4×4 or Double 2×4 Bay Roof Purlins?
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/10/20224×4 or Double 2×4 for 12’ Bay Roof Purlins? Reader JOHN in HUNTSVILLE writes: “If you have trusses spaced at 12 feet, can a 4x4x12 or two 2x4x12’s span the distance given the minimal snow loads in Arkansas? I know this is question #2 but what kind of joist hangers do you use (Simpson Number […]
Read moreExisting Foundation, “Home/Pool Combo” and HOA’s
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/09/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about design ideas to build over or around an existing foundation, designing a “home/pool combo,” and design options for roofing and siding when dealing with an HOA. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We currently have foundation/basement that measures 14×66, with additional 26×26 room with ground level concrete. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Building Siding, Concrete, Alternate Siding, Vinyl Siding, Building Interior, Pole Barn Questions, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: HOA Rules, Existing Slab, Existing Foundation, Home And Pool Combo Building, Roof Over Pool, Roofing And Siding, Alternative Roofing And Siding, HOA
- 2 comments
Retro Installing Windows in a Spray Foamed Post Frame Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/08/2022Retro Installing Windows in a Spray Foamed Post Frame Wall Reader JOEY in PRINCETON writes: “Good Evening Pole Barn Guru! We need to add picture (9) and slider (3) windows to an existing 3-year old Sherman Pole Building Post frame building where we are converting part into living quarters. The building was spray foamed by […]
Read more- Categories: Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse, Windows, Building Interior
- Tags: J Channel, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Spray Foam, Sherman Pole Building, Gas Filled Low E Windows, J Trim Attached
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Boral Steel Stone Coated Roofing
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/03/2022Boral Steel® Stone Coated Roofing Boral Steel® Stone Coated Roofing is manufactured from Galvalume® steel, then coated with stone granules applied with acrylic polymer adhesives. Result is a lightweight (1.5 psf – pounds per square foot) durable and cost-effective roofing system offering superior strength of steel and is ideal for new post frame barndominium or […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Roofing Materials, Shouse, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse
- Tags: Slate, Galvalume Steel, Tile, Shingle Roofing, Ice Damming, Hailstorms, Shouse, Recycled Roofing, Boral Steel, Wind Load, Boral Steel Stone Coated Roofing, Galvalume, Shake, Barndominium
- 2 comments
Rock Solid, Living Quarters, and Better Get an RDP
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/02/2022Today the Pole Barn Guru responds to readers questions regarding assistance in designing that is “rock solid for generations to come” using the reader’s own sawn lumber, a questions about adding a living quarter to an insulated building, and advice in bracing a post frame building better suited for a registered design professional. DEAR POLE […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Building Interior, Lumber, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Heating, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Moisture Barrier, Rough-sawn Lumber, Own Lumber, Insulation, U-brackets, Structural Design, Registered Design Professional
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Batteries Not Included
Posted by polebarnguru on 02/01/2022Batteries Not Included Batteries Not Included is a 1987 American comic science fiction film starring Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy (winner of a Saturn Award for Best Actress for her performance) and Elisabeth Pena about small extraterrestrial living spaceships saving an apartment block under threat from property development. Reader AARON in NORTH VERNON queried: “Does your pricing also […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, floorplans, Building Contractor, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Building Kit, Batteries, Barndominium Kits, Building Contractor, Erector, Blueprints, DIY Pole Buildings, Building Permits
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Being a Fan Fan
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/27/2022Being a Fan Fan Reader TOM in MACOMB writes: “Hello, I have a 24 x 40 pole barn built last summer. It has a base layer of 10” of sand and 4’ of crushed concrete on top. This sat exposed for several months until the building was erected,it was a wet summer. The building was […]
Read moreSuitable Base, Insulation, and Building in Flood Zone
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/26/2022This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses questions about whether or not a base will be suitable for a slab, if a person HAS to insulate if they intend to heat the structure, and building 13′ above grade foundation in a flood zone. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning, I’m getting ready to have a […]
Read moreWill My Minnesota Shouse Require Frost Footings?
