Category Archives: Columns
Concerns of a Post Frame Building Kit Shopper
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/05/29 @ 8:00Hopefully most, if not all, of my loyal readers are those who have concerns when it comes to investing in a new post frame building (I do know some of you just enjoy my slightly skewed sense of humor, or find my writings otherwise entertaining). For those of you who are avid kit shoppers, I […]
Read moreIt’s All About the Posts!
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/04/30 @ 8:00Trimming Posts, A Taller Building, and Post Treatment: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Trimming posts or adding Shims? My pole barn kit uses steel trusses that sit on top of the posts and bolt to their sides. If I set two or three posts lower than the rest, can I just add a shim the top […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Columns
- Tags: Columns, Post Treatment, Taller Building, Trimming Posts, Posts
- No comments
Overhead Door Replacement, Building Instructions, and Strong Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/04/23 @ 8:00Replacing and overhead garage door, instructions for a pole barn, and the use of “Strong Columns” in today’s Pole Barn Guru! DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Looking to perhaps replace my 10 wide by 8 tall overhead pole barn door with a 10′-10′. Along with chain pull down. What options do you have or suggest. It’s […]
Read moreThe Perma-Column Price Advantage?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/04/06 @ 8:00My good friend John owns (among other things) Heartland Permacolumn. I’ve borrowed this from his website (https://www.heartlandpermacolumn.com/products/the-perma-column-price-advantage/): “Perma-Column products give you the ultimate price advantage. You simply cannot put up a building on a concrete foundation for less money. Yet some may say, “They’re too expensive…” HOWEVER, the only people who ever say this install buildings using […]
Read moreBasements, Foundations, and OHD Back-Hangs!
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/03/05 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to have a full basement with a residential build? What would a basement do to overall cost percentage wise? NATHAN in OAK LAWN DEAR NATHAN: It is very possible to have a full basement beneath a post frame home. According to www.HomeAdvisor.com installing an unfinished basement will cost […]
Read moreFormula for Calculating Wall Girts
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/02/15 @ 8:00An Excel Formula for Calculating Wall Girts, Post Size and Hole Depth John Minor and I have been friends for nearly 30 years – since his then father-in-law (and my business partner at the time) convinced me John could sell post frame buildings. Well Rod was correct, John could sell buildings – not only for […]
Read morePVC Pipe for Post Sleeves
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/01/31 @ 8:00Reader TOM in PURVIS shares a concept I had neither seen before nor had I even contemplated – using PVC pipe to protect post frame (pole building) columns from decay. TOM writes: “ I know your posts are treated, but I live in the damp state of MS. In recent years 3 of my friends […]
Read moreHow to Keep Post Frame Buildings ‘Pest-Free’
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/27 @ 8:00Post frame buildings have several benefits which make them the perfect choice for virtually any permanent structure like durability, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, quick assembly and versatility. They also serve multiple purposes. They are storage and machine sheds, horse-barns as well as pre-engineered for a plethora of uses. Woodwork can last for several centuries, but if pests […]
Read moreWill My Poles Rot Off? Not If They Are Properly Pressure Treated Wood!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/19 @ 8:00Do the poles start to rot out after so many years? That depends on whether or not they are pressure treated. This question was recently posed to me by reader MARK in WOLCOTT. Typically my answer would include some snarky comment such as: “Most certainly, however it might not be during your grandchildren’s grandchildren’s lives!” […]
Read moreMy Poles Are Further Apart than the Trusses Span
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/11/01 @ 8:00My Poles are Placed Farther Apart Than the Trusses Span Reader ALURA in NORTH CAROLINA writes: “We recently purchased a 60 x40 pole barn kit from Florida and we are in North Carolina. We talked to them on the phone several times about the size the inner dimensions. They reassured us that yes the 40×60 was […]
Read moreTurf Sweating, A Post Frame Addition, and A Grow House
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/30 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am from Webster SD and I built a pole barn and insulated it. I then put turf above gravel floor and use it for a indoor baseball practice facility. It can be heated as we have heaters in there. We have a huge problem and was wondering if you […]
Read moreProperly Pressure Treated Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/27 @ 8:00Trying to Buy Properly Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber Reader ZACH in BLACK CREEK has been challenged trying to buy properly pressure preservative treated lumber. He writes: “Hello, I would like to get your opinion on 2×6 grade board. I read the article you wrote about lumber pressure treatment. I have been looking around for .20pcf […]
