Many concrete finishers have switched to synthetic fiber mesh reinforcement for concrete slabs to help reduce surface cracking. In doing so, many of these finishers have completely eliminated traditional welded wire mesh (WWM). But while fiber mesh has advantages, it also comes with potentially costly drawbacks. This may sound surprising, given fiber mesh’s big appeal […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding to an existing pole barn, the possibility of notching girts into posts, and use of a stem wall on an uneven site. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an existing 36x36x12 pole barn and would like to do an additional 36-48 roof only build […]

Aircrete for Post Frame Cladding Reader KRISTOPHER in GARDINER writes: “Can I use pre-cast aircrete panel in lieu of metal siding for the walls and roof?” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: It may be possible to use aircrete in lieu of steel roofing and siding, however it would need to be strong enough in […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about using wet set brackets on a stem wall foundation, if it is possible to build over a walkout basement, and the viability of installing rigid foam between framing and steel cladding. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey there guru. We are planning on building a post frame home […]

Are Unheated Post Frame Building Slabs on Grade Required to Be Frost Protected? Reader BILL in CLAYTON writes: “I’m in early planning for a post frame garage – just over 1000 sf but will reduce it if it solves a code problem for “private garages” in IBC. Ignoring that, where does the code permit a […]

How to Pour a Slab on Grade in an Existing Barndominium Reader PAUL writes: “I have an opportunity to purchase a barndominium that has the posts set in 20” wide 40” deep peers. Unfortunately the county where this is located does not require a footing. All city codes in this area require an 8”X 36” […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about floor plans, adding spray foam to an existing structure for condensation control, and solutions for a sill at 18′ OHD opening. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What do you charge to take my floor plan and send me engineered drawings? SHANNON in JONESBOROUGH DEAR SHANNON: We only […]

Building After a Burn Down Western United States wildfires have been featured on network newscasts and seen in our air for months. My own Auntie Norma’s home was a victim of California’s 2018 Camp Fire – where she lost all of her worldly possessions. Reader MATHEW in RENO writes: “Greetings, I know I’m not the […]

How to Insulate a Post Frame Shop When No Advance Considerations Were Made I encourage clients to give some serious advance consideration when erecting new post frame (pole) buildings to any eventuality of future climate control and a need for insulation. Reader MAC in MILLVILLE writes: “40 x 30 want to insulate. It will be […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about where to mount the vertical tracks for his overhead garage door, a batch of questions for a possible DIY’er, and a question about flooring options. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do my tracks for garage door mount directly to the 6×6 posts, or is there a 2×6 […]

I have one goal – for people to end up with structurally sound buildings they love. Follow these guidelines and you are far more likely to love your new building. Your work starts before you sign a contract. ASSUME YOUR PROJECT WILL END IN COURT ASSUME YOUR BUILDING PROVIDER/CONTRACTOR IS UNTRUTHFUL ASSUME YOUR PROJECT WILL […]

Concrete Slabs on Grade for Cold Climates My lovely bride and I have a shouse (shop/house) in Northeast South Dakota, where it can tend to get chilly in Winter. Reader TERRI in DULUTH is in a similar situation and writes: “What type of slab for cold climates do you recommend?” Well Terri, thank you for […]

Reader LAUREN in THORNVILLE has an existing pole barn and writes: “Hello! We have an existing 40×64 post frame construction pole barn that is 16′ high at the eaves/trusses and 20′ total height. It has siding and half of the space has 6 inch poured concrete. We would like to turn this into a one […]

Let’s finish off the week with one more day of Ask the Pole Barn Guru. Today Mike takes on reader questions about connection with a continuous foundation, benefits of 10′ or 12′ column spacing, and replacing inside foam closures. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. We are located in Ohio. We would like to build a […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers readers questions about condensation control in a small garage with a gravel floor, the possibility of adding a “mother-daughter” unit to her house, and “ribbed vapor barrier” for a shed roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Recently purchased a metal garage kit, 24X26. No insulation. Two garaged doors. Gravel floor […]

Slabs on grade are highly popular for barndominiums, shop houses (aka shouses), post frame homes, garages and shops. Many (mine included) use radiant in slab heat, meaning there will be PEX tubes in the floor to be avoided when attaching framed interior walls. Reader STEVEN in AKRON writes: “My wife and I are looking to […]