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/25/2022Will My Minnesota Shouse Require Frost Footings? Reader CHAD in JANESVILLE writes: “I am planning on building a shouse or barndominium some may call. I am doing 5″ cement with a heated floor throughout. My hope was not to bury any poles but to anchor them on top of the slap. Do you recommend front […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Shouse, Footings, Shouse, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium
- Tags: Insulation R Value, Concrete Piers, Frost Line, Barndominium, Post Frame House, Frost Protected Shallow Foundation, Wet Set Brackets, Shouse
- 3 comments
How to Fix Many Leaks on a New Steel Roof
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/20/2022How to Fix MANY Leaks on a New Steel Roof Reader GUY in SHELTON is probably wishing he would have ordered a new Hansen Pole Building right now. He writes: “Best way to fix MANY roof leaks on a guaranteed newly built pole barn with metal roof over 2-inch vinyl glass woven insulation. Purlins are […]
Read moreSite Prep, Brackets on Slab, and Treated Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/19/2022This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about site preparation and underground obstructions, a recommendation for building with wet set brackets on slab, and whether or not Hansen Buildings uses lumber treated for in-ground use– UC-4B. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We recently started the ground work for our future 48×72 pole building. Half […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Budget, Professional Engineer, tools
- Tags: Bedrock, Site Prep, Slab, Wet Set Brackets, ACQ Treated Lumber, Treated Posts, Ram Hoe, Rock, In-ground Use Lumber, Engineered Plans
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ZIP Sheathing
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/18/2022ZIP Sheathing and Other Post Frame Thoughts Reader SPENCER in WINLOCK writes: “Hello, I’m in the planning phase and your roof purlin style and watching the “Hart and Home” youtube series have just about convinced me to go with Hansen buildings. I have a few general questions. 1. I have a tight driveway with a […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning, Ventilation
- Tags: Wet Set Brackets, Tyvek, Paddle Blocks, Sheathing, ZIP Sheathing, Zip Panels, Asphalt Felt
- 2 comments
Engineer Andy Ponders Insulation and Condensation
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/13/2022Engineer Andy Ponders Insulation and Condensation Loyal (and prolific) blog reader ANDY in OXFORD writes: “First, THANK YOU for providing so much valuable information in your blog, free of charge. I’m an engineer, quite handy, with construction experience. But everything I know about post frame construction, I learned from you. I’ve been planning for over […]
Read moreA Walk-Out, A Shouse, and Spray Foam Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/12/2022This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about the possibility of Hansen designing a walk-out basement, building a Shouse, and a consideration of spray foam insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you do walkout basement? DIANE in WARRENTON DEAR DIANE: Absolutely we can provide your barndominium with a walkout (daylight) basement: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/02/barndominium-on-a-daylight-basement/ We […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse
- Tags: Spray Foam, Shop House, Walkout Basement, Heated Shop, Post Frame Home, Shouse
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Planning a Post Frame Building Upon Sandstone
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/11/2022Planning a Post Frame Building Upon Sandstone Reader GEORGE in FARMINGTON writes: “Mike, in the early stages of planning a pole barn 32’x48’x12′ on a newly acquired piece of property. We’ve cleared the land and found the area we want to erect the building is 100% sandstone. Everywhere we’d have to drill for poles is […]
Read moreMy Barndominium Attic Has Moisture Issues!
