What Real Life Technical Support Sounds Like
Many of us have had situations where we needed to contact a company we have purchased a product from for some technical assistance. I know when I have done so, every once in a while I am thankfully surprised to have the person I am dealing with actually have a grasp of the English language.
Here is what the Hansen Pole Buildings Technical Support team is like in real life:
Client: “Plans call for wing roof steel to extend past column when there is an overhang. With the provided length of roof steel, this leaves a short section at the top, uncovered. What is the plan, to cover with trim? What trim is recommended? Is there an option to have a longer piece (x4) to extend to the top of the varge rafter?” (Author’s Note: This happens to be a monitor style building, with a raised center clearspan and dropped sheds – or wings – on each side) Tech Support: “Thank you for utilizing the Hansen Pole Buildings Technical Support Department.
In review of your plans, the wings extend horizontally from the main building columns, to the wing Building Lines 12′. The overhang past the wing Building Line is 1′, fascia board is 1-1/2″ and the steel should extend 1-1/2″ past the fascia.
Summing these up = `13.25′ X the roof slope factor for 4/12 (1.0541) = 13.96′
The steel provided for the wing roofs of your building is 14’2.5″ in length, which is more than ample to cover the roof surface.
Where the wing purlins overhang the endwall, the steel will project upwards (towards the raised center) by 2.5″ past the uphill side of the highest purlin. A piece of LG-126A (1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ L Trim) has been provided to cover the wide face and bottom edge of the extended top purlin to protect it from the weather.
In the event the roof steel does not appear to be long enough to allow for this coverage, please (a) measure the length of the steel and/or (b) verify the dimensions of the wing as 12′ and overhang as 1′. If the steel is short, please contact Justine@HansenPoleBuildings.com for prompt resolution.” There is, of course, the possibility the overhangs were cut a bit longer than anticipated by the plans. If so, it is an easy fix, before the steel is applied. This is one more reason the entire roof is to be framed and covered prior to any wall coverings – it would be far more complex to make changes to the overhangs and any soffit supports with the wall steel in place.
Real life tech support comes from not a myriad of people who have canned answers which may or may not be helpful, but in our business one of three people. The majority are answered by myself, the Pole Barn Guru, with over 35 years of experience and 14,000 pole buildings. Second, by Eric, one of the two business owners, and third, by Justine, Hansen Buildings’ materials buyer. All three of us answer emails and texts virtually 24/7. We value our clients and want every one of them to have The Ultimate Post Frame Experience.
Your new building kit is designed for an average physically capable person, who can and will read and follow instructions, to successfully construct your own beautiful building shell, without extensive prior construction knowledge (and most of our clients do DIY – saving tens of thousands of dollars). We’ve had clients ranging from septuagenarians to fathers bonding with their teenage daughters erect their own buildings, so chances are – you can as well!