Read moreProperly Treated Poles, Ceiling Loads, and Uplift Plates
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/21 @ 8:00Properly Treated Poles, Ceiling Loads, and Uplift Plates DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My pole barn is approximately 25 years old. My question is, does the foundation need to be treated for maintenance to prevent rotting? The wood that is underground was originally treated wood but how long does that last? The floor inside is concrete […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Columns, Lumber, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Pressure Treated Posts, Drywall, Column Uplift Protection, Rotting, Ceiling Loads, Uplift Plates
- No comments
Building a Pole Building Style Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/18 @ 8:00Building a Pole Barn Style Home Reader DAVID from NINE MILE FALLS writes: “I am building a pole barn style home. I am having a difficult time in finding what the requirements would be for post setting and post distance spacing in regards to a pole barn used for living spaces. I plan on using […]
Read morePost Protector Surprise
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/04 @ 8:00Post Protector Surprise Reader CONNOR from INDIANAPOLIS and I recently had an exchange in regards to the holes of his new post frame building. Connor is proposing to use Post Protectors on the columns of his building. What he has yet to realize is there is going to be a hidden surprise with the use […]
Read moreI want the Bottom of my Poles at the Same Depth
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/28 @ 8:00I Want The Bottom of My Poles At The Same Depth Reader CONNOR in CINCINNATI writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I am putting up a 24’x32’x10′ pole barn to serve as a garage. Last weekend I augered my 24″ holes to accommodate 48″ post embedment plus a 10″ concrete footer. A ready-mix company is coming […]
Read moreAre My Columns Too Short?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/26 @ 8:00Are My Columns Too Small or Too Short? We receive and answer lots of questions. Even with a Construction Guide which extends over 500 pages, covering a plethora of topics and how to’s, there is always an unanswered question (sometimes two). One of our good clients recently sent a query to the Hansen Pole Buildings’ […]
Read morePost Size? Convert to OHD? & Cleaning Dirty Vinyl
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/25 @ 8:08DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you have to use the same size posts on the end walls even if it is non load bearing? so if I use 6×6 posts that hold the trusses can I use smaller lumber on the non load bearing ends? Thank you. CAMERON in BOISE DEAR CAMERON: This is why […]
Read moreHelp! My Pole Barn Has Frost Heave
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/14 @ 8:00Help! My Pole Barn Has Frost Heave Reader DAVID in MINNESOTA writes: “I looked through many pages of your blog and found nothing yet that deals with my frost heave problem. Bought lake property 8 years ago that had a 24 X 24 pole shed that was 5 years old. It has concrete floor with […]
Read moreHeadroom Headaches, Post Hole Problems, and Insulation Options
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/11 @ 8:00Tackling Headroom Headaches, Post Hole Problems, and Insulation Options DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am curious about the room I needed for my overhead door. I had my building designed for a 12’x12′ overhead door in the middle of the end wall. My wall height is 14′ but with a truss depth of 18″ the […]
Read morePole Building Holes in Caliche Soil
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/08 @ 8:00One of our clients is preparing his site in order to dig the holes for his new post frame building kit. He happens to live in an area of Washington State, east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains, which would be best classified as being high desert. He has encountered the bane of excavators […]
Read moreTreated Lumber for In Ground Use
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/08/25 @ 8:00Treated Lumber – Justine Schools a Major Lumberyard Chain When it comes to pressure preservative treated lumber, ignorance from the supply side seems to be bliss and there are way too many folks out there happily selling under treated product. For your entertainment pleasure I bring you a discourse between Hansen Pole Buildings Lumber Wizard […]
Read moreDon’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/08/22 @ 8:00Don’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor Reader Clay has contributed the beginnings of this article, with a concern his pole barn floor might sink. Thank you Clay. “I am about to construct a 24’x32′ building to be used as a woodworking shop. I am strongly considering a pole barn. Now I do not want a […]
Read moreWin Three Post-Rack Brackets
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/08/18 @ 8:00Free Bonus – Opportunity to Win Three Post-Rack Brackets Long time readers will recall my article on post-rack brackets: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/12/post-racks/. Well, Hansen Pole Buildings has teamed up with our good friends at Scott Systems to give our valued clients an opportunity for a freebie! You heard it right – this is a chance to win […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Columns, Workshop Buildings
