Today’s “Ask the Guru” answers reader questions about adding a vapor barrier between a ceiling and attic, adding a pole barn to a manufactured home, and how many bedrooms can fit into a barndominium.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, my concern/ question is vapor barrier between my steel ceiling and attic before insulation “fiberglass”. I have a 40/64/16. Walls are closed cell 2-3 inches. My builder put my steel ceiling up and not even thinking of insulation process at that time. My roof is steel with drip stop. Vented by soffit and ridge vent. Reading a lot of mixed answers I’m asking did/do I need a vapor barrier between bottom truss and steel ceiling before fiberglass or will have bigger issues down the road. It will be heated at all times for Michigan cold months from late October till April roughly. If it does need it how do I go about it now. Thanks. COREY in RIVERDALE

DEAR COREY: You are not alone in not considering insulation prior to building. Sadly, few builders or providers will have this sort of discussion with you – they are looking for a quick sale, rather than helping clients avoid having to reach out to me for answer and solutions (some of them being costly).

Yours is an easy one (and free) – no.

With closed cell insulation in your walls, if you were to have a ceiling vapor barrier, expect to have to mechanically dehumidify or be prepared for condensation, mold and mildew issues. Here is some extended reading for you: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2023/01/does-my-pole-barn-need-a-vapor-barrier/

 

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I have a manufactured home that has been bricked in all around can I add a Pole Barn Home onto it? EDWARD in TENNILLE

DEAR EDWARD: Most states do not allow for manufactured homes to be structurally attached to, due to load transfer concerns. However, this does not preclude a free-standing pole barn home from being abutted to it with non-structural attachments. Please email specifics of your proposed addition and photos of your existing home to our Design Team Manager – Caleb@HansenPoleBuildings.com or call 1.866.200.9657 for immediate service.

 

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How many bedrooms will fit in your largest residential barndominium. Thinking about using it as a dorm-type or assisted living. PHILLIP

DEAR PHILLIP: Allowing for hallways, bathrooms, etc., on a single level you should be able to have several hundred bedrooms. We can provide up to four stories with fire suppression sprinklers, so in theory, well over a thousand bedrooms.