Category Archives: Pole Barn Questions

Leaking Steel Roofing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/02/2017
Leaking Steel Roofing

Leaking Steel Roofing Properly installed, there is truthfully no reason for a through screwed steel roof to leak. The key being “properly installed”. Here is a report from a less than totally satisfied with his builder’s installation client: “Sorry to report I have numerous leaks in the steel roof of my Hansen pole building.  In […]

Read more

My Poles Are Further Apart than the Trusses Span

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/01/2017
My Poles Are Further Apart than the Trusses Span

My Poles are Placed Farther Apart Than the Trusses Span Reader ALURA in NORTH CAROLINA writes: “We recently purchased a 60 x40 pole barn kit from Florida and we are in North Carolina.  We talked to them on the phone several times about the size the inner dimensions. They reassured us that yes the 40×60 was […]

Read more

Properly Pressure Treated Lumber

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/27/2017
Properly Pressure Treated Lumber

Trying to Buy Properly Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber Reader ZACH in BLACK CREEK has been challenged trying to buy properly pressure preservative treated lumber. He writes: “Hello, I would like to get your opinion on 2×6 grade board. I read the article you wrote about lumber pressure treatment. I have been looking around for .20pcf […]

Read more

What Thickness OSB to use Under Shingles

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/25/2017
What Thickness OSB to use Under Shingles

What Thickness OSB to Use Under Shingles Reader JOSH in POST FALLS writes: “My pole building is going to have asphalt shingles. I know how much you dislike shingles vs a metal roof, but the garage needs to match the house. My question is what thickness of OSB should I use? I saw 7/16″ in […]

Read more

How Should I Backfill My Pole Barn Holes?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/24/2017
How Should I Backfill My Pole Barn Holes?

How Should I Backfill My Pole Building Holes This is a subject which is repeatedly brought up. Usually it is ones who are constructing a post frame building which was not designed by a registered design professional (RDP – architect or engineer). The wrong answer could easily lead to a catastrophic failure of the building! […]

Read more

International Residential Code and Tension Ties

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/20/2017
International Residential Code and Tension Ties

International Residential Code and Tension Ties Reader DENNIS in TRAVERSE CITY writes: “ICC R602.10 is written to work with continuous foundations and vertical studs, not posts in holes and horizontal girts. How does a person translate bracing into post-frame language? An answer addressing tension ties would be helpful.” From the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC): […]

Read more

Raising Sections of Pole Barn Roofs

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/19/2017
Raising Sections of Pole Barn Roofs

Raising Sections of Pole Barn Roofs Reader LONNIE in COLORADO SPRINGS has some ideas about how to raise sections of his new post frame (pole barn) building roof. For your reading pleasure, I will share: “My question is concerning the assembly of my Hansen kit. I’ve read your article about using winch boxes to raise […]

Read more

Building a Pole Building Style Home

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/18/2017
Building a Pole Building Style Home

Building a Pole Barn Style Home Reader DAVID from NINE MILE FALLS writes: “I am building a pole barn style home. I am having a difficult time in finding what the requirements would be for post setting and post distance spacing in regards to a pole barn used for living spaces. I plan on using […]

Read more

Extreme Efforts to Add Post Frame to House

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/13/2017
Extreme Efforts to Add Post Frame to House

Extreme Efforts to Match Post Frame to House Reader JOSH from POST FALLS and I have previously communicated. He is doing what I refer to a piecemealing – putting together his own building by making repeated trips to the local lumber yard (learn more about piecemealing here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/03/diy-pole-building/. Josh’s new post frame garage is adjacent […]

Read more

Roofing Before Siding

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/12/2017
Roofing Before Siding

Roofing Before Siding If I am not mistaken, somewhere in the not too distant past I have expounded upon how I know a particular builder is or was a stick frame builder. How can I tell? The giveaway is they feel compelled to build the walls before the roof. I’ve listened to many experienced post […]

Read more

How to Make a Post Frame House Tighter

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/11/2017
How to Make a Post Frame House Tighter

“How to Make a Post Frame Building Air Tighter” One of our clients who is currently constructing his building recently wrote:  “Chapter 21 Wall Steel page 142 indicates, “Install sidewall steel perpendicular to base trim (plumb), holding wall steel up 1/4” from level base trim surface.” With the ¼” gap there would be openings for […]

Read more

Dropped Chord End Truss Framing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/10/2017
Dropped Chord End Truss Framing