Post Frame Barndominium Building on Expansive Soils. When I was a 1990’s post frame building contractor we trained our sales team to be diligent in looking at soil cuts near where our potential clients were considering erecting new post frame buildings. These cuts could tell us much about what was happening below the surface and […]

Long time readers will recall concrete finishing does not rank amongst my favorite building tasks. It is an art form with a gene I was not blessed with. Most pole barns, post frame buildings and barndominiums utilize slabs poured on grade. Reader KYLE in KAPLAN writes: “In your pole barns, do you typically use wire […]

Post frame (pole building) construction is popular due to efficiencies of materials (ability to do more with less) and speed of construction. Reader RAYMOND in BARLING is trying to find a way to make stick framing cheaper, he writes: “24×64 pole barn in question. 4 pitch.  I am just comparing the cost of alternate designs. […]

Adding Heated Space in a Pole Barn Reader THOM in COLRAIN writes: “ I’m creating a 20′ X 30′ heated shop space in the center of a 40′ X 70′ pole barn.  One 20′ side is on an outside wall.  The other three have 2 X 4 studs.  I’m using rough-cut 1″ for the walls […]

This Monday the Guru answers questions about post rot due to pouring quickcrete below the posts, adapting post frame to floor plans, and running plumbing and electrical a super insulated post frame house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I just got done building a pole barn. A task that’s a lot harder than I thought. My […]

Doesn’t Like Idea of a Concrete Slab Foundation Loyal reader ASHLEY in KELSO writes: “I will be building in southwest Washington – Cowlitz County. We are wanting around a 2800 square foot home. I do not like the idea of a concrete slab “foundation”, we are going with crawl space (I read your blog on […]

If you are like me, when you hire a professional to do professional work, you expect them to be experts and to do things correctly. Few things in life piss me off more than when a builder gives a client a great price and then cuts corners in order to make a profit. Facebooker CHRIS […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about a “way to put a pitch on a flat carport roof,” when building is is cheaper to go “up or out,” and “extra” costs associated with poor site prep. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the fastest, least expensive way to put a pitch on a flat […]

Continuing the week with more Pole Barn Guru, Mike discusses spacing of framing for wall steel, how to prepare a sloped build site, and if Hansen can provide engineering for slab on grade in Colorado. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If you have 2×6’s for walls in pole building that are spaced 16 inches apart, and […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about shrinkage of splash boards installed wet, roof load capacity, and truss spacing for an RV storage building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have two questions (related) regarding splash boards and concrete floor top. My splash boards have been in place for quite a while, and […]

Reader GEORGE in LOUISVILLE writes: “I am looking to install tin on the ceiling of my 54 X 75 pole shed. I was wondering if 6 mil plastic sheeting with all seams taped would work for a vapor barrier? My concern is not to have it rain in my building after the tin is up […]

Busting Post Frame Barndominium Myths Yep, I have been web surfing again and I came across a stick frame building contractor’s website who obviously either doesn’t understand fully engineered post frame construction, or just frankly doesn’t care to add it to his arsenal of design solutions. My comments are in italics. MYTH #1. MOST BANKS WON’T […]

Let’s close out the week with another installment of Ask the Pole Barn Guru! First up is a resolution to seal up a building, followed by assistance with compacted fill, and finally an alternative to spray foam to control condensation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I purchased a pole building from you last year and there […]

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 […]

Part II of a two part series. If you didn’t see Part I, go back one day. Mike’s answers are in italics.  In each house at ends of the “L” layout, I plan to have 1/3 open plan at two stories, for our great room, with nice windows for great views. The other 2/3 areas […]

This Monday the Pole barn Guru answers questions about floor plan ideas for a monitor style building, plans for a “Zen Den” or “Party Barn” in an L shape, and whether or not it is worth adding reflective radian barrier under slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am wondering if you have any floor […]

Post Frame Home Zero Barrier Entry Over a Crawl Space Reader MARC in AUBURN writes: “I am asking what might be an odd question, but I need to ask it to see if it is even an option. Is it possible to build a post frame home with part of it having a concrete floor […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about use of dry-set brackets to existing slab, spray foam distorting metal, and a problem with drip when temperature is just right. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How thick does the edge of concrete need to be to support a pole barn if using the bolt on top […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about installing a SIP floor instead of concrete, stack-able hanger doors for addition, and rough cuts on some sliding door lateral braces. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am considering installing SIP floor in my pole barn instead of a concrete floor (the barn will be a […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru tackles questions about repairing a rotted top chord of an existing truss, a little voice in a contractor’s head, and the use of an existing building on newly purchased parcel. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When we bought our property the pole barn on it already had a rotting roof with […]

