Category Archives: Lumber
Concerns About Truss Sizes and Overhangs When Designing a Floor Plan
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/03/12 @ 8:00Concerns 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Ventilation, Insulation, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Pole Barn Homes, Building Overhangs, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, floorplans, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses
- Tags: Overhangs, Floor Plans, Custom Buildings, Truss Sizes, Truss Design, Truss Building
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How Grading Agencies Establish Lumber Design Values
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/03/07 @ 8:00How Grading Agencies Establish Lumber Design Values Originally published in SBCA Magazine January 16, 2024 Nearly all roof trusses and floor trusses are created using cutting-edge software. Embedded in that software are engineering principles outlined in the National Design Specification, Design Values for Wood Construction (NDS), as well as published design values for the sizes […]
Read moreGreyed Lumber, Insulation, and Flat Purlins over Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/02/21 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about cleaning up rough cut lumber that has greyed from exposure to the elements, advice on house wrap and insulation, and the ability of flat purlins over trusses to carry a load in Kentucky. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My barn project has been a long drawn […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, purlins, Pole Barn Planning, Ventilation, Uncategorized, Building Interior, Lumber, Insulation, Columns
- Tags: House Wrap, Grey Lumber, Insulation, Gray Lumber, Spray Foam, Rough Cut Lumber, Moldy Lumber, Purlins, Kentucky Building, Flat Purlins
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Plastic Vapor Barrier, PermaColumn, and a Fire Resistant Barrier
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/02/14 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about use of 6 mil plastic vapor barrier in Michigan, if Hansen provides the option of a precast concrete pier to keep columns out of the ground, build heights, and “if anything needed between interior PVC panels, closed cell spray foam and the exterior metal siding.” […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Ventilation, Uncategorized, Concrete, Lumber, Footings, Insulation, Building Interior, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Precast Concrete, Vapor Barrier, Spray Foam, Permacolumn, Eave Height, Fire Resistance, 6 Mil Plastic, Climate Zone 5A, Fire Resistant Barrier, PVC, Blown In Insulation, Insulation
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How to Read Truss Design Drawings
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/02/13 @ 8:00How to Read Truss Design Drawings This invaluable information is provided compliments of Structural Building Components Association (SBCA). Should you be considering purchasing trusses on your own, it will be to your benefit to familiarize yourself. Trusses are incredibly efficient structural framing solutions and, consequently, are used in most of today’s light-frame wood construction projects. […]
Read moreSection Modulus (Sm) for Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/02/01 @ 8:00Section Modulus (Sm) for Lumber Nearly a decade ago I penned an article explaining lumber bending stress: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/08/lumber-bending/ After 10 years, a reader nicely told me I did not explain where some terms in this article come from. One of these is Section Modulus (S or Sm in calculations). Let us take a visit to […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Uncategorized, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Section Modulus (Sm) For Lumber, Bending Stress, International ResidentialCode, Rectangular Beam Cross Sections, International Building Code
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To Wrap Posts, Two-Story, Barndominium Conversion
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/01/24 @ 8:00In this Wednesday’s Ask the Guru, Mike answers reader questions about the use of bituthene to wrap the bottom of posts in addition to the treatment, the possibility of a two-story post frame building, and if one can convert an existing Hansen Building into a “barndominium” (residential unit). DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi Mike, getting […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Columns, Uncategorized, Lofts, Lumber, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Footings, Barndominium, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior, floorplans
- Tags: Bituthene, Post Wrap, UC-4B, Two-story Building, Loft, UC-4B Pressurem Preservative Treated Columns
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Full Foundation, Hurricane Proof, and Drill-Set Brackets on Slab
Posted by polebarnguru on 24/01/17 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about a village or township requiring you to put a full foundation in for a pole building, whether a pole building is “hurricane proof,” and the potential use of drill-set brackets to set 6×6 columns on an existing slab with thickened edge. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Footings, Columns, Uncategorized, Pole Barn holes, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Mono-slab, Foundation, Moment Bending Loads, Post Frame Foundation, Embedded Columns, Drill Set Brackets, Hurricane Proof
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Concrete in Contact With Treated Pine