How to Frame a Roof Corner With a Dropped Top Chord End Truss Josh and I are becoming better acquainted with each other. Josh happened to not have invested in a Hansen Pole Buildings’ engineered post frame kit package and as such – didn’t have a source of Technical Support which could guide him through […]

Read more

Rehashing Eave Height

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/05/2017
Rehashing Eave Height

Rehashing Eave Height Eave height on post frame buildings seems to be a challenge for some folks. At Hansen Pole Buildings, we do make some efforts to see to it our clients (or more often the builders some of them hire), actually build to the correct height. How important is it to get this correct? […]

Read more

Post Protector Surprise

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/04/2017
Post Protector Surprise

Post Protector Surprise Reader CONNOR from INDIANAPOLIS and I recently had an exchange in regards to the holes of his new post frame building. Connor is proposing to use Post Protectors on the columns of his building. What he has yet to realize is there is going to be a hidden surprise with the use […]

Read more

Can I Build a Pole Barn on my Concrete Slab?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/03/2017
Can I Build a Pole Barn on my Concrete Slab?

Can I Build a Pole Barn on My Concrete Slab? I dove off from the turnip truck a long time ago, so I have seen a lot of strange things constructed over my nearly 60 year lifetime. Sometimes strange is good, usually not so good. What is remarkable are the structures which are constructed directly […]

Read more

Can Wall Girts Be Installed Before Trusses?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/29/2017
Can Wall Girts Be Installed Before Trusses?

Can Wall Girts Be Installed Before The Trusses? In my travels over the years I have seen more than a few post frame buildings under construction. When I find one being constructed by a building contractor, if the wall girts are installed before the roof, it is an immediate giveaway to the builder having been […]

Read more

I want the Bottom of my Poles at the Same Depth

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/28/2017
I want the Bottom of my Poles at the Same Depth

I Want The Bottom of My Poles At The Same Depth Reader CONNOR in CINCINNATI writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I am putting up a 24’x32’x10′ pole barn to serve as a garage. Last weekend I augered my 24″ holes to accommodate 48″ post embedment plus a 10″ concrete footer. A ready-mix company is coming […]

Read more

Maximizing Barn Door Width

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/27/2017
Maximizing Barn Door Width

Maximizing Barn Door Width for your pole barn. No different than encouraging folks to construct the largest building which will fit on their property and be within budget, when planning your new post frame building, maximize the width of doors to achieve the greatest functionality for your barn. Here is a case in point….. Reader […]

Read more

Are My Columns Too Short?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/26/2017
Are My Columns Too Short?

Are My Columns Too Small or Too Short? We receive and answer lots of questions. Even with a Construction Guide which extends over 500 pages, covering a plethora of topics and how to’s, there is always an unanswered question (sometimes two). One of our good clients recently sent a query to the Hansen Pole Buildings’ […]

Read more

Rusted Roof on Pole Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/22/2017
Rusted Roof on Pole Barn

Rusted Roof on Old Pole Barn Reader DAVE in GRANDVILLE writes: “I have a technical question. I have a older Hansen pole barn that previous homeowners had built. Guessing 20yrs old +/-. Roof is showing approx 75% rusted with no paint left and all steel on bld. is 50% gone as well. I’m looking to […]

Read more

Stilt Houses

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/21/2017
Stilt Houses

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey nearly all Americans have seen video of the devastation across the coastal lowlands of Texas. Over and over photos of water logged drywall and carpets being torn out of homes which were flooded by epic rainfalls of biblical proportion were enough to churn my gut. Especially as so much […]

Read more

Post Frame Insulation in the South

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/20/2017
Post Frame Insulation in the South

Post Frame Insulation in the Hot and Humid South Reader RICK in LUCEDALE writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I am in the planning stage for designing a post frame house. I live in a “Hot and Humid” climate in the southern US. Joseph Lstiburek, a building science guru, suggests having an unvented roof for my […]

Read more

Post Frame Apartment Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/19/2017
Post Frame Apartment Buildings

Post Frame Apartment Buildings I have thought about the possibilities of constructing apartments using post frame construction for years, however a recent query from reader DERRICK in CINCINNATI brought it to the forefront of my thoughts. Dave writes: “Can you build apartment buildings out of your products? Nothing fancy. Just affordable living in a rural […]

Read more

Loft Door, Antique Barns, and Footing Sizes?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/18/2017
Loft Door, Antique Barns, and Footing Sizes?

