Category Archives: Pole Barn Structure
Can I Turn an Existing Pole Barn into a Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/23 @ 8:00Can I Turn an Existing Pole Barn into a Barndominium? Reader MICHELLE in GALLATIN writes: “Hi Mike, my name is Michelle and I live in Nashville Tennessee. I am under contract on an existing pole barn (30′ x 60′) that I am going to turn into a Barndominium. (Picture attached) Today we had the structural […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Ventilation, Budget, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Fiberglass, Shear Loads, Structural Engineer, Reflective Radiant Barriers, Simpson LSTA 12, Barndominium, Eave Lights, Blown In Fiberglass Insulation, Truss Carriers, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, Insulation, Ceiling Load
- 4 comments
My 22 Year Old Morton Building Roof Leaks
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/18 @ 8:00My 22 Year-Old Morton Building Roof Leaks Reader TERRY in EVANSVILLE writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, we have a 1989 Morton building. The roof was replaced in 2000 due to flaking and peeling paint. Since then, the headers over our large north and south doors have deteriorated, and the barn is leaking on the entire […]
Read moreTube Framed Metal Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/16 @ 1:00Tube Framed Metal Buildings Tube framed metal buildings are framed with hollow metal tubes. Most tubes are square, but round and rectangular are also options. They typically have steel siding mounted horizontally as they do not have wall girts to allow for vertical siding installations. Tube framed metal buildings do have some advantages. They are […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation, Barndominium, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons
- Tags: Mastic Tape, Condensation Control, Expanding Closures, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, Tube Framed Metal Buildings, Tube Framed, Thermal Conductivity
- No comments
Installation Guidance on Truss-to-Post Connections
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/09 @ 8:00Installation 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 moreAre 2x6s Stronger Than 2x12s?
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/04 @ 8:00The following article first appeared in JLC (jlconline.com) Q: Recently I needed structural design values (E, Fb, Fv) for treated southern yellow pine. According to the Southern Pine Council’s (southernpine.com) latest design values, SYP’s E (modulus of elasticity) and Fv (allowable shear stress) remain constant, while F (bending strength) values grow smaller as the lumber […]
Read moreFireblocking and Firestops
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/02 @ 8:00Fireblocking and Firestops Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rachel was recently quoting a project for a governmental entity where the contractor requested her to include all provisions for fireblocking and firestops. This led to my deep dive into International Building and Residential Codes (IBC and IRC respectively). Both have established a means to control fire spread […]
Read moreAn Innovation to Attach Tops of Interior Walls
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/07/28 @ 8:00An Innovation to Attach Tops of Interior Walls Roof and/or floor trusses should not be fixed attached to tops of non-load bearing interior walls. In a previous article, I discussed a possible solution to this challenge (please read: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/01/attaching-interior-walls-to-trusses/). Those brilliant engineering type folks at Simpson may just have invented a better mouse trap for […]
Read moreInspecting an Existing Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/07/21 @ 8:00Inspecting an Existing Barndominium Reader STEPHANIE in BATES CITY writes: “We are in the process of buying an existing barndo and will be finishing it out with additional living space. The barndo was built by the current owner, along with his dad, 13 years ago.my question comes from a discovery during inspection on Monday. The […]
Read moreChristmas Morning 2017
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/07/07 @ 8:00Christmas 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 moreWind Exposure and Confusion
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/23 @ 8:00WIND EXPOSURE AND CONFUSION If you are a registered design professional, or a building official, then you are trying to make sense out of this subject on a daily basis. Most people who are selling buildings (either constructed or kit packages), tend to ignore wind exposure, or pretend it somehow doesn’t exist. What adds into […]
Read moreYou Can’t Build it Here Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/16 @ 8:00You Can’t Build It Here Part II If you missed part I, go back two days to find it. Continuing on… Post frame homes can save thousands of dollars in excavation, footing and foundation forming and concrete costs inherent to stick framing. This is due to use of isolated widely spaced wood columns either embedded […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Building Styles and Designs, Barndominium, Building Department, Shouse, Shouse, Pole Buildings History, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Barndominium, Post-Frame, Stick Frame, Pole Building, Fully Engineered Post Frame Home, Code Conforming Structural Building System, Pole Barn, Planning And Zoning Departments, Fully Engineered Building
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Basement Addition, Gambrel Modification, and a New Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/08 @ 8:00This 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: Trusses, Concrete, Post Frame Home, 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
- Tags: Basement, Soils Report, Horse Barn, Basement Addition, Engineer Soils Report, Gambrel, Attached Garage, Post Frame House
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Insulating an Apartment in a Steel Truss Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/02 @ 8:00Insulating an Apartment in a Steel Truss Pole Barn Reader JONATHAN in AUGUSTA writes: “First of all, thank you for having a wonderful resource put together in one place for fellow DIYers such as myself. I am currently in the process of constructing a 30x60x11 pole barn. So far I have the roof put up; […]
Read more- Categories: Sheds, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Shouse, Shouse, Ventilation