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/11/02 @ 8:00Does Concrete in Contact With Treated Pine Cause Premature Wood Decay? Four decades plus of post-frame (pole) buildings (roughly 20,000 of them) with no premature decay of a single properly pressure preservative treated wood post has led me to be a staunch support of columns embedded in ground. Actual scientific studies do seem to back […]
Read moreTermite Barriers and Wind Speed, Hidden Fasteners, and Truss Modifications
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/10/04 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about termites that can destroy treated lumber in an area wind 80mph winds, if one can install a roof with hidden fasteners over trusses or if it needs an underlayment, and the possibility of modifying a truss chord in order to accommodate a overhead door operator. […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Rebuilding Structures, Building Interior, Budget, Lumber, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Fasteners, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses
- Tags: Termites, Vult Wind Speed, ACQ Treated Lumber, Standing Seam Roofing, Hidden Fasteners, Truss Modification, Wind Speed, Treated Columns, Osb Under Steel
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Pier Insulation, Hold Up Distances, and Site Prep
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/08/09 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about insulating around outside of post piers, the hold-up distance of any non-treated lumber or wall sheathing, and if laying gravel prior to drilling and setting columns would be best order of building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Kind of a 2 parter. I am trenching 4′ […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Siding, Concrete, Footings, Alternate Siding, Building Drainage, Columns, Lumber, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Level Build Site, Insulated Piers, OSB Hold Up, Non-treated Lumber, OSB, Alternative Siding, Gravel Pad, Foundation Insulation, Building Site Prep
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Attic Space, Cost Effective Size, and Column Sizing
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/07/19 @ 8:00This week the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions regarding a 6ft attic space over a 30×44 pole barn, the most “cost effective” method to build, and the point at which a post increased from a 6×6 to a 6×8. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We want a decent-height (a bit over 6ft) attic space in […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Post Frame Home, Trusses, Barndominium, Building Interior, floorplans, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Column Size, Attic Space, Second Floor, Bonus Room, Pole Barn Basement, Floor Trusses, Post Size, Cost Effective Design Solution
- 1 comments
Engineered Plans, P-Bex Through Posts, and Drill Set Brackets
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/06/07 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about drawing up engineered plans to match some non-engineered plans reader currently has, if it is possible to run p-bex through columns, and whether of not a person can set a building on an existing slab with use of drill set brackets. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: […]
Read morePressure Treated Douglas Fir
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/05/25 @ 8:00Pressure Treated Douglas-Fir Reader ERIC in SANTA CRUZ writes: “Hello, I am researching pressure treated pole and post treatments. I am looking at UC-4b treatment for long term. I need real life experience with Douglas fir using CCA-C . The other consideration is Douglas Fir using ACZA.” Mike the Pole Barn Guru says: Early in […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: American Wood Protection, AWPA, ACZA, Douglas Fir, Chromated Copper Arsenate
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Pool Insulation, Span Tables for Floor Joists, and Post Brackets
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/05/17 @ 8:00Today the Pole barn Guru addresses reader questions about the use of 2″ Dow Styrofoam sheets to help insulate and above ground pool, advice for a structurally sound 20×40 room with a loft in a building, and if post can be set onto a cinderblock wall. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in Minnesota and […]
Read moreStructural Framing, the Cost of a Building, and “Base Supports”
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/05/10 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions from a Project Architect about the structural framing of a Hansen building, the cost of building plans with engineering, and if the Pole Barn Guru has advice for “base supports” for a wood floor in a Tube Canopy. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am a Project Architect […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Trusses, Lumber, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Tube Canopy, Design Loads, Sealed Plans, Engineered Plans, Project Engineer, Structural Framing
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Another Case for DIY Post Frame
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/02/07 @ 8:00Another Case for DIY Post Frame Reader BRIAN in CINCINNATI writes: “A construction company is putting the shell of my building up 60x80x16. Just finished steel siding and roof. A number of the 6×6 poles are visually not plumb. My garage doors were being installed today when he called me with concerns of the building […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Trusses, Rebuilding Structures, Columns
- Tags: Plumb, Not Square, American, American Plywood, American Plywood Association, American Concrete Institute, Building Contract, Construction Tolerance Standards For Post Frame Buildings
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Would Sycamore Lumber be a Good Choice for Building a Pole Building?
