This Wednesday readers “ask the Guru” about the loads a 60ft three-ply truss could hold sitting on the ground, a quote on a new building kit, and to “float” posts when installing columns for a post frame building.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: By laminating 3 trusses together how much weight would it hold 60 ft truss sitting on the ground spanning a 35 ft gap. CHUCK in MOUNTAIN LAKE

DEAR CHUCK: It would all depend upon loads trusses were originally designed to support. You should reach out to engineer who originally designed them or engage a local registered professional engineer to perform an evaluation.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m interested in the kit # (SKU: 2786743). Does it come with every shown in the picture (except the concrete and chairs) KAI in OSKALOOSA

DEAR KAI: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/product/48x48x20-barndominium-kit/). Besides patio furniture, items not included would be concrete, masonry chimney, gutters and downspouts. A member of our Hansen Pole Buildings’ Design Team will be reaching out to you to further discuss your building wants and needs.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I understand (from reading your posts) that you should “float” posts in the hole and do a monolithic pour around the posts about 18″ deep in the bottom of hole. This leaves (depending on how deep your hole is) a remaining space to fill above the concrete in the hole. My question is how long do you wait to add the remaining fill? Can you do it immediately after you put the concrete in? GERALD in MUSKEGON

DEAR GERALD: You want your concrete to be firmly setup, usually takes roughly 24 hours. Factors influencing this time include temperature, humidity, type of concrete mix, and whether any accelerators are used. For example, hot weather can speed up setting process, while cold weather can slow it down significantly.