- Tags: Type X Sheetrock, Ventilation, Exhaust Fan, Sheetrock, Unfaced Rock Wool Batts, Ceiling Joists, Condensation
- 2 comments
Floor Plans vs. Structural Building Plans
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/05/26 @ 8:00Floor Plans vs. Structural Building Plans Floor (architectural) plans and structural building plans are two completely different animals and should not be confused with each other. Architectural plans show what your home will look like, structural plans detail skeletal aspects and structural stability. In jurisdictions requiring structural plan reviews and inspections floor plans only will […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, floorplans, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium
- Tags: Barndominium Plans, Elevation Drawings, Floor Plans; Structural Building Plans, Registered Design Professional, Architect, International Residential Code
- 2 comments
Running in Concrete Slab PEX Inside Large Tubing
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/05/19 @ 8:00Running in Concrete Slab PEX Inside Large Tubing Credit for writing this guest post goes to my friend and radiant floor heat expert Les Graham www.RadiantOutfitters.com. If you prefer your DIY radiant floor heat to be right, rather than cheap, call Les 1.320.212.0863. Question from Mike the Pole Barn Guru: Is it beneficial to place […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Barn Homes, Workshop Buildings, RV Storage, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building Comparisons, About The Pole Barn Guru
- Tags: Manifolds, Pex Tubing, Pex-Al-Pex Tubing, Coefficient Of Linear Thermal Expansion
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Hart and Home YouTube Episode IV-The Final Chapter
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/05/05 @ 8:00Hart 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 Structure, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse, Trusses, Fasteners, Pole Barn Homes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home
- Tags: J Chanel, Splash Plank, Integral J Channel, Ceiling Loaded Trusses, F Trim, F And J Trim, Kevin Hart, Integral Condensation Control, Ceiling Joists
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Hart and Home Youtube Episode III
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/05/03 @ 8:00Hart 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: Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Lumber
- Tags: Checks, Knots, Lumber Twist, Holes, Wane, Lumber Defects, Bow, Crook, Timbers, End Splits
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Financing, Beam Sizes, and a 3 Ply Truss Connection
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/04/27 @ 8:00Today 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 moreHart and Home YouTube Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/04/26 @ 8:00Is a barndominium in your future? Considering building D-I-Y to save tens of thousands of dollars, but afraid you might not be able to pull it off? You’ll want to watch Kevin and Whitney’s journey beginning at www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMUi9B78GDs. This series is truly excellently done. Today, I am going to skip forward months from their beginnings […]
Read moreTruss Bracing Code Change
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/04/21 @ 8:00How Truss Bracing Code Change Could Harm You Originally Published by: SBCA Magazine — April 12, 2022 SBCA appreciates your input; please email us if you have any comments or corrections to this article. There was a lot of interest and communications this past week regarding the two IRC code change proposals (RB245-22 & RB246-22) recently considered at the ICC Code […]
Read moreWhere We Ship, Raising Walls, and Bottom Chord Dead Loads
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/30 @ 8:00This 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 Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Concrete, Building Interior, tools, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Drywall Ceiling, Hansen Locations, Hansen Shipping, Hanging Trusses, Double Trusses, Building Walls, Pre-assembled Walls, Bottom Chord Dead Load, Shipping
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Frustrating Builder, Post Size, and Sliding Barn Doors?
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/16 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about recourse against a builder that “never does what what he says,” a question about the necessary post size for an RV shelter, and the need for a structural engineer to answer the question, and advice for a reader whose doors blow out wondering if sliding […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, RV Storage, Constructing a Pole Building, Sectional Doors, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Sliding Doors, Pole Building Doors, Overhead Doors, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Post Size, Wind Rated Garage Doors, Builder Issues, Structural Engineer, Legal Recourse, Sliding Doors, Builder Contracts, Wind-rated Doors
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Post Frame Plywood Slab-on-grade
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/10 @ 8:00Post Frame Plywood Slab-on-grade As concrete and excavation costs have increased steadily buildings are more frequently turning to slab-on-grade foundations. These assemblies require less concrete and labor than full basements and have a number of advantages over crawlspaces: better thermal performance, much lower risk for water and animal intrusion, and lower maintenance overall. Slab-on grade […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Greenhouse Gas, Vapor Barrier, Plywood Slab, Concrete, Decoupling Membrane, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Slab On Grade Foundation, Thermal Performance, Crawlspaces, Embodied Carbon
- 3 comments
When Friends Buy Buildings From Others
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/24 @ 8:00When 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 moreRust, Washington State, and Sleeves or Protectors
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/23 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about potential for rust on a welded oil field pipe framed building, if Hansen has structures in the state of Washington, and if sleeves or post protectors are needed for post frame construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My barn is a welded oil field pipe frame […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Columns
