Category Archives: Trusses
Building Your Own Pole Barn Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/20/2022Wants to Build His Own Pole Barn Trusses Reader DANIEL in HAMPSHIRE writes: “Good evening, I was wondering if I could ask for your help? I have a question regarding truss designs and truss spacing. I’m building a pole barn (50ft wide x 112ft long x 12ft tall). Prices of pole barn kits have skyrocketed […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Top Chord Bracing, Wind Load, Bottom Chord Live Load, Registered Design Professional, Snow Load, Bottom Chord Bracing, Clear Span, Bottom Chord Dead Load, Top Chord Live Load, Trusses, Top Chord Dead Load, Gusset Plates, Professional Engineer
- 1 comments
Barndo Living, Bracing a Roof Only, and Housewrap
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/19/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about “barndo living” and the how to’s of post frame construction in Pagosa Springs, CO, bracing a roof only structure for working cattle, and if sheathing and housewrap are needed for a post frame building using wet-set brackets. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Have you ever constructed […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Ventilation, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Post Frame Building, Post Frame DIY, Post Frame Living, Wet Set Brackets, Shear Strength, Roof Only, Sheathing, Bracing, Housewrap, Barndomimium Kits
- No comments
Materials for Girts, a Raised Floor, Truss Loads
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/12/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about girt material choices for a 60’x120′ shed, Mike’s thoughts on a raised floor to compensate for a 7% grade change, and if some 4′ oc trusses can handle the load of a heater. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I plan on putting up a 60′ x […]
Read moreReason You Go With Engineered Prints
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/29/2022Reason 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 […]
Read moreSnow Load, Clear Span Scissor Trusses, and a Window Replacement
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/14/2022This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about whether or not a 30 year old building correct snow load, the possibility of clear spanning scissor trusses to eighty feet, and assistance with the replacement (or repair) of a window in a Hansen Building from 2014. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How do I figure […]
Read moreWeather Resistant Barriers, LVL Notches, and Design Ideas
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/07/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about weather resistant barriers, a caution to not attempt to notch LVL rafters, and a recommended design solution for a new build. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are in process of designing our barndominium with hoping to start building next spring. Do you have a recommendation […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Ventilation, Insulation, Building Interior, Pole Barn Questions, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Overhangs, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Standing Seam, Truss Spacing, LVL, Notching Rafters, Spray Foam, Overhangs, Weather Resistant Barriers, Design Solutions
- No comments
Installation Guidance on Truss-to-Post Connections
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/09/2022Installation Guidance on Truss-to-Post Connections Originally Published by Frame Building News May 24. 2022 This article series has been focused on installation best practices as it pertains to long-span metal-plate connected wood trusses in post-frame buildings. We’ve explored the reasoning behind why truss handling on the jobsite should be minimized, and how proper jobsite storage […]
Read moreSite Slope, Gable End Exhaust Fans, and Setting Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/03/2022Today’s Ask the Guru blog answers reader questions about building on a slope, a recommendation for gable end exhaust fans, and setting trusses into columns. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I always see pole barns being built on level ground. is there any reason my concrete slab, perimeter board, and exterior grade can’t slope 1/4″ per […]
Read moreA Truss Raising Challenge
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/26/2022A Truss Raising Challenge STEVE in ST. MARIES writes: “My question is about raising my trusses. I bought my building package when prices were rapidly rising, not knowing how high they would go. I was only able to afford a third of the building I wanted, but I had the engineer design it so I […]
Read moreCalculate the Basic Stats
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/19/2022Calculate The Basic Stats: by Mike Momb, Technical Director, Hansen Pole Buildings, LLC Basic Stats for Post-Frame Home Floor Plans If there is a single commonality among us humans, it is this – we are dimensionally challenged. This situation is even more so crucial when it comes to planning your new post-frame home. Here […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Trusses
- Tags: Finished Ceiling, Splash Plank, Glulams, Sheetrock, Roof System Thickness, Staircase, Insulation Bookshelf Girts
- No comments
When a Gift Keeps on Giving
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/12/2022When a Gift Keeps on Giving In our last thrilling installment, our client’s builder was looking at a pile of kindling left after a Christmas Eve windstorm collapsed an under construction 80 foot x 240 foot riding arena. In this instance, our client’s Christmas morning surprise, was a gift to be repeated. Original building erector […]
Read moreChristmas Morning 2017
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/07/2022Christmas Morning 2017 Christmas morning is traditionally when youngsters awaken their parent far too early – too see what surprises Santa has left them overnight. On occasion there are surprises for adults as well – some of them not always as desired. Below pictured are beginnings of an 80 foot wide clearspan by 240 foot […]
Read morePole Barn Garage Wood Floor
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/09/2022Pole Barn Garage Wood Floor Reader CLIFFORD writes: “Hello, I found where you had answered a question about a wood floor in a garage while I was searching the web asking “Wood floor in a garage?”. Let me explain, I am a disabled veteran living on a fixed income. I have a blood cancer as […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Floor Joists, Plywood, Wood Flooring, Wood Floor, Waste Rock, Treated Plywood, Joists
- No comments
Basement Addition, Gambrel Modification, and a New Home
