Exactly Identical and 20% Less
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/13/2023
Exactly Identical and 20% Less There is always someone willing to sacrifice quality and/or service to get to a lower price. I have seen it over and over again for decades now. Price shoppers, or deal hunters, seem to be most interested in the lowest price. Unlike value shoppers who are willing to pay more […]
Read more2018 IRC Attic Ventilation Requirements
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/08/2023
2018 IRC Attic Ventilation Requirements Reader SCOTT in MINNESOTA writes: “I read a couple of articles on your website and was hoping you could answer a question or give me some insight on venting my shop building, It is pole barn construction with 24” vented soffits and a ridge vent. The original foam/screen closures on […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation
- Tags: Net Free Ventilation Area, NFVA, Screening, Ventilation, IRC, Vapor Retarder
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Engineered Plans, P-Bex Through Posts, and Drill Set Brackets
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/07/2023
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about drawing up engineered plans to match some non-engineered plans reader currently has, if it is possible to run p-bex through columns, and whether of not a person can set a building on an existing slab with use of drill set brackets. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: […]
Read moreWhy Post Frame Columns Need Adequate Footings
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/06/2023
Why Post-Frame Columns Need Adequate Footings Reader STEVE in GRANTS PASS writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, height of the post for my RV pole barn have moved. What is the best way to raise and support the header so that I can replace and or place concrete footings with Simpsons? Hopefully these are better pics. […]
Read moreSkillion Roofs
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/01/2023
Skillion Roof Question Reader WELLS in AIKEN writes: “I am building a 20′ x 24′ pole barn studio with a skillion roof. What size roof rafter to span the 20′ without any sagging? 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 or a more engineered rafter. I do not want any supporting poles on the interior […]
Read more- Categories: Sheds, single slope, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses
- Tags: Lean-to Shed, Barndominium, Shed Roof, Skillion Roofs, Mono-slope, High Pitch Roof
- 3 comments
New Build Features, Concrete Costs, and a Monolithic Slab
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/31/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about specific features for a new build, possible costs for concrete for a 60x150x12 red iron building, and installing a monolithic slab in an area with rocky soils. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I like a 35′ wide by 45′ deep 18′ high. Ridge running the depth […]
Read morePost Frame Knee Bracing in Ohio
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/30/2023
Post-Frame Knee Bracing in Ohio Reader DON in TALLMADGE writes: “I recently purchased plans for a 32×32 pole building and the trusses are 2×4 and the building supplier did not include knee bracing included in the original plans but the county said they need to be added. Are these really a benefit and do I […]
Read morePressure Treated Douglas Fir
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/25/2023
Pressure Treated Douglas-Fir Reader ERIC in SANTA CRUZ writes: “Hello, I am researching pressure treated pole and post treatments. I am looking at UC-4b treatment for long term. I need real life experience with Douglas fir using CCA-C . The other consideration is Douglas Fir using ACZA.” Mike the Pole Barn Guru says: Early in […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: AWPA, ACZA, Douglas Fir, Chromated Copper Arsenate, American Wood Protection
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Engineer Drawings, Build on a Basement, and an ADU
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/24/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about engineering drawings for a house– from a building inspector in Michigan, whether or not a post frame structure can be mounted on a basement, and if an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) can be constructed with post frame. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking for […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete
- Tags: Post Frame Home, Engineer Drawings, Post Frame Over Basement, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit, Engineering
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Adding a New Lean-to
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/23/2023
Adding a Lean-To Shed on an Existing Pole Barn Reader SAM in CANNON FALLS writes: “Hello I am looking to add a lean-to to the side of my pole building on the eave side. I was looking to use a mono truss at with a 2/12 pitch and 8′ to the bottom of the truss/ […]
Read moreKeeping Ground Water Out from Under a Post Frame Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/18/2023
Keeping Ground Water Out from Under a Post Frame Building Reader TED in LEBANON writes: “The holes for my future building can be around 4 foot deep. Then solid rock, I think that is a good foundation? Level ground but at bottom of hillside. Surface water drains well. But, between the hardpan and solid rock […]
Read morePool Insulation, Span Tables for Floor Joists, and Post Brackets
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/17/2023
Today the Pole barn Guru addresses reader questions about the use of 2″ Dow Styrofoam sheets to help insulate and above ground pool, advice for a structurally sound 20×40 room with a loft in a building, and if post can be set onto a cinderblock wall. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in Minnesota and […]
Read moreAttaching Roof Purlins on Edge to Trusses
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/16/2023
Attaching Roof Purlins on Edge to Trusses Reader MIKE in MOUNT VERNON writes: “If your purlins sit on top of your trusses in the middle of your building do they sit on top of the gable truss also or are they on the side of the gable truss with hangers?” Most ‘West Coast’ (I use […]
Read more- Categories: Building Overhangs, Trusses
- Tags: Lumber Splits, Pre-drilling Steel, Eave Height, Paddle Blocks
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Will I Need to Use Double Trusses?