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/01/26 @ 8:00Would Sycamore Lumber be a Good Choice for Building a Pole Building? Reader TRACY in SMITHFIELD writes: “I’ve been given a lot of sycamore logs fairly newly cut. Would that be a good choice to use for building a pole building? I have read several different things and some say no because it has a […]
Read moreAllowable Variances in Prefabricated Wood Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/01/17 @ 8:00Allowable Variances in Prefabricated Wood Trusses Long time followers of mine will recall portions of my past life doing pretty well everything related to prefabricated wood trusses. It all began in April 1977 (before many of you were born) as a Sawyer cutting components at Spokane Truss (now a Builders First Source location). After a […]
Read moreStucco for My Post Frame Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/01/12 @ 8:00Stucco For My Post Frame Home Reader SHAWN in WASHINGTON writes: “I’m about to build a 110’x 50′ pole frame house using sono tube piers and wet set brackets. I am wanting to use the 1 coat (lighter weight) stucco on full exterior my question/ concern is what options do Ii have for my grade […]
Read more- Categories: Alternate Siding, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Bookshelf Girts, Weep Screed, Deflection Limits, Registered Professional Engineer, UC-4B, Glulaminated Column, CDX Plywood, Stucco, Pressure Preservative Treated
- 2 comments
Sealed Plans, Column Brackets, and Plans for Engineering Project
Posted by polebarnguru on 23/01/04 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about Hansen Buildings providing engineer sealed plans, use of Simpson Strong-Tie column brackets in post frame, and plans of a Hansen Building for use in an independent building project for an engineering student. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you sell just the plans for pole barns? […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, floorplans, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Footings, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber
- Tags: Engineer Sealed Plans, Strudi-wall Brackets, Column Brackets, Engineering Project, Sealed Plans, Engineering Student Project, Post Brackets
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Materials for Girts, a Raised Floor, Truss Loads
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/10/12 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about girt material choices for a 60’x120′ shed, Mike’s thoughts on a raised floor to compensate for a 7% grade change, and if some 4′ oc trusses can handle the load of a heater. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I plan on putting up a 60′ x […]
Read moreWhy Pre-cut Studs are 92-5/8″ Long
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/10/04 @ 8:00Why Pre-cut Studs are 92-5/8” Long Growing up with my Father and six framing contractor uncles (my Dad’s five brothers and Auntie Darlene’s husband Vern) all of us male Momb cousins (myself, brother Mark, Kim, Randy and Scott) eventually became M.E.I. (Momb Enterprises, Inc.) teenage slaves. My beloved Uncle Gil even has on his Facebook […]
Read morePorches, Post Savers, and Airplane Hangars
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/31 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Porches, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design, Building Styles and Designs, Building Overhangs, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Doors
- Tags: Porches, Airplane Hangars, Pressure Preservative Treated Columns, Pole Building Porch, Treated Columns, Hangar Door, UC-4B, Schweiss Door
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Uneven Ground, Granting Wishes, and Recommendations
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/24 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru discusses foundation for a uneven ground with 4-5′ “fall” in the back, granting three wishes, and recommendations for building/footing/slab. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey thank you for time. I am wanting to build a 50×100′ shop. I have uneven ground and about a 4-5′ fall in the back. What […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Concrete, Footings, Lumber
- Tags: Footings, Columns, Foundations, Builder Referrals, Post-Frame, Site Slope, Uneven Ground, Sloped Site, Contractors, DIY Building, Slabs
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Installation Guidance on Truss-to-Post Connections
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/09 @ 8:00Installation Guidance on Truss-to-Post Connections Originally Published by Frame Building News May 24. 2022 This article series has been focused on installation best practices as it pertains to long-span metal-plate connected wood trusses in post-frame buildings. We’ve explored the reasoning behind why truss handling on the jobsite should be minimized, and how proper jobsite storage […]
Read moreAre 2x6s Stronger Than 2x12s?
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/08/04 @ 8:00The following article first appeared in JLC (jlconline.com) Q: Recently I needed structural design values (E, Fb, Fv) for treated southern yellow pine. According to the Southern Pine Council’s (southernpine.com) latest design values, SYP’s E (modulus of elasticity) and Fv (allowable shear stress) remain constant, while F (bending strength) values grow smaller as the lumber […]
Read moreCalculate the Basic Stats
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/07/19 @ 8:00Calculate The Basic Stats: by Mike Momb, Technical Director, Hansen Pole Buildings, LLC Basic Stats for Post-Frame Home Floor Plans If there is a single commonality among us humans, it is this – we are dimensionally challenged. This situation is even more so crucial when it comes to planning your new post-frame home. Here […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor, Trusses
- Tags: Splash Plank, Glulams, Sheetrock, Roof System Thickness, Staircase, Insulation Bookshelf Girts, Finished Ceiling
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Laminated Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/07/14 @ 8:00What every post-frame builder should know about laminated columns By Sharon Thatcher (Frame Building News January 2021) The single most important element to a building’s foundation is its columns. They’re the legs that hold the building upright. As post frame has evolved, it’s only natural that methods to improve the strength of those legs would […]
Read moreDrilling Electrical Holes Through Glu-laminated Posts
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/06/21 @ 8:00Drilling Electrical Holes Through Glu-laminated Post Frame Building Columns Reader and Hansen Pole Buildings DIY client AARON in SALEM writes: “I am trying to find the best way to run in wall wires (6/3, 8/3 & 10/2 romex) past columns on the “braced wall panel” bays in my building. My building has a 20′ eave […]
Read moreHart and Home Youtube Episode III
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/05/03 @ 8:00Hart and Home YouTube – Episode III If you missed our previous episodes, please go to bottom of this article, on left, and click on arrow twice to go to Hart and Home YouTube – Episode I. Moving forward: For those following along at home: Some discussion will be made here about “allowable defects” in […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Knots, Lumber Twist, Holes, Wane, Lumber Defects, Bow, Crook, Timbers, End Splits, Checks
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Financing, Beam Sizes, and a 3 Ply Truss Connection
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/04/27 @ 8:00Today the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about available financing for a pole building, a required beam size for 20′ post spacing, and a small connection for 3 ply trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you offer financing? Thanks. DERRICK in DETROIT DEAR DERRICK: Yes, we offer a variety of financing options. Please visit […]
Read moreOverhead Door Opening Dimensions
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/04/14 @ 8:00Overhead Door Opening Dimensions I have probably been involved directly with somewhere around 50,000 sectional steel overhead doors in my career. One thing in common about all of these doors, they all require an opening. In my (and most door installers) ideal dream world, every overhead door opening is perfectly plumb on each side as […]
Read moreRock Solid, Living Quarters, and Better Get an RDP
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/02 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru responds to readers questions regarding assistance in designing that is “rock solid for generations to come” using the reader’s own sawn lumber, a questions about adding a living quarter to an insulated building, and advice in bracing a post frame building better suited for a registered design professional. DEAR POLE […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Building Interior, Lumber, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Heating, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Insulation, U-brackets, Structural Design, Registered Design Professional, Moisture Barrier, Rough-sawn Lumber, Own Lumber
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You Can Do It!