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/08/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the addition of a basement to an existing pole barn, the possibility of modifying an existing gambrel style horse barn, and the connection of a house and garage. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am considering building a partial basement under my existing Pole Barn Building […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Barndominium, Building Interior, Shouse, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure, Gambrel, Trusses, Concrete, Post Frame Home
- Tags: Soils Report, Horse Barn, Basement Addition, Engineer Soils Report, Gambrel, Attached Garage, Post Frame House, Basement
- No comments
Basic Stats for Post Frame Home Floor Plans
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/07/2022Basic Stats for Post Frame Home Floor Plans If there is a single commonality among us humans it is this – we are dimensionally challenged. This situation is even more so crucial when it comes to planning your new post frame home. Here are a few tips to help you out: EAVE HEIGHT Measure from […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Trusses, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Building How To Guides, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Insulation, Wood Floor Trusses, Splash Plank, Finished Ceilings, Bookshelf Girts, Eight Foot Finished Ceiling, Eave Height, Roof System Thickness, Glulams, Truss Heel Height, Roof Purlins, Exterior Grade, Ceiling Height
- No comments
Condensation Prevention, Sound Proofing, and Snow Loads
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/01/2022This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about condensation prevention by placing foam board over the top of 2×4 purlins, options for sound proofing a post frame home, and if 2×4 flat purlins can hold a specific snow load. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning a pole barn; the roof will have […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Trusses, Ventilation, Professional Engineer, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials
- Tags: Condensation, Condensation Prevention, OSB Roofing, Spray Foam, Steel Over OSB, Purlin Spacing, Snow Loads, Drip Stop
- No comments
Price Per Square, Scissor Truss Spacing, and Column Spacing.
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/25/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about our “best guess at price per square…” for a Hansen Building Kit, spacing for scissor trusses, and if there is a national code for post spacing in a barndominium. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is your best guess at price per square foot range materials […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Colors, Trusses, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Price Per Square Foot, Scissor Trusses, Columns Spacing, Cost Per Square Foot, Truss Spacing, Post Frame Pricing, Post Spacing
- No comments
Finding Which Way is Up
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/24/2022Finding Which Way Is Up Avid reader DAVE in BLUFFDALE writes: “As I told Trey, I’ve been reading and reading and reading your blog posts until I don’t know which way is up! Don’t get me wrong, you’ve done an amazing job with your blog posts, but it can be a bit overwhelming. I think […]
Read moreGuidance on Diagonal Bracing on Long Span Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/10/2022Guidance on Diagonal Bracing on Long Span Trusses A brief note from the Pole Barn Guru: Hansen Pole Buildings includes a copy of BSCI-B10 “Post Frame Truss Installation and Bracing” to our clients in our Construction Manual. Originally Published by: Frame Building News — December 16, 2021 SBCA appreciates your input; please email us if you have any comments […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Triangulation, Lateral Restraint, Diagonal Bracing, Shear Wall, Long Span Trusses, Frame Building News, Building Component Safety Information, Temporary Restraint And Bracing
- No comments
Hart and Home YouTube Episode IV-The Final Chapter
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/05/2022Hart and Home YouTube – Episode IV The Final Chapter If you missed our previous episodes, please go to bottom of this article, on left, and click on arrow thrice to go to Hart and Home YouTube – Episode I. Moving forward: While individual results may vary, our clients have generally had good experiences using […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse, Trusses, Fasteners
- Tags: Integral Condensation Control, Ceiling Joists, J Chanel, Splash Plank, Integral J Channel, Ceiling Loaded Trusses, F Trim, F And J Trim, Kevin Hart
- No comments
Hart and Home Youtube Episode III
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/03/2022Hart and Home YouTube – Episode III If you missed our previous episodes, please go to bottom of this article, on left, and click on arrow twice to go to Hart and Home YouTube – Episode I. Moving forward: For those following along at home: Some discussion will be made here about “allowable defects” in […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Columns
- Tags: Crook, Timbers, End Splits, Checks, Knots, Lumber Twist, Holes, Wane, Lumber Defects, Bow
- No comments
Financing, Beam Sizes, and a 3 Ply Truss Connection
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/27/2022Today the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about available financing for a pole building, a required beam size for 20′ post spacing, and a small connection for 3 ply trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you offer financing? Thanks. DERRICK in DETROIT DEAR DERRICK: Yes, we offer a variety of financing options. Please visit […]
Read moreAdding a Post Frame Gable Extension
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/31/2022Adding a Post Frame Gable Extension A roof line extension off a post frame gable endwall is an affordable method to cover porches, patios, or even as a carport. As opposed to attaching a single sloping (shed style) roof, it will not reduce headroom or block line-of-sight. It is also easier to build as it […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Porches, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Columns, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Gable Extension, Registered Professional, UC-4B Treated Columns, Porches, Architect, Engineer, Carport, Gable Endwall
- No comments
Where We Ship, Raising Walls, and Bottom Chord Dead Loads
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/30/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about where we ship, whether or not trying to raise pre-assembled walls is a good idea, and the use of double or single trusses when applying drywall. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Where do you guys ship? Nationwide? SUZANNE in BROOKSVILLE DEAR SUZANNE: Hansen Pole Buildings is […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Concrete, Building Interior, tools, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Bottom Chord Dead Load, Shipping, Drywall Ceiling, Hansen Locations, Hansen Shipping, Hanging Trusses, Double Trusses, Building Walls, Pre-assembled Walls
