This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the feasibility of building in northern Japan, the possibility of raising an existing post frame building, what the best treatment for in-ground use on columns would be, and if post protectors are needed. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m currently evaluating the feasibility of building a […]

Wall Insulation for a Hybrid Building Reader MASON in HILLSBOROUGH writes: “I read your blog often and I truly appreciate the wealth of knowledge you openly share. I am in the process of starting construction on a hybrid steel shop that will house a small apartment that the wife and I will move into once […]

a BONUS PBG for Monday, May 27th — Store Front Windows, Tornados, and Texas DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a customer who is going to have 2×8 and 4×8 store front windows. These window frames need to be as close to the ground as possible. How do I need to build the bottom of […]

A BONUS PBG for Friday May, 24th — Alternative Siding, Basements, and Purlin Size DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In towns that disapprove of houses with rib steel siding, can traditional OSB sheathing on the bookshelf girts w/ vinyl cladding be substituted? Material prices seem similar and no huge difference in labor seems probable. But, will […]

Will I Have Issues With Post Frame Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation? Reader HEATH in NACOGDOCHES writes: “I am building a pole barn that I do not plan to heat or cool initially, but would like to insulate due to condensation issues and our hot humid climate. Have there been issues with closed cell spf […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses reader concerns about Florida approved board and batten panels for walls, the use of drip stop or condenstop in residential applications, and what the widest build without support poles could be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I need a 4×8 siding material that has a Florida Product Approval Code. […]

Pole Barn Plans With Clerestory Roofs Reader BRENT in HUNTSVILLE writes: “Do you have any plans for pole barns with a Celestial Shed Roof? It seems like a great way to allow natural light into the building while being an aesthetic design.” By coincidence, I have a son named Brent! In architecture, a clerestory is […]

a BONUS PBG for Monday May, 20th — A DIY solution, a Clear Span, and a Crawl Space. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi we are looking for something to live in that we can put together ourselves possibly convert to a living space unless you have something that is affordable that is already residential use. […]

A BONUS PBG for Friday May, 17th– Roof Insulation, Column Sizing, and a Moisture Issue. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi Mike. I built a post and beam shop and am trying to figure out how to insulate the roof on the second floor. The bents are true sawn 6×6 on ten foot centers (building is […]

PEX and Rebar Hairpins Reader BRIAN in LEROY writes: “I want hydronic floor w/ PEX embedded into concrete slab on grade at MN-IA area. Blogs show rebar through holes in poles that are bent into the concrete at about 45 degree angles presumably to tie all elements of building envelope firmly together. In this area, […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about an I-Beam size for a lean too, plans for a county permit- included with purchase of a Hansen Building, and advice for use of insulation and barriers for new build. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey Mike I’ve got a question for you, I recently just […]

The Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation in Pole Barns Spray foam insulation is an all-in-one solution that can effectively regulate temperature, reduce noise, and prevent moisture in your pole barn. Although all types of insulation minimize heat transfer, spray foam is the only material that can also seal against air leaks, potentially resulting in energy […]

To Vapor Barrier a Ceiling, or Not to Vapor Barrier a Ceiling. Reader RAY in LAPINE writes: “Hello, I live in Central Oregon, in climate zone #5. We are located in the High Desert at 4400 ft. The climate is dry with low humidity, occasional snow and cold in the winter. The summer temps are […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibility of raising a ceiling 4′ – 6′ for pickleball, the advice of whether or not to attempt to add a post frame building on top of an 8″ foundation wall– don’t, and the maximum clear span of an indoor riding barn. DEAR POLE […]

Challenges to Insulating an Existing Pole Building Reader TODD in STACY writes: “Hello, I am looking to insulate and heat an existing 30x40x12 pole building that was built in the mid 2000’s. It does not have soffits or ridge vents. The way it is now it gets condensation on the inside quite often just with […]

Questions From a Future Barndominium Owner Reader MATTHEW in MOUNT PLEASANT writes: “I am interested in and currently planning a barn-dominium as a future primary residence for myself. (Male, Single, 35, 1 Cat, 1 Dog) The questions i had for you were: For someone who is inexperienced in the realm of pole barn and construction […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru about building a wood frame basement with “daylight space,” the inside dimensions of a 40′ x 80′ structure, and a debate between steel vs wood construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’d like to build a post frame building with a daylight basement space. I’d been researching permanent wood foundations […]

MSR Lumber Producers Council  Today I am a MSR Lumber Producers Council presenter in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lumber grades take into account natural characteristics, including knots, splits, checks, shake, and wane. Lumber design values are assigned to lumber grades to provide a means for using this material in structural applications. These values are published in […]

Things Hansen Pole Buildings Does Better Than Any Other Post-Frame Building Provider To those of you who have read my previous 13 articles, this will serve as a recap. For you who have not, please peruse when you have an opportunity. STRONGEST GLULAM COLUMNS While manufactured from lumber 157% as strong as what is typically […]

13 Can Be Very Fortunate Thank you for participating (hopefully) in my past dozen articles about our “NEW” Hansen Pole Building. If not, I would greatly to encourage you to peruse them. I believe you will find them useful in being able to know you are getting greatest value for your hard-earned building dollars. In […]

Why it’s Critical to Understand Lumber Species Groups Originally published in SBCA Magazine January 6, 2024 For consumers of structurally graded lumber the two key elements of the lumber’s grade stamp are the assigned grade and the species or species group. These two elements establish what published design values should be referenced for that piece […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the need for a vapor barrier, the longevity of properly treated posts, and the better spray foam between open and closed cell. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello Sir, hoping you can help answer a question I cannot get a straight answer on. Currently building a […]

Wouldn’t Field Laminated Posts be Stronger and Possibly More Economical? Reader CHRIS in AIRVILLE writes: “Wouldn’t field laminated posts be stronger and possibly more economical? I have searched your previous blogs and found some information regarding this but they all seemed to refer to the laminated posts being ordered and pre-built. I would think that […]

Thru Screwed Steel Screws – Pull-Over and Pull-Out Hi, my name is Mike, and I am addicted to watching engineering disaster videos. No, there is not yet a 12 step program for this addiction. I have learned a few things from my addiction. When it comes to construction failures, most of them come down to […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about sourcing 4pc of 4x6x18′ treated columns, truss bracing in a custom cabin, and insulating a roof on a metal pole barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Looking for 4pcs 4x6x18 treated ground contact. JERRY in COATESVILLE DEAR JERRY: This one is going to be tough. Very […]