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/12/23 @ 8:00You Can Do It! Screamed headlines of my first ever print display ad for pole barn kits in 1981! I have included below a snippet from one of my first blog posts from 10 years ago: “In the summer of 1979, home interest rates began to rise. Idaho had a usury limit, home mortgages stopped […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Constructing a Pole Building, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Hansen Buildings, Kiln Dried Lumber, Hansen Pole Buildings, Lucas Plywood And Lumber, Pole Barn Kits, Steel Plates, Trusses, Truss Chords, Green Lumber
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A Basement Foundation, Vapor Barrier for Arena, and a Hansen Kit
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/12/15 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a post frame building on a basement foundation, insulation vs a reflective radiant barrier, and a question about what is include in a Hansen Building kit. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to erect one of the pole barn kits on a basement […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Concrete, Lumber, Footings, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Professional Engineer, Roofing Materials, Horse Riding Arena, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Heating
- Tags: Basement Foundation, Insulation, Engineer Sealed Plans, Vapor Barrier, Reflective Radiant Barrier, Sealed Plans, Materials Kit, Wet Set Brackets, Post Frame Basement
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Canada Facing Premature Decay of Pressure Treated Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/11/23 @ 8:00Canada Facing Premature Decay of Pressure Treated Columns Fear of properly pressure preservative treated wood decaying prematurely has been a continuing concern amongst potential post frame building owners. Key to this is “properly” and at issue how pressure treated wood is labeled and sold at the retail level. Canada uses AWPA’s (American Wood Protection Association) […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Columns
- Tags: CFBA, Canadian Farm Builders Association, Gary Van Bolderen, Daily Commercial News, National Building Code, International Building Code, AWPA, American Wood Protection Association
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Cupola Sizes, Insulation for a Ceiling, and Structural Pieces
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/10/25 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about cupola sizes, the proper way to insulate a shed ceiling, and a structural materials question. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What base size and height is correct for a cupolas for a 32’ wide by 36’ long by 35-40’ high with a 10 over 12 pitch […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Insulation, Trusses, Pole Barn Questions, Ventilation, Pole Barn Design, Building Interior, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Professional Engineer, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Steel Rolls, Condensation, Roll Form, Ceiling Insulation, Roof Condensation, Cupola, Trusses, Cupola Sizes, Cupola Base, Insulation
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Open Web Wood Floor Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/13 @ 8:00Prefabricated Open-Web Wood Floor Trusses in Your Future? Use of open-web floor trusses has steadily increased over this past decade, but there’s a lot of room to grow. Ed Huston from Home Innovation Research Labs (HIRL) recently shared some results from their April 2021 Builder Best Practice Reports on Structural Systems, containing survey results from […]
Read moreContract Scheduling and Terms
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/06 @ 8:00Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases where a builder is providing erection services […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Shouse, Lumber, Pole Barn Design, Lofts, Pole Barn Planning, Skylights, Building Contractor, Trusses, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home
- Tags: Engineer, Cement, Truss Web Bracing, Scheduling, Exclusions, Web Bracing Material, Rebar, Decks, Lofts, Contractor, International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Concrete, Labor Costs, Mezzanine, Architect
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Builder Warranty Example
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/04 @ 8:00Example Builder Warranty Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. I cannot express strongly enough how important to both builders and their clients to have a written warranty in any agreement. WARRANTIES: There is no […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Lumber, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Building Contractor, Trusses, Rebuilding Structures
- Tags: Manufacterer's Warranties, Warranty Work, Floor Joists, Warranty, Ceiling Joists, Rafters, Trusses, Solid Sawn Columns, Seller, Purchaser, Builder Warranty, Glu-laminated Columns, Defective Part
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Contracts: Inspect It, Inventory It
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/30 @ 8:00Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases where a builder is providing erection services […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Lumber, Fasteners, Insulation, Skylights, Roofing Materials, Cupolas, Pole Barn Planning, Steel Roofing & Siding, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Doors, Barndominium, Trusses, Windows, Powder Coated Screws, Budget
- Tags: Damaged Materials, Material Shortage, Inventory, Inspection, Change Order, Holdback, Utilization
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Contractual Minimum Material Specifications
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/16 @ 8:00Disclaimer – this and subsequent articles on this subject are not intended to be legal advice, merely an example for discussions between you and your legal advisor. Please keep in mind, many of these terms are applicable towards post frame building kits and would require edits for cases where a builder is providing erection services […]
Read more- Categories: Fasteners, Lumber, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Sliding Doors, Steel Roofing & Siding, Overhead Doors, Pole Building Siding, Trusses, Columns
- Tags: UC4B Treated Columns, J Channel, Butyl Tape Sealant, Truss Tails, Drip Edge, Splash Plank, Material Specifications, Skirt Boards, Standard Grading Rules, Eave Light Panels
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Condensation Issues, Adding a Loft, and Metal Truss Load
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/12 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses issues with condensation in a new building, advice for adding a loft, and achieving a roof load for prefabricated metal trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I have a new construction pole barn that I recently had put up. The building is used to primarily house animals. When […]
Read moreIs Western SPF at $2000 Just Around the Corner?