- No comments
How Much Will My New Pole Barn Cost?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/08/2022How Much Will My New Pole Barn Cost? Reader CLAUDIO in LEWIS writes: “Hello, I would like to know what would be the cost to build a pole barn building 25’x50′ with loft? Are the interior partitions and insulated walls and floors included? Is the permit application included? Is delivery and construction included in your […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, floorplans, Building Contractor, Trusses, Concrete, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Fiberglass Batt Insulation, Building Permits, Pole Barn, Interior Partition Wall Framing, Engineer Sealed Blueprints, DIY Pole Barns, DIY Pole Buildings, Wall Framing
- 2 comments
Spray Foam, Second Floor, and Bending Posts
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/02/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses a reader’s concern about “condensation leaks” when using spray foam, advice on costs of attic trusses vs traditional second floor, and how to stop posts from bending when the wind blows. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a 40×50 post frame building as my garage. It will […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Insulation, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Ventilation
- Tags: Condensation Control, Attic Trusses, Floor Trusses, Post Size, Condensation Barrier, Spray Foam, Two Story Post Frame, Wind Load, Engineered Post Frame Plans
- 2 comments
When Friends Buy Buildings From Others
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/24/2022When Friends Buy Buildings From Others Long ago, in a galaxy far away……well actually it is in our galaxy. Jeff and I met roughly 40 years ago, when his mother and my father dated. About 15 years later, I was Jeff’s sponsor when he became a member of Spokane Valley Rotary. In recent years, Jeff […]
Read more4×4 or Double 2×4 Bay Roof Purlins?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/10/20224×4 or Double 2×4 for 12’ Bay Roof Purlins? Reader JOHN in HUNTSVILLE writes: “If you have trusses spaced at 12 feet, can a 4x4x12 or two 2x4x12’s span the distance given the minimal snow loads in Arkansas? I know this is question #2 but what kind of joist hangers do you use (Simpson Number […]
Read moreFraming Loads, Footing Pads, and a Pole Barn Home
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/05/2022This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru kicks off 2022 with reader questions about framing loads using heavy duty steel roof trusses, a stone siding wainscot, and lap siding. Mike then addresses questions about footing pads, and finally creating a pole barn home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning to build a pole barn 36×40 […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Trusses, Barndominium, Concrete, Concrete Cookie
- Tags: Steel Trusses, Footings, Concrete Collars, Post Frame Home, Trusses, Framing Loads, Footing Pads
- No comments
Why Your New Barndominium Should Be Post Frame
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/04/2022Why Your New Barndominium Should Be Post Frame For those who follow me – you know I am all about people loving their end results. As long as one has a fully engineered building they love, I couldn’t be more pleased, regardless of the structural system. In My Humble Opinion – fully engineered post frame […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Buildings History, Barndominium
- Tags: PEMB Building, Stick Frame Design, Barndominium, International Residential Code, Bookshelf Wall Girts, Stick Frame Building, Geotechnical Engineer
- 6 comments
Hansen (J.A.), the Insides, and Ceiling Liner Panels
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/29/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru responds to reader questions about “Hansen” and the person behind the name, what the inside of a building might look like, and the possibility of adding ceiling liner panels to scissor trusses spaced 4 feet apart. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How long has Hansen (the man himself) been building […]
Read moreYou Can Do It!
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/23/2021You Can Do It! Screamed headlines of my first ever print display ad for pole barn kits in 1981! I have included below a snippet from one of my first blog posts from 10 years ago: “In the summer of 1979, home interest rates began to rise. Idaho had a usury limit, home mortgages stopped […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Kiln Dried Lumber, Hansen Pole Buildings, Lucas Plywood And Lumber, Pole Barn Kits, Steel Plates, Trusses, Truss Chords, Green Lumber, Hansen Buildings
- No comments
Screw Penetration, Truss Carrier Requirements, and Roof Insulation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/08/2021Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about screw penetration into decking/substrate, header aka truss carrier requirements, and a proper roof insulation solution. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Should the screws for exposed fastener metal panel roofing COMPLETELY penetrate the 1/2″ plywood decking/substrate? STEVE in WARREN DEAR STEVE: For through screws, they should not only completely […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Professional Engineer, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Heating, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Trusses
- Tags: Roof Insulation, Ventilation, Diaphragm Screws, Spray Foam Insulation, Truss Carriers, Headers, Screw Penetration
- No comments
Roof Insulation, a Riding Arena, and Closure Strips
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/24/2021Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about insulating a roof to keep exposed trusses, the size limits for and equestrian riding arena, and whether or not to use closure strips between the gable (rake) trim and siding. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 30×40 post frame building with cathedral style trusses. I really […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Horse Riding Arena
- Tags: Horse Arena, Moisture Barrier, Riding Arena, Truss Span, Spray Foam, Roof Insulation, Ventilation, Closure Strips
- No comments
A Basement Foundation, a Leaky Roof, and Raising Bays
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/17/2021Today’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 […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Rebuilding Structures, Pole Barn Questions, Building Interior, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials
- Tags: Post Frame Foundation, Basement, Foundation, Raise Building, Roof Repair, Leaky Roof, EPDM Screws, Add Height To Building, Basement Foundation
- No comments
Switching Post Sizes, Structure Length, and Fire Damage
