Category Archives: Alternate Siding
HOA Restrictions, Plans Only Option (sorry, no) and Site Prep
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/04/12 @ 8:00
This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about the possibility of adding a brick exterior to a pole building to satisfy HOA restrictions, if Hansen provides a sealed plans only option so a reader can reuse parts of current building, and geotechnical concerns about site prep and dirt for post frame construction. DEAR […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Alternate Siding, Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding
- Tags: Dirt Work, Brick Siding, HOA, Blueprints, Plans, HOA Regulations, Site Prep, Engineer Sealed Plans, Geotechnical Study
- No comments
Framing for Sheetrock, Exterior Stairs, and Board & Batten Siding
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/02/01 @ 8:00
This Wednesday, the Pole Barn Guru addresses hanging of sheetrock on horizontal girts compared to conventional framing, the best method to install or add stairs to a structure to comply with building codes, and proper installation for board and batten siding. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have read about the benefits of hanging sheetrock on […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding, Concrete, Alternate Siding, Building Interior, Fasteners
- Tags: Alternative Siding, Sheetrock Framing, Horizontal Framing, Exterior Stairs, Board And Batten, 2018 IBC
- No comments
Stucco for My Post Frame Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/01/12 @ 8:00
Stucco For My Post Frame Home Reader SHAWN in WASHINGTON writes: “I’m about to build a 110’x 50′ pole frame house using sono tube piers and wet set brackets. I am wanting to use the 1 coat (lighter weight) stucco on full exterior my question/ concern is what options do Ii have for my grade […]
Read more- Categories: Alternate Siding, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Deflection Limits, Registered Professional Engineer, UC-4B, Glulaminated Column, CDX Plywood, Stucco, Pressure Preservative Treated, Bookshelf Girts, Weep Screed
- 2 comments
Spray Foam, Siding Strength, and What is DIY?
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/11/02 @ 8:00
Today, the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about closed cell spray foam, which building would be stronger if one was wrapped in steel siding and the other with wood, and what aspects of a DIY project are “do it yourself”? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Thanks for taking the time to respond… hope this finds you […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Heating, Ventilation, Alternate Siding, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: House Wrap, Insulation, DIY, Spray Foam, Siding Materials, Shear Strength, Do It Yourself Pole Barn, Price Per Square Foot
- No comments
When Friends Buy Buildings From Others
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/24 @ 8:00
When Friends Buy Buildings From Others Long ago, in a galaxy far away……well actually it is in our galaxy. Jeff and I met roughly 40 years ago, when his mother and my father dated. About 15 years later, I was Jeff’s sponsor when he became a member of Spokane Valley Rotary. In recent years, Jeff […]
Read moreExisting Foundation, “Home/Pool Combo” and HOA’s
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/09 @ 8:00
This 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: Vinyl Siding, Building Interior, Pole Barn Questions, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Building Siding, Concrete, Alternate Siding
- Tags: Roof Over Pool, Roofing And Siding, Alternative Roofing And Siding, HOA, HOA Rules, Existing Slab, Existing Foundation, Home And Pool Combo Building
- 2 comments
Framing Loads, Footing Pads, and a Pole Barn Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/01/05 @ 8:00
This 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: Trusses, Barndominium, Concrete, Concrete Cookie, Footings, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home
- Tags: Framing Loads, Footing Pads, Steel Trusses, Footings, Concrete Collars, Post Frame Home, Trusses
- No comments
Cedar Boards, Repainting a Roof, and “Dummies”
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/20 @ 8:00
This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about installing cedar boards on to a steel tubed hanger door, the best practice for painting a 30 year old steel roof, and “Pole Barns for Dummies?” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Any tips on installing cedar board 1″ x 12″w with 1×3 batten on a 20’tall […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Alternate Siding, tools, Fasteners, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Repainting Steel, Steel Roof Coating, Pole Barns For Dummies, Installation Instructions, Pole Building Installation Instructions, Cedar Siding, Specialty Screws, Cedar To Steel, Refinish Steel Roofs
- No comments
Insulation Costs, A Pole Barn Home, and Wall Steel Options
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/09 @ 8:00
This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding insulation to a quote, a quote for a pole barn home, and the use of standing seam steel on exterior walls. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in Jim Thorpe, PA and have ordered a 20×24 Pole Building. The quote didn’t include insulation. So […]
Read morePost Frame Homes
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/21 @ 8:00
Post Frame Homes – Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You After providing or building post frame (pole) buildings for over 40 years, one might think there would be very few things coming as a surprise to me. Well…..SURPRISE! Barndominiums and shop houses are no surprise to me at all. I first built one for […]
