Category Archives: Building Overhangs

Ballpark Figures, Blueprint Costs, and Condensation Drip

Posted by polebarnguru on 24/03/13 @ 8:00
Ballpark Figures, Blueprint Costs, and Condensation Drip

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about ballpark figures to estimate costs of a barndominium, the costs for blueprints for a 40x60x20 building, and what the best way to stop condensation drip on a post frame building would be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’ve got a very general question, hope you can […]

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Concerns About Truss Sizes and Overhangs When Designing a Floor Plan

Concerns About Truss Sizes and Overhangs When Designing a Floor Plan Reader ART in EADS writes: “Hello Mike, my wife and I are making floor plans for a future pole barn house. We see that numerous companies offer buildings in common L x W x H dimensions as well as some customized sizes. We want […]

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What to do About Possible Roof Condensation?

Posted by polebarnguru on 24/03/05 @ 8:00
What to do About Possible Roof Condensation?

What to do About Possible Roof Condensation? Reader JEFF in ADEL writes: “Hello, I am going to order Post Frame building materials and am working on details. The question about condensation is driving me nuts as this is a big project for me and I don’t want a wet building. It will be a 30x48x11 […]

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Steel to Plywood, Carport Over Tiny House, and Drip Edge at Fasia

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibility of adding steel roofing on top of existing plywood, some thoughts on a small metal carport over a tiny house, and the use of two-piece trims for fascia. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My garage has plywood on it already can I just put […]

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Adding a New Lean-to

Posted by polebarnguru on 23/05/23 @ 8:00
Adding a New Lean-to

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/ […]

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Attaching Roof Purlins on Edge to Trusses

Posted by polebarnguru on 23/05/16 @ 8:00
Attaching Roof Purlins on Edge to Trusses

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 […]

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An Alternative to a Very Flat Roof Extension

Posted by polebarnguru on 23/04/20 @ 8:00
An Alternative to a Very Flat Roof Extension

An Alternative to a Very Flat Roof Extension Reader BOB in SANDPOINT writes: “Hello we want to add a patio / work on car / whatever, extension off the front of an existing shop with a metal roof – joining the existing metal roof with the metal roof of the extension with a sort of […]

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Updates to Make to Your Pole Barn in 2023

Posted by polebarnguru on 23/04/11 @ 8:00
Updates to Make to Your Pole Barn in 2023

Updates to Make to Your Pole Barn in 2023 Entering the new year comes with resolutions, and while some may be personal, there are plenty that end up becoming a part of your to-do list. Starting with a clean slate means you can really hone in on what improvements you may need, or what you […]

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You Have Questions

Posted by polebarnguru on 23/03/09 @ 8:00
You Have Questions

You Have Questions, We Have Answers Long time readers are aware I will answer any questions – even when they become highly technical. Loyal reader CORY in NEBRASKA will be a fantastic client, because he wants to know how everything works, in advance – leaving nothing to chance. He writes (in italics): “I would really […]

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Knee Bracing, Flying Gable Trim, and Ventilation Needs

Posted by polebarnguru on 23/02/22 @ 8:00
Knee Bracing, Flying Gable Trim, and Ventilation Needs

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the removal of knee bracing to install interior ceiling and wall steel, a question about a special rake trim for a flying gable, and the possibility of adding ceiling liner panels to a structure and the need for a vapor barrier and proper ventilation. DEAR […]

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Lack of Adequate Attic Ventilation

Posted by polebarnguru on 22/12/27 @ 8:00
Lack of Adequate Attic Ventilation

Lack of Adequate Attic Ventilation is Sadly Becoming a Recurrent Theme If only providers of poorly designed pole barns could be keel hauled….. Reader AARON in CASPER writes: “Hi there, I have a 40×104 pole barn. It has 16 foot sidewalls with rafters every 4 foot on center for snow load. The entire interior of […]

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Does Wind Exposure C Apply to Wall Framing in Any Way?