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/10/2021This week’s ask the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about switching post sizes from a 6×6’s to 6×4’s, how long a structure can be built with 15 trusses with 2×4 chords, and if it is possible to rebuild on a slab that was part of a fire loss. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior, Professional Engineer
- Tags: 6x6 Columns, Building Length, Post Sizes, Alternative Post Sizes, Trusses, Fire Damage, Rebuilding Structure, Slab Damage
- No comments
Convert to Residence, Insulation, and Truss Spans
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/03/2021Today’s Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about building upgrades to convert to a residential use, how to best insulate a monitor style building, and the possibility of trusses spanning 40′ to eliminate interior posts in a shop/storage building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We bought a pole barn with no insulation, just studs and metal […]
Read moreCupola Sizes, Insulation for a Ceiling, and Structural Pieces
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/25/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about cupola sizes, the proper way to insulate a shed ceiling, and a structural materials question. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What base size and height is correct for a cupolas for a 32’ wide by 36’ long by 35-40’ high with a 10 over 12 pitch […]
Read more- Categories: Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Professional Engineer, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Lumber, Insulation, Trusses, Pole Barn Questions, Ventilation, Pole Barn Design, Building Interior
- Tags: Ceiling Insulation, Roof Condensation, Cupola, Trusses, Cupola Sizes, Cupola Base, Insulation, Steel Rolls, Condensation, Roll Form
- No comments
Nightmare From a Local Pole Building Contractor
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/08/2021Nightmare From a Local Pole Building Contractor Reader RICK in OOLTEWAH writes: “Regrettably, after going with a local “pole building” contractor I find myself with a semi-completed building and a number of issues (I believe) to work through. The attached photos will hopefully help complete the picture. I was mostly ignorant of the pole building […]
Read moreHand Winches, Mono Trusses, and a Post Frame Home
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/04/2021This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of hand winches to raise trusses, how to secure mono trusses built from complete trusses – DON’T- and the costs to build a small post frame home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m curious of the stability of wet set brackets during raising our […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium
- Tags: Mono-truss, Hand Winch, Raising Trusses, Winch Box, Engineered Trusses, Post Frame Costs, Post Frame Home
- No comments
Building After a Burn Down
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/17/2021Building After a Burn Down Western United States wildfires have been featured on network newscasts and seen in our air for months. My own Auntie Norma’s home was a victim of California’s 2018 Camp Fire – where she lost all of her worldly possessions. Reader MATHEW in RENO writes: “Greetings, I know I’m not the […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete, Budget, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Closed Cell Foam Insulation, Pex Tubing, Wildfires, Building Wildfires Protections, Concrete Sleeves, Fire Proofing, Lowes, Phonehenge, Home Depot, Prebuilt Roof Trusses, Vinyl Flooring
- No comments
Vaulted Barndominium Ceilings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/08/2021I Like Vaulted Barndominium Ceilings When I built my first personal post frame shop/house, it had a 7/12 exterior roof slope, to match other buildings on the same property. Upper level of this building was designed as an area where we would potentially place a ping pong table. To allow for lobs, I had prefabricated […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Trusses
- Tags: Ranch Rambler, Scissor Trusses, Barndominium, Vaulted Ceiling, Tray Ceiling, Second Story Space, Standard Room Framing
- No comments
Driver Bits, a Big Room, and Overhead Door Space
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/06/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about driver bits, the ability to build one big room, and the ability to place a 14′ tall overhead garage door in a building with 14′ sidewalls. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Just read a post you had in 2013 that Hansen supplier uses high quality screws. Getting […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, tools, Pole Barn Homes, Sectional Doors, Overhead Doors, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Driver Bits, Master Surface Magnetic Drive Bits, Overhead Garage Door Size, OHD Space, Post Frame House, Clear Span Building, Shouse
- No comments
Contract Scheduling and Terms
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/06/2021Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases where a builder is providing erection services […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Lofts, Pole Barn Planning, Skylights, Building Contractor, Trusses
- Tags: Concrete, Labor Costs, Mezzanine, Architect, Engineer, Cement, Truss Web Bracing, Scheduling, Exclusions, Web Bracing Material, Rebar, Decks, Lofts, Contractor, International Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- No comments
Builder Warranty Example
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/04/2021Example Builder Warranty Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. I cannot express strongly enough how important to both builders and their clients to have a written warranty in any agreement. WARRANTIES: There is no […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Rebuilding Structures, Columns, Lumber, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Building Contractor
- Tags: Builder Warranty, Glu-laminated Columns, Defective Part, Manufacterer's Warranties, Warranty Work, Floor Joists, Warranty, Ceiling Joists, Rafters, Trusses, Solid Sawn Columns, Seller, Purchaser
- No comments
Contracts: Inspect It, Inventory It
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/30/2021Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases where a builder is providing erection services […]
Read more- Categories: Powder Coated Screws, Budget, Columns, Lumber, Fasteners, Insulation, Skylights, Roofing Materials, Cupolas, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Doors, Barndominium, Trusses, Windows
- Tags: Change Order, Holdback, Utilization, Damaged Materials, Material Shortage, Inventory, Inspection
- No comments
Contractual Minimum Material Specifications