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an upstairs (loft) exterior opening that is 50″ wide by 68″ tall. I want to build a door with the National Hardware tab-loc frame and cover it with r-panel siding. How much overhang on each side, and top and bottom do I need to make the door? What should […]

Read more

Converting a Pole Barn to a Residence

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/15/2017
Converting a Pole Barn to a Residence

Reader BAILEE in LARAMIE writes: “Hi, I have a few questions about the structure of turning a pole barn to a residence in the Laramie, Wyoming area. The current project I am working on has pole spacing of about 10-12 feet. I wanted to know if this is still structurally stable with traditional framing with […]

Read more

Help! My Pole Barn Has Frost Heave

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/14/2017
Help! My Pole Barn Has Frost Heave

Help! My Pole Barn Has Frost Heave Reader DAVID in MINNESOTA writes: “I looked through many pages of your blog and found nothing yet that deals with my frost heave problem. Bought lake property 8 years ago that had a 24 X 24 pole shed that was 5 years old. It has concrete floor with […]

Read more

Post Frame Frost Walls

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/13/2017
Post Frame Frost Walls

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

Read more

A Wood Floor in a Garage

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/12/2017
A Wood Floor in a Garage

A loyal reader writes: “Hi. Good morning! As I read your post about a wood floor in a work shop, it reminded me of my research into a garage with a wood floor. I have often wondered, can this be done? So I ask you, can this be done? I am not a rich man, […]

Read more

Pole Building Holes in Caliche Soil

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/08/2017
Pole Building Holes in Caliche Soil

One of our clients is preparing his site in order to dig the holes for his new post frame building kit. He happens to live in an area of Washington State, east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains, which would be best classified as being high desert. He has encountered the bane of excavators […]

Read more

Pole Barn Economy of Scale

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/06/2017
Pole Barn Economy of Scale

When building a pole barn, economy of scale can be your ally. Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Doug passed along to me this message from a client of his: “The last quote was for a 45′ x 42′ building with 2 garage doors and one person door. The new quote was for a 18′ x 42′ […]

Read more

Insulating an All Wood Gambrel Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/05/2017
Insulating an All Wood Gambrel Barn

A reader writes: “Dear Guru.I have an all wood gambrel style pole barn that I’m converting to a shop.  I’ve installed forced air heat and am getting ready to insulate.  My exterior walls are Tyvek wrapped osb and vinyl sided.  I am wanting to use rigid board to help deter rodent nesting.   My questions […]

Read more

When Pole Barns do not Have Footings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/30/2017
When Pole Barns do not Have Footings

Reader KEN in FORT COLLINS writes: “HI MIKE! We just bought an acreage with an existing 36 x 48 post frame farm storage building. In talking to the prior owner, we have learned that the builder did not use cookies, footing pads or a cement bottom collar. So nothing to prevent settling (He did nail […]

Read more

What to do About a Leaking Cupola

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/29/2017
What to do About a Leaking Cupola

What to do About a Leaking Cupola Hansen Pole Buildings has always used prefabricated cupolas manufactured by MWI – I even have one on top of my own house, so they must be good stuff! Only once have I ever gotten feedback from a client to tell me their cupola was leaking. In their particular […]

Read more

Treated Lumber for In Ground Use

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/25/2017
Treated Lumber for In Ground Use

Treated Lumber – Justine Schools a Major Lumberyard Chain When it comes to pressure preservative treated lumber, ignorance from the supply side seems to be bliss and there are way too many folks out there happily selling under treated product. For your entertainment pleasure I bring you a discourse between Hansen Pole Buildings Lumber Wizard […]

Read more

Removing Chalky Residue From Steel Panels

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/24/2017
Removing Chalky Residue From Steel Panels

Reader Sally wants to know: “What can I use on my pole barn to remove chalky residue, so it looks like new?” Well Sally, ask and ye shall receive! Maintenance & Cleaning Methods for Metal Roofing & Siding Sunlight and extremes of the weather and atmosphere will cause colored painted surfaces to fade, chalk and […]

Read more

Need a 13′ Tall Door With a 12′ Mean Height Restriction

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/23/2017
Need a 13′ Tall Door With a 12′ Mean Height Restriction

Need a 13’ Tall Door With a 12’ Mean Height Restriction Planning Departments can be the bane of a property owner’s existence. They are the folks who are delegated enforcement of what some might feel are unrealistic expectations as to building heights and footprints. Many times there are solutions, and chances are if a solution […]

Read more

Don’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/22/2017
Don’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor

