Load Duration Factor for Wood Load Duration Factor, or LDF, is based on wood’s ability to recover after a reasonable load has been applied for a given time. Wood is a stiff material but it is not completely rigid. Wood will flex under load, and once load has been removed, wood member will rebound or […]

Adding a Second Floor in an Existing Pole Barn Reader ROBERT in HOLLIS writes: “I have a 24′ x 32′ pole barn with enough roof pitch and headroom to frame out the 2nd floor. Floor joists spanning 24′ with no support columns (clear span) is too expensive and 2×14 joists would take up precious headroom […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about the potential wide and tall a pole building can be designed, if a pole building can be building on a slope, and how to mitigate condensation in an existing ‘horse barn’ with an open metal roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How wide and tall can […]

Alaska Pole Barn With Actual Poles Reader DOUGLAS in FAIRBANKS writes: “Hello, I’m planning to build a 40×36 pole barn using 12 surplus power poles (3 rows of 4 poles) that are in good condition. They will be placed 6′ deep by a digger truck as a normal utility pole would be. The ground is […]

What Building Code Applies to Post Frame Construction? Being a Plans Examiner in a Building Department would have to be one amongst this planet’s toughest jobs. Besides having to listen to clients who have their own ideas about how things should be built, there are volumes upon volumes of Building Code books and referenced texts. […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions regarding converting a section of an existing building into living space, concerns about condensation in an insulated wall, and a concern about setting trusses too soon following a concrete pour. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello! We have a pole barn already built, 60×80, and we’ve decided […]

Through Screw Steel Roof Leaks Reader DEBRA in KERSEY writes: “20 years ago my husband Jim and I bought a 40×60 pole barn and it’s been wonderful except for the leaks in the roof. After reading some of your online articles about roof leaks, I wanted to get in touch with you and see if […]

Providing Digitally Signed Structural Plans in Florida Reader JEFF in TAMPA writes: “Have an existing slab approx. 12×20 and slightly out of square on 7 acres of land. Want to erect a simple, square (approx. 13×21), hip-roofed (5/12 pitch) pole barn over the slab with two lean-to, open carports on either side (pictures of layout […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the type of foundation and uplift requirements there is for and RV cover and “what not,” building a home on a stem wall or with crawl space, and pluming for a building built on slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: For a 24 x40 x12 pole […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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/ […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]