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/28 @ 8:00Is Western SPF at $2000 Just Around the Corner? Originally Published by: Russ Taylor Global by Russ Taylor, President — May 4, 2021 In late July 2020 I wrote an article in the WOOD MARKETS Monthly Report (my last-ever editorial) where I posed the question if W-SPF 2×4 #2&Better Random Lengths (FOB BC Mill) lumber could achieve the US$1,000/Mbf threshold […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Buildings History, Trusses, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Lumber, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Logistics Providers, British Columbia Lumber Industry, Pine Beetle Epidemic, Layman's Lumber Guide, Russ Taylor Global, Russ Taylor, Wood Markets Monthly Report, W-SPF
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What Surging Lumber Prices Have Done to Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/19 @ 8:00What Surging Lumber Prices Have Done to Barndominiums Based upon NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) data from April 26, 2021 According to NAHB’s latest estimates, a year of rising softwood lumber has added $35,872 to an average new single-family home’s price. These estimates are based on softwood lumber used directly and embodied in products going into […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Building Contractor, Trusses, Alternate Siding, Budget, Porches, Columns
- Tags: Builder Practices Survey, Home Innovation Research Labs, Random Lengths, Annual Wholesale Trade Tables, National Association Of Home Builders
- 3 comments
Protecting Posts from Rot
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/28 @ 8:00Protecting Posts From Rot Based upon a Journal of Light Construction article by Grant Kirker, research forest products technologist at USDA’s Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, WI Posts rot when decay fungi find wood they can digest. Insects such as subterranean termites can also cause posts to fail, but they aren’t common in cold climates, […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Columns
- Tags: Douglas Fir, Southern Yellow Pine, UC 4B Lumber, CCA, Creosote, Decay Fungi, ], ACA, Pentachlorophenol, AWPA's Fungal Decay Hazard Map, U.S. Forest Service
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Insulation Option, Condensation Control, and Plans Only?
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/26 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding a styrofoam insulation board to help keep a pole barn warm, how to best prevent condensation, and if one can purchase plans only instead of the complete kit. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I recently built a pole barn, I’m in Ohio. I put in a 15000w […]
Read moreSheets of Tin, Girt Style and Post Preferences, and Eastern Red Cedar
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/19 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the “how many sheets” of tin, and the cost of steel roof panels, what type of girt style or posts Mike would prefer, and the efficacy of Eastern Red Cedar for use as posts for a pole barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m thinking about […]
Read morePost Brackets, Cross Bracing, and Pressure Treated Wood
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/12 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about a building set into a slope with use of post brackets, the possible use of “cross bracing” for wall girts, and understanding pressure treated wood. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to build a 32′ x 48′ 2 story pole building where two of […]
Read morePost Frame Barndominium Exterior Wall
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/10 @ 8:00Post Frame Barndominium Exterior Wall Questions Reader IAN in RIDGWAY writes: “I am looking for help understanding a couple of exterior wall questions. My county is enforcing the 2018 IECC for energy efficiency. In my region this requires R-20 cavity + R-5 exterior wall assembly. From everything I’ve read, this means a continuous layer of […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Barndominium, Insulation, Shouse, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Copper Naphthenate Solution, Roxul, International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 IECC, BIBS Insulation, 1" Rigid Insulation, Post Frame Construction, Cuprinol #10, Unfaced Batt Insulation, Weather Resistant Barrier
- 2 comments
Bigger Options, Taller Options, and a “Rocking” Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/08 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about bigger options for the Charlotte 40×50 on the Home Depot site, Raymundo asks if a building can be made 2 ft. taller, and how to brace a building to stop it from “rocking” in the wind. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. I saw on […]
Read moreA Building Addition, A “Coverup,” and Advice for an Acquired Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/01 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding on to an existing pole barn with use of 24″ oc trusses, covering old wooden sliding doors with steel, and advice regarding erecting an acquired Cuckler steel building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Trying to plan on a 36’x80’x12′ addition to an existing 30’x40’x10′ pole barn. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Cuckler Steel Building, Truss Spacing, Engineering, Sliding Door Parts, Building Addition, 24" O.C., Sheathing Steel, Door Trim
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A Floor Raising Exercise: I Joists