Posted by polebarnguru on 22/12/08 @ 8:00
Does Wind Exposure C Apply to Wall Framing in Any Way?

Does Wind Exposure C Apply to Wall Framing in Any Way? Reader JAVO in PRINCE FREDERICK writes: “I’m getting C trusses because I’m in a windy area around Chesapeake Bay, but I don’t see Exposure C applying to building frame or footers. For footers I’m being quoted 3’6″ depth, 1’8″ diameter, 5″x16″ pill, & Quikrete/sakrete, […]

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Weather Resistant Barriers, LVL Notches, and Design Ideas

Posted by polebarnguru on 22/09/07 @ 8:00
Weather Resistant Barriers, LVL Notches, and Design Ideas

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about weather resistant barriers, a caution to not attempt to notch LVL rafters, and a recommended design solution for a new build. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are in process of designing our barndominium with hoping to start building next spring. Do you have a recommendation […]

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Porches, Post Savers, and Airplane Hangars

Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/31 @ 8:00
Porches, Post Savers, and Airplane Hangars

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the “least expensive” option for porches, the performance or ground contact poles when using a “Postsaver” and discussion of options for an airplane hangar. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Which is least expensive: house and porches under one roof or house under one roof and porches […]

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Secure Doors, Soffits, Wind, and Sliding Door Tracks

Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/29 @ 8:00
Secure Doors, Soffits, Wind, and Sliding Door Tracks

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about a secure replacement for sliding doors, soffit kits, a singular concern of wind, and replacing tracks for a sliding door. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I need to replace two 9.5 ft wide by 8 feet high sliding doors on my pole barn. The current doors […]

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Questions from a Future Barndominium Owner

Posted by polebarnguru on 22/05/12 @ 8:00
Questions from a Future Barndominium Owner

Reader JASON in WINDSOR writes: “What are ways to avoid a stone base for slab to protrude under grade board using a post in the ground or pier with wet set brackets? We want grass to grow right up to the building’s base rather than stone around the perimeter or stone flower beds. I don’t […]

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Insulating an Existing Pole Barn

Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/22 @ 8:00
Insulating an Existing Pole Barn

Insulating an Existing Pole Barn When Things Started Wrong Reader TOM writes: “Mike,  I have an existing pole barn (6×6 post with 2’ on center girts ) that has a 4” concrete floor with 10 mil plastic under it. The side walls have 1” XPS insulation on the outside of girt then steel siding with […]

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Being a Fan Fan

Posted by polebarnguru on 22/01/27 @ 8:00
Being a Fan Fan

Being 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 […]

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How to Best Use Roof Steel Already Owned

Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/22 @ 8:00
How to Best Use Roof Steel Already Owned

How it is people end up owning steel roofing (or siding) when they do not have a structure to put it on has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. Reader TIM in IRON RIVER writes: “Hoping to build 40’x56′ post frame structure with 2′ overhang and 4/12 pitch using steel roofing I have […]

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Venting an Attic

Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/02 @ 8:00
Venting an Attic

Saving Money When Venting An Attic? While some of you may think I have been doing post frame buildings since dinosaurs roamed our planet, I can assure you this is not true. Now my youngest son, when he was pre-school aged, did ask me (in all seriousness) what was it like watching space aliens build […]

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Zero Lot Line Post Frame Construction

Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/22 @ 8:00
Zero Lot Line Post Frame Construction

There are occasions where the best location to place a building just happens to be right up to a lot line. Let’s face realities – if your site’s required setbacks without fire resistive construction are five feet, what is going to accumulate in this area? Most often it is either “stuff” or weeds, neither of […]

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Planning Building Dimensions Around Width of Steel Panels

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/22 @ 8:00
Planning Building Dimensions Around Width of Steel Panels