Read more- Categories: Building Contractor, Shouse, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Shouse
- Tags: Building Contractor, Spiral Staircase, Bonus Room, Lake Havasu, Barndominium, Attic Trusses, Post Frame Home
- No comments
What Surging Lumber Prices Have Done to Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/19 @ 8:00
What Surging Lumber Prices Have Done to Barndominiums Based upon NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) data from April 26, 2021 According to NAHB’s latest estimates, a year of rising softwood lumber has added $35,872 to an average new single-family home’s price. These estimates are based on softwood lumber used directly and embodied in products going into […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Building Contractor, Trusses, Alternate Siding, Budget, Porches, Columns
- Tags: Builder Practices Survey, Home Innovation Research Labs, Random Lengths, Annual Wholesale Trade Tables, National Association Of Home Builders
- 3 comments
Gable Rake Trim, 24″ oc Framing, and Lap Siding Options
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/11 @ 8:00
Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about cutting the rake trim at the gable end, Mike’s thoughts on 24″ oc framing for drywall, and types of lap siding options. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you advise me on how to cut sculpted rake trim at gable. Pitch is 4/12. This trim is a little […]
Read moreHardi-Plank Siding, Adding a Loft, and Blower Testing
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/11 @ 8:00
Closing out the week with one more group of questions for the Pole Barn Guru. Today Mike answers questions about using Hardiplank on a pole building, the addition of a loft to an existing building, and performing a blower test for air leaks. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are going to purchase an older house […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Alternate Siding, Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Lofts, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Engineering Loft, Siding Options, Energy Efficiency, Loft, Blower Test, Building Permit, Hardiplank
- No comments
Site Prep,
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/15 @ 8:00
Thursday’s edition will tackle three more reader questions. First up is about how level a site must be before erecting a shop, second is about pole barn homes and the many options available, and third is a question about the best method to fix an issue left by a previous builder. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: […]
Read moreInsulation, Spray Foam Issues, and Floor Plans
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/25 @ 8:00
Lets close out the week with a fifth installment of The Pole Barn Guru. Today he’ll answer questions about the best insulation for a building with steel roofing over a vapor barrier over plywood, potential issues installing spray foam, and a request for a floor plan example– we now have a third party provider of […]
Read moreGothic Arch, Steel Board and Batten, and Engineering Services
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/24 @ 8:00
This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses Gothic arches, steel board and batten, and engineering services. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am going to build a 24×36 barn and have become infatuated with the Gothic arch roof line from looking at existing arch roofed barns in my area (one is amazing…built in 1911). Any thoughts […]
Read moreStaging Deliveries for DIY Pole Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/27 @ 8:00
For those who are considering a Do It Yourself (DIY) post frame barndominium, shouse or just a good old barn – not everyone can work at it expediently, or rouse enough person power for a barn raising. There do exist some options. Reader LEE in LOUISIANA writes: “I am in the process of conceptual design […]
Read moreHorizontal Sheeting, Framing for Insulation, and Alternative Siding
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/09 @ 8:00
Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about overlapping horizontal sheets of steel, the best plan for framing to insulate, and best way to install vinyl lap siding on a post frame building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When installing horizontal sheeting, does the top sheet always cover the bottom sheet when joined? GARY in EUFAULA […]
Read moreProtecting Post Frame Building Siding
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/29 @ 8:00
Roll formed steel is my siding of choice for post frame (pole barn) buildings. It is going to most cost effective, most durable and easiest to install. There are some who decide (or are forced to decide due to local restrictions) to opt for wood sidings. Reader TOM in SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO is one of […]
Read moreJob Site Storage of Polycarbonate Panels
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/06/18 @ 8:00
Polycarbonate panels to be used for eave and/or gable end triangle “lighting” or ridge caps should not be used within living areas of post frame homes and barndominiums. They do often afford a cost effective method of getting natural lighting into accessory areas such as unheated shops and garages, barns and equipment storage buildings. Recommended […]
Read moreUse Categories, Water Leaks, and Matching a House
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/06/17 @ 8:00
Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions regarding Use Categories, water leaks, and matching a house due to HOA rules. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi! I am trying to turn my existing barn into a wedding venue. Why am I being classified as A-2 instead of A-3? Our special use permit says we cannot exceed 300 […]
Read morePost Frame Building Siding Choices
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/05/21 @ 8:00
Your Planning Department May Dictate Your Post-Frame Siding Choices Although most of us general population members are unawares, your local Planning Department has a great deal of power over what you can or cannot do with your own property. This goes right down to decisions on siding choices for your new post-frame building! (Read more […]
Read moreIBC Requirements for Building Wrap
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/04/30 @ 8:00
IBC Requirements for Building Wrap When using a building wrap as a weather-resistant barrier (WRB), it must meet 2018 International Building Codes (IBC 1402.2) requirements of a WRB for water-resistance and vapor permeability. A superior building wrap is air- and moisture-resistant, permeable, and has a high UV-resistance and tear strength. It should also be simple […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Siding, Alternate Siding
- Tags: Weather Resistant Wall Envelope, Exterior Insulation And Finish Systems, Water Resistive Barrier, Barricade Building Wrap, Weather Resistant Barrier
- No comments
Moving a Building, Moisture Issues, and Siding Options
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/01/28 @ 8:00
This week, the Pole Barn Guru discusses moving a building, a building with moisture issues, and siding options other than wainscot. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We have a 50 year old Morton machine shed 45X90X12. The posts and trusses are in excellent condition. The roof steel needs to be re-screwed and painted . The side […]
Read morePlywood Siding Z-Flashing
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/25 @ 8:00
Plywood Siding Z-Flashing My first full time construction job was as an MEI (Momb Enterprises, Inc.) slave working for my framing contractor father and his brothers. 1970’s found T1-11 plywood siding to be very popular (as were disco balls) and we installed plenty of it. Where walls were higher than available panels of T1-11, one […]
Read moreMortarless Masonry Exterior
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/19 @ 8:00
Mortarless Masonry Exterior Options for Pole Buildings Today’s guest blogger is Jim Weidner, Commercial Project Manager for Rochester Concrete Products. Throughout the years, pole (post frame) buildings have evolved. At one time, pole buildings were constructed for a person’s shop, garage, or just a storage building. Those uses still remain, but now pole buildings are […]
Read moreDouble Skirt Boards, Siding Options, and Foundation Plans
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/07/09 @ 8:00
Today’s blog discusses double skirt boards, siding options and foundation plans. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The pole building garage at the house I bought has two skirt boards. Can I remove the interior board to remove the dirt easier and put quikrete in its place. There is a 5” gap between the wall and the […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding, Footings, Alternate Siding
- Tags: Foundation, Siding, Concrete Footings, Skirt Board
- No comments
Plans only? Girts Placed Correctly, and Sheeting
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/02/19 @ 8:00
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, do you sell pole barn plans without material kits? I’m interested in pricing a set of plans from you and procuring my own materials. If that’s a service you can provide please let me know. I’m looking to get a plan set for a 40’x45′ pole barn. Thank you, DAMIEN in […]
Read moreInstalling Cement Panel Siding on a Pole Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/11/29 @ 8:00
Installing Cement Panel Siding on Post Frame Buildings Step 1 Install vertical cement siding over horizontal and vertical braced wood girts spaced a maximum of 24 inches on center. Alternatively, the panels can be installed over wood sheathing. Step 2 Begin first panel with edge even with outside of corner column. If panel has overlap/underlap. […]
Read moreRidge Cap Replacement, Floor Plans, and Pole Barn Pics
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/23 @ 8:00
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My poly ridge cap needs to be replaced because it was leaking due to cracks. I want to replace it with a metal ridge cap. The purlins spacing specified for a poly ridge seems to be a little too far apart for supporting a metal ridge cap. Is this going to […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Floor Plans, Photos Of Pole Barns, Ridge Cap
- No comments
Loft Door, Antique Barns, and Footing Sizes?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/18 @ 8:00
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an upstairs (loft) exterior opening that is 50″ wide by 68″ tall. I want to build a door with the National Hardware tab-loc frame and cover it with r-panel siding. How much overhang on each side, and top and bottom do I need to make the door? What should […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Footings, Alternate Siding, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Doors
- Tags: Engineered Plans, Sliding Door Installation Instructions, Footings, Double Sliding Doors, Sliding Door Trim, Antique Barn Wood
- No comments
Vinyl Siding for Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/06/22 @ 8:00