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/16/2021Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases where a builder is providing erection services […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Fasteners, Lumber, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Sliding Doors, Steel Roofing & Siding, Overhead Doors, Pole Building Siding, Trusses
- Tags: Splash Plank, Material Specifications, Skirt Boards, Standard Grading Rules, Eave Light Panels, UC4B Treated Columns, J Channel, Butyl Tape Sealant, Truss Tails, Drip Edge
- No comments
Condensation Issues, Adding a Loft, and Metal Truss Load
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/12/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses issues with condensation in a new building, advice for adding a loft, and achieving a roof load for prefabricated metal trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I have a new construction pole barn that I recently had put up. The building is used to primarily house animals. When […]
Read moreAttic Truss Lofts, Wall Switch Heights, and A Shouse
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/14/2021Today the Pole Barn Guru responds to reader questions about an attic truss loft, whether or not wall switches and outlet heights are different for post frame, and building a shouse– garage with living space above (Shop/House). DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to have a loft in a 30 x 50 x 8 […]
Read moreThings You Want to See On a Building Proposal
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/11/2021Things You Want to See on a Building Proposal/Contract Maybe you (as a soon to be building owner, building contractor or provider) are satisfied with being overly vague when it comes to what you are buying or selling. From a contractor/provider standpoint, this gives you lots of leeway to add ‘extra dealer margin’ by providing […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Windows, Barndominium, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Building Interior, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Integrated J Channel, Reflective Radiant Barrier, International Building Code, ANSI, Bookshelf Girts, American National Standards Institute, Single Hung Windows, External Girts, Sliding Windows, Tyvek, Dripstop, International Residential Code, Condenstop, Metal Building Insulation
- No comments
Is Western SPF at $2000 Just Around the Corner?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/28/2021Is Western SPF at $2000 Just Around the Corner? Originally Published by: Russ Taylor Global by Russ Taylor, President — May 4, 2021 In late July 2020 I wrote an article in the WOOD MARKETS Monthly Report (my last-ever editorial) where I posed the question if W-SPF 2×4 #2&Better Random Lengths (FOB BC Mill) lumber could achieve the US$1,000/Mbf threshold […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Buildings History, Trusses, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Lumber, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Logistics Providers, British Columbia Lumber Industry, Pine Beetle Epidemic, Layman's Lumber Guide, Russ Taylor Global, Russ Taylor, Wood Markets Monthly Report, W-SPF
- No comments
What Surging Lumber Prices Have Done to Barndominiums
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/19/2021What Surging Lumber Prices Have Done to Barndominiums Based upon NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) data from April 26, 2021 According to NAHB’s latest estimates, a year of rising softwood lumber has added $35,872 to an average new single-family home’s price. These estimates are based on softwood lumber used directly and embodied in products going into […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Building Contractor, Trusses, Alternate Siding, Budget, Porches, Columns
- Tags: Builder Practices Survey, Home Innovation Research Labs, Random Lengths, Annual Wholesale Trade Tables, National Association Of Home Builders
- 3 comments
UC-4B Treated Columns, A Connecting Structure, and Custom Options
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/17/2021This 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Constructing a Pole Building, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Monitor Building, Custom Building, Expandable Closures, Treated Posts, Building Addition, Pressure Preservative Treated Columns, UC-4B, EmSeal, Flashing
- No comments
Not Quite an Acme Hole Kit
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/12/2021Not quite an Acme Hole Kit I grew up in an era where we (as children) could watch cartoons such as Road Runner and not immediately go out and try antics as pictured on our screens. Somehow our generation understood this and used common sense. One of my favorites is Acme’s “Hole Kit” where a […]
Read moreHaving to Wait for Prefabricated Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/07/2021Having to Wait For Prefabricated Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses Lately I have read social media posts of people having to wait for as long as six months to get prefabricated metal plate connected wood trusses (MPCWT). We received this notification from one of our major MPCWT providers: “Our truss plate supplier has informed us […]
Read moreInsulation Addition, A Clear Span Monitor, and Post Frame Code
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/05/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses adding insulation to an existing building, building a monitor style building with a large clear span main level, and a building official misinforming a potential client. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I currently have a 30×50 Wick building on some property which I purchased last May. The building is […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Ventilation
- Tags: Building Officials, Moisture Barrier, Monitor Style Buildings, Insulation, Building Codes
- 4 comments
Stamped Plans, Bottom Chord Loads, and Spray Foam Options
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/29/2021This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about engineer stamped plans, hanging sheetrock of OSB from truss bottom chords, and the best choice for spray foam insulation in a post frame building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are your drawings engineer stamped to meet local municipality requirements? ERIK in LAS VEGAS DEAR ERIK: Yes, […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Ventilation, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Insulation, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Questions, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Insulation, BCDL, Sealed Plans, Spray Foam, Bottom Chord Dead Load, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Engineer Stamped Plans
- 2 comments
Long Span Truss Storage