- Tags: Washington State, Pressure Preservative Treated Splash Plank, Red Iron Buildings, Oil Filed Pipe, Rust, Red Iron Frame, Washington Post Frame, Post Protectors, Post Sleeves, Pressure Preservative Treated Columns, UC-4B
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Insulating an Existing Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/22 @ 8:00Insulating an Existing Pole Barn When Things Started Wrong Reader TOM writes: “Mike, I have an existing pole barn (6×6 post with 2’ on center girts ) that has a 4” concrete floor with 10 mil plastic under it. The side walls have 1” XPS insulation on the outside of girt then steel siding with […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Building Overhangs, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: CDX Plywood, Rigid Board XPS Insulation, Building Racking, XPS Insulation, Building Cladding, Vapor Barrier, Eave Girt, Splash Plank, Tyvek, Ridge Vent, Bottom Chord Dead Load, OSB
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Roof Purlins for a Bar Joisted Lean-To
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/17 @ 8:00Roof Purlins for a Bar Joisted Lean-to Reader JIM in MOORESBURG writes: “First, I have spent the last 3 hours reading around your site and am impressed. I appreciate the manner you answer questions on your site”, respectful and factual with no hint of disrespect (even if deserved) in your replies. Professional and well done! […]
Read moreMy Drill Stem Pipe Barn Sways in Light Winds
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/15 @ 8:00My Drill Stem Pipe Barn Sways in Light Winds “Recently my husband and I decided we would try building a pole shed row barn for our horses out of structural drill stem pipe. We used 2 7/8 pipe columns on 12’ centers with 2 3/8 pipe columns supporting the (over hang, non-stall) side of the […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Pole Barn holes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Rafters, Drill Stem Pipe, Stem Pipe, 2 7/8 Pipe, Hex Bolts, Red Clay, Building Racking, Purlins
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4×4 or Double 2×4 Bay Roof Purlins?
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/10 @ 8:004×4 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 moreRock Solid, Living Quarters, and Better Get an RDP
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/02 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru responds to readers questions regarding assistance in designing that is “rock solid for generations to come” using the reader’s own sawn lumber, a questions about adding a living quarter to an insulated building, and advice in bracing a post frame building better suited for a registered design professional. DEAR POLE […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Lumber, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Heating, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation
- Tags: Moisture Barrier, Rough-sawn Lumber, Own Lumber, Insulation, U-brackets, Structural Design, Registered Design Professional
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Suitable Base, Insulation, and Building in Flood Zone
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/01/26 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses questions about whether or not a base will be suitable for a slab, if a person HAS to insulate if they intend to heat the structure, and building 13′ above grade foundation in a flood zone. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning, I’m getting ready to have a […]
Read moreSite Prep, Brackets on Slab, and Treated Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/01/19 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about site preparation and underground obstructions, a recommendation for building with wet set brackets on slab, and whether or not Hansen Buildings uses lumber treated for in-ground use– UC-4B. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We recently started the ground work for our future 48×72 pole building. Half […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Budget, Professional Engineer, tools, Pole Barn Questions, Columns
- Tags: Bedrock, Site Prep, Slab, Wet Set Brackets, ACQ Treated Lumber, Treated Posts, Ram Hoe, Rock, In-ground Use Lumber, Engineered Plans
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Why Your New Barndominium Should Be Post Frame
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/01/04 @ 8:00Why 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: Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Buildings History
- Tags: PEMB Building, Stick Frame Design, Barndominium, International Residential Code, Bookshelf Wall Girts, Stick Frame Building, Geotechnical Engineer
- 6 comments
Canada Facing Premature Decay of Pressure Treated Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/11/23 @ 8:00Canada Facing Premature Decay of Pressure Treated Columns Fear of properly pressure preservative treated wood decaying prematurely has been a continuing concern amongst potential post frame building owners. Key to this is “properly” and at issue how pressure treated wood is labeled and sold at the retail level. Canada uses AWPA’s (American Wood Protection Association) […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Columns, Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: AWPA, American Wood Protection Association, CFBA, Canadian Farm Builders Association, Gary Van Bolderen, Daily Commercial News, National Building Code, International Building Code
- No comments
A Basement Foundation, a Leaky Roof, and Raising Bays
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/11/17 @ 8:00Today’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: Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Professional Engineer, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Rebuilding Structures, Pole Barn Questions, Building Interior
- Tags: Basement Foundation, Post Frame Foundation, Basement, Foundation, Raise Building, Roof Repair, Leaky Roof, EPDM Screws, Add Height To Building
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Insulated Ceiling Vapor Barrier
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/11/02 @ 8:00Should a Vapor Barrier Be Installed in an Insulated Ceiling? Should you put a vapor barrier in an insulated ceiling or not? I build in a cold climate, where many longtime builders swear that you shouldn’t put a ceiling vapor barrier in. The reasons go something like, “Because you have to let the moisture escape,” […]