Reader JON in KENNEWICK is working on planning for his new post frame building and writes: “My question is regarding the size of the steel wall panels. I was watching a pole barn building video on YouTube and the builder, RR Buildings, was talking about sizing the building to correspond with the size of the […]

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Soffit, Framing Options, and Increasing Eave Height

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/09 @ 8:00
Soffit, Framing Options, and Increasing Eave Height

The Guru has had so many questions sent over email and social media, we thought we’d play catch-up for a few days. Today he answers questions about adding soffits or overhangs to a structure, options for framing a building with lap siding, and the feasibility of lifting a building to add to the eave height. […]

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Must Do’s for a Worry Free Barndominium

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/08 @ 8:00
Must Do’s for a Worry Free Barndominium

My Facebook friend RICK in MALDEN messaged me: “I have never built a building like this. I have seen many bad experiences with concrete, poor quality metal work and many more issues. I would just like to know if there is a list of things to make sure I get a quality home. I saw […]

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What Hansen Pole Buildings Offers for Prospective Barndominium Owners

What Hansen Pole Buildings Offers for Prospective Barndominium Owners If you are considering building a barndominium or shouse (shop/house), whether DIY or with a contractor’s involvement, there is one very important question to ask: “Do you personally live in a barndominium?” If you do not receive a resounding, “YES” for an answer, you may want […]

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Posts and Collars, Girts, and Non-Vented Soffits

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/12 @ 8:00
Posts and Collars, Girts, and Non-Vented Soffits

This week’s edition of Pole Barn Guru visits the topics of post and footing sizes, bookshelf girts for drywall, and non-vented soffits for building with spray foam insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am currently 68 but I built pole barns as a younger man the biggest being a hay barn 24′ eaves X 80 […]

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Attic Venting, Moisture Reduction, and a Vapor Barrier

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/06 @ 8:00
Attic Venting, Moisture Reduction, and a Vapor Barrier

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about ventilation for an attic space, what type of insulation to use for the reduction or elimination of moisture, and to place a vapor barrier under the concrete slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I know you have answered a few questions regarding attic venting so I […]

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Imagining a Retirement Barndominium

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/02 @ 8:00
Imagining a Retirement Barndominium

Let us face it – I am among those greying in America. According to United States demographic statistics 14.7% of us (over 41 million) have reached a 62 year-old milestone! What are we looking forward to in our probably final home of our own? We want to be able to spend our time enjoying life, […]

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Post Frame Purlin Blocking

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/23 @ 8:00
Post Frame Purlin Blocking

Every time I begin to rest on my laurels and think I have covered all post frame (pole barn) building basics up jumps yet another one to bite me where I deserve to be bitten due to my overlooking it. Our independent drafting team at Hansen Pole Buildings (thanks Kristie) came up with this question […]

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End Truss Overhang Dilemma

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/22 @ 8:00
End Truss Overhang Dilemma

Reader ANDY in HAYDEN has an end overhang challenge. He writes: “Hello Mr Guru. I’m building a 30x40x12 post frame with 18″ eaves. My trusses builder doesn’t build drop cord ag trusses for my gable over hangs. I was advised to lower the gable truss on the corner post to allow room for my on […]

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Commercial Post Frame Building Blunder

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/14 @ 8:00
Commercial Post Frame Building Blunder

Commercial Post Frame Building Blunder My Facebook friend Dan recently commented upon this article https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/03/there-is-a-right-way-and-this-way/ wanting to know if I could show some other building blunders. Yes Dan, I can. As Technical Director for Hansen Pole Buildings since 2002, I have gotten to assist a few DIYers and post frame builders with their building questions. […]

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Two Story House, Car Storage, and a Post Frame Basement

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/30 @ 8:00
Two Story House, Car Storage, and a Post Frame Basement

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building a two story pole barn house, condensation in a car storage building, and how to build a post frame house with a concrete basement. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are wanting to build a 2 story pole barn house, it will have an upstairs loft. Would the […]