This Friday’s blog include some extra Pole Barn Guru reader’s questions about a final inspection, materials needs for a building, and the quantity of trusses for another. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In a pole barn the inspector will not pass final inspection with a crushed concrete floor for storage of any kind of vehicle inside […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about a frustrating shopping experience, use of a sealant around embedded posts, and best method for a vapor barrier under concrete. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello my husband and I have been pre-approved to finance a pole barn and I am becoming very FRUSTRATED. We have called “Oscar […]

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 […]

Back in my general contractor days we would run into building sites where water would fill up some or all of our hole depth. While this seemed highly problematic then it was actually far less of an issue than originally presumed. Reader RACHEL in CLARK writes: “We are looking to put up a 24′ X […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building on a slab or with a crawl space, insulation for a shop, and if a person is able to build near a leach field. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I appreciate the building technology used when building a residential pole barn. I am not yet […]

Isolating Heated and Unheated Barndominium Concrete Floors Loyal reader MIKE in COUPEVILLE writes: “I see you recently posted a detailed drawing on insulating the perimeter of a pole barn, very helpful.  https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/03/meeting-barndominium-slab-requirements/ I’m currently looking at purchasing a large pole barn, it will be 84’x42′ with posts 12′ apart.  I plan to make 2 of […]

“One-pour” Post Frame Concrete Footings and Bottom Collars As originally engineered Hansen Pole Buildings’ column encasement design, had pressure preservative columns placed to the bottom of an augured hole. Pre-mix concrete was then poured around each column’s lower 16-18 inches to form a bottom collar. Concrete to wood’s bond strength was sufficient to enable this […]

Adding to a Floating Slab Building Most buildings need foundations to transfer the structure’s weight as well as roof and floor loads into the ground. Small sheds and backyard structures like gazebos and pergolas may not need elaborate foundations because they are so light. But, for any building over about 150 square feet, a strong […]

This week’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about where to stop metal in relation to concrete, installing a sliding door to a repurposed building, and the proper depth of footings. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Where do I stop my metal in relation to my grade board/ bottom stringer. I’ve set the bottom of my […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about a requirement for “continuous footings” in South Carolina, lump sim or payments for a building purchase, and finance options. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are continuous footings required for a pole barn in Dorchester County South Carolina. Size is 24 x 32 M KELLY in SUMMERVILLE DEAR […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about need for a “footer,” building over an old pool, and the efficacy or viability of building ones own glulaminated posts. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: You have most likely answered this question before. I don’t seem to be able to find it. I am thinking about building a […]

Meeting Barndominium Perimeter Slab Insulation Requirements Our world (at least my world) of post frame buildings has evolved quickly into residential construction of barndominiums, shouses (shop/houses) and post frame homes. Having built two shouses for myself, I have learned a lot about what to do and not to do, as well as receiving helpful contributions […]

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 […]

Where Your Barndominium Dollars Go Recently published by NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) was their 2019 Cost of Construction Survey. I will work from their ‘average numbers’ to breakdown costs so you can get a feel for where your barndominium, shouse or post frame home dollars go. Please use this as a reference only, […]

Condensation Above Metal Building Roof Insulation Only those few long time readers or those who had time on their hands and have read every blog I ever wrote will recall this story about my adventures with metal building roof insulation: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/11/metal-building-insulation-in-pole-buildings-part-i/. Reader JOSH in CORVALLIS is having issues with how metal building insulation is (or […]

Barndominium: One Floor or Two? Welcome to an ongoing debate about whether it is more cost effective to build a one story or two story barndominium. Commonly I read people advising two stories is less expensive than a single story. Reader TODD in HENNING put me to work when he wrote: “I’m curious why “Going […]

Where Should the Top of Barndominium Slab Be? Loyal reader DANIEL in OWENSVILLE writes: “Mike, First I want to say thanks for all that I have learned from your Blog. I am confused on a couple of points you made concerning floor height… “Occasionally we have clients who ask why they can’t run the concrete […]