- Tags: Scott-Systems, Win, Free, Post Racks
- 1 comments
Build a Pole Barn Home, Hole Diameters, and Shipping to Ireland?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/24 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, my husband and I are looking I to purchasing a small piece of land and want to build a pole barn home on it. I’m envisioning 4 bed upstairs with 2 bath and a loft area and on the main floor a master bed with bath , kitchen/dining, great room […]
Read moreWhen Columns Get Put in the Wrong Place
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/11 @ 8:00This is construction, things happen. The true mark of how any particular project goes is not everything going perfectly without a hitch, it is the ability to solve challenges when they arise. The scenario below is one which I have never had a DIY person do (shout out to all of you who are putting […]
Read moreTo Remove, To Replace, and To Design!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/10 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey Guru! I’m getting ready to build a pole barn and I will have to remove a tree. The tree is basically right in the middle of what the floor will be. I will be putting a concrete floor in and was wondering do I have to completely remove the stump […]
Read morePole Sizes, Adding On a Shed Roof, and Ridge Vents
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/01 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We live in Pacific county in Washington state and wondering what size of truss pole we would be looking at needing for a 60 ft truss. We are in a wind exposure “C” and trusses will be on 12′ centers. The building we are planning will be 60’w x 48’d with […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Ventilation, Budget, Columns, Sheds, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Add On, Foam Closures, Ridge Vents, Code, Post Size, Pole Size, Shed Roof
- No comments
Optimum Aspect Ratio of Length and Width
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/06/13 @ 8:00I suppose I inherently knew the answer to the optimum aspect ratio of length and width for post frame construction, but never really sat down to write about it. Well, reader JEREMY in EFFING has an inquiring mind and wants to know: “In general terms is there an “optimum” aspect ratio to gain the best […]
Read moreShipped International, Post Protection, and EmSeal!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/05/29 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can the kit be shipped international, like Philippines? ERIC in SUSANVILLE DEAR ERIC: Post frame building kit packages can be shipped anywhere on the planet. In most cases, the components are delivered to the docks – in your case most likely the Port of Tacoma or Seattle, where it is reloaded […]
Read moreSturdi-Wall Brackets
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/05/19 @ 8:00Placement of Sturdi-Wall Plus Brackets I am enjoying our client Dan who is in the process of getting started with his new Hansen Pole Buildings’ kit package. My educated guess is he is going to construct one truly beautiful building. Dan has a great question, which I will share: “So I went ahead and purchased […]
Read moreReal Estate Value, Post Brackets, and Interior Finishing
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/05/01 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: As a licensed Real Estate agent and looking to move, I realize how crazy the market is (at least in Michigan and the Grand Rapids Area). Considering building a pole barn home for my wife and I when we sell our house, however what about resale value? My concern is regarding […]
Read moreOpen Endwalls in a Hay Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/04/20 @ 8:00There are plenty of bad structural things which can be done to post frame buildings. While roof only buildings can have their own set of challenges, these can be exponentially made worse by putting walls on the eave sides and leaving the building endwalls entirely open. Here is a good explanation of why this occurs, […]
Read moreThe Lowdown on Column Uplift
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/04/11 @ 8:00Let’s Not Uplift I learn new things every single day, much in part to loyal readers, the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Building Designers and our clients. Column uplift seems to be a repeating point of contention for me, as it is (in my humble opinion) poorly addressed, if not totally ignored. Reader Dan has some uplift […]
Read moreThe Mark on Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/04/04 @ 8:00Interpreting the Mark on Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber Pressure preservative treated lumber is a mystery to most consumers, builders and even building officials. Certainly all of the above parties understand the need for pressure preservative treated lumber when it is embedded in or in contact with the ground or concrete, or in locations where there […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Columns
- Tags: CCA Treated Lumber, UC-4B, AWPA Standard/Use Category
- No comments