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/02/2021Site Storage Guidance for Long-Span Trusses Originally published by: Construction Magazine Network(link is external) — February 3, 2021 The following article was produced and published by the source linked to above, who is solely responsible for its content. The Pole Barn Guru blog is publishing this story to raise awareness of information publicly available online and does not verify the […]
Read moreA Building Addition, A “Coverup,” and Advice for an Acquired Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/01/2021Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding on to an existing pole barn with use of 24″ oc trusses, covering old wooden sliding doors with steel, and advice regarding erecting an acquired Cuckler steel building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Trying to plan on a 36’x80’x12′ addition to an existing 30’x40’x10′ pole barn. […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Rebuilding Structures
- Tags: Sliding Door Parts, Building Addition, 24" O.C., Sheathing Steel, Door Trim, Cuckler Steel Building, Truss Spacing, Engineering
- No comments
Market News: OSB Shortage
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/18/2021Market News: Oriented Strandboard Shortages We are now living in a world of COVID induced product shortages – from commodities such as toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products to simple things such as McCormick Thick and Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Mix. When it comes to building products, it is not unheard of to have to […]
Read moreLong-Span Truss Installation Guidance for Post-Frame
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/03/2021Long-Span Truss Installation Guidance for Post-Frame Originally published by: Construction Magazine Network(link is external) — January 18, 2021 The following article was produced and published by the source linked to above, who is solely responsible for its content. Hansen Pole Buildings, LLC is publishing this story to raise awareness of information publicly available online and […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Strong Back, Trusses, Sean Shields, Jim Vogt, Truss Plates, Long-span Wood Roof Trusses, "spaghetti Effect", Metal Plate Connected Wood Roof Trusses, Engineer, Strongbacking
- No comments
Spray Foam, “Rat Guard” Trim Cutting, and Ceiling Support Spans
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/01/2021This Monday the Pole Barn Guru takes reader questions about spray foam in an attic space, cutting “rat guard” trim, and ceiling joists for a 9′ span between trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am in the process of completing my Hansen building and decided to spray foam the roof and gable ends above the […]
Read moreWorking a Shop Mezzanine in With Planning Department Height Restrictions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/26/2021Not every post frame building gets planned and constructed in areas where height limitations are not an issue. Reader AARON in BURLINGTON gets to deal with his Planning and Zoning Department placing height restrictions on what he can build. Aaron writes: “I am planning a 45×56 pole barn, with ~16ft deep mezzanine on the end […]
Read moreLadder Framing, Use of Red Cedar Posts, and Custom Steel Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/25/2021This Monday the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about “ladder framing,” aka bookshelf girts, the use of Eastern Red Cedar posts in post frame construction, and if Hansen provides custom steel trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I had a question about ladder framing on a finish shop. I was thinking about running my two […]
Read moreWide Clearspan Barndominium Floors
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/19/2021Wide 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 […]
Read moreSteeply Sloped Post Frame Roofs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/14/2021With fully engineered post frame buildings becoming a popular barndominium design solution, future home owners are looking for more variety in their builds. Loyal reader KEITH in MADISON is one of these and writes: “Thanks very much for all the work you do to make this website such a treasure trove of information! Online, I […]
Read moreA Hay Barn Challenge
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/12/2021Seemingly every small town in America has one or more pole barn ‘builders’. Many of them are more jack-of-all-trades and masters of none. They frame a few houses, do a deck or two, maybe some interior remodels in winter months and along with this – a handful of pole barns. Sadly, in my humble opinion, […]
Read moreUnseen Danger of Hiring a Building Contractor
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/01/2021Earlier this year I had written about a post frame building construction site incident: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/07/safely-erecting-post-frame-buildings/. As we live in an overly litigious society, there is yet more to this story: “A Theresa man injured when roof trusses at a construction site gave way in high winds in June has filed a lawsuit against the site’s […]
Read moreFun With a Cheap Steel Truss Pole Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/18/2020Most of our country is unfamiliar with low budget steel truss pole barns produced and sold primarily in Southeastern states. There is a reason these are prevalent where there is no snow – just in case you were wondering. Disclaimer, I have no issues at all with prefabricated light gauge steel trusses, provided they have […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Ventilation, Insulation, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Condensation, Monolithic Concrete Slab, Blow In Insulation, Attic, Foam Board, Steel Truss, Reflective Radiant Barrier, Steel Truss Pole Barn, Insulation, Monolithic Slab
- No comments
Pitch a Roof, Up or Out, and a Site Prep Problem
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/14/2020Today’s Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about a “way to put a pitch on a flat carport roof,” when building is is cheaper to go “up or out,” and “extra” costs associated with poor site prep. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the fastest, least expensive way to put a pitch on a flat […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Trusses, Concrete, Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Building Styles and Designs
- Tags: Building Footprint, Roof Modification, Up Or Out, Site Prep, Roof Pitch, Grade Changes
- No comments
Our Builder Has a Few Questions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/26/2020Our Builder Has a Few Questions Not a surprising statement, as few stick frame (stud wall) builders are willing to learn a new structural system, and few post frame builders have actually erected barndominiums or shouses (shop/houses). I was a first group member (although willing to learn) and frankly lost my posterior financially erecting my […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Building Contractor, Trusses, Ventilation, Insulation, Building Interior, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Scissor Trusses, Drywall, OSB, Trusses On 2' Centers, Spray Foam, Ventilation
