This week readers “Ask the Guru” about best the practices for insulating an old 1993 pole barn, if a fireplace can be added to a “bardo,” and whether or not Hansen Pole Building supplies wood wall sheathing for exteriors.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I have a 28′ x 36′ x 13′ high pole barn in Western NY that was built in 1993. The ceiling is very well insulated with fiberglass. The walls are drywalled, however, there is no wall insulation behind the existing drywall. Rather than removing the drywall, I wanted to dense pack cellulose insulation into the walls. Without a paper facing vapor barrier, I would elect to simply use a vapor retarder paint on the walls. The dense pack insulation would be right up to the exterior metal siding and would achieve approximately R-30 in the walls. Does this sound like a viable solution or is it not a good idea? My only concern is trapping moisture. Thanks TONY in BROCKPORT

DEAR TONY: Dense pack cellulose is infused with fire retardant chemicals. If moisture is induced, these chemicals react with steel to cause premature degradation. As such, I would not recommend using it for your application. Rather, granulated Rockwool would be a much better design solution. With a vapor retarder paint on walls, this assembly should dry to exterior. In the event any moisture would form in wall cavity, Rockwool would not be negatively affected by it.

 

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can fireplaces be added to your barndos? DARLENE in FROST

DEAR DARLENE: Under 25% of new homes have fireplaces. This decline of fireplaces in new homes is primarily due to practicality and changing preferences.

Cost and Energy Standards

· Rising construction costs and stricter energy efficiency standards have made fireplaces less appealing for builders and buyers alike.

Safety and Maintenance Concerns

· Modern homeowners often prioritize safety and ease of maintenance, leading to a preference for alternative heating methods.

Lifestyle Changes

· As lifestyles evolve, many people are opting for open floor plans and modern designs not accommodating traditional fireplaces.

Technological Advancements

· Rise of efficient heating systems and electric alternatives has further diminished need for traditional fireplaces.

With this said, yes, our post frame barndominiums can be designed to allow for fireplaces of any type able to be incorporated in other structural building systems.

 

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you do buildings with wood exterior? ROB in BAYFIELD

DEAR ROB: We often provide buildings with T1-11 with grooves every 8″ or rough sawn finish with 1×4 cedar battens. Having built one for myself, using 1×8 STK Cedar channel siding, I would never use wood siding again, as it requires far too much upkeep. Seemingly it was a perpetual need to solid body stain, especially on south facing wall. Steel siding will be your most durable and cost effective. Steel siding is also available in a board and batten look, even with a wood grain finish!