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Adding Overhangs, Building Replacement, and Moving a Structure

Today the Pole Barn Guru assists with questions about adding an overhang to an existing structure, replacing two buildings on site, and moving an existing structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi I just saw your blog posts on the web and wanted to ask you my barn has no overhang on the ends and when […]

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Beginning a Shouse Journey in Washington State Part I

Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/11 @ 8:00
Beginning a Shouse Journey in Washington State Part I

A shouse (shop/house), barndominium or post frame house project may seem daunting, however by doing lots of reading, research and asking questions, an average individual can craft for themselves a home they love, tailored to meet their family’s wants and needs. Loyal reader ROBERT in OLYMPIA writes: “Hello to the Pole Barn Guru or whoever […]

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Faced or Unfaced, Correct Screw Pattern, and Connecting Two Units

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about use of faced or unfaced insulation, the correct screw pattern, and viability of connecting two buildings together. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Should I use faced or unfaced insulation in my pole barn attic w/ ridge vent? DAINE in PALMER DEAR DAINE: In order for your ridge […]

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Placing Purlins Overhanging Lowered End Truss

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/29 @ 8:00
Placing Purlins Overhanging Lowered End Truss

Properly Placing Post Frame Building Purlins Overhanging Lowered End Truss Even professional post frame building erectors have challenges with concepts like properly placing purlins when they overhang a lowered end truss.  What could be so difficult, one might ask, you just space them the same as all other purlins, right? Well, sort of. End trusses, […]

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Hansen Buildings Instant Pricing

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/10 @ 8:00
Hansen Buildings Instant Pricing

Hansen Pole Buildings’ Instant Pricing Program™ Back in 1980, when I was first exposed to pole barns, in order to give a potential client a price quote, I had to do a manual breakdown of all of the components necessary to assemble their building. Luckily, most buildings were fairly simple rectangular boxes, but it was […]

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Solutions to Porch Overhang Clearance Issues

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/28 @ 8:00
Solutions to Porch Overhang Clearance Issues

Recently KIM in STRATFORD posted this question to a Facebook Barndominium discussion group I am a member of: “I am trying to finalize my plans today. Is it possible to have 8′ side walls and still have a 6′ overhang open porch on the eave side of the house? I have a 5/12 pitch on […]

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Proper Storage of Trusses at the Job Site

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/06/13 @ 8:00
Proper Storage of Trusses at the Job Site

Proper storage of trusses at the job site. Long time readers (or those with time on their hands to have read my previous nearly 1700 articles) will recall in a past life I worked in or owned prefabricated light gauge steel connector plated wood truss manufacturing facilities. In my first long-term position as Sales Manager […]

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Monitor Barn Truss Challenge

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/06/04 @ 8:00
Monitor Barn Truss Challenge

When All Else Fails a Monitor Barn Truss Challenge. Monitor style buildings are a popular post frame building design (for background on monitor barns please read: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/building-styles/monitor-building-designs/). In most cases, design, ordering, delivery and construction of monitor buildings goes off without a hitch. On rare occasions a hitch glitch happens – so when all else […]

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Stilt Post Frame on Permafrost

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/05/24 @ 8:00
Stilt Post Frame on Permafrost

I have written previously about post frame design involving concrete slabs on grade in areas of permafrost: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/04/post-frame-permafrost/. Today we will venture into a land where “stilts” are a design solution. Permafrost is loosely defined as soil and/or rock remaining frozen for more than two years. Big trees do not guarantee an absence of permafrost; […]

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Monitor Barn-Heights of Wings and Raised Center

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/04/24 @ 8:00
Monitor Barn-Heights of Wings and Raised Center

Monitor barns have a tall center portion (usually clearspanned with trusses) and lower single slope (knowns as sheds or wings) roofs on each side. Barns may actually be a misnomer, as many monitor style post frame buildings are used for things like homes and event centers. Reader DANIELLE in SUMMERSVILLE writes: “Is there a minimum […]

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Hoop Shed Wall, Ventilation, and Pole Barn Footings

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/03/18 @ 8:00
Hoop Shed Wall, Ventilation, and Pole Barn Footings

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about adding a garage door wall to a hoop shed, ventilation with no sidewall overhangs, and how post frame buildings are “anchored” to the ground. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to close the open 1/2 of the basketball court hoop shed with a pole building face. […]

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What Kind of Trusses Are Pictured?