Read moreCupola Sizes, Insulation for a Ceiling, and Structural Pieces
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/10/25 @ 8:00This 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: Pole Barn Design, Building Interior, 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
- Tags: Ceiling Insulation, Roof Condensation, Cupola, Trusses, Cupola Sizes, Cupola Base, Insulation, Steel Rolls, Condensation, Roll Form
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Aircrete for Post Frame Cladding
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/10/13 @ 8:00Aircrete for Post Frame Cladding Reader KRISTOPHER in GARDINER writes: “Can I use pre-cast aircrete panel in lieu of metal siding for the walls and roof?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: It may be possible to use aircrete in lieu of steel roofing and siding, however it would need to be strong enough in […]
Read moreProper Ventilation, Condensation Control, and Post Treatment
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/13 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about ventilation, how to control condensation on fifteen year old building, and best practices for treated posts in ground or on specialty brackets. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a barn that doesn’t have soffit vents but it does have a ridge vent. I installed reflective […]
Read moreHow to Properly Design a Barndominium Wood Floor Over a Crawl Space
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/10 @ 8:00How To Properly Design a Barndominium Wood Floor Over a Crawl Space Reader JERRY in HAWESVILLE writes: “If one were to build a post frame home on a crawlspace and the floor joists were sitting on a 3 ply 2×10 center beam on post spaced 8-10 feet apart, how does one support the joists at […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Wood Floor, Interior Floor Beams, Column Footings, Floor Joists, Registered Professional Engineer, Building Code Deflection Limitations
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Barndominium Spray Foam Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/03 @ 8:00What Amount of Barndominium Spray Foam Insulation is Adequate? Reader DON in LAKE CHARLES writes: “Building new pole barn. Would using closed cell foam in roof and walls be adequate?” Lake Charles is in climate zone 2A. 2018’s International Energy Conservation Code prescriptively mandates (for your zone) a minimum R-38 value for ceilings and R-13 […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Structure, Building Interior
- Tags: Cellulose Insulation, International Residential Code, Closed Cell Insulation, International Energy Conservation Code, Rockwool, Fiberglass Insulation, REScheck, International Building Code, HERS Index
- No comments
Open Web Wood Floor Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/13 @ 8:00Prefabricated Open-Web Wood Floor Trusses in Your Future? Use of open-web floor trusses has steadily increased over this past decade, but there’s a lot of room to grow. Ed Huston from Home Innovation Research Labs (HIRL) recently shared some results from their April 2021 Builder Best Practice Reports on Structural Systems, containing survey results from […]
Read moreContracts: Punch Lists for Erected Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/28 @ 8:00Disclaimer – 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. ‘Punch lists’ give new building owners an opportunity to inspect their completed building and builders/erectors to be able to remedy non-conforming work, without it becoming an ongoing challenge. […]
Read moreHay Barn Loft Removal, Screw vs Nails, and Find a Builder
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/26 @ 8:00Today’s “ask the Pole Barn Guru” visits questions about the stability of a hay barn once the loft floor is removed, what screws can be used as a substitute for nails, and if Hansen could assist in finding a builder to erect a garage. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a very old gothic arch […]
Read moreDelivery Delays
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/23 @ 8:00Disclaimer – 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 moreYou Have to Get It In
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/21 @ 8:00Disclaimer – 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 holes, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Soil Bearing Capacity, Freight Charges, Uniform Commercial Code, Personal Injury, Water Table, Soil Studies, Asbestos, Hazardous Waste Removal, Purchase Money Security Interest, Change Orders
- No comments
Contractual Minimum Material Specifications
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/16 @ 8:00Disclaimer – 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: Overhead Doors, Pole Building Siding, Trusses, Columns, Fasteners, Lumber, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Sliding Doors, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Truss Tails, Drip Edge, Splash Plank, Material Specifications, Skirt Boards, Standard Grading Rules, Eave Light Panels, UC4B Treated Columns, J Channel, Butyl Tape Sealant
- No comments
Arnold Missouri Bans Pole Building Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/02 @ 8:00Arnold Missouri Bans Pole Building Construction! Just a week ago I wrote asking my readers to assist in defeating a proposed restriction on post-frame (pole barn) homes in Madison County, Illinois. Some of you may have scoffed and done nothing, thinking it could never happen where you want to build. Arnold, Missouri is a town […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Apartments, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium
- Tags: Barndominiums, Arnold Missouri, Pole Buildings, Tony Krausz, Bryan Richison, Post Frame Construction, Arnold Missouri Planning Commission, Apartment, Pole Building Apartment
- 1 comments
Buildings Designed/Built to Code
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/16 @ 11:00Designed / Built to Code Sounds pretty impressive to think you are going to be investing in a new building designed and/or built to “Code”. Right? Well – maybe not so much. To begin with “Code” happens to be bare minimum requirements to adequately protect public health, safety and welfare. This does not mean a […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Design Wind Speed, International Residential Code, Registered Professional Engineer, Seismic Zone, Allowable Foundation Pressure, Wind Exposure, Flat Roof Snow Load, Ground Snow Load, International Building Code
- No comments
