5′ above grade. C panel, aluminum sliding windows/doors, low budget. Is it crazy to think they could buy a custom kit from you and have a crew from MN install it in […]
Read moreCrossed Gable Dormers
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/03/2018Reader JOY in PHILADELPHIA writes: “Can I build my pole house with crossed gable dormers? I want the center section of my house to have a second floor, but with the gable ends facing front and back, rather than running the length of the building as with the monitor roof design. (In case that isn’t […]
Read moreHow Insulation Works
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/26/2017I so enjoy clients who truly care about the outcomes of their post frame buildings. In this case, I’ve been back and forth with reader Eric and today we are discussing how insulation in walls works. Eric writes: “Mike, Thanks again for the input. I read those articles you mentioned on the BIBs and the […]
Read moreMoving Pole Barns
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/22/2017Moving a Pole Barn Most of us American adults have, at some time in our lives, visited a county or state fair. Adjunct to these events is the inevitable midway – where carnies (those wonderful and frequently interesting folks) hock their wares and try to interest one and all in a game of chance. Amongst […]
Read moreDesigning a Single Slope Pole Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/21/2017Designing a Single Slope Finished Pole Barn Reader JIM in ROCHESTER writes: “I am looking for an immediate response. I am building a 30×50 single pitch pole barn that I will eventually insulate and drywall. I plan to run a row of posts down the center of the barn to support the rafters. I will […]
Read moreHow to Insulate My Post Frame Garage
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/20/2017How to Insulate I fear “how to insulate my post frame (fill in the blank)” is going to be my most answered topic for the next decade. Energy efficiency is the “hot” topic right now and sadly there are more folks trying to solve what they already have, than there were those who planned for […]
Read moreWill My Poles Rot Off? Not If They Are Properly Pressure Treated Wood!
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/19/2017Do 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!” […]
Read moreInsulation Shows at Edge of Roof- Inside Closure Fix
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/15/2017The Insulation Shows at the Edge of My Roof- Inside Closure Fix Reader LARRY in SPRINGTOWN writes: “We bought a Mueller building and hired their recommended installer. The roof went on yesterday. They did not use closure strips at the eaves so the insulation is visible on the outside of the building under the panel […]
Read moreStructural Engineering
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/07/2017I’ll take Structural Engineering for $XXX Alex Proper Engineering in post frame construction can not be overlooked. Alex Trebek has hosted Jeopardy!, the iconic daily syndicated game show, since 1984. With over 7,000 episodes aired, Jeopardy! has won a record 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. Some of you may even have tuned in for an episode […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Doors
- Tags: Ground Snow Load, Engineer Of Record, Structural Engineering, Jeopardy, Truss Header, Snow Exposure Factor, Thermal Factor
- 6 comments
Zip Codes, Insulation Options, and Free Quotes!
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/04/2017DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you do business with zip code 33478? I like to explore Pole Barn homes but with the strict hurricane code, I was not sure if you are allowed to do business with South Florida. PATTY in JUPITER FARM DEAR PATTY: Hansen Pole Buildings has provided post frame buildings in every […]
Read moreProblems in Steel Truss Building Land
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/01/2017Problems in Steel Truss Building Land Disclaimer – Hansen Pole Buildings does not provide steel truss post frame buildings and I have never personally been involved in the structural design of one, however there are a plethora of readily evident challenges with this building which should be properly addressed. Reader JAMES in TALLAHASSEE writes: “I […]
Read moreMy Building Inspector Made Me
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/28/2017My Building Inspector Made Me….. An all to familiar tale from those who go by the premise, “penny wise and pound foolish”…. in the misguided attempt to shave a few dollars off the investment in a new building, the price of the engineer sealed plans has been deducted from the budget. Very rarely is this […]
Read morePole Barn Bid, A1V Barrier, and Definitions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/27/2017DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am bidding on a simple 80×140 pole barn with 12′ sides. I can’t come up with something reasonable. What would you bid. I need help. Last time I did it wrong and it hurt financially. Thanks. JASON in MINBURN DEAR JASON: As you probably found out on your last post […]
Read moreHow to Keep the Water Out of a Pole Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/24/2017How to Keep the Water Out of a Pole Barn The post frame (pole barn) building has moved from the farm to suburbia. With the transition in building uses, having water flowing into a post frame business or residence is far less than desirable. Dear Pole Barn Guru: My parents lived in a pole barn “lodge”. […]
Read moreSpray Foam and a Post Frame Cabin
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/23/2017Spray Foam and a Post Frame Cabin Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rick Carr is a delight to work with. Other than his fondness for the Green Bay Packers, he is a great guy! Rick not only subscribes to my daily blogs, he reads them. A recent article peaked Rick’s inquisitive mind (view the culprit here: […]
Read more“My Guy Says… Materials… Design…”
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/21/2017“My Guy Says….. Materials… Design…” Title inspired by our Wizardress of all things materials – Justine! I’ve now been in the post frame industry for nearly 38 years, the majority of them spent providing complete building kit packages, most often to do-it-yourselfers. Some new building owners happen to hire contractors to erect some or all […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Building Overhangs, Constructing a Pole Building, Trusses, Fasteners
- Tags: Trusses, Wood Roof Truss, H1 Hangers, LU26 Hangers
- No comments
Variances in Surface of Pole Building Concrete Slab
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/16/2017Variances in Surface of Pole Building Concrete Slabs Reader RON in MARYSVILLE writes: “What is an acceptable variance in the finished level of the concrete floor in a new 24×36 pole building? It is 1/4 inch out of level, 1 1/8 inch slope, 3/4 inch hump all acceptable numbers? My floor has all of these […]
Read moreHow to Trim Where End and Side Overhangs Adjoin
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/15/2017Reader BILLY in WESTVILLE writes: “How do I get the f and I trim to meet from the end wall to the side wall together?” I am going to have to put my mind reading cap on for this one, as I have little idea what you are asking. By playing Sherlock Holmes, I will […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Questions, Building Overhangs
- Tags: L Trim, Fascia, Fly Rafter, Sidewall Soffit
- No comments
Truss Repairs, Never Field Alter a Truss
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/09/2017How to Properly Insulate between Roof Purlins
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/03/2017How to Properly Insulate Between Roof Purlins Efficient climate control is becoming the buzz term for post frame construction. A challenge occurs when clients look to insulate between their roof purlins. Reader JOHN in COVINGTON writes: “I am building an all wood pole building. The purlins are 2x8s. I want to insulate the walls and […]
Read more