Posted by polebarnguru on 19/01/10 @ 8:00
What Kind of Trusses Are Pictured?

What Kind of Trusses Are Pictured? This question was posed by Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Doug. Photo isn’t of a Hansen Pole Building, probably raising questions in Doug’s mind as it looks rather foreign. Only actual trusses in photo are in raised center portion of this monitor style building. Interior trusses were probably sold to […]

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Closing Top of Corner Trims

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/16 @ 8:00
Closing Top of Corner Trims

Closing Top of Corner Trims I am so enjoying Hansen Pole Buildings’ client RYAN in ELLENSBURG. Ryan has been assembling his own new post frame building and really cares about his end result. He asks good questions, open to advice and doing a very nice assembly. Ryan recently wrote: “I’m working on putting all the […]

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Ten Tips for Planning a Building

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/05 @ 8:00
Ten Tips for Planning a Building

Planning a Building – guest blog by J.A.Hansen I am the principle owner and CEO of Hansen Buildings – offering to give Mike a day off from writing a blog. Over the years I’ve done just about everything at Hansen Buildings, including shipping (setting up the original shipping department), ordering materials, writing parts of the […]

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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! Is It Ventilation?

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/02 @ 8:00
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! Is It Ventilation?

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! Is it Ventilation? I really enjoy good food. In order to continue doing so and avoid weighing significantly more than I should, I do a treadmill run nearly every morning. To keep from expiring from utter boredom of exercise, I have wall mounted my flat screen LED television within easy viewing distance. […]

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Avoid Metal Building Insulation

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/09/26 @ 8:00
Avoid Metal Building Insulation

One More Reason to Avoid Metal Building Insulation   Photo isn’t showing the inside of a Hansen Pole Building. This view happens to be inside of an eave sidewall looking up underneath a post frame building roof. White vinyl facing happens to be underside of a product commonly known as Metal Building Insulation, having actual […]

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Venting an Attic Without Soffit Air Intake

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/08/23 @ 8:00
Venting an Attic Without Soffit Air Intake

Venting an Attic Without Soffit Air Intake Loyal reader KEN has an attic space with only air exhaust points – a vented ridge, and no air intake. His dilemma, how to adequately ventilate his attic without vented soffits. Ken writes: “I finally was able to make contact with the manufacturer of the open foam like […]

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Impact of Weather on Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/08/17 @ 8:00
Impact of Weather on Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses

Impact of Weather on Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses Proper jobsite storage of trusses has always been near top of my personal list. If in doubt, I recommend erring towards caution’s side. Hansen Pole Buildings’ Construction Manual addresses proper truss handling and storage: “Trusses store best when standing upright.   Shore and brace standing trusses […]

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Cardboard (or Plastic, Foam, Metal) Eave Baffles

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/06/19 @ 8:00
Cardboard (or Plastic, Foam, Metal) Eave Baffles

Cardboard (or Plastic, Foam, Metal) Eave Baffles The model building codes (IBC and IRC – International Building Code and International Residential Code) require enclosed attic spaces, in most cases, to have ventilation. The most efficient ventilation design solution is to have enclosed vented soffits at the eaves as an air intake, and a vented ridge […]

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The Drip, Drip, Drip of Condensation

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/05/17 @ 8:00
The Drip, Drip, Drip of Condensation