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/11/2023
Will I Need to Use Double Trusses? Reader DALE in TOMPKINSVILLE writes: “On an open front 5 bay tool shed, roof length 60 feet, width 40 foot, height of 10 foot, 12foot, trusses on 6×6 columns, 12/4 pitch located in southern Kentucky zone 6 will I need to double the trusses?” Need and want are […]
Read moreStructural Framing, the Cost of a Building, and “Base Supports”
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/10/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions from a Project Architect about the structural framing of a Hansen building, the cost of building plans with engineering, and if the Pole Barn Guru has advice for “base supports” for a wood floor in a Tube Canopy. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am a Project Architect […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Lumber, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Sealed Plans, Engineered Plans, Project Engineer, Structural Framing, Tube Canopy, Design Loads
- No comments
Converting a Traditional Framing Plan to Post-Frame
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/09/2023
Converting a Traditional Framing Plan to Post-Frame Hansen Pole Buildings’ client SHAYNA in PHILADELPHIA writes: “Hello, I am looking to convert my traditional; framing plan to post-frame framing to get my walls up quicker. I would like to know what requirements need to be followed. The information I already have is that it’s best for […]
Read moreDead Air as an Insulator
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/04/2023
Dead Air as an Insulator Are you considering building a climate controlled post-frame building? If so, then proper insulation is (or should be) at the top of your list. If you have not seen ridiculous claims of double digit R-values from reflective radiant barriers yet (aka ‘bubble wrap insulation”) you will. Read more about these […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Building Interior, Insulation, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Convection, Condensation, Climate Controlled, Batt Insulation, Cold Cladding, Sheet Insulation, Ventilation, Thermal Bridging, Thermal Break, Cladding, Radiant Barrier, Insulation, Gypsum Wall Board, Vapor Barrier
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Tornado Safety, Garage Additions, and Utilities in Post Frame
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/03/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the safety of a pole barn in the event of a tornado, whether a new post frame garage can be added to an existing home, and the standards to run utility wires and pipes through posts. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How safe are pole barn […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding, Vinyl Siding, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Water Lines, Post Frame Wiring, Post Frame Water Pipes, Wind Speed, Alternative Siding, Post Frame Addition, Tornado Safety, EF4 Wind
- No comments
Attic Trusses for Post Frame Construction
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/02/2023
Attic Trusses for Post Frame Construction Reader RICK in LEWISTON writes: “I’m researching post frame construction as I’d like to build a 28×40 shop this summer. We really need storage and I’d like to use attic trusses for the area it offers. I’m a little confused as to how the full length header is attached […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags:
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Post Frame Design Questions
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/27/2023
Regarding Post-Frame Home Design Reader MAUREEN writes: “Hello. I was forwarded to you because I have some questions for you regarding my home design. What are the most economical size of trusses? What brand of doors and windows do you use? Can Hansen Buildings be built on a crawl space foundation? Can in floor heat […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Wet Set Brackets, Radiant Floor Heat, Crawl Space, Concrete Foundation Walls
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Condensation Challenge, Adding a Garage Door, and Barn Movers
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/26/2023
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about likely condensation challenges with a closed envelope in coastal South Carolina, an addition of a 16′ wide garage door to an existing building, and if the Guru knows any pole barn movers in central Illinois. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to keep my building […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Heating, Constructing a Pole Building, Overhead Doors, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Doors, Ventilation, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior
- Tags: Moving A Pole Barn, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Moisture Control, Condensation, Closed Envelope, Overhead Garage Door, Garage Door, Pole Barn Movers
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Loft in a Weld Up Steel Building
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/25/2023
Loft in a Weld Up Steel Building Reader CINDY in TYLER writes: “I am constructing the interior of a welded metal house that’s 20x18x12. I am trying to figure out how to add a loft. The building framing is constructed of I-beams and the walls have 2 rows of heavy 8” C-channel per wall, Though […]
Read moreAn Alternative to a Very Flat Roof Extension
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/20/2023
An Alternative to a Very Flat Roof Extension Reader BOB in SANDPOINT writes: “Hello we want to add a patio / work on car / whatever, extension off the front of an existing shop with a metal roof – joining the existing metal roof with the metal roof of the extension with a sort of […]
Read moreEndwall Overhangs, Foundation Insulation, and Sloping Ground
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/19/2023
This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about setting trusses on a Hansen Building with endwall overhangs, a solution for an insulation question, and the possibility of building on steep sloping ground with some exposed columns. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are all trusses set at the same height are the end trusses lower […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Concrete, Pole Barn Questions, Footings, Pole Barn Design, Columns, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Post Frame Home, Trusses
- Tags: Endwall Overhangs, Sloping Site, Stem Wall, Trusses, Stilt Construction, Insulation, Foundation Insulation, Sloped Ground, Truss Installation
- No comments
Post Frame Bank Barns
Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/18/2023
TERESA in BEDFORD writes: “Can you build a pole barn in a bank barn style?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers: A bank barn is a style of barn noted for its accessibility, at ground level, on two separate levels. Often built into hill sides or banks, upper and lower floors could be accessed from […]
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