Materials Mastery with the PBG!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/03/13 @ 8:00DEAR 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: Alternate Siding, Columns, RV Storage, Pole Barn Design, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Trusses
- Tags: Siding, Roof Only, RV Cover, Kit Materials
- No comments
Fall Up, Go Boom
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/03/07 @ 8:09Fall Up, Go Boom What? Sir Isaac Newton pretty much confirmed things do not fall up. Well, this building did not actually “fall” up – it was sucked out of the ground. How would I know this? Look at the ends of the columns which are lying on the ground. There is no concrete attached […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure, Columns
- Tags: Uplift, Uplift Protection, Rebar Tie-ins, Concrete, Footings
- No comments
What Type of Barns Do You Sell?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/02/22 @ 8:00And my response to the question would be, “What type of barn would you like to invest in”? Here is the full question asked by JOEL in THOMASVILLE: “What type of pole barns do you sell? (Truss on post or truss on band) Also what’s the spacing on the trusses? 2 foot, 4 foot” […]
Read moreBlog Entries Lead to Post Depth Question!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/02/20 @ 8:00DEAR 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 […]
Read moreBuilding Site Preparation
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/02/08 @ 8:00I’m a Bit Confused… No, not me – one of our clients who is about ready to invest in his new Hansen Pole Buildings’ Post Frame Building kit. Just like me, when I have something new on the way, Phil is chomping at the bit to be doing something! Anything! DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m trying […]
Read moreConcrete Considerations from the PBG!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/01/23 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is concrete included in price? TRACEY in SUMTER DEAR TRACEY: No, we do not include concrete in the price and here is why: Most familiar, as well as most available is the Sakrete® general purpose High Strength Concrete Mix. When mixed per the manufacturer’s instructions, this mix affords a compressive strength of […]
Read moreMaking Your Own Glulam Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/01/18 @ 8:00Should I Make my Own Glulam Columns? I’ve been internet chattering back and forth with a gentleman named Chris, who is probably never going to order a Hansen Pole Building, but it is okay – we have thousands of clients a year who are knocking at our doors (figuratively) ready to place their orders. Total […]
Read moreConsider Post Frame for New Home!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/01/16 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. My name is Thomas and I am with xxxxxx; we manufacture metal roofing and siding and based out of Tennessee. I wanted to ask you a few questions to gain some information. First, my wife and I are starting to look at metal building for our new home, is […]
Read moreAttacking Pole Barn Rocks in Holes
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/12/14 @ 8:00Breaking Through Rock in Holes Post frame (pole) buildings are maybe the easiest to construct and most affordable permanent structures known to human kind. Once the holes are dug and the columns are set, it is pretty well nothing but go-go-go. The intangible is what is happening below the surface of the ground. When I […]
Read moreRebar Hairpins
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/10/04 @ 8:00When I began writing these articles a few short years ago, I assumed I would run out of subject matter after about 100 or so. Silly me – as I’ve now produced in excess of 1100 of them and I keep realizing I have totally skipped over some obvious subject matter. One of those which […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Concrete
- Tags: Pole Barn Columns, Forces Of Frost, Concrete Floor
- 4 comments
Do it Best
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/20 @ 8:00Do it Best® I get a lot of people asking some great questions of the Pole Barn Guru. Some of which take some lengthy answers, in order to adequately make the point. Here is one which involves the thought of doing business through a Do it Best® store would add a level of security. For […]
Read moreAll Columns Are Not Created Equal
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/09/01 @ 8:00Back in 2000, I had the pleasure of working with Dale Schiferl when we were both with Gruenwald Engineered Laminates, Inc.™ (https://gruen-wald.com/) , manufacturers of (among other things) glu-laminated columns for post frame (pole) buildings. Dale and I both moved on, Dale to open Timber Technologies, LLC, the manufacturer of Titan Timbers™. Dale and his […]
Read moreWhen Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/08/11 @ 8:00When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect (and the sky falls) Part II To refresh your memory a bit, we had a client recently email us a letter outlining some of his challenge in getting his building project going. Read yesterday’s blog for Part I of this client’s challenges with his building project. Nothing but problems seemingly […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Building Contractor, Columns
- Tags: Building Kit Package, Pole Barn Question
- No comments
Will 4×6 Columns Carry the Load?