Don’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor Reader Clay has contributed the beginnings of this article, with a concern his pole barn floor might sink. Thank you Clay. “I am about to construct a 24’x32′ building to be used as a woodworking shop. I am strongly considering a pole barn.  Now I do not want a […]

Read more

Post Frame Antiperspirant- Ventilation Frustration

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/11/2017
Post Frame Antiperspirant- Ventilation Frustration

This is a sad story I hear all too often from pole (post frame) building owners who have buildings which were not properly designed for future uses, especially when it comes to insulation and ventilation. Reader JASON in TENINO writes: Hi Pole Barn Guru, I recently purchased a new house and it came with a […]

Read more

So You Want to Become a Post Frame Building Installer?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/10/2017
So You Want to Become a Post Frame Building Installer?
So You Want to Become a Post Frame Building Installer? I’ve dealt with a broad variety of post frame building installers over the years. Just like our clients, they come in all shapes and sizes, as well as all levels of price and quality. One of the better pole builders I have encountered was a […] Read more

What Classification is a Horse Riding Arena?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/09/2017
What Classification is a Horse Riding Arena?

True horse riding arenas are big buildings. Even a relatively small one at 60 foot wide by 120 feet long is a big building – 7200 square feet. Add on a decent width (12 foot as a minimum) aisleway and (10) 12 foot square spaces for stalls, wash racks, tack and/or feed rooms and we […]

Read more

Maximizing Sliding Door Heights

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/08/2017
Maximizing Sliding Door Heights

While post frame construction (in my humble opinion) gives the most value for construction dollars invested, there are just some cases where clients just are not aware. This reader wants to maximize the height of a sliding door opening on a stick frame building. HOWARD in COEUR d’ALENE writes: “Greetings, I am stick-building my own […]

Read more

Pole Barn Footings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/04/2017
Pole Barn Footings

Some things in life amaze me – magicians are one of them. I have no idea how the do what they do, but I am totally fascinated by them (you can read about my college experience with a magician here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/08/lumber-bending/). One of the other things which amaze me are how clients will invest tens […]

Read more

Miracle Truss Concerns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/03/2017
Miracle Truss Concerns

One of the great things about being the Pole Barn Guru is helping people who have construction challenges of all sorts – even those who do not have post frame buildings. Here is a recent one: Hi Pole Barn Guru, and thanks for your informative website and blog. I’m using email rather than the website […]

Read more

Bookshelf Girts for Insulation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/02/2017
Bookshelf Girts for Insulation

In the land where I first became acquainted with pole barn (post frame) building construction, was used a term known as commercial girts. These are actually what is more appropriately named “bookshelf girts” designed so as to create an insulation cavity which would extend 1-1/2 inches outside of the columns. The commercial girt is sized […]

Read more

A Post Frame Shotgun House?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/01/2017
A Post Frame Shotgun House?

Many believe the term “shotgun house” was due to a bullet could be fired through the front door and go right out the rear door without hitting any walls! More appropriately evidence has it the name shotgun house came from a corruption of the West African term “shogun” which means God’s House. Reader Sheree from […]

Read more

Save Me, My Trusses Do Not Fit!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/28/2017
Save Me, My Trusses Do Not Fit!

Here is a case where investing in a post frame building kit from people who have actually constructed buildings is a huge asset (am surmising this is not the case, since this person sent the Hansen Pole Buildings Technical Support email address a plea for help). Reader James writes: “I have a 24 x 60 […]

Read more

Hire a Local Engineer and Work With a Lumber Yard?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/19/2017
Hire a Local Engineer and Work With a Lumber Yard?

Should I Hire a Local Engineer and Work With a Lumber Yard? Let’s hope not. Here is the email which triggered this article: “Hello,  I am building a 50×60 pole building with 22′ eaves. I’m shopping right now to either hire a local PE to design the structure and work with my local lumber yard to […]

Read more

Looking for a Contractor to Build a Post Frame Home

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/13/2017
Looking for a Contractor to Build a Post Frame Home

More and more consumers are seeing the practicality, unique architectural and energy savings advantages as well as cost savings from a post frame home. This includes loyal reader Brian who writes: Hello, my wife and I are considering building a post frame home. We contacted a designer who actually had plans for a home that […]

Read more

When Columns Get Put in the Wrong Place

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/11/2017
When Columns Get Put in the Wrong Place

This is construction, things happen. The true mark of how any particular project goes is not everything going perfectly without a hitch, it is the ability to solve challenges when they arise. The scenario below is one which I have never had a DIY person do (shout out to all of you who are putting […]

