Engineering an Open Pavilion

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/10/2023
Engineering an Open Pavilion

Engineering an Open Pavilion Professional Engineer KEN in AIRVILLE writes: “Working on engineering a post frame equipment open pavilion 28×48. Only has 2 posts on the front wall and big ass flat girder for a header. See attached plans. I have done them all different ways before I a structural engineer who grew up at […]

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Pier Insulation, Hold Up Distances, and Site Prep

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/09/2023
Pier Insulation, Hold Up Distances, and Site Prep

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about insulating around outside of post piers, the hold-up distance of any non-treated lumber or wall sheathing, and if laying gravel prior to drilling and setting columns would be best order of building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Kind of a 2 parter. I am trenching 4′ […]

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Builder Placed no Vapor Barrier Between Purlins and Roof Steel

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/08/2023
Builder Placed no Vapor Barrier Between Purlins and Roof Steel

Builder Placed no Vapor Barrier Between Purlins and Roof Steel Almost client ALEX in CLINTON writes: “I recently had a pole barn home built and after we moved in we discovered our roof does not have any form of vapor barrier, just metal right on top of the purlins. Our contractor stated the entire attic […]

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Can I Purchase Just Plans?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/03/2023
Can I Purchase Just Plans?

Can I Purchase Just Plans?  writes: “I live in NC, and love the building pictured on your website–can I purchase just the plans? I’m attaching the picture for reference, and thank you so much for your time & assistance!” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: Thank you for your kind words in regards to this […]

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Roof Replacement, the next Steps, and Hurricane Codes

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/02/2023
Roof Replacement, the next Steps, and Hurricane Codes

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about replacement of a roof damaged from snow loads, gravel and concrete steps, and what measures are taken in Florida to prepare for hurricanes. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We have a 24’Wx52’L pole barn in Northern California and the 2022 winter snow load compromised the roof […]

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Repairing Rotted Lester Building Poles

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/01/2023
Repairing Rotted Lester Building Poles

Repairing Rotted Lester Building Poles Reader KEVIN in OELWEIN writes: “I own a Lester’s (Company name) pole barn machine storage shed on my farm that was built in the late 1970’s. It needs new metal put on the roof. It is 50′ x 80′ with a concrete floor. Some of the poles are rotting just […]

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Help, I am Not a Building Contractor

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/27/2023
Help, I am Not a Building Contractor

Help, I am Not a Contractor Potential client JERRY in MONETA writes: “Kit would do us no good as I’m not a contractor and these structures certainly don’t come with labor. Being a kit would be no better than its actual builder how does one go about finding a reputable contractor for Hansen pole buildings?” […]

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Roof Truss Costs, Moisture Barriers, and Integrated Condensation Control

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about “the most cost effective length to procure, transport and install of a Post Frame Roof Truss 4/12 Pitch; 36′, 40′ or 50′?” a suitable moisture barrier for a shed, and Integrated condensation controls. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Typically, what is the most cost effective length […]

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Lime Screen Floor

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/25/2023
Lime Screen Floor

Long time readers know I learn brand new things every single day. Here is today’s learning experience for me. Client JASON in LAWLER wrote to Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Mason: “Mason the project number that I was looking at is 20-1006F the only thing is that I want a lean to on both sides and […]

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Truss Notch Locations and Heel Height

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/20/2023
Truss Notch Locations and Heel Height

Truss Notch Locations and Heel Height vs. Purlin Dimensions on Overhang End Hansen Pole Buildings’ DIY clients BENJAMIN and COURTNEY in DEER LODGE write: “Hello, I’m trying to understand the difference of a quarter inch between my end wall overhang  purlins and my heel heights. My interior truss has a heel of 19 3/8” and […]

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Attic Space, Cost Effective Size, and Column Sizing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/19/2023
Attic Space, Cost Effective Size, and Column Sizing

This week the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions regarding a 6ft attic space over a 30×44 pole barn, the most “cost effective” method to build, and the point at which a post increased from a 6×6 to a 6×8. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We want a decent-height (a bit over 6ft) attic space in […]

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Converting an Unfinished Wood Frame Steel Building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/18/2023
Converting an Unfinished Wood Frame Steel Building

Converting an Unfinished Wood Frame Steel Building Reader GEOFF in WILLISTON writes: “ Mike, I think I came across a response on the internet of yours to a question about installing liner panels on the bottom chord of trusses and blowing insulation over the top. If memory serves me the question included the position of […]

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Thinking Stick Frame Rather Than Post Frame

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/13/2023
Thinking Stick Frame Rather Than Post Frame

Thinking Stick Frame Rather Than Post Frame Reader BRAD writes:“Real question…I’ve been doing lots of reading and love this site. I am building a 40x60x14 this spring. I originally thought I was going to go pole barn and now I am thinking stick frame. Reason….1. I am going to have insulated concrete foundation with in […]

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Average Cost in WA State, Garage with Dwelling Unit, and Combo Girts

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about the average cost of “a 1200 sf 2 bed 1 bath 1 carport 1 small porch for a contractor in WA state?” If a person can build one structure for a garage with a dwelling unit, and if it would be beneficial to install commercial […]

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Why Not a 2×6 Bookshelf Girt on a 4×6 Column?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/11/2023
Why Not a 2×6 Bookshelf Girt on a 4×6 Column?

Why Not a 2×6 Bookshelf Girt on a 4×6 Column? Client TROY in MONROE COUNTY writes: “It was my understanding that 4×6 posts were used, so a 2×6 girt could be mounted flush on the inside of the building and extend 1.5” beyond the post at the outside of the building. Why can’t exterior and […]

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Looking for Advice on Insulating My Pole Barn Walls

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/06/2023
Looking for Advice on Insulating My Pole Barn Walls

Looking for Advice on Insulating My Pole Barn Walls MATTHEW in CENTRAL ILLINOIS writes: “Hello! I am a member of the Facebook pole barns and buildings page and see your post with advice often. I honor your opinions. I am wondering if you can help me out. I have a 30×48 pole barn in central […]

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Wall Height, What’s Included? and Drill Set Bracket Usage

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/05/2023
Wall Height, What’s Included? and Drill Set Bracket Usage

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about customizing the wall height to best “utilize sheet goods” on interior walls, what Hansen includes in a pole barn kit, and the practicality of using a drill set bracket for columns into an existing slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Once I save up the funds, I […]

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Load Duration Factor for Wood

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/04/2023
Load Duration Factor for Wood

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 […]

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Adding a Second Floor to an Existing Pole Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/29/2023
Adding a Second Floor to an Existing Pole Barn

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 […]

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Wide and Tall, Building on Slope, and a Condensation Issue

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/28/2023
Wide and Tall, Building on Slope, and a Condensation Issue

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 […]

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Alaska Pole Barn with Actual Poles

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/27/2023
Alaska Pole Barn with Actual Poles

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 […]

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What Building Code Applies to Post Frame Construction?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/22/2023
What Building Code Applies to Post Frame Construction?

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. […]

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Pole Barn Conversion, Condensation Concerns, and Setting Trusses

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/21/2023
Pole Barn Conversion, Condensation Concerns, and Setting Trusses

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 […]

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Through Screw Steel Roof Leaks

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/20/2023
Through Screw Steel Roof Leaks

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 […]

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Providing Digitally Signed Structural Plans in Florida

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/15/2023
Providing Digitally Signed Structural Plans in Florida

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 […]

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