Post Frame Homes
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/21 @ 8:00Post Frame Homes – Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You After providing or building post frame (pole) buildings for over 40 years, one might think there would be very few things coming as a surprise to me. Well…..SURPRISE! Barndominiums and shop houses are no surprise to me at all. I first built one for […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Shouse, Building Contractor
- Tags: Building Contractor, Spiral Staircase, Bonus Room, Lake Havasu, Barndominium, Attic Trusses, Post Frame Home
- No comments
Not Quite an Acme Hole Kit
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/12 @ 8:00Not 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 morePole Barn Homes
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/21 @ 8:00Pole Barn Homes: Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Post-Frame Construction Today’s guest blogger is Esther Williams, She specializes in Real Estate & Home improvement content, and wants to share her knowledge of creative interior designing ideas with those who are passionate about it. She’s also finishing her MA in journalism studies, dreams about […]
Read moreContinuous Foundations, Column Spacing, and Inside Closures
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/02 @ 8:00Let’s finish off the week with one more day of Ask the Pole Barn Guru. Today Mike takes on reader questions about connection with a continuous foundation, benefits of 10′ or 12′ column spacing, and replacing inside foam closures. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. We are located in Ohio. We would like to build a […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Columns
- Tags: Inside Closures, Foam Closures, Embedded Columns, Post Spacing, Continuous Foundation, Columns Spacing, Embedded Posts, Footings
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Raise the Door, Plans, and Hangar Doors
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/31 @ 8:00For a second day of Ask The Guru, Mike answers questions about “raising the door opening” on an existing pole barn, where to get plans for a pole building, and where to get a hangar door. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to raise the door opening of a pole barn. The opening is […]
Read morePermaColumns, Pole Barn Planning, and Insulating a Roof
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/15 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses the use of PermaColumns, planning of a pole barn in Florida, and the best solution for a building without roof or exterior wall weather resistant barriers. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am having a pole building put up with engineered laminated columns. The contractor is pushing a “Perma […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Columns
- Tags: Weather Resistant Barrier, Glulaminated Column, Permacolumn, Insulation, Pole Barn Planning
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Bigger Options, Taller Options, and a “Rocking” Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/08 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about bigger options for the Charlotte 40×50 on the Home Depot site, Raymundo asks if a building can be made 2 ft. taller, and how to brace a building to stop it from “rocking” in the wind. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. I saw on […]
Read moreFire Separation When Living With Large Animals
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/03 @ 8:00Fire Separation When Living With Large Animals While barndominiums and shop houses have become quite a rage, for years we have been providing fully engineered post frame buildings combining animals (most often horses) with living spaces (usually as a full or partial second floor). Along with this come some perhaps unexpected design considerations. Reader LISA […]
Read moreAvoid Pex Tubing When Attaching Interior Walls
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/25 @ 8:00Slabs on grade are highly popular for barndominiums, shop houses (aka shouses), post frame homes, garages and shops. Many (mine included) use radiant in slab heat, meaning there will be PEX tubes in the floor to be avoided when attaching framed interior walls. Reader STEVEN in AKRON writes: “My wife and I are looking to […]
Read moreBlog Searches, Building Shapes, and a Stumper
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/15 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about blog searches for weather proofing in rainy states, what shapes of buildings are out there– such as an “L” shaped building, and one that stumped the Guru- A term he hadn’t heard and can’t find on google. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What are some words […]
Read moreUsed Motor Oil for Treating Pole Barn Posts
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/11 @ 8:00Used Motor Oil for Treating Pole Barn Posts There is far (in my humble opinion) too much bad information posted in social media. Among this bad information is pouring used motor oil on pole barn (post frame) building posts in an effort to extend their service life. Throughout mid and late 1900’s, many farmers found […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Columns
- Tags: Chromium, Zinc, Barium, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons, Benzoapyrene, Post Treatment, Creosote, Heavy Metals, Arsenic
- 1 comments
AdvanTech®
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/09 @ 8:00AdvanTech® Christina reached out to me on social networking and asked: “Hello, always look forward to your advice and I ran across something I didn’t find on the Hansen website. AdvanTech flooring as an alternative to OSB or plywood. Thoughts?” While I have successfully utilized AdvanTech subflooring myself, rather than reinventing a wheel, today’s expert […]
Read moreLong-Span Truss Installation Guidance for Post-Frame
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/03 @ 8:00Long-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: Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Strongbacking, Strong Back, Trusses, Sean Shields, Jim Vogt, Truss Plates, Long-span Wood Roof Trusses, "spaghetti Effect", Metal Plate Connected Wood Roof Trusses, Engineer
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A Wood Purlin Design Question