Read more

To Remove, To Replace, and To Design!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/10/2017
To Remove, To Replace, and To Design!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey Guru! I’m getting ready to build a pole barn and I will have to remove a tree. The tree is basically right in the middle of what the floor will be. I will be putting a concrete floor in and was wondering do I have to completely remove the stump […]

Read more

Steel Roof Needs Repainting

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/07/2017
Steel Roof Needs Repainting

Reader BRAD in SEATTLE writes: “My 30×48 pole building is about 25 years old, and the roof looks in need of paint. Some small scratches and corroded patches near the gutter rail. I have pressure washed with pretreating bleach solution. That removed the green pollen/algae patches around the roof. I live in the Seattle area.  I wonder about […]

Read more

Overhead Door Columns in Pole Barn Enclosure

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/06/2017
Overhead Door Columns in Pole Barn Enclosure

No Columns for Overhead Doors There are a few clients out there who leave parts of one or more walls open, with the idea of enclosing them at a later date. Most often this is done with the idea of being able to save money, however it is not always much of a money saver, […]

Read more

Thoughts on a Floor

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/05/2017
Thoughts on a Floor

Thoughts on a Floor:   Brought to you by reader ANDREW in LEBANON: “Hi! I am looking at purchasing a post frame building to use as a new home. We are well on our way with being under contract for the land and one of your recommended builders is meeting me at the site this […]

Read more

Turn a Horse Barn into a Home?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/04/2017
Turn a Horse Barn into a Home?

Re-purposing buildings is a popular American past time, as evidenced by the proliferation of big box lumber stores across the country. Here is a story about a new owner of an existing Hansen Pole Buildings’ horse barn, who is contemplating it becoming a home. Tim writes: “Hello, I just purchased a property that has a […]

Read more

Pole Sizes, Adding On a Shed Roof, and Ridge Vents

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/01/2017
Pole Sizes, Adding On a Shed Roof, and Ridge Vents

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We live in Pacific county in Washington state and wondering what size of truss pole we would be looking at needing for a 60 ft truss. We are in a wind exposure “C” and trusses will be on 12′ centers. The building we are planning will be 60’w x 48’d with […]

Read more
Purlin Questions for the Engineering Department: Building Disaster Part IV

Purlin Questions for the Engineering Department For those readers just joining us, go back to Tuesday through Friday’s blogs to catch up to the following story… Our client (after discussing possible corrections with one or more builders) poses this: “I have two questions I’d like to ask of the engineering dept. 1.) Is there an […]

Read more

Need an Engineer in Utah?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/20/2017
Need an Engineer in Utah?

I’ve never met or spoken with engineer Max Gregersen, engineer. I don’t even know for certain if he is an excellent engineer or not. What I DO know is he is not so egotistical as to believe he knows it all and he will reach out to others for assistance. This in itself speaks volumes […]

Read more

Post Frame Building Clients Can Be So Fun

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/16/2017
Post Frame Building Clients Can Be So Fun

Post Frame Building Clients Can Be So Fun! In providing “The Ultimate Post Frame Building Experience”™ Hansen Pole Buildings is not selling buildings to anyone – we are providing a service. If there is such a thing as a past life or lives, I must have been some sort of instructor in a past life. […]

Read more

Optimum Aspect Ratio of Length and Width

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/13/2017
Optimum Aspect Ratio of Length and Width

I suppose I inherently knew the answer to the optimum aspect ratio of length and width for post frame construction, but never really sat down to write about it. Well, reader JEREMY in EFFING has an inquiring mind and wants to know: “In general terms is there an “optimum” aspect ratio to gain the best […]

Read more

Sliding Doors, Codes, and Quonset Huts!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/12/2017
Sliding Doors, Codes, and Quonset Huts!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to get a quote for sliding garage door for commercial building. The size that I would like to have is 8′ wide 12′ tall. If I can get two slide garage door it would be perfect (two 4’x12′ garage door) if not One door is fine. White garage […]

Read more

Overhead Doors Taller than Eave Height

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/09/2017
Overhead Doors Taller than Eave Height

“Since the peaked end of my new post frame building will be so much higher than the sidewalls, how about I place a very tall overhead door at the center of it?” Today’s topic was prompted by BILL from BUFFALO who writes: “Have you ever attempted to install an overhead door in an end wall […]

Read more

Engineer Wanted for Pole Building Garage

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/02/2017
Engineer Wanted for Pole Building Garage