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/26 @ 8:00For some obscure reason people planning new buildings tend to scrimp on height. In most instances, designing a new fully engineered post frame building – whether for a barndominium, shop house (shouse), garage, shop, etc., just a little bit taller is a relatively inexpensive proposition and can save many more dollars and mental anguish than […]
Read moreMarket News: OSB Shortage
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/18 @ 8:00Market News: Oriented Strandboard Shortages We are now living in a world of COVID induced product shortages – from commodities such as toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products to simple things such as McCormick Thick and Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Mix. When it comes to building products, it is not unheard of to have to […]
Read moreA Wood Purlin Design Question
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/28 @ 8:00Chances are good if you have to ask a structural design question, then you are in over your head. Reader LARRY in DITTMER writes: “Can you 2 by 4 flat on an 8 foot span Truss” A few years ago, one of my neighbors bought a pole building kit from someone other than Hansen Pole […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building
- Tags: Wind Load, Flat Roof Purlins, Roof Slope, Snow Load, Deflection, Live Loads, Wood Bending Calculations, Roof Purlin Design
- 4 comments
Ladder Framing, Use of Red Cedar Posts, and Custom Steel Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/25 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about “ladder framing,” aka bookshelf girts, the use of Eastern Red Cedar posts in post frame construction, and if Hansen provides custom steel trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I had a question about ladder framing on a finish shop. I was thinking about running my two […]
Read moreWood I-Joists for Your Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/21 @ 8:00With many barndominiums being multi-storied, or at least having lofts or mezzanines, there are several methods of structural support. These would include dimensional lumber, wood trusses and I-joists. In our own post frame barndominium, we utilized I-joists as rafters for both side sheds. They are also floor joists for my lovely bride’s mezzanine sewing loft […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Shouse, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Barndominium, Squash Blocks, Wood Beams, International Residential Code, Wood Cladding, I Joists, Web Stiffeners, OSB I-joist Webs, IRC, Wood Webs, Flanges, Joist Hangers, Rim Joists
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Ceiling Insulation, Drafting Capabilities, and 24″ On Center Framing
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/18 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about “ceiling insulation” for a roof rebuild, the capabilities of our drafting and proprietary pricing program, and “what percentage of pole buildings are 24″ on center?” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The birds have destroyed the front half of the ceiling insulation in our 40 x 60 […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Rebuilding Structures, Lumber
- Tags: Instant Pricing, Drafting Capabilities, 24" On Center Framing, Framing Dimensions, Condensation Control, Ceiling Insulation, Drip Stop, Condenstop
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If You Think Red Iron Buildings Are Great
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/02 @ 8:00If You Thought Red Iron Buildings Are Great Loyal readers, please join me in reaching way back to yesterday’s article espousing great benefits of PEMBs (Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings) aka “red iron” or “bolt up” buildings. If you are planning a new barndominium, shouse (shop/house), shop, etc., and have decided a PEMB is your one and […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Siding, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Steel Cutting, Welding, Roofing Materials, Freight Charges, Concrete Brackets, Steel Strength To Weight Ratio, DIY Assembly, Three Hour Exterior Wall Fire Rating, Fire Retardant Treated Wood, Foundation Plans
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Splash Boards, Roof Loads, and Truss Spacing
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/23 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreFloor Trusses, Plywood Floor, and Post Frame Conversion
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/09 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building to FEMA Flood Code for a raised wood floor, use of a plywood floor instead of concrete pad, and finding a certified engineer to help with conversion of pole barn to a home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have to build according to the current […]
Read moreAvoiding Being Driven Crazy With Barndominium Questions Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/08 @ 8:00Part 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Concrete, Columns
- Tags: Toe-nailing, Clearspan, Clearspan Trusses, Type X Sheetrock, LVL Beams, Splash Plank, Pressure Preservative Treated Splash Plank, Bookshelf Girts
- No comments
Post Frame Home Zero Barrier Entry Over a Crawl Space
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/02 @ 8:00Post 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Building Drainage, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete
- Tags: Treated Wood Foundation, Post Frame Home, Crawl Space, Zero Barrier Entry, Wood Foundation Walls, All-weather Wood Foundations, Treated Wood Foundations
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Post Frame Shouse Column Options