Barndominium Warrantees Regular readers of my articles are aware I have joined and regularly read and contribute to every Facebook and Linkedin group about barndominiums and post frame buildings I possibly can find. My goal always is for people to get their best possible value for their investment, even should they somehow decide Hansen Pole […]

Oh What to do About Bare Splash Planks Most people rarely notice or pay attention to splash planks (skirt boards) below their post frame (pole building) siding. They are so far below eye level frankly most people just do not notice them! Reader TOOD in SPRINGFIELD worries about them. He writes: “Hi there,  I called […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru discusses reader questions about types of columns used in Hansen Pole Buildings, what type of car for a small 2 story barn, and the best site preparation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. I was just running through your website looking at the different materials you guys use for your buildings […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about a new a heated floor in a new workshop, adding a large sliding door to a building, and the metal gauge of a beverage can. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, New fan of your site 🙂   We are designing a 40×80 pole building workshop for heavy equipment, […]

Concrete: Cured or Dried? Recently I posted an article in regards to finishing a concrete slab-on-grade. I admit to knowing slightly more about concrete than I do about plumbing. Muy poquito – one of the few Spanish terms I can actually pronounce (and have used all too frequently when visiting South America). For those of […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about ability to “build … without any problems…” permitting, adding wall skirting to an open building, and appropriate frost protection. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I build my pole barn in Hernando County without any problems from the county for permitting which is located in Brooksville, Florida? […]

Our shouse (shop/house) has radiant in floor heat on its lower level and we love it! (read about it here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/08/radiant-floor-heating/) I encourage anyone who is building a barndominium, shouse, post frame home or even a garage or shop to at least have Pex-Al-Pex tubing placed in any slab-on-grade concrete floors (research Pex-Al-Pex here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/05/pex-al-pex-tubing-for-post-frame-concrete-slabs/). […]

How to Finish a Concrete Slab on Grade Concrete is not my friend, it ranks right there with my ability to do plumbing.  My Dad was awesome, he could do either of these with ease. Neither of these tasks, done by me personally, have given me results I am pleased with. So I hire professionals. […]

Building with concrete involves many steps to achieve best results, including grading, forming, placing and finishing. One crucial step is placing reinforcing bars (rebar) correctly. An engineer should do technical design work and provide specific information regarding sizes, configuration and placement of rebar. Slabs-on-grade for post frame buildings do not usually carry building loads, these […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses ag exemptions for building permits, the effect of spacing trusses at 12′ or more, and concrete vapor barriers. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do I have to have a permit to build one poll barn on Ag land? DANIEL in PIERSON DEAR DANIEL: Many jurisdictions nationwide exempt true agricultural […]

Overhead Door Install Without a Concrete Floor Reader WILLIE in SHELBYVILLE writes: “ I am building a pole barn and I am not going to pour concrete on the floor just a rock base and I am going to install an overhead door. My question is what do I need to stop the door from […]

This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about roof trusses at 4′ o.c., ways to solve condensation issues, and sliding door options. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My question is I just purchased some roof trusses that are 32 feet long heel to heel they are constructed with 2 by 4s can I put these […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru discusses a possible conversion of an old pole barn, raising a building, and how site preparation helps with concrete slabs. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Have a 40’ x 100’, 2 sides enclosed, pole barn I would like to convert to a house / garage combo. Columns are 20’ on center in […]

Reader JIMMY in ROCK HILL writes: “I want to get your opinion on the pole barn building method seen in the linked video. (RR buildings) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVwUl4cm8fQ I am impressed at the built in efficiency of his process. Is there a benefit to his post ground connection, (i am aware that his method will use lots […]

Yet Another Case for Engineered Buildings (The six photos at https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/article/construction-resumes-following-barn-collapse are essential to this story) In case you are wondering why I rail so loudly about building permit agricultural exemptions for buildings, these photos (look at bases of columns) should quell any wonderment. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/12/exempt-agricultural-buildings/ From a September 2, 2019 article by Amanda Purcell at […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about vapor barrier, a solution for skylights, and how to reduce frost heave. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Vapor barrier under roof metal or under trusses with insulation on top? I find never-ending opinions about where to place vapor barrier in a post frame building. If the space […]

