Should Poly Plastic Barrier be Used on Interior of Walls and Ceiling?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/13/2025
Reader JUSTIN in MONROE writes: “Hello. Hopefully an easily answered question? I have built a 52×30 post frame, steel siding and roof. Walls have Tyvek between steel and girts. Roof is steel directly on purlins with no barrier of any kind. It has a concrete slab and I plan to periodically heat it during winter […]
Read moreA Riding Arena, a Post Frame Home, and Hot Weather Builds
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/12/2025
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about the engineering of a round pen riding arena for equine use, if a pole barn can be used for a home, and how well post frame would do in a hot weather climate like Las Vegas, NV. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: A friend of mine […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Shouse, Rebuilding Structures, floorplans, Building Interior, Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Round Pen, Hot Weather, Las Vegas, Snow Load, NV, Post Frame Home, Riding Arena, Shouse
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Textured Metal, also called Crinkle Coat
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/11/2025
Textured Metal, also Called Crinkle Coat Textured metal, also called crinkle coat, roofing panels from Central States have become increasingly popular among homeowners, architects, and builders for various reasons. Not only do they offer a modern and aesthetically pleasing look, but they also provide a range of practical benefits that make them an excellent choice […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Building Colors, Budget, Barndominium
- Tags: Textured Steel, Crinkle Coat, Scratch Resistant, Slip Resistant, Textured Metal, Post Frame Siding, Post Frame Roofing
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I Simply Can’t Make the Numbers Work
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/06/2025
I Simply Can’t Make the Numbers Work Reader and Registered Professional Engineer LILA in LaCENTER writes: “Is it possible to build a 56×66 pole structure with 4.5×5.5 laminated posts, 10 feet tall at 12′ centers with 110 mph winds in zone C and in seismic zone D? I would dearly love to see the numbers […]
Read moreA Vaulted Ceiling, Pier Shapes for Brackets, and a Sloped Grade
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/05/2025
Today’s “Ask the Guru” answers reader questions about a truss solution for a vaulted ceiling, a question about the use of square piers for brackets compared to round, and building post frame on a sloped grade. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I‘m wanting to build a barndominium on my property in Southern Tennessee. My design is […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Concrete, floorplans, Footings, Building Interior, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Building Styles and Designs, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Vaulted Ceiling, Wet Set Brackets, Prefabricated Wood Truss, Square Footings, Sloped Grade, Footings, Site Prep, Scissor Truss
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Why Are My Footings So Big?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/04/2025
Why Are My Footings So Big? Reader and soon to be client CHRIS in ISANTI writes: “Good morning, I am looking at building a pole building in the near future and have been working with Lucas on developing a plan. Question I have is why are the footings so big? It’s a 40x56x16 with a […]
Read moreTariffs to Raise Construction Costs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/03/2025
Tariffs to Raise Construction Costs I have been warning people about this for months. Luckily, for Hansen Pole Buildings’ clients, we bought lots (as in rail car loads) of lumber back in November and December – this will allow us to hold prices for a limited time. Article below was published by the NAHB (National […]
Read moreBuilding After a Burn Down, and IWUIC
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/30/2025
Building After a Burn Down– Revisiting the International Wildland Urban Interface Code or IWUIC Western United States wildfires have been featured on network newscasts and seen in our air for months. My own Auntie Norma’s home was a victim of California’s 2018 Camp Fire – where she lost all of her worldly possessions. Reader MATHEW […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete, Budget
- Tags: Vinyl Flooring, Closed Cell Foam Insulation, Pex Tubing, Wildfires, Building Wildfires Protections, Concrete Sleeves, Fire Proofing, Lowes, Phonehenge, Home Depot, Prebuilt Roof Trusses
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Monolithic Slab, Column Spacing and Girt Sizes, and Building Costs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/29/2025
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about pouring a monolithic slab in Iowa, a question about columns spacing and girts sizing, and what the costs to build a garage with living quarters above might be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m building a barndominium in Iowa and I wonder if I can do […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Building Interior, floorplans, Budget, Columns, Lofts, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse
- Tags: Frost Depth, Bookshelf Girts, Monolithic Slab, Girt Sizes, Girts Spacing, Garage With Living Quarters, Column Spacing, DIY
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Should I Use Concrete Sonotube Foundation?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/28/2025
Should I Use Concrete Sonotube Foundation? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning to build a post-frame house 32×40. I built a 16×16 post-frame barn last Summer as practice and found that I hit bedrock at 2 to 2.5 feet. I know that most post-frame buildings require a 4 foot hole with a concrete footing […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Concrete Cookie, Footings
- Tags: Concrete Sonotube, Sonotube, Post Frame Foundation, Pole Building Holes
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Cost to Set Up Land for a Barndominium
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/23/2025
Cost to Set Up Land for a Barndominium MIKAELA in MINNESOTA writes: “Hi Mike, my name is Mikaela and I’ve been working with Lucas about possibly purchasing two kits from your company to build on some land in Minnesota. My mom and I are hoping we can make it happen, but I had some questions […]
Read moreCosts to Finish Kit, Rebuild or New Build, and Size Recommendation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/22/2025
This week’s ask the Guru answers reader questions about the costs accrued to finish a home after investing in a kit, performing an extensive remodel on an existing barn or tear down and build a new structure, and a building size recommendation for a grow facility. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: After purchasing large kit for […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, floorplans, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior, Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Licensed Design Professional, Professional Registered Engineer, Bardominium Costs, Post Frame Finish Costs, Post Frame Rebuild, Building Sizes, Post Frame Costs
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Don’t Mold My Furniture
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/21/2025
Don’t Mold My Furniture Loyal reader RICHARD in MOBILE writes: “Hey Guru, love your site but I can’t seem to find the answer to my question. First off I am in Mobile Al right on the gulf coast where it is hot and very humid most of the year. I recently bought a 60 x […]