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/28 @ 8:00Chances are good if you have to ask a structural design question, then you are in over your head. Reader LARRY in DITTMER writes: “Can you 2 by 4 flat on an 8 foot span Truss” A few years ago, one of my neighbors bought a pole building kit from someone other than Hansen Pole […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Wood Bending Calculations, Roof Purlin Design, Wind Load, Flat Roof Purlins, Roof Slope, Snow Load, Deflection, Live Loads
- 4 comments
Choosing a Horse Riding Arena Structural System
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/27 @ 8:00Having a horse (or horses) in many parts of America means you will spend a great deal of time riding in inclement weather, or enjoying your horse tucked away safely in a stall. First one isn’t much fun for riders, second doesn’t get any riding done at all. Reader (and new blog subscriber) DEBBIE in […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Horse Riding Arena, Pole Barn Questions, About The Pole Barn Guru, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Footings
- Tags: Pole Barn Horse Arena, PEMB, Horse Arena, Wind Shelter, Pole Barn Arena, Fabric Roof Arena, Wood Kick Walls, Polycarbonate Eavelights, Indoor Riding Arena
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Wood I-Joists for Your Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/21 @ 8:00With many barndominiums being multi-storied, or at least having lofts or mezzanines, there are several methods of structural support. These would include dimensional lumber, wood trusses and I-joists. In our own post frame barndominium, we utilized I-joists as rafters for both side sheds. They are also floor joists for my lovely bride’s mezzanine sewing loft […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: OSB I-joist Webs, IRC, Wood Webs, Flanges, Joist Hangers, Rim Joists, Barndominium, Squash Blocks, Wood Beams, International Residential Code, Wood Cladding, I Joists, Web Stiffeners
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Enforcing Updated Building Codes Saves Money
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/20 @ 8:00Enforcing Updated Building Codes Saves Money As a member of most every active barndominium group in the social media world, I read all too often how new or prospective barndominium owners proudly proclaim they are or will be building where Building Codes are not enforced. Long time followers of my column may be tired of […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Building Codes, Architect, Engineered Plans, Engineer, ICC, International Code Council, Building Standards, Windstorm Losses, Building Contractor
- 1 comments
A Hay Barn Challenge
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/12 @ 8:00Seemingly 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 morePost Rot Concerns, Floor Plan Adaptation, and a Net Zero House
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/28 @ 8:00This Monday the Guru answers questions about post rot due to pouring quickcrete below the posts, adapting post frame to floor plans, and running plumbing and electrical a super insulated post frame house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I just got done building a pole barn. A task that’s a lot harder than I thought. My […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Building Interior
- Tags: Floor Plans, Post Frame House, Pot Rot, Quick Crete, Floorplans, Net Zero Home, Post Frame Home Mechanicals
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Wind Damage, Screw Piles, and Building on Stilts
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/21 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about repairing or replacing a wind damaged structure with help of a Registered Design Professional, the use if Screw Piles instead of embedded columns, and an inquiry about a post frame structure for home and shop built on “stilts.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I own a pole […]
Read moreDoesn’t Like Idea of Concrete Slab on Grade Foundation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/17 @ 8:00Doesn’t Like Idea of a Concrete Slab Foundation Loyal reader ASHLEY in KELSO writes: “I will be building in southwest Washington – Cowlitz County. We are wanting around a 2800 square foot home. I do not like the idea of a concrete slab “foundation”, we are going with crawl space (I read your blog on […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium, Building Contractor, Concrete, Footings, Pole Barn Questions, Budget, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Post Frame Building, Slab On Grade Foundation, Cowlitz County, General Contractor, Subcontractors, Stick Built Building, Crawl Space
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Nanoo Nanoo
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/15 @ 8:00Nanoo Nanoo In today’s riveting episode of Pole Barn Guru blogs we are actually going to discuss nanograms, not Robin Williams’ character Mork’s salutation from a late 70’s sitcom. Reader KEN from INDIAN RIVER didn’t plan his pole (post frame) building with a WRB (Weather Resistant Barrier like Tyvek) and now writes: “Mr. Pole Building […]
Read moreHardi-Plank Siding, Adding a Loft, and Blower Testing
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/11 @ 8:00Closing out the week with one more group of questions for the Pole Barn Guru. Today Mike answers questions about using Hardiplank on a pole building, the addition of a loft to an existing building, and performing a blower test for air leaks. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are going to purchase an older house […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation, Alternate Siding, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Lofts, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Energy Efficiency, Loft, Blower Test, Building Permit, Hardiplank, Engineering Loft, Siding Options
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Soffit, Framing Options, and Increasing Eave Height
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/09 @ 8:00The Guru has had so many questions sent over email and social media, we thought we’d play catch-up for a few days. Today he answers questions about adding soffits or overhangs to a structure, options for framing a building with lap siding, and the feasibility of lifting a building to add to the eave height. […]
Read moreIf You Think Red Iron Buildings Are Great
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/02 @ 8:00If You Thought Red Iron Buildings Are Great Loyal readers, please join me in reaching way back to yesterday’s article espousing great benefits of PEMBs (Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings) aka “red iron” or “bolt up” buildings. If you are planning a new barndominium, shouse (shop/house), shop, etc., and have decided a PEMB is your one and […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Shouse