- No comments
Splash Boards, Roof Loads, and Truss Spacing
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/23/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about shrinkage of splash boards installed wet, roof load capacity, and truss spacing for an RV storage building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have two questions (related) regarding splash boards and concrete floor top. My splash boards have been in place for quite a while, and […]
Read moreFloor Trusses, Plywood Floor, and Post Frame Conversion
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/09/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building to FEMA Flood Code for a raised wood floor, use of a plywood floor instead of concrete pad, and finding a certified engineer to help with conversion of pole barn to a home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have to build according to the current […]
Read moreMy Pole Barn is Chilly
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/30/2020Reader TIM from INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN has a chilling challenge, he writes: “Fabulous site, congrats. I have a 40×60 pole barn with 10ft ceiling to the bottom of the rafters. Last year I put a 150k btu heater in to try and take the chill out a bit. It didn’t work so well because […]
Read moreSpan, Vapor Barriers, and Planning a Pole Barn
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/26/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the widest span a post frame building can be built, vapor barrier on a roof only structure, and the proper steps for planning a pole barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How wide can you span? And approx cost per sq ft for an erected shell, […]
Read moreBusting Post Frame Barndominium Myths
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/20/2020Busting Post Frame Barndominium Myths Yep, I have been web surfing again and I came across a stick frame building contractor’s website who obviously either doesn’t understand fully engineered post frame construction, or just frankly doesn’t care to add it to his arsenal of design solutions. My comments are in italics. MYTH #1. MOST BANKS WON’T […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Shouse, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete
- Tags: Concrete Piers, Double Trusses, Building Code Compliant, Steel Brackets, Barndominium, Footers, Post Frame Barndominium, Concrete Footers, Construction Loan
- 2 comments
Dry Set Brackets, Snow Loads, and Winch Boxes
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/13/2020The Pole Barn Guru continues to be inundated with reader questions, so we will be adding some mid-week PBG responses. First off is a questions about attaching posts to a square footing with dry set brackets, whether or not a Hansen Building can withstand a 40lb snow load (they most certainly can), and the use […]
Read moreAvoiding Being Driven Crazy With Barndominium Questions Part II
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/08/2020Part II of a two part series. If you didn’t see Part I, go back one day. Mike’s answers are in italics. In each house at ends of the “L” layout, I plan to have 1/3 open plan at two stories, for our great room, with nice windows for great views. The other 2/3 areas […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Concrete, Columns, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Type X Sheetrock, LVL Beams, Splash Plank, Pressure Preservative Treated Splash Plank, Bookshelf Girts, Toe-nailing, Clearspan, Clearspan Trusses
- 1 comments
Loading Gambrel Loft Space
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/29/2020Loading Gambrel Loft Space Loyal reader ANDY in OXFORD writes: “Mike, First, thanks for providing so much useful information to all of us. I’ve read about 1,200 of your blog entries so far, and I’ve learned so much. I have already priced a 30X36X11 Gambrel Roof building from Hansen for a woodworking shop. I’m committed […]
Read moreA Future House, Eave Height, and Pricing for Horse Arena
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/28/2020This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about an ideal pole barn to convert into a house, the height of the exterior wall with an 11′ interior ceiling height, how clear span affects the costs of a horse arena. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good Morning, We just put in an offer on land in […]
Read moreDIY Post Frame Construction and Winch Boxes
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/11/2020Loyal reader and Hansen Pole Buildings’ client BOB in MOSINEE writes: “Hello Mike, This weekend I’m going to begin construction on my Hansen pole building. Very excited. You guys have been great to work with. I had originally planned to have one built by one of the bigger named companies, but after seeing what they […]
Read moreHelping a Student with His Post Frame Thesis
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/10/2020Post frame buildings are becoming more relevant as a design solution for residential construction. I recently was contacted to assist a student and will let him tell his story: “My name is George xxxxxx, I am currently a thesis student at Auburn University’s Rural Studio, located in Hale County, Alabama. I am looking into pole […]
Read moreTop Chord Repair, Little Voices, and Building Use
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/31/2020Today the Pole Barn Guru tackles questions about repairing a rotted top chord of an existing truss, a little voice in a contractor’s head, and the use of an existing building on newly purchased parcel. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When we bought our property the pole barn on it already had a rotting roof with […]
Read moreFinal Inspection, Framing Lumber, and Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/21/2020This Friday’s blog include some extra Pole Barn Guru reader’s questions about a final inspection, materials needs for a building, and the quantity of trusses for another. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In a pole barn the inspector will not pass final inspection with a crushed concrete floor for storage of any kind of vehicle inside […]
Read moreA Shouse, Eliminating Condensation, and Building Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/17/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the design of a shouse (shop house), a resolutions for condensation, and building trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi – We are looking into pole barn buildings however we’re clueless on where to start and how big we actually need it to be. My husband […]
Read moreCost of a Pole Barn Home, Metal Trusses, and Rafter Connections