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/06/2022My Barndominium Attic Has Moisture Issues! Reader DAVID in CHICAGO writes: “Greetings – I’ve got a pole barn style home that’s about 2.5 years old and I’m having moisture issues in the attic. Hoping I can talk with someone to get a consult or second opinion to resolve as quickly as possible. Let me know […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Shouse, Ventilation, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Integral Condensation Control, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, Condensation, Metal Roof, R50 Attic Insulation, Metal Roof Condensation, Ridge Vent, Barndominium
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Framing Loads, Footing Pads, and a Pole Barn Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/05/2022This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru kicks off 2022 with reader questions about framing loads using heavy duty steel roof trusses, a stone siding wainscot, and lap siding. Mike then addresses questions about footing pads, and finally creating a pole barn home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning to build a pole barn 36×40 […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Trusses, Barndominium, Concrete, Concrete Cookie, Footings, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials
- Tags: Concrete Collars, Post Frame Home, Trusses, Framing Loads, Footing Pads, Steel Trusses, Footings
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Why Your New Barndominium Should Be Post Frame
Posted by polebarnguru on 01/04/2022Why Your New Barndominium Should Be Post Frame For those who follow me – you know I am all about people loving their end results. As long as one has a fully engineered building they love, I couldn’t be more pleased, regardless of the structural system. In My Humble Opinion – fully engineered post frame […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Buildings History, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: PEMB Building, Stick Frame Design, Barndominium, International Residential Code, Bookshelf Wall Girts, Stick Frame Building, Geotechnical Engineer
- 6 comments
Worker Injured During Pole Project, Who Pays
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/30/2021Worker Injured During Pole Building Project – Who Pays? Disclaimer: this article is not to be construed as legal advice, please engage a qualified construction attorney prior to any construction project. If you don’t take steps to find out in advance whether workers on your new pole building are insured for injuries, you could end […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: D-I-Y Pole Building, Subcontractor, Workers Compensation Insurance, Business Employees, General Liability Insurance, General Contractor
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Hansen (J.A.), the Insides, and Ceiling Liner Panels
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/29/2021This week the Pole Barn Guru responds to reader questions about “Hansen” and the person behind the name, what the inside of a building might look like, and the possibility of adding ceiling liner panels to scissor trusses spaced 4 feet apart. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How long has Hansen (the man himself) been building […]
Read moreHiring Laborers
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/28/2021Hiring Laborers/Contractors to Perform Work on Your Building Not everyone wants or is capable to perform all the labor involved to erect a new building. This pertains to any trade or type of building system. From www.TheIndianaLawyer.com: “A construction worker injured in a building collapse was, in fact, an independent contractor, the Court of Appeals […]
Read moreYou Can Do It!
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/23/2021You Can Do It! Screamed headlines of my first ever print display ad for pole barn kits in 1981! I have included below a snippet from one of my first blog posts from 10 years ago: “In the summer of 1979, home interest rates began to rise. Idaho had a usury limit, home mortgages stopped […]
Read more- Categories: About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Lucas Plywood And Lumber, Pole Barn Kits, Steel Plates, Trusses, Truss Chords, Green Lumber, Hansen Buildings, Kiln Dried Lumber, Hansen Pole Buildings
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Moisture Management, Poor Steel Cutting, and Info Help
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/22/2021Today’s “Ask the Guru” tackles reader questions about moisture management, poorly done steel cutting around windows and doors, and help “Looking for info” for Jack. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, I am framing out an animal barn (right now to be used for housing chickens and storing some feed and hay) inside of an existing […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Siding, Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Heating, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Insulation, Caulking Windows, Pole Barn Planning, Moisture Barrier, Steel Cutting, Moisture Management
- No comments
Why Is Engineering Design So Important?
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/21/2021Why is Engineering Design so Important? Reprinted from the National Frame Building Association (www.NFBA.org) of November 2021 As we see in Chapter 1 of the Post Frame Building Design Manual (PFBDM), post frame construction has been around for hundreds of years. The performance, life expectancy, and reduction of material and labor costs are all reasons […]
Read moreHelp! My Barndominium Roof is Dripping!
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/16/2021Help! My Barndominium Roof Is Dripping! Reader TIMM in WHITEFISH writes: “Thanks for taking my question. I recently built a barndominium in NW Montana. I tried to find someone to build it for me, but the demand and cost in the area had gone up so much that I had to do almost all the […]
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