- Tags: Foundation Plans, Steel Cutting, Welding, Roofing Materials, Freight Charges, Concrete Brackets, Steel Strength To Weight Ratio, DIY Assembly, Three Hour Exterior Wall Fire Rating, Fire Retardant Treated Wood
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Twelve Reasons Why PEMB Are Great
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/01 @ 8:00Call them “red iron”, “bolt up” or Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB) or a variety of other names and they are great buildings. Where they especially shine is where roofs clear span over 80 feet and where very low slope roofs are desirable (typically less than 3:12). And no, I did not hit my head and […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: PEMB, 5/8" CDX Plywood, Pre-Engineered Metal Building, Red Iron Buildings, Bolt Up Buildings, Foundation Plans, 5/8" Type X Gypsum Wallboard, Clear Span Metal Buildings, Steel Sheeting
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Builder Says
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/25 @ 8:00Builder Says, “These designs are the Worse”! Like all good stories begin….. “It was a dark and stormy night” Oops, wrong beginning! Once upon a time I was a post frame building contractor. From 1991 until 1999 my construction company could only have been described as being prolific – at one time we had as […]
Read moreDesigning a Dream Barndominium Loft
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/24 @ 8:00Designing a Dream Barndominium Loft Reader BRIAN in PETOSKY writes: “ Hi Mike, Mindi told me to email you my lofted floor question for our project. To avoid messing with truss-support floors, we were planning to build a full 26×60 main barn with scissor trusses the full length. Then on one end, we would make […]
Read moreWhat Hansen Pole Buildings Offers for Prospective Barndominium Owners
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/12 @ 8:00What Hansen Pole Buildings Offers for Prospective Barndominium Owners If you are considering building a barndominium or shouse (shop/house), whether DIY or with a contractor’s involvement, there is one very important question to ask: “Do you personally live in a barndominium?” If you do not receive a resounding, “YES” for an answer, you may want […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Building Interior, Shouse, About The Pole Barn Guru, Budget, Building Overhangs, Professional Engineer, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding, Post Frame Home, Building Colors
- Tags: Curb Appeal, Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty, Overhangs, DIY Pole Buildings, Barndominium, The Ultimate Post Frame Experience, Crawl Space, General Contractor, Basement
- 2 comments
Required Bracing or Not?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/03 @ 8:00When he was just a tyke (I considered adding in ‘little’ however he was 3’6” tall on his second birthday) my son Brent asked me in all seriousness what it was like to watch space aliens building pyramids. While I am not quite as old as Brent may have thought I was then, it has […]
Read moreQuestionably Designed Steel Truss Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/28 @ 8:00Being a member of numerous social media discussion groups, I see a plethora of photos of people’s new (or under construction) steel trussed post frame buildings. Most of these buildings are from Southeastern states where it appears structural building permits and plan checks are minimal or non-existent. This results in my receiving emails like this […]
Read moreBlower Door Testing Your New Barndominium Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/23 @ 8:00Continued from yesterday’s blog; Aside from code compliance or indoor air quality concerns, another reason to get a blower door test is to properly size your furnace or air conditioner. How leaky or tight your barndominium is can change how much heating/humidification or cooling/dehumidification you need. This then ties into how carefully your mechanical system […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Shouse, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Doors, Windows
- Tags: HERS Rater, International Energy Conservation Code, Indoor Air Quality, Air Leakage Metrics, Cubic Feet Of Air Per Minute, ACH50, Blower Door Testing, Energy Code Testing, Barndominium, HE, CFM
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Posts and Collars, Girts, and Non-Vented Soffits
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/12 @ 8:00This week’s edition of Pole Barn Guru visits the topics of post and footing sizes, bookshelf girts for drywall, and non-vented soffits for building with spray foam insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am currently 68 but I built pole barns as a younger man the biggest being a hay barn 24′ eaves X 80 […]
Read moreAvoiding Being Driven Crazy With Barndominium Questions Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/08 @ 8:00Part 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: Columns, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Concrete
- Tags: Toe-nailing, Clearspan, Clearspan Trusses, Type X Sheetrock, LVL Beams, Splash Plank, Pressure Preservative Treated Splash Plank, Bookshelf Girts
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Post Frame Home Zero Barrier Entry Over a Crawl Space
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/02 @ 8:00Post Frame Home Zero Barrier Entry Over a Crawl Space Reader MARC in AUBURN writes: “I am asking what might be an odd question, but I need to ask it to see if it is even an option. Is it possible to build a post frame home with part of it having a concrete floor […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Building Drainage, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: All-weather Wood Foundations, Treated Wood Foundations, Treated Wood Foundation, Post Frame Home, Crawl Space, Zero Barrier Entry, Wood Foundation Walls
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Pressure Treated Post Frame Building Poles Rot
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/17 @ 8:00Presenting actual factual evidence, from a peer reviewed and published study seems to have little bearing upon reality in today’s social media influenced world. Instead, people tend to rely heavily upon those with a vested (financial) interest in promotion of something other than actual and factual truth. Those invested interests vary from those selling alternatives […]