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/03/2020Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about he cost of a pole barn home, the possible life span of metal trusses, and connecting wing trusses or rafters to posts on a “monitor” style building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to build a small pole barn home for $100K or less? KERI […]
Read moreTruss Spacing and Design
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/23/2020Truss Spacing and Design for Sheathed Post Frame Roofs In most instances, there is not a structural or Code requirement for solid roof sheathing (plywood or OSB – Oriented Strand Board) to be placed below through screwed roof steel for post frame buildings. In some cases, clients look upon this as being an easier installation […]
Read moreSafely Erecting Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/03/2020Safely Erecting Post Frame Buildings Most post frame buildings can be easily erected DIY (do it yourself) by an average physically capable person who can and will read instructions. In fact, most DIY post frame buildings turn out far nicer (in quality of workmanship) than those done by professional builders – because as a building […]
Read moreConcrete Piers, RV Carport, a Wedding Venue
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/29/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building with concrete piers, design of storage for an RV, and how wide a venue for weddings can be built. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I will start with the biggest question I have. Can you design a Pole Barn building 40x60x14 Gable roof 5/12 to be […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Footings, Pole Barn Homes, Venues
- Tags: Concrete Piers, RV Shed, Open Carport
- No comments
A Shouse, Adding Tin to Block Siding, and Truss Carriers
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/08/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles the subjects of building a shouse with RV storage, how to add tin to block siding, and truss carriers vs notched posts. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning! My wife and are currently going to market with our home in Lakeville and are considering our next steps. We […]
Read moreImagining a Retirement Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/02/2020Let us face it – I am among those greying in America. According to United States demographic statistics 14.7% of us (over 41 million) have reached a 62 year-old milestone! What are we looking forward to in our probably final home of our own? We want to be able to spend our time enjoying life, […]
Read moreCutting Barn Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/28/2020Just a Little Nip Here, Tuck There As so many of us have entered an age of Covid-19 binge television watching, I can imagine there are more than a few who have consumed calories while watching 100 episodes of Nip/Tuck (originally aired on FX from 2003-2010). While nipping and tucking can solve many human cosmetic […]
Read moreHow to Square a Post Frame Building Roof
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/06/2020Many builders believe if they have a building correct in width and length at ground, diagonals at ground are equal (footprint is square) and columns are plumb, then when they get ready to run roof steel everything will be perfectly ready to go. This might be close to true for a small footprint building with […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Trusses, Columns
- Tags: Plumb Columns, Building Roof Square, Eave Struts, Plumb, Come-along
- No comments
Ganging Up Barndominium Roof Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/05/2020Hansen Pole Buildings’ client (and quickly becoming our good friend) Brett and his lovely bride are self-building their new barndominium at Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee. For those who are like me and rely upon front seat navigator with a GPS on her phone to get anywhere – Brett is mostly West and slightly North of Nashville, […]
Read moreWood Truss Span
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/24/2020How Far Could a Wood Truss Span if a Wood Truss Could Span With Wood? Yes I had a great deal of fun making this title fit, but it is Saturday afternoon and Saturdays are my relaxing day – I sleep in past 6:30, take my time getting to work (usually takes several hours on […]
Read moreEnd Truss Overhang Dilemma
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/22/2020Reader ANDY in HAYDEN has an end overhang challenge. He writes: “Hello Mr Guru. I’m building a 30x40x12 post frame with 18″ eaves. My trusses builder doesn’t build drop cord ag trusses for my gable over hangs. I was advised to lower the gable truss on the corner post to allow room for my on […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Building Overhangs, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Trusses
- Tags: Engineered Truss Repair, Snow Load, Engineer, End Overhang, Dead Load, Truss Design
- No comments
See the Pretty External Wall Girts?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/16/2020See the Pretty External Wall Girts? Readers of my latest two episodes are probably beginning to feel familiar with this commercial post frame building. As well as its challenges. I will first point out something in this photo I find to be odd, although not (surprisingly) necessarily a structural deficiency. Outside board on this building’s […]
Read moreCommercial Post Frame Building Blunder
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/14/2020Commercial Post Frame Building Blunder My Facebook friend Dan recently commented upon this article https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/03/there-is-a-right-way-and-this-way/ wanting to know if I could show some other building blunders. Yes Dan, I can. As Technical Director for Hansen Pole Buildings since 2002, I have gotten to assist a few DIYers and post frame builders with their building questions. […]
Read moreUpstairs Conversion, Building Plans, and Basic Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/06/2020This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about converting an upstairs space in a pole barn to a living space, Plans only packages, and a basic building kit. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 30×30 pole barn with upstairs 2 story shingle roof. Want to convert it to a living space for my […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Lofts, Barndominium
- Tags: Basic Building, Truss Spacing, Building Kit, Plans, Conversion, Living Space
- No comments
Hi, I Should be an Engineer
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/01/2020Hi, I Should Be an Engineer. Can You Tell Me What I Left Out? Seemingly every Spring I receive an email similar to this one from JOHN in UNION DALE, who it sadly appears has not done much (if any) homework in reading my articles. JOHN writes: “ Hi, I have been doing a couple […]
Read more