Reader JIM in HOODSPORT writes about condensation issues: “New Completed 40’ x 60’ pole barn with 16’ side walls and 24’ peak. Walls and ceiling insulated, 60’ long ridge roof vent. Full cement Pad with plastic vapor barrier under it. Cement was 60 days old when barn was completed.. rained just about every day. No […]

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Manure Storage Pole Barns

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/05/15 @ 8:00
Manure Storage Pole Barns

Manure Storage Pole Barns Here is a combination which seems doomed from the get go: young man, girl 60 miles away from said young man’s home, late night darkness, a crotch rocket, slow speed zones, Idaho Highway patrol and unfamiliar roads. After our youngest son had surgery to repair his broken hip, Dad had very […]

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Mold in a Post Frame Building Attic

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/05/01 @ 8:00
Mold in a Post Frame Building Attic

Hansen Pole Buildings’ client BRENT in WASHOUGAL writes: “We have your 40×80 pole barn built sept. 2014, and it’s having problems with mold forming over the purlins. I’m wanting to know my options to prevent a future problem. Thanks.” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: First – get rid of the mold. Mix in the […]

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What is Adequate Eave and Ridge Ventilation?

Posted by polebarnguru on 18/03/14 @ 8:00
What is Adequate Eave and Ridge Ventilation?

CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTIC VENTILATION Historically, ventilation requirements in the International Residential Code (IRC) are applicable to one and two family homes, and have been based on the ratio of “net free ventilating area” (NFVA) that is the area of the ventilation openings in the attic to the area of attic space. The NFVA is […]

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When the Pole Building Insulation Problem is Larger Than Imagined

When the Pole Building Insulation Problem is Larger Than Imagined From questions I have received from loyal readers over the past year, post frame (pole) building insulation is right there at the top of the list for priorities. Sadly, it seems the same concern is not often put forward by those who are designing, providing […]

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Deep Fascia Overhangs

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/08 @ 8:00
Deep Fascia Overhangs

The definition of Fascia from the sum of all human knowledge (Wikipedia): “Fascia (/ˈfeɪʃə/) is an architectural term for a vertical frieze or band under a roof edge, or which forms the outer surface of a cornice, visible to an observer. Typically consisting of a wooden board, uPVC or non-corrosive sheet metal, many of the non-domestic fascias made […]

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“My Guy Says… Materials… Design…”

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/11/21 @ 8:00
“My Guy Says… Materials… Design…”

“My Guy Says….. Materials… Design…” Title inspired by our Wizardress of all things materials – Justine! I’ve now been in the post frame industry for nearly 38 years, the majority of them spent providing complete building kit packages, most often to do-it-yourselfers. Some new building owners happen to hire contractors to erect some or all […]

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How to Trim Where End and Side Overhangs Adjoin

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/11/15 @ 8:00
How to Trim Where End and Side Overhangs Adjoin

Reader BILLY in WESTVILLE writes: “How do I get the f and I trim to meet from the end wall to the side wall together?” I am going to have to put my mind reading cap on for this one, as I have little idea what you are asking. By playing Sherlock Holmes, I will […]

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Dropped Chord End Truss Framing

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/10 @ 8:00
Dropped Chord End Truss Framing

How to Frame a Roof Corner With a Dropped Top Chord End Truss Josh and I are becoming better acquainted with each other. Josh happened to not have invested in a Hansen Pole Buildings’ engineered post frame kit package and as such – didn’t have a source of Technical Support which could guide him through […]

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Rehashing Eave Height

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/05 @ 8:00
Rehashing Eave Height

Rehashing Eave Height Eave height on post frame buildings seems to be a challenge for some folks. At Hansen Pole Buildings, we do make some efforts to see to it our clients (or more often the builders some of them hire), actually build to the correct height. How important is it to get this correct? […]

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Post Frame Antiperspirant- Ventilation Frustration

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/08/11 @ 8:00
Post Frame Antiperspirant- Ventilation Frustration

This is a sad story I hear all too often from pole (post frame) building owners who have buildings which were not properly designed for future uses, especially when it comes to insulation and ventilation. Reader JASON in TENINO writes: Hi Pole Barn Guru, I recently purchased a new house and it came with a […]

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Save Me, My Trusses Do Not Fit!