Read moreChecks and Splits in Post Frame Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/16 @ 8:00Checks and splits in lumber and timbers, especially timbers, are often misunderstood when assessing a structure’s condition. Checks and splits can form in wood by two means: during seasoning, or drying, and during manufacture. This article is concerned with checks and splits resulting from seasoning after installation. Development of checks and splits after installation occurs […]
Read moreDIY Post Frame Construction and Winch Boxes
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/11 @ 8:00Loyal 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 polebarnguru on 20/09/10 @ 8:00Post 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 moreSIP Floor Panels, Stack-able Hanger Doors, and Sliding Door Installation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/07 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about installing a SIP floor instead of concrete, stack-able hanger doors for addition, and rough cuts on some sliding door lateral braces. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am considering installing SIP floor in my pole barn instead of a concrete floor (the barn will be a […]
Read moreTop Chord Repair, Little Voices, and Building Use
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/31 @ 8:00Today 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 moreSkylights in Barn You Built for Us Need Replacing
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/28 @ 8:00Skylights in Barn You Built for us Need Replacing Reader MICHELLE in ASTORIA writes: “Hello! You built our barn located in Astoria, Oregon. The sky lights that were installed now need to be replaced. My husband called and was told you’d get back to us with no response. We are hoping to either hire you […]
Read moreBuilding Department Checklist 2020 Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/26 @ 8:00Yesterday I covered seven of what I feel are 14 most important questions to ask your local building department. This not only will smooth your way through permitting processes, but also ensures a solid and safe building structure. Let’s talk about these last seven…. #8 What is accepted Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity? This will be […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Building Risk Category, Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity, Engineered Soils Test, Seismic Site Class, Wet Stamped Structural Plans, Building Permit, Frost Depth, Prescriptive Building Requirements
- 2 comments
Stick Frame and Some Limitations
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/06 @ 11:00Stick Frame and Some Limitations Perhaps stick built construction’s biggest advantage is builders and tradespeople are very comfortable working in and around stick framing. All registered architects and most building inspectors are very familiar with stick framing. The International Residential Code (IRC) provides a prescriptive ‘cook book’ to follow for adequate structural assembly, within certain limitations. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home
- Tags: Weld Up Steel Building, Ceiling Height, Stick Built, Ceiling Angle, Wood Niche, Stick Built Building, Lumber Niche, Lumber Shrink, Weather Resistant Barriers, Lumber Warp, Dimensional Lumber, Framing Crew, PEMB
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Stick Framing?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/05 @ 8:00Stick Framing? A continuing debate, in picking a structural system for a new barndominium, is what is going to be best? Due to years of conditioning, many assume a traditional wood framed, stick built barndominium, assembled on site is what will be right. Granted, stick built houses, with traditional wood framing, are by far America’s […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Lumber, Shouse
- Tags: Chicago Construction, Stick Framing, Balloon Framing, Triple Decker Building, Platform Framing, Stick Built Construction, George Washington Snow, Hoosier Solon Robinson, Sill Plate
- 2 comments
Subcontractors for Your Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/24 @ 8:00Welcome – you are maybe here because you have followed my biggest money saving tip in building a new barndominium, you are acting as your own General Contractor. If you are not yet convinced, please take a brief pause to jump back to: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/02/does-my-barndominium-need-a-turn-key-general-contractor/. There are those who have time and patience (or skills) to […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Building Contractor, Building Interior, Shouse, Lumber, Budget, Insulation, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Heating
- Tags: Septic System, Electrician, Building Designer, Plumber, Subcontractor, Drywall Contractor, Structural Engineer, Contractor Registration, Painter, Subs, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Attorney, Surveyor, Loan Officer, Grading And Excavation Contractor
- 1 comments
Safely Erecting Post Frame Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/03 @ 8:00Safely 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 moreBarndominium Drywall Cracks
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/09 @ 8:00You have just moved into your beautiful new barndominium, shouse or post frame home. Your drywall was painted and looked perfect for months and then you start to see seams cracking and screw heads popping through. Our first inclination is to blame whoever installed it. It is possible drywall was installed incorrectly leading to screw […]
Read moreCutting Barn Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/28 @ 8:00Just 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 moreGanging Up Barndominium Roof Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/05 @ 8:00Hansen 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 moreWorldwide Steel Buildings or Post Frame?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/29 @ 8:00Loyal reader STEPHEN in AUSTIN writes: “Mike – I am so thankful for all the info you and your company have provided over the years. Your experience and knowledge have helped so many. I especially love your promotion of bookshelf girts. Every time I see a building framed within a building, I ask why? Bookshelf […]
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