More Thoughts on High Density Polyurethane Foam for Column Backfill Reader STEPHEN contributes a question regarding high density polyurethane foam for column backfill: “Hello, I have this question I would like to pass along to the “pole barn Guru” to be answered, I doubt I will get the answer I need in the time frame, […]

Reader AARON from CARTHAGE writes: “Curious to see your thoughts on the Pro-footer one pour bracket. Would attaching these brackets to the post compromise the pressure treating leading to a chance of rot? I’ve seen their footer cages and their uplift brackets but these seem to be a better choice provided they don’t compromise the […]

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; […]

Spring, When a Young Man’s Heart Turns to Self-Designing Pole Buildings For some obscure reason a plethora of otherwise intelligent people have an idea. This idea being they can structurally design a building to be adequate to resist applied climactic loads, without any actually engineering background. Given an under designed building can lead to failure, […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about pre-drilling steel panels, the proper use of house-wrap and weather resistant barriers, as well as concern for the effectiveness or fresh concretes ability to withstand compression. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What size hole should I predrill in panels for the #12 diaphragm screws? Thanks! JOSEPH in […]

Sturdi-Wall Plus Concrete Brackets Long time readers will recall a previous article regarding Sturdi-Wall Plus concrete brackets: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/09/concrete-brackets-2/ Sturdi-Wall Plus brackets are a heavy-duty engineered anchoring system for attaching wood columns to concrete foundations and are generally used in post-frame buildings but have other applications as well. These brackets are made with ¼ “steel plate […]

PEX-AL-PEX Tubing For Post Frame Concrete Slabs Long time readers will recall my prior article on PEX tubing for post frame concrete slabs: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/08/pex-tubing/. I caught up with my friend Les Graham of Radiant Outfitters at the recent NFBA (National Frame Building Association) Expo in Louisville, who I volunteered to do a nice video in […]

Allow me to preface this post about a frost heaved porch with a reference to Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Holmes and Watson solved fictional criminal dilemmas with deductive reasoning. In my cases, nearly 40 years of experience (plus knowing and relying upon input from many brilliant engineers) allows me to recommend solutions with […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru assists reader with wiring a winch, vapor barriers for a floor, and floor sealant. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you know how to wire ATV warn winch to make electric winch boxes? MAX in SPOKANE DEAR MAX: Thanks to magical miracles of internet and Google here is where you can […]

Slab on Grade or Crawlspace? Long-time readers of this column recall seeing a profuse number of articles written in regards to crawl spaces. These articles have been on a gradual increase since this first one six years ago: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2013/03/crawl-space/. With residential post frame construction becoming rapidly more popular as more people discover this system’s benefits, […]

Participating in Rick’s Post Frame Cabin Planning Happy readers have been following Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rick’s journey towards constructing a new cabin. Rick has graciously asked me to jump in with sage advice (yep, Rick and I are both old guys), as well as answering some questions he has posed. Rick mentions using a […]

Today’s blog is a continuation from yesterday….Rick Carr, Senior Building Designer for Hansen Buildings shares his thoughts on planning his new pole barn cabin. From JA Hansen, co-owner of Hansen Buildings….Thanks Rick! Next I dealt with the crawl space: After deciding that I want to do a crawl space, several design issues arise and decisions […]

Long time readers should be thoroughly drenched with solutions to condensation issues by now. As post frame construction has moved off farms and into suburbia, climate control has brought with it a plethora of condensation challenges. Reader KRYSTA in SPOKANE writes: “Hello!  I have a pre-existing pole building that I am having a ton of […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru fields questions on electrical planning, moisture issues, and ceiling barriers. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good Morning/Evening:     I currently have a 36′ wide x 48′ long with 12′ tall ceiling pole barn that I would like wire for lights and outlets.   I intend to run main power from the street pole […]

Minimizing Excavation In Combination With Post-Frame Frost Protected Shallow Foundations Part II In our last thrilling episode Snidely Whiplash had tied our fair damsel in distress, Nell Fenwick, to railroad tracks. Oops – railroad engineers are not what most of you were expecting! Continuing with a simplified solution response to reader DAVID’s ideas regarding site […]