Wanted an Engineer for Pole Barn Garage In deference to the attorneys at Menards, who seem very interested in the articles I write, this ad appeared on Craigslist recently, so it is a direct quote and has not been changed from the original posting: “I am looking for a Colorado registered engineer for a pole […]

Read more

Pole Building Plans for Sale

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/01/2017
Pole Building Plans for Sale

Pole Building Plans for Sale Ah, Spring time, when a young man’s heart turns to how to “get a deal” on a new pole barn. Oftentimes it starts rather like this, “Can I just buy the building plans from you guys stamped and all? I need a 40×60 40 wide 60 deep 16′ tall so […]

Read more

Converting a Pole Barn to a Residence

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/31/2017
Converting a Pole Barn to a Residence

One trend I have seen over the past ten years is folks purposefully designing post frame buildings to homes – they are recognizing the advantages, among them savings in foundation costs, speed of construction, flexibility of design and ability to insulate. Along with this, more and more post frame buildings are being re-purposed from pole […]

Read more

When is Too Small for a Pole Barn?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/30/2017
When is Too Small for a Pole Barn?

Reader JENNIFER from CANON CITY writes: “Is there such a thing as too small of a pole barn to build? I am wanting a shed/hobby space with enough height to make a loft in the future. Due to setbacks and sewer lines, I can only do a 12’X26′ building. Plans for pole barns begin at […]

Read more

5 Places or Spaces Perfect for Pole Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/25/2017
5 Places or Spaces Perfect for Pole Buildings

We took a look at some of America’s most wide open spaces and thought hard about how climate, severe weather, wind, and seasonal changes affect the ability of a sturdy pole building to provide housing, commercial office space, and industrial warehouse storage. It may come as no surprise that the majority of the locations we […]

Read more

3 Things to Know Before Running a Business from Your Pole Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/24/2017
3 Things to Know Before Running a Business from Your Pole Barn

If you’ve always dreamed of starting your own small business, setting up your business in a pole barn can be a great way to do it. Rather than worrying about paying rent on an expensive commercial property, you could find a low-cost, durable pole barn design and stay close to home to operate your business. […]

Read more

Sturdi-Wall Brackets

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/19/2017
Sturdi-Wall Brackets

Placement of Sturdi-Wall Plus Brackets I am enjoying our client Dan who is in the process of getting started with his new Hansen Pole Buildings’ kit package. My educated guess is he is going to construct one truly beautiful building. Dan has a great question, which I will share: “So I went ahead and purchased […]

Read more

Placement of Overhead Doors

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/18/2017
Placement of Overhead Doors

Where, oh Where, to Place Overhead Doors My long term readers may have believed I have pounded overhead doors to death. Ha! I say – there is always more to talk about when it comes to overhead doors! We’ve talked about door widths, avoiding 8 and 14 foot width doors as they are not usually […]

Read more

Loosening Roof Screws

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/16/2017
Loosening Roof Screws

Help! My Roof Screws are Loosening! Our office gets all sorts of phone calls. Besides those clients who are potential investors in new post frame buildings, there are those who have made mistakes (or had builders make them on their behalf) and are looking for fixes.     One call came in earlier this year […]

Read more

Where is Grade?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/12/2017
Where is Grade?

Grade is at… ANSI/ASABE S618 Post Frame Building System Nomenclature has the definition of grade as, “10.1 Grade line (grade level): The line of intersection between the building exterior and the finished ground surface and/or top of the pavement in contact with the building exterior”. On Hansen Pole Buildings’ Engineered Building Plans, grade is denoted […]

Read more

Boulders or Large Rocks in Post Holes

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/11/2017
Boulders or Large Rocks in Post Holes

I’ve Hit a Boulder, What do I do? When I was building, the rock the size of a Volkswagon was generally parked in the last hole being dug on any given project. After digging all of the other holes – moving the building to avoid the rock just never felt like a viable option. I […]

Read more

Mobile Home Snow Roofs

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/10/2017
Mobile Home Snow Roofs

Most mobile (a.k.a. manufactured) homes are designed with roofs which are only engineered to support a minimal snow load – most generally the maximum design roof snow loads range in the 30 to 40 psf (pounds per square foot) range. Besides the issue of snow, many mobile homes are designed with roof slopes of less […]

Read more

Can 2×4 Roof Purlins Span 12 Feet?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/09/2017
Can 2×4 Roof Purlins Span 12 Feet?