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/30 @ 8:00Post Frame Shouse Column Options – Risk vs. Reward Loyal readers will recall a recent post involving GREG in KENTWOOD (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/09/dont-want-pressure-treated-columns-in-the-ground/). Our discussion continues and I share below: “Mike, Thanks for the quick response. If I was a sane man, not sure I am, if properly pressure treated lumber will last a few generations, why […]
Read moreDon’t Want Pressure Treated Columns in the Ground?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/18 @ 8:00Loyal reader GREG in KENTWOOD writes: “We plan to build a house next summer with basically (2) – 40’x60’ units connected at 90°, wife is still in the planning stage, 2 story. I feel that me and my sons should be able to erect a kit with directions from the supplier and tips. I like […]
Read morePressure Treated Post Frame Building Poles Rot
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/17 @ 8:00Presenting actual factual evidence, from a peer reviewed and published study seems to have little bearing upon reality in today’s social media influenced world. Instead, people tend to rely heavily upon those with a vested (financial) interest in promotion of something other than actual and factual truth. Those invested interests vary from those selling alternatives […]
Read moreChecks and Splits in Post Frame Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/16 @ 8:00Checks and splits in lumber and timbers, especially timbers, are often misunderstood when assessing a structure’s condition. Checks and splits can form in wood by two means: during seasoning, or drying, and during manufacture. This article is concerned with checks and splits resulting from seasoning after installation. Development of checks and splits after installation occurs […]
Read moreTaking the Bow Out of a Glulaminated Column
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/01 @ 8:00Taking the Bow Out of a Glulaminated Column Glulaminated post frame building columns are touted by their producers as being able to withstand warping and twisting. On occasion, however, they will bow. Hansen Pole Buildings’ client JOSH is self-building in SALMON, Idaho and wrote: “Good Morning Mike, Thought I would check with you, but probably […]
Read moreFinal Inspection, Framing Lumber, and Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/21 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreStick Frame and Some Limitations
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/06 @ 11:00Stick Frame and Some Limitations Perhaps stick built construction’s biggest advantage is builders and tradespeople are very comfortable working in and around stick framing. All registered architects and most building inspectors are very familiar with stick framing. The International Residential Code (IRC) provides a prescriptive ‘cook book’ to follow for adequate structural assembly, within certain limitations. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Post Frame Home, Pole Building Comparisons, Barndominium, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Stick Built Building, Lumber Niche, Lumber Shrink, Weather Resistant Barriers, Lumber Warp, Dimensional Lumber, Framing Crew, PEMB, Weld Up Steel Building, Ceiling Height, Stick Built, Ceiling Angle, Wood Niche
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Stick Framing?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/05 @ 8:00Stick Framing? A continuing debate, in picking a structural system for a new barndominium, is what is going to be best? Due to years of conditioning, many assume a traditional wood framed, stick built barndominium, assembled on site is what will be right. Granted, stick built houses, with traditional wood framing, are by far America’s […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Lumber, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Hoosier Solon Robinson, Sill Plate, Chicago Construction, Stick Framing, Balloon Framing, Triple Decker Building, Platform Framing, Stick Built Construction, George Washington Snow
- 2 comments
Subcontractors for Your Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/24 @ 8:00Welcome – you are maybe here because you have followed my biggest money saving tip in building a new barndominium, you are acting as your own General Contractor. If you are not yet convinced, please take a brief pause to jump back to: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/02/does-my-barndominium-need-a-turn-key-general-contractor/. There are those who have time and patience (or skills) to […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Building Contractor, Building Interior, Shouse, Lumber, Budget, Insulation, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium
- Tags: Electrician, Building Designer, Plumber, Subcontractor, Drywall Contractor, Structural Engineer, Contractor Registration, Painter, Subs, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Attorney, Surveyor, Loan Officer, Grading And Excavation Contractor, Septic System
- 1 comments
Building a Workshop, Chemical Reactions, and a Retaining Wall
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/22 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building a workshop, if there should be concern for a chemical reaction attaching steel siding to a PT skirt board, and building a shop near a new retaining wall. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, we are looking to do a workshop build in the next 2-4 […]
Read moreFooters, Building Over Old Pool, and Home Made Glu-Lams
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/27 @ 8:00This 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 […]
Read moreHow Roof is Done, “Logs” for Kits, and Two-Story “Shoffice”(?)