Read moreBarn Screws Rotting Wood
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/16/2025
Barn Screws Rotting Wood Reader (and Contractor) JOHN in BIG RAPIDS writes: “In a pole building constructed with trusses 2′ o.c 1/2″ OSB synthetic underlayment. We are finding out that the screw is riding the OSB around the screw. I have seen the same problem in standard pole barn construction with 2 x 4. Purlins. […]
Read moreExcessive Dripping, RV Garage Dimensions, and Roof Insulation
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/15/2025
This week’s Ask The Guru addresses reader questions about the cause and possible solution to excessive dripping, the dimensions of an RV garage Hansen designed, and advice regarding putting a vapor barrier bubble blanket on the underside of the purlins before blowing insulation in attic. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in Pennsylvania – we […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Budget, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Horse Riding Arena, Pole Barn Planning, RV Storage, Barndominium, Ventilation, Building Drainage, Insulation, Building Interior
- Tags: RV Storage, Condensation, Drip Stop, A1V, Spray Foam, Dripping, Motorhome Garage, Ventilation
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Board & Batten Steel Siding
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/14/2025
Board & Batten Steel Siding Board & Batten siding has seen a resurgence in residential and agricultural design in recent years, and rightfully so as many building and builders crave classical aesthetics of rural farmhouse design. A challenge, though, is wooden board & batten is still susceptible to rot, insect damage, cracking, and various other […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Building Styles and Designs
- Tags: Steel Board And Batten, Central States Steel, Board And Batten Siding, Post Frame Siding, Pole Barn Siding, Alternative Siding
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Why Post Frame Construction is So Efficient vs. Stick-Built
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/09/2025
Why Post Frame Construction is So Efficient vs. Stick-Built I recently had this comment from a client, “In normal construction projects I would order at least 5% overage and it looks like closer to 1% here, I have like 20 extra screws total, a foot of extra eave trim, two whole extra pieces of vinyl soffit.” […]
Read moreA Complete Pole Barn, Floor Plan Conversion, and Indoor Soccer Field
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/08/2025
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses a reader question regarding whether erecting a complete pole barn that has been sitting bundled for eight years might be okay, how easy might it be to convert a stick built floor plan in to a post frame design, and a quote for an indoor soccer field. DEAR […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, floorplans, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Interior, Budget
- Tags: Floor Plans, Pole Barn Conversion, Old Pole Barn Materials, Sitting Lumber, Decayed Lumber, Indoor Soccer, Indoor Field
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Scissors Trusses in Post Frame Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/07/2025
Scissors Trusses in Post Frame Buildings I’ve written previously about Henry Getz, of Morton Buildings (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/06/origins-colored-steel/), however there are reasons other than pre-painted steel roofing and siding which the post frame industry should thank Henry for. Beyond color, Henry also introduced the raised-chord (scissors) truss to the post frame industry, which allowed a taller end […]
Read moreExploring the New Component Warning Notice
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/02/2025
Exploring the New Component Warning Notice Originally Published by: SBCA Magazine by Kent Pagel — November 12, 2024 SBCA appreciates your input; please email us if you have any comments or corrections to this article. Editor’s Note: Kent Pagel is SBCA’s Legal Counsel and is a partner with the Houston, Texas firm of Pagel, Davis […]
Read moreWhen to Fill, Wall Insulation, and Gable Vents
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/01/2025
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about best time to fill in uneven grade, best method to insulate walls with no housewrap, and addition of gable vents to help with condensation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Maybe you can give some advice on our pole barn build. Our rat board is 6ft above […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Building Drainage, Pole Barn Design, Building Interior, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium
- Tags: Vapor Barrier, Rock Wool Insulation, Condensation, Air Intake, Uneven Grade, Ventilation, Fill, Site Prep, Backfill, Insulation
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A Christmas Message
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/31/2024
A Christmas Message This was just too heart warming to not share. Mike, Merry Christmas to you and to all your family and co-workers. THANK YOU for all the wise words (not just about buildings) you publish as the Guru. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t check your blog after 8 am. even […]
Read more- Categories: Budget, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Uncategorized, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Building Styles and Designs, floorplans, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Post Frame Building, Post Frame Home, Cost Efficient, , Affordable Housing
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5 Places or Spaces Perfect for Pole Buildings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/26/2024
We took a look at some of America’s most wide open spaces and thought hard about how climate, severe weather, wind, and seasonal changes affect the ability of a sturdy pole building to provide housing, commercial office space, and industrial warehouse storage. It may come as no surprise that the majority of the locations we […]
Read moreAdding Insulation, Sliding Doors, and Use of Knee Braces
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/25/2024
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding wool bat insulation between purlins against an R-7 vapor barrier, and the Guru’s thoughts on Knee Braces in post frame construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello We have an existing pole barn that has an R-7 vapor barrier. The vapor barrier is between the […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Heating, Constructing a Pole Building, Sliding Doors, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Ventilation
- Tags: Sliding Door, Wool Insulation, Vapor Barrier, Bi-parting Sliding Door, Building Code, Center Guide, Roof Insulation
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I Don’t Know Much Yet About Pole Construction
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/24/2024
I Don’t Know Much Yet About Pole Construction Reader BOBBY in MILTON writes: “Prices have sent me here. I have a parcel in Farmington Maine that I’d like to put a good size garage and later a house on. I don’t know much, yet, about pole construction. I’m 72, healthy but not very strong anymore, […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Footings, Budget, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Constructing A Pole Barn, Post Frame Knowledge, Construction Manual, Pole Barn Construction, Post Frame Questions
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