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/08/09 @ 8:00Another excellent question from a soon to be new post frame (pole building) owner. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The materials just arrived for my pole barn and construction is to start on Monday. The building will be 30×40 with attic trusses with an 8/12 pitch, 24 inches on center with a 1ft overhang (there is […]
Read moreDancing With the Posts
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/06/28 @ 8:00Reality television watchers have suffered through 384 episodes of the ABC networks, Dancing with the Stars hosted by Tom Bergeron since 2005. On occasion, it seems some of our clients (or much more often their builders) have done some posts (as opposed to pole) dancing when placing columns for their new building. A certain amount […]
Read more- Categories: Columns
- Tags: Double Trusses, Roof Purlins, Dancing With The Stars, Tom Bergeron
- No comments
Redwood Columns in Pole Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/05/18 @ 8:00Redwood for Post Frame Building Columns Just this week we had a client in the California Bay area interested in a roof only post frame structure. His caveat, he really wanted to have Redwood columns, as opposed to properly pressure preservative treated timbers. The characteristics of redwood make it a popular choice for outdoor applications. […]
Read moreTootsie Roll Pop
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/04/22 @ 8:00How Many Licks Does It Take to Get to the Tootsie Roll Center of a Tootsie Pop? Well, according to Mr. Owl, the answer is three. At an office meeting of the Sweets Company of America in 1931, employees were asked to share any ideas for new candies. Employee Luke Weisgram had been thinking about […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Columns, Concrete Cookie
- Tags:
- No comments
Pressure Treatment Beyond CCA
Posted by polebarnguru on 16/01/26 @ 8:00Pressure Treating Beyond CCA My friend Sharon Thatcher is the editor of Rural Builder magazine. This article, written by her, was published in the December edition of Rural Builder and is so well done, I felt it was well worth sharing. It’s been nearly 12 years since new measures were put in place to help […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Columns
- Tags:
- 1 comments
How Deep Should Pole Barn Holes Be?
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/09/14 @ 8:00Welcome 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” […]
Read moreGlu-lams: Which End is UP?
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/08/21 @ 8:00Which End is Up? Recently one of my articles (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/06/nail-laminated-columns/) triggered quite a response from the President of Ohio Timberland Products, Inc. (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/07/mike-burkholder/). Luckily, the two of us settled matters like most human males – we duked it out (at least electronically), got past it and then figuratively went and had a beer together. I’ve […]
Read more- Categories: Columns
- Tags: Glu-lams, Glu-lam Inated Columns, Copper Napthenate
- No comments
Pole Barn Guru Bonus Questions
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/08/13 @ 8:00Mike the Pole Barn Guru would call this his “bonus round” of questions for the week. Mike is currently sitting at his son’s bedside at a local trauma care hospital. While waiting for Brent’s surgery following a late night crash on his motorcycle, Mike is keeping vigil over his son. He will be ok, but […]
Read morePole Barn Holes
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/08/06 @ 5:00The Hole Enchilada Yesterday I began hacking away at my neighbor’s new pole building under construction. Today, I will dig even deeper (pun intended)! Leroy and his building crew arrived on Thursday to begin building. My bride and I had to take a detour most of the day to go to Fargo to visit grandchildren […]
Read morePerma Column vs. Pressure Treated
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/07/24 @ 8:00Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rick has been working with a client who has a nose for knowledge – and I thank both of them for sharing information with me, so I can pay it forward. This particular client is weighing the use of Perma Columns against the more traditional design solution for post frame (pole […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Columns
- Tags: Pressure Treated Wood, Pressure Treated Lumber, CCA Treated Posts, ACZA
- No comments
Dear Mike Burkholder
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/07/03 @ 8:00Dear Readers: For those of you missing the past two days, or yesterday’s blog at most, please back up a day or two to bring you up to speed for my response to a seemingly heated rejoinder by Mike Burkholder of Ohio Timberland Products to a blog I wrote. This is published in it’s entirety. […]
Read moreNail Laminated Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/06/17 @ 8:00Ohio Timberland Products, Inc. Nail-Lam “PLUS” Columns Eric, the managing partner of Hansen Pole Buildings, asked for me to write specifically about these columns, which we happen to neither supply, nor recommend. On their website (www.OhioTimberland.com) are extolled the “advantages” (at least in their eyes) of these nailed together columns over true glu-laminated columns: Nail-Lams […]
Read moreSetting Posts on Stands?