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/28 @ 8:00
Save Me, My Trusses Do Not Fit!

Here is a case where investing in a post frame building kit from people who have actually constructed buildings is a huge asset (am surmising this is not the case, since this person sent the Hansen Pole Buildings Technical Support email address a plea for help). Reader James writes: “I have a 24 x 60 […]

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It Is Exactly the Same Building: Part II

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/27 @ 8:00
It Is Exactly the Same Building: Part II

Well, maybe not exactly the same building. Yesterday I ran a beginning list of comparison’s between a Hansen Building quote and a quote by one of our competitors espoused to be “exactly the same” by a client of ours. The saga continues: Powder coated diaphragm screws vs. #10 diameter painted screws . Those who are […]

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It Is Exactly the Same Building Part I

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/26 @ 8:00
It Is Exactly the Same Building Part I

Well, maybe not exactly the same building. In April of this year we had a client invest in a brand new 36 foot wide by 60 foot long post frame building kit package with a 16 foot eave height. Three months later, the building has been delivered, and one of the group which ordered the […]

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Purlin Questions for the Engineering Department: Building Disaster Part IV

Purlin Questions for the Engineering Department For those readers just joining us, go back to Tuesday through Friday’s blogs to catch up to the following story… Our client (after discussing possible corrections with one or more builders) poses this: “I have two questions I’d like to ask of the engineering dept. 1.) Is there an […]

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There ARE some truly excellent builders: Hansen Building Disaster Part II

There ARE some truly excellent builders… This just isn’t one of them. In our last episode, the ‘builder’ had botched the shearwalls. A minor issue compared to what comes next. This building was designed to have enclosed overhangs on all four sides.  On the endwalls the roof purlins project over the top of the end […]

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Placement of Overhead Doors

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/05/18 @ 8:00
Placement of Overhead Doors

Where, oh Where, to Place Overhead Doors My long term readers may have believed I have pounded overhead doors to death. Ha! I say – there is always more to talk about when it comes to overhead doors! We’ve talked about door widths, avoiding 8 and 14 foot width doors as they are not usually […]

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Lifesaving Bollard

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/05/17 @ 8:00
Lifesaving Bollard

The Day a Bollard Saved my Family’s Lives According to the sum of all knowledge (Wikipedia): A bollard is a sturdy, short, vertical post. Although it originally described a post on a ship or quay used principally for mooring boats, the word is now used to describe posts installed to control road traffic and posts […]

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Cantilevered Roof Extension

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/03/30 @ 8:00
Cantilevered Roof Extension

I’ve designed a fair number of interesting cantilevers in my time, but they have always been as original construction, not as an “add on” after the fact. Here is a request for a cantilevered roof extension from FRED in BURLINGTON: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My 30′ x 54′ x 12′ pole barn was constructed in […]

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Blog Entries Lead to Post Depth Question!

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/02/20 @ 8:00
Blog Entries Lead to Post Depth Question!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. I have been reading the various blog entries for several days, regarding pole barn construction.  I have been in contact with your design professional, but I a question that I thought might be a question that could possibly benefit others with a similar situation. I am in the process […]

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Calling for the Wall Steel Stretcher

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/01/05 @ 8:00
Calling for the Wall Steel Stretcher

Calling For The Wall Steel Stretcher In our last episode, the dilemma of how to get a smooth roof plane was solved, to the apparent joy of all involved. However up cropped a new challenge, contributed to by us however pretty much on the builder and this is why. You may recall the eave height […]

