Enforcing 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 […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about a possible source of replacement sliding door parts, the shape of poles for pole buildings, and whether or not a 2/12 roof pitch can handle the Minnesota snow loads. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi! I have a Cleary Pole Barn with concrete floor and main […]

Owner-Barndominium Builder Construction Loans Qualifying for owner-barndominium builder construction loans can be a daunting task. Given 2007-2008’s housing market downturn, owner-builder construction loans are increasingly hard to get but not impossible. An owner-builder is a property owner who serves as general contractor on their own project. A General contractor coordinates everything from budget to hiring subcontractors. […]

Storage of Steel Roofing and Siding at the Job site  All steel roofing and siding panel bundles are inspected and approved by manufacturer’s quality control inspectors before shipment. Inspect panels for any moisture content or shipping damage upon delivery and advise the materials carrier immediately. Bare (non-painted) Galvalume sheet, like galvanized, is subject to wet […]

This week “Ask the Guru” answers reader questions about a Hansen Building as as open air pavilion in SW Minnesota, moisture issues in a climate of extremes, and roof screws at an angle due to installer missing roof purlins, then caulking around the screw heads. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello again Mike, Our Southern MN […]

Condensation Above Metal Building Roof Insulation Only those few long time readers or those who had time on their hands and have read every blog I ever wrote will recall this story about my adventures with metal building roof insulation: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/11/metal-building-insulation-in-pole-buildings-part-i/. Reader JOSH in CORVALLIS is having issues with how metal building insulation is (or […]

Innovations and Applications of FEVE Coatings Advancements in Coating Technologies In the business of metal building products, coating and paint performance is a critical factor and major paint manufacturers have continued to innovate their technology for enhanced performance against both immediate damage and long-term weathering. Despite many industry improvements to modified polyester paint systems, Fluoropolymer […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about code requirements for fire rated spray foam in enclosed parking structures, a request for assistance to set poles, and a question about the clear span of a riding arena. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Trying to find the NFPA code or Building code requirements for having […]

Barndominium Electrical Outlets No matter how many electrical outlets I plan for, it feels as if there were never enough where I really need them. There are some basic minimum rules, however when planning your barndominium or shop/house – think about places you might need more than these requirements. It is much easier to have […]

Proper Screw Location for Post Frame Steel Cladding It was a pleasant October evening back in 1985 in Blacksburg, Virginia. My friend Dr. Frank Woeste was then a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences professor at Virginia Tech (officially Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) and he had invited me to teach one of his […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about whether or not it is ok to drill thru poles to run wiring, the ability to build a post frame structure over a basement with a poured foundation, and how much space do I need for my pole building? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a post frame […]

Reader JENNIFER from CANON CITY writes: “Is there such a thing as too small of a pole barn to build? I am wanting a shed/hobby space with enough height to make a loft in the future. Due to setbacks and sewer lines, I can only do a 12’X26′ building. Plans for pole barns begin at […]

How Is This Roof Truss Scenario Realistic? Reader STEPHEN in ONTARIO writes: “How is it possible realistic for roof trusses every eight feet apart in the post slot and tied together with 2×4 perlins 2′ apart to hold the Snow load here they say is 45 pounds per square foot. I totaled the weight to […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about the possibility of designing an asymmetrical truss configuration, how to frame the exterior wall to the upstairs floor, and what the snow load of “these pole barns” is. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I design an asymmetrical truss configuration? We need a small stand on one side with […]

When a F1 Tornado Hits Your Brand New Post Frame Building Disclaimer – this is NOT a Hansen Pole Building Nice new post frame building 26’ x 56’ finished on a Tuesday Following day, same building is hit with an F1 tornado, with wind speeds measured at 104 mph (top end of F1 is 112 […]

You Too Can Successfully DIY Your Pole Building Loyal reader STEVE in DULUTH writes: “Just note to say I’m appreciative of the knowledge here at Hansen Pole Buildings and a shout out to the Pole Barn Guru! I’ve gleaned a ton of information and tips to assist in constructing my 40X60X16 DIY post frame after […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a Barndominium on a crawlspace, the ability to install columns on concrete or a pylon, and the use of rafters for an open ceiling. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am in the planning stages for a 30×48 Barndominium. I would like to put the […]

Insulating My Bubble Wrapped Metal Barn Reader DURIN in WESTERN NEW YORK writes: “So glad I could see your site. So many different opinions. If I could explain my situation below. I have a 40 x 80 x18 metal barn. It was built by the Amish. It has a 6 inch slab of concrete a […]

Can Wall Girts Be Installed Before The Trusses? In my travels over the years I have seen more than a few post frame buildings under construction. When I find one being constructed by a building contractor, if the wall girts are installed before the roof, it is an immediate giveaway to the builder having been […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about insulating a metal post frame garage in Florida with vented soffits and peak, replacing nails with EPDM gasketed screws on an existing structure, and ideas to replace rusted steel on the lower 3′ of a structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a metal post […]

I really enjoy the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designers. They honestly want to know, and in our industry there is a lot to know. A typical day for a Building Designer can run the gamut from the farm, to the office, home or the store as well as enjoying clients from everywhere in the country. Building […]

Modern Post Frame Buildings and Geothermal–  Over the past few years, there has been a trend towards building modern climate controlled post frame buildings for homes and commercial use, but the HVAC Systems in these buildings remains outdated. Most climate controlled post frame buildings are still being built with inefficient gas or propane furnaces, coupled […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the ability to replace posts damaged by termites, DIY truss winches, and adding OSB to a metal roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We purchased property about 24 years ago with an existing Morton Barn. About 10 years ago we had an invasion of termites that […]

Minimum Design Loads and Risk Model Building Codes, such as IBC (International Building Code), offer minimum design loads for climactic forces such as snow and wind. As building permit issuing agencies adopt codes, within their scope they can establish minimum values for their particular jurisdiction. Key word here “minimum” – least values a building may […]

Today’s blog is a bonus “ask the Guru” that answers reader questions about a design for an open gable endwall and how to address load transfer, “level” columns and NFBA tolerances for post frame construction, and how to measure for purlin spacing. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to build a 24′ wide by 48″ […]