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/06/01 @ 8:00Welcome 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” […]
Read moreToci Ground Anchors
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/05/27 @ 8:00About a year ago the Technical Department of Hansen Pole Buildings was contacted by the manufacturer of the Toci Ground Anchor: “We manufacture the Toci Ground Anchor, an anchoring device that you may find useful in your line of business. The Toci Ground Anchor safely secures any outdoor structure or building to the ground without […]
Read more- Categories: Fasteners, Uncategorized, Concrete, Columns
- Tags: Moment Load, Pole Barn Brackets, Pole Building Anchors
- No comments
Floating Poles
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/04/23 @ 8:00In an article last year I included a reference to “floating poles”: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/blog/2014/05/one-pour-reinforcement-cage/ But how would one go about actually floating poles? Once all of the column holes have been dug, distribute the poles about the perimeter of the building, laying them perpendicular to the hole they are to be placed in, with one end […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Columns
- Tags: Pole Building Foundation, Pole Building Concrete, Floating Posts, Setting Pole Barn Posts
- No comments
Treated Wood
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/04/10 @ 8:00Treated Wood Industry Looks to Toughen Standards Prior to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) dipping its nose into the pressure preservative treating chemical industry in 2002, buying treated wood was pretty darn easy. Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) was the treatment of choice for most everything. CCA was so much cleaner to work with than its […]
Read moreA Pole Building Basement?
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/03/30 @ 8:00Welcome 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” […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Columns
- Tags: Perma-column, Canadian Pole Buildings, Pole Barn Basement, Pole Barns For Canada
- No comments
Pressure Treated Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/03/26 @ 8:00Preserving Wood Columns Beyond Code Requirements The Building Codes (IBC – International Building Code and IRC – International Residential Code) specify minimum requirements for pressure treated lumber used to structurally support buildings. My previous dissertations on pressure treating are available for your reading pleasure here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/blog/2012/10/pressure-treated-posts-2/ and https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/blog/2014/05/building-code-3/ Hansen Pole Buildings Designer Kelly brought to […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Columns
- Tags: Pressure Preservative Treated Columns, Treated Posts, Post Protectors, Plasti-sleeves
- No comments
Setting Pole Building Posts
Posted by polebarnguru on 15/03/17 @ 8:08We Don’t Always Do Things Perfectly, But We Do Listen Last summer Hansen Pole Buildings Supplied a pole building kit package to a client who experienced a few challenges and I took the time to address each one of them. This is Part I of a four part response. First – here is my initial […]
Read moreDigging Holes for a Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/12/31 @ 8:00If you didn’t read my blog yesterday – it might help you to back up a day and read where the following blog got started. I nice young gentleman asked me to help him with his boy scout Eagle project – constructing an equestrian barn. So back up a day – then continue here after […]
Read moreSetting Pole Barn Posts
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/12/30 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is your method for spacing the poles on a pole barn, how do you line up the locations of each pole on a wall? This is for my boy scout Eagle project, a 32x36ft pole barn to be used for equestrian therapy. ANXIOUS IN AUSTIN DEAR ANXIOUS: The best advice […]
Read moreKitty Hawk
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/11/05 @ 8:00My loyal readers know I grew up flying small planes (read more about my adventures at https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/blog/2013/09/hangar-n3407s/). Growing up in a flying household meant the Wright Brothers were highly revered. I’d always wondered why it is two brothers from Dayton, Ohio ended up making history at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. I had my first experience […]
Read moreTops of Glulam Posts
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/10/21 @ 8:00This question was posed to Justine, who gets everyone’s wonderful materials to their pole building sites for Hansen Buildings: “Justine, pardon me for being confused but: If the tops of glulam posts were manufactured that way to allow cutting, why are they not all that way? There is no rhyme or reason to them. Some […]
Read more- Categories: Columns
- Tags: Glulams, Glu-laminated Columns
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Glulams vs. Solid Sawn Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/10/08 @ 8:00A Hansen Pole Buildings client recently called his Building Designer Rick. The client was concerned as three ply glulams were provided for his pole building kit package, instead of the 4×6 and 6×6 solid sawn columns which were on his plans. He is concerned his inspector will give him trouble about this and would like […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Columns
- Tags: Glu-lam Columns, Solid Sawn Lumber, Glulams, Glu-lam Beams, Solid Sawn Posts
- 2 comments
Are the Poles Close Enough?