Can 2×4 Roof Purlins Span 12 Feet? Reader DAVE in MICHIGAN writes: Hi, I saw on your webpage the Pole Barn Guru stated the trusses could be spaced 12’ apart (I called and was told it is a double truss one on each side of a post that is on 12’ centers).  That is exactly […]

Read more

Pole Building Specs- Design Solution!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/05/2017
Pole Building Specs- Design Solution!

Sometimes prospective clients educate themselves just enough to be dangerous – most often dangerous to their own pocket books. I much more prefer a client who comes to us looking for a design solution and assistance in best fitting a building around their needs for today and the future. This is rather than one who […]

Read more

A Concrete Backfill Dilemma

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/04/2017
A Concrete Backfill Dilemma

Clients make for the best blog article subjects, here we have client Dan at a relative loss as to what to do about concrete backfill dilemma in and around his building columns. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi there!  So I am about to receive everything for a 22x34x10 pole barn. The plan is to add […]

Read more

Afraid of Buying a Pole Barn Home

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/26/2017
Afraid of Buying a Pole Barn Home

Reader Carol recently wrote me this: “I’m encountering problems with folks looking at my house and being “Afraid” of buying the house.  Because it’s a pole barn house rather than a stick house.  What can I tell these folks to help them understand pole barn houses are still a good purchase?” I happen to live […]

Read more

Open Endwalls in a Hay Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/20/2017
Open Endwalls in a Hay Barn

There are plenty of bad structural things which can be done to post frame buildings. While roof only buildings can have their own set of challenges, these can be exponentially made worse by putting walls on the eave sides and leaving the building endwalls entirely open. Here is a good explanation of why this occurs, […]

Read more

What Fails First in a Fire? Part II

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/19/2017
What Fails First in a Fire? Part II

What Fails First in a Fire- the Truss Lumber or the Steel Truss Plates? Part II If you didn’t read my blog yesterday, you will think me out in left field until you do.  Take a few extra minutes and go back and read Part I. You will be glad you did! Continuing from yesterday’s […]

Read more

What Fails First in a Fire?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/18/2017
What Fails First in a Fire?

What Fails First in a Fire- the Truss Lumber or the Steel Truss Plates? Part I We have a client who also happens to be an engineer. He is planning upon a rather goodly sized (64 feet wide by 96 feet long by 22 foot eave) hay storage building and had some rather interesting concerns. […]

Read more

Airplane Hangar Exposure C

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/12/2017
Airplane Hangar Exposure C

Why Your Airplane Hangar is Probably Exposure C I had the joy of growing up “hanging out” (pun intended) at airplane hangars and doing a lot of flying including having my hands on the controls of a Cessna 182 for many hours before I became a teen. One thing for certain about airplane hangars – […]

Read more

The Lowdown on Column Uplift

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/11/2017
The Lowdown on Column Uplift

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

Read more

Friends Don’t let Friends Stick Frame

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/07/2017
Friends Don’t let Friends Stick Frame

Oh the misconceptions arm chair engineers have when it comes to what can be done with post frame construction. For the most part – if you can imagine it, we can design it! Here is a case in point shared by our friend Neil: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have limited floor plan on my […]

Read more

The Look of Steel Siding

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/06/2017
The Look of Steel Siding

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 […]

Read more

Insulating a Barndominium

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/05/2017
Insulating a Barndominium

Residential post frame buildings are becoming more and more prevalent as consumers are beginning to realize they can save thousands of dollars in foundation costs and actually build their own beautiful and well insulated barndominium homes. Steve from Northglenn posed this question: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Now that the “Barndominium” style home is more popular than […]

Read more

Cantilevered Roof Extension

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/30/2017
Cantilevered Roof Extension

I’ve designed a fair number of interesting cantilevers in my time, but they have always been as original construction, not as an “add on” after the fact. Here is a request for a cantilevered roof extension from FRED in BURLINGTON: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My 30′ x 54′ x 12′ pole barn was constructed in […]

Read more

Overhead Doors and Eave Height

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/29/2017
Overhead Doors and Eave Height

Putting a 14 Foot Tall Overhead Door in a Short Eave Height… I’ve been doing post frame buildings now for a couple of years. Okay, maybe a couple of couple of years, as in 37 (ouch, am I seriously this old?). I’ve learned a certain amount of clients (and builders) are seemingly dimensionally challenged when […]

Read more

80 Foot Span Wood Trusses

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/24/2017
80 Foot Span Wood Trusses