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Sharing the Pole Barn Blame

Posted by polebarnguru on 17/01/03 @ 10:30
Sharing the Pole Barn Blame

Sharing the Blame Welcome to 2017! As you may recall, 2016 ended with me sharing an email from a builder who is constructing a new Hansen Pole Building and may possibly be a legend in his own mind. Our company policy, when a challenge arrives, has always been to begin by looking to see what, […]

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Things to Know When Adding onto an Existing Pole Building

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/11/02 @ 8:00
Things to Know When Adding onto an Existing Pole Building

Things I Need to Know When Adding on to a Post Frame Building Real life scenario – one of our clients is adding onto the end of a clearspan 24 foot wide by 36 foot long by 10 foot eave post frame building. The add-on makes the structure another 24 feet longer, same height and […]

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F Channel and Enclosed Soffits

Posted by polebarnguru on 16/08/04 @ 8:00
F Channel and Enclosed Soffits

My early days of post frame (pole) buildings came in the Pacific Northwest. In the early years, rarely did buildings have any overhangs…at least not beyond a few inches of roof steel extending past the siding. When building did have overhangs, they were always “open”. Open, in this sense, did not mean birds and other […]

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Is It Really An Overhang?

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/06/25 @ 8:00
Is It Really An Overhang?

When an Overhang Maybe Isn’t an Overhang Recently Hansen Pole Buildings Designer Doug forwarded to me a quote one of our clients had received from a pole building company located about a four-hour drive from our offices in Browns Valley, MN. To both Doug and myself, the quote appeared to be highly lacking in important […]

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Endwall Overhangs

Posted by polebarnguru on 15/06/08 @ 8:00
Endwall Overhangs

Welcome to 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.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Aluminum Soffits

Posted by polebarnguru on 14/10/28 @ 8:00
Aluminum Soffits

Galvanic Corrosion with Aluminum Soffits John Minor was introduced to me by his father-in-law, my now long deceased partner, Rod Sevy back in 1993. A personable young man, John went to work for us selling pole buildings and became quickly both successful and knowledgeable. With a bit of wanderlust in his system, among those John […]

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What Size Overhangs Look Good?

Posted by polebarnguru on 14/10/27 @ 8:15
What Size Overhangs Look Good?

Welcome to 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.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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HotEdge

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/04/09 @ 8:00
HotEdge

It isn’t very often I really go out of my way to say nice things about products I have never tried, but this is going to be an exception. I have a steel roof on my house (surprise, I know). It is a gabled roof with a “T” off one side, and two full hipped […]

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No Not F Channel

Posted by polebarnguru on 13/03/20 @ 8:00
No Not F Channel

Hansen Pole Buildings Designer Rick recently asked me this question about overhangs and F Channel: “A question came up about soffit support.  The client is a builder trying to close a garage for his client.  He asked about soffit/enclosed overhangs.  He asked why we do not use an F channel trim to hold the soffit […]

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Happy Horse Barn Ventilation

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/11/29 @ 8:00
Happy Horse Barn Ventilation

If common sense was common, then articles like this one would not have to be written. One of the least expensive in upfront cost is also the most cost saving, when it comes to horse health and veterinary bills. Sadly, it is most often either an afterthought, or a “never even thought of” for horse […]

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Hutyaharapast Szorevel: Overhangs, yes!

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/03/06 @ 8:00
Hutyaharapast Szorevel: Overhangs, yes!

Had you going with the title, didn’t I? Kutyaharapást szőrével is Hungarian for “The hair of the dog”. The English saying “the hair of the dog” dates back to the days of Shakespeare, and deals with curing a hangover with even more alcohol!  Similarly, I want to cure the lack of building overhangs, with information […]

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Overhangs, not Hung-over

Posted by polebarnguru on 12/03/05 @ 8:00
Overhangs, not Hung-over

Just my personal opinion, but I feel every building should have overhangs. How important are they in my book? I would rather do without doors, than without overhangs. Doors can be added in later on; with overhangs there is only one opportunity to do it right, or wrong. Here is a place where size matters. […]

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