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/09/08 @ 8:00Welcome 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” […]
Read moreHow to Save Money on Pole Building Kits?
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/08/18 @ 8:00Welcome 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 or Saturday segment. If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Concrete, Concrete Cookie, Budget
- Tags: Perma-column, Sturdiwall, Pole Building Kit Packages
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Building Official Out on a Limb
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/07/31 @ 8:00Don’t get me wrong – in case I have not previously gotten my message across in earlier articles – I genuinely like Building Officials. Most of them really do care, and go out of their way to help both do it yourselfers and building contractors. With very few exceptions, Building Officials, field inspectors and plans […]
Read moreAre Concrete Piers OK in Earthquake Areas?
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/07/28 @ 8:00Welcome 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 or Saturday segment. If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with […]
Read morePoles for Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/06/12 @ 8:00Some days it seems there are nearly as many possible design solutions for pole barn “poles” as there are pole barns! Here is a brief overview of the organic (think coming from trees) ones. For the sake of brevity, I will limit this article to only applications where the columns are embedded in the ground. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Columns, Lumber
- Tags: Glu-laminated Columns, Solid Sawn Lumber, Glulams, Columns, Timbers
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The Building Code Ostrich Syndrome
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/05/27 @ 8:00I have a very dear friend who tends to avoid possibly challenging situations, by pretending they didn’t occur. This is known as the ‘Ostrich Syndrome’. Post-frame, as an industry, sometimes suffers from some of the same ailment. I present, for your entertainment pleasure, International Building Code (IBC) Section 1807.3.1, which may very well be both […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, Columns
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Up-Lift Plates for Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/05/08 @ 8:00Having spent two decades directly involved in the prefabricated metal connector plated roof truss industry (with titles running from just above the janitor, to owner of two plants) steel truss plates have always fascinated me. From Pro-Footer® comes the UP-Lift plate, which is an ingenious adaptation of truss plate technology. They are designed to help […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Footings, Columns
- Tags: Pole Building Foundation, Pole Barn Footings, Pole Barn Uplift, Pole Building Uplift, Pro-footer
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FootingPad System for Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/05/07 @ 8:00FootingPad™ Composite Footing System In the late 1980’s I was a member of the Board of Directors for the National Frame Building Association (NFBA). Serving along with me was Glen George. The recent 2014 National Frame Building Expo held in Nashville, TN, was like old home week for me, as I reunited with several people […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Columns
- Tags: Pole Building Footings, Concrete Cookies, Building Uplift
- 3 comments
Titan Timbers vs. Nail-lam Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 14/04/01 @ 8:00Timber Technologies Titan Timbers vs. Littfin Truss Nail-lam Columns – The battle continues One of the exhibitors at the 2014 NFBA Expo was Timber Technologies, LLC of Colfax, WI. Timber Technologies is a full-line glulam manufacturer of Titan Timber columns and beams for post-frame buildings. Their Titan Timbers are straight, strong, reliable, easy to cut, […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Glu-laminted Columns, Littfin Truss, Nail-lam Columns, Timber Technologies
- 1 comments