When it comes to pole barns (or more appropriately post frame buildings) most people’s first thought is they are going to have steel siding. There are numerous alternatives to steel siding, amongst them being vinyl. According to data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), vinyl (including vinyl-covered aluminum) was the most common principal siding […]
Read moreMaterials Mastery with the PBG!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/03/13 @ 8:00
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi: I have a design and will build myself. Do you sell components such as poles and trusses? Or is it possible to purchase one of your kits and leave off certain materials? For example, I want to use corrugated metal siding. If you don’t supply that could it be left […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, RV Storage, Pole Barn Design, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Trusses, Alternate Siding
- Tags: Siding, Roof Only, RV Cover, Kit Materials
- No comments
How Can I Add interior Walls to a Post Frame Building?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/02/13 @ 8:00
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How difficult is it to add interior walls to build rooms inside the pole barn. Are more materials needed to add interior rooms and do the exterior walls need extra support? PATRICIA in McMINNVILLE DEAR PATRICIA: The beauty of post frame (pole barn) buildings is the great majority of them are […]
Read moreGroupon & Pole Barn Water Park
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/05/21 @ 8:00
For those who have been hiding under rocks, or do not have internet access (in which case you are not reading this article), Groupon (derived from “group coupon”) swept onto the scene in November 2008. Groupon offers one “Groupon” per day in each of the markets it serves. The Groupon works as an assurance contract […]
Read moreSplit Log Siding
Posted by polebarnguru on 13/12/04 @ 8:00
For those who want their new post frame building to have an authentic rustic “log cabin” look, split log siding is the most popular answer. Log siding is the way to get the look, without the price of actual logs. Full logs are very expensive, in comparison, and split log siding produces far less wasted […]
Read moreVinyl Log Siding
Posted by polebarnguru on 13/12/03 @ 8:00
Vinyl Log Siding Post frame buildings which use real wood log siding can cost a lot more money than other siding options and be a lot of upkeep as well. An alternative may be vinyl log siding. While it will still be fairly expensive, it will be far less than real wood. Lots of people […]
Read more- Categories: Alternate Siding, Vinyl Siding
- Tags: Wood Siding, Log Siding, Pole Building Siding, Post Frame Siding
- 2 comments
Siding Trends
Posted by polebarnguru on 13/08/06 @ 8:00
There was a time when all barns were sided with wood. A drive around any rural countryside will confirm this; old wood covered barns are seemingly everywhere (although not necessarily in great condition, as wood requires maintenance). As galvanized corrugated steel became more readily available, as well as affordable, the pendulum swung away from the […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Alternate Siding
- Tags: Siding Choices, Siding Options
- No comments
Dear Pole Barn Guru: What Is Wainscot?
Posted by polebarnguru on 13/05/06 @ 8:00
What is Wainscot? Welcome to our newest feature: Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays. With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment. Email all questions to: PoleBarnGuru@HansenPoleBuildings.com DEAR POLE BARN […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Alternate Siding, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Building Siding, Stone Wainscot, Wainscotting
- No comments
Board and Batten Siding
Posted by polebarnguru on 13/03/14 @ 8:00
Do a Google search for board and batten siding images, and what usually comes up are old leaning barns. Board and batten has often been associated with the term “rustic” as well. Typical “old tyme” board and batten was created by installing 1” (or even 5/4”) x12” planks vertically over horizontal wall framing (girts). The […]
Read more- Categories: Alternate Siding
- Tags: Wood Siding, Board Siding
- 4 comments
Homeowners Association Horror
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/11/14 @ 8:00
Halloween has passed, but the horrors still lurk everywhere. This is one of those Paul Harvey type tales which has “….and the rest of the story…”. One of our clients is going to be constructing a new Hansen Pole Buildings kit. His hurdle – his local HOA (Homeowners Association). Even though it added significantly to […]
Read more- Categories: Alternate Siding
- Tags: Builder Conflict, Building Contractor
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T1-11
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/11/01 @ 8:00
One of the Hansen Buildings team members happens to have more than some expertise in the lumber industry. Recently, he had a client ask him about T1-11 as siding, and he shared his response with me. What he wrote was so well done, I felt compelled to share it. Here it is: “I will share […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Alternate Siding
- Tags: Wood Siding, Wood Siding Maintenance
- No comments
Camo
Posted by polebarnguru on 12/08/08 @ 8:00
For my step-son Kevin, this one word pretty much covers everything. He and his identical twin brother Josh have always gone by the premise of – if it moves- kill it, and if it doesn’t move, prod it until it moves, then kill it. Kevin loves to hunt, and if he isn’t hunting, he is […]
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