Minimizing Excavation In Combination With Post-Frame Frost Protected Shallow Foundations Regular readers of this column recognize a groundswell movement towards energy efficient post frame building design. Reader (and Mechanical Engineer) DAVID in CONNECTICUT had some thoughts (after reading a volume of my article pages) in regards to FPSF (Frost Protected Shallow Foundations) and radiant in […]

How to Properly Apply Post Frame Building Concrete Sealant Condensation in post frame buildings can be problematic. In order to reduce condensation probabilities, minimizing water vapor sources proves to be paramount. Concrete slabs, especially if no vapor barrier was placed beneath them, are a prime source of water vapor. Proper application of sealant can greatly […]

Cement versus Concrete Scraping a chalkboard (also known as a blackboard) with fingernails produces a sound and feeling most people find extremely irritating. Basis of this innate reaction to sound has been studied in the field of psychoacoustics (branch of psychology concerned with perception of sound and its physiological effects). In response to audio stimuli, […]

Concrete Apron Around A Pole Barn My lovely bride and I live in a post frame (pole barn) home along South Dakota’s Lake Traverse. Long time loyal readers of this column have seen photos of it more than once. For those who have missed out, our home was featured on NFBA’s (National Frame Building Association) […]

We Put Up a Competitor’s Shed Sadly not everyone does adequate research to realize how outstanding of a value added a Hansen Pole Buildings’ post frame building kit package truly will be. Long time readers of these blog articles (nearly 1600) and questions answered in Monday’s “Ask the Pole Barn Guru™” column (around 1000) have […]

Some Pole Barns Deserve a Proper Burial Reader STEPHAN in OGDENSBURG writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I have a 30ish year old 32 by 54 feet horse pole barn where half the poles heaved some for more than 1 foot over the years. I need to fix it this year because I am afraid that […]

Today Mike answers questions about eave lights, drawing building plans, and foundation plans. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How to I attach the poly eave lights to the building frame? RUSSELL in BOISE DEAR RUSSELL: Polycarbonate panels are best predrilled for screw fasteners using a 3/8” bit. Screw pattern for eave lights is same as for […]

Today Mike addresses questions about steel ceilings, options for wall finishes, and condensation in added space. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 40ft wide x 60ft long x 12ft high pole barn. The trusses are 4ft on center. I want to put a steel ceiling up and wanted to know the best size piece […]

Post Frame Columns Without Ups or Downs Once post frame building columns are placed into those holes in ground, there needs to be (or sure should be) a solid plan to keep them from being sucked out of ground, or sinking down into it. FEATURE: Pre-mix concrete bottom collars attached to columns with pounded in […]

Uplift Plate™ I realize I got you readers happily involved in reading a series of articles however I need to break it up slightly. In delivering “The Ultimate Post Frame Building Experience”™ Hansen Pole Buildings perpetually searches for new materials and methods to maintain our post frame kit packages as best possible value for your […]

Reader CHRISTI in INOLA writes: “Is it standard practice to pour concrete above the base trim of the building? In the attached photos you can see the red chalk line where the concrete will come up to. Help! They are coming this week to pour.” Gentle inquirers, if you want a relatively quickly (or in […]

The Pole Barn Guru answers questions about a traditional red barn, footings, and additional lighting to outside of building.   DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, We are looking to have a barn built by the Amish community, but are having trouble finding someone to contact. I see on your website you have had several things […]

Importance of Constrained Posts In structural design of post frame (pole) buildings, an ability to transfer wind shear loads from roof to endwalls to ground becomes a key to cost effective design success. When sidewall columns are in a properly constrained condition (usually by attachment to a concrete slab-on-grade) shear forces are reduced by 25%. […]

Siloxa-Tek 8505 Concrete Sealant Recently I received a question from a reader who was having condensation issues in his post frame (pole) building. Amongst my suggestions was using a concrete floor sealant, if there was not a well-sealed vapor barrier underneath the slab. Following this conversation, my reader did his research and determined a silane […]

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about plans for a residential pole barn, lumber going missing, and to building an existing slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I’m looking to build a residential pole barn. I would need enough space for 3 bedroom 2 bath. How big of a pole barn would I need? […]

The Pole Barn Guru helps with installing insulation in wet seasons, properly treated posts, as well as a solution to embedded posts when bedrock is present. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. I am ready to install the insulation and metal on our pole building’s roof. I remember reading how it is important to install the […]