Setting 80 Foot Span Wood Trusses Here is the question asked by CHAD in EVANSVILLE: “What is the best way to hang an 80′ wooden truss? The company I work for is building 80×120 pole barn for one of our customers. The trusses are kicking our butt.” Before you even think about getting started, you […]

Read more

Timbers Checking In

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/22/2017
Timbers Checking In

One of our clients, Matt from Chapel Hill, NC, sent us a few photos showing a concern of “timber checking” to Justine, the Hansen Pole Buildings Productions Wizard (she loves it when I come up with interesting titles for what she does).  Here is what Matt had to say: “Been a while since we spoke. […]

Read more

Steeper Roof Slope or Taller Walls?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/16/2017
Steeper Roof Slope or Taller Walls?

This is a subject I have had near the top of my list for a considerable time. Along came a faithful reader – Chris – to give me a little poke to inspire me to write about it. Chris wrote: “I am planning on building a 40×56 pole barn and would like to use part […]

Read more

Simpson Drive Screws

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/03/2017
Simpson Drive Screws

Simpson  SD#9112 Screws Our clients tend to build great relationships with the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Wizardess of Deliveries…Justine. Due to this, she fields more than a few questions from clients which should be directed to our Technical Support Department. Justine has learned enough, however, so she has the ability to answer a plethora of the […]

Read more

Why Use Stainless Steel Screws with Steel Roofing and Siding?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/02/2017
Why Use Stainless Steel Screws with Steel Roofing and Siding?

One of our prospective clients recently contacted me with a list of features being promoted by a builder he was considering investing in a post frame building kit with. One of the features happened to be the use of stainless steel screws to attach the steel roofing and siding. My quick, off the cuff, response […]

Read more

Find Me a Contractor to Erect My Building!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/28/2017
Find Me a Contractor to Erect My Building!
Fewer and fewer of our clients seem to have the inclination to erect their own post frame building kits. Here is one and my response ended up being quite lengthy. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you have about 3 names of companies/contractors that can erect my 40x40x14 hanger kit, once I buy it from you […] Read more

What Type of Barns Do You Sell?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/22/2017
What Type of Barns Do You Sell?

And my response to the question would be, “What type of barn would you like to invest in”? Here is the full question asked by JOEL in THOMASVILLE: “What type of pole barns do you sell? (Truss on post or truss on band) Also what’s the spacing on the trusses? 2 foot, 4 foot”   […]

Read more

Blog Entries Lead to Post Depth Question!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/20/2017
Blog Entries Lead to Post Depth Question!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. I have been reading the various blog entries for several days, regarding pole barn construction.  I have been in contact with your design professional, but I a question that I thought might be a question that could possibly benefit others with a similar situation. I am in the process […]

Read more

Pros and Cons of Two-Story Pole Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/16/2017
Pros and Cons of Two-Story Pole Buildings

Building a two-story or multi-story pole barn is an ambitious project, and if you’re considering such an undertaking, be sure you know both the advantages of stacking space and the issues that come with it. Think about some of these common pros and cons related to the construction of two-story pole buildings, and remember: the […]

Read more

Building Site Preparation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/08/2017
Building Site Preparation

I’m a Bit Confused… No, not me – one of our clients who is about ready to invest in his new Hansen Pole Buildings’ Post Frame Building kit. Just like me, when I have something new on the way, Phil is chomping at the bit to be doing something! Anything! DEAR POLE BARN GURU:  I’m trying […]

Read more

Should I Buy This Building?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/01/2017
Should I Buy This Building?

Some Unsuspecting Person Will Buy This Building (or one like it) The post frame (pole barn) building industry is relatively unfettered by needs for buildings to have structural plan reviews (In My Humble Opinion [IMHO] BAD), building inspections (again IMHO – BAD), and plans sealed by a registered design professional (architect or engineer – again […]

Read more

Shopping for Pole Barn Engineering

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/31/2017
Shopping for Pole Barn Engineering

Shopping for Pole Barn Engineering When most of us shop for a new computer or a new car, we don’t go shopping for the best deal on the design so we can go buy the pieces on our own – we shop for the finished product which best meets with our needs. Getting a “great […]

Read more

Wood Floor Trusses

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/27/2017
Wood Floor Trusses

When I was first in the metal connector plated wood truss industry back in 1977, my employers – Dutch Andres and Tom Vincent at Spokane Truss, had just invested in a machine which would fabricate what would be called a 4×2 floor truss. These trusses revolutionized the way floors could be constructed – freeing up […]

Read more