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/13 @ 8:00This Monday, Mike the Pole Barn Guru discusses the ins and outs of a roof, lumber provided with the Kit, and if we can offer a two story shed/office (“Shoffice”?). DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How is the roof done? Do you use screws or nails? Is the frame wood or steel? MARY in MT. PLEASANT […]
Read more- Categories: Columns, Lofts, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Shouse, Roofing Materials, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: Lumber, Shop Office, Roof Steel, Fasteners, Screws, Alternative Roofing, Shouse, Roof, Logs
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Creating Extra Work in Barndominium Framing
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/09 @ 8:00Creating Extra Work In Barndominium Framing A supposed downside of post frame (pole barn) buildings for barndominiums is having to frame a wall inside of an exterior wall in order to create an insulation cavity and a way to support interior finishes. This myth is created and propagated by post frame kit suppliers and post […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Building How To Guides, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber
- Tags: Weather Resistant Barrier, Commercial Bookshelf Wall Girts, Commercial Girts, Flash And Batt System, BIBS Insulation, Batt Insulation, Bookshelf Girts, Bearing Blocks
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A Miracle Cure to Prevent Twisted Timber Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/08 @ 8:00A Miracle Cure to Prevent Twisted Timber Columns In 1960 Chubby Checker did a cover of Hank Ballard and the Midnighters 1959 song “The Twist”. Checker’s cover reached Number One on Billboard’s Hot 100 both in 1960 and again in 1962, becoming the only single to reach number one in two different chart runs. While […]
Read moreLoad Duration Factor in Wood Design
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/26 @ 8:00Load Duration Factor in Wood Design Considering a barndominium, shouse or other post frame (pole) building with wood framing? While this article is somewhat technical, you (as a future building owner) can use it to determine if who (builder or supplier) really knows what they are talking about when it comes to structural design. And […]
Read moreWhere Your Barndominium Dollars Go
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/04 @ 8:00Where 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, […]
Read more- Categories: Windows, Post Frame Home, Lumber, Concrete, Insulation, Footings, Barndominium, Pole Building Comparisons, Roofing Materials, Budget, Pole Barn Planning, Professional Engineer, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Building Contractor, Pole Building Siding, Trusses
- Tags: Sheathing, Engineering, Plumbing, Electrical, Excavation, Trusses, National Association Of Home Builders, Retaining Walls, Framing, HVAC, Backfill
- No comments
A Barndominium Can Be a Carbon Storage Warehouse
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/02/14 @ 8:00Designed right, your new barndominium can help prevent global warming. By utilization of a wooden post frame structure, rather than steel or concrete, carbon can be stored (like a warehouse), rather than being released into our planet’s atmosphere. The carbon cycle demonstrates various phases of carbon through living things, soil, water and atmosphere. If carbon […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Shouse, Lumber, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Buildings History, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses
- Tags: Global Warming, Carbon Storage, Energy Consumption, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Chadwick Dearing Oliver, Calcination, Carbon Dioxide Emissions
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Barndominium Warrantees
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/22 @ 8:00Barndominium 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 […]
Read more- Categories: Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Building Contractor, Pole Building Siding, Trusses, Concrete, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Barndominium Warranty, Timber Warranty, Wood Columns Warranty, Workmanship Warranty, Steel Warranty, Lifetime Paint Warranty
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What Is Keeping Posts Above Ground Worth?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/10 @ 8:00What is Something Worth? I can be overly anal. Sometimes I have to really work hard to get around it – I purposefully have conundrums on my desk and for some perverse reason I feel comfortable in them. I inherited my maternal grandmother’s counting gene. Even into her nineties, if I called her up and […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Columns, Lumber, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building Comparisons, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Glu-laminated Posts, Pressure Preservative Treated Columns, UC4B Treated Columns, Permacolumns
- 1 comments
Calculating Stairs Rise and Run
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/09 @ 8:00What is Wrong With this Picture? Stairs, they seem to confound and befuddle just about everyone. In my early years as Sales Manager at Coeur d’Alene Truss, I used to volunteer to go measure houses up to confirm plan dimensions would match up with what was actually being built. Usually yes, but on occasion – […]
Read moreFree Home Milled Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/08 @ 8:00Every few years it seems there arises a need for young (remember I am only 62 years young) men to head into forests and become loggers. I have been there personally – there is just something manly about hacking down some snags with a chain saw! Myself, there is a sudden rush when a tree […]
Read moreRemodel or Not?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/01 @ 8:00Remodel or Build New? I am as guilty as most – my initial reaction is always to remodel, rather than build new. Even when it makes no practical or economic sense. Reader JIM in LAWTON is working through one of these situations. He writes: “I have a 30 x 40 pole barn 32 years old. […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Footings, Professional Engineer, Lumber, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Building Code, Registered Design Professional, Truss Carriers, Headers, Building Design Loads, High Risk Building, Footing Diameters
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Prefabricated Endwall Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/24 @ 8:00Most post frame (pole) buildings use prefabricated wood roof trusses to support their roof systems. Luckily (as well) most of these also use a truss on each endwall, rather than having crews (or unsuspecting DIYers) cobbling together rafters onsite. As a former owner of two prefabricated metal connector plated truss companies for 17 years, this […]
Read moreWhy Not Use 6×6 or 8×8 Posts Up North?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/11/22 @ 8:00Reader DARRELL in LUCEVILLE asked this question and included photo below. While this photo is not of a Hansen Pole Building, I can comment upon it. Featured in this building photo are glulaminated columns – they are a great product, high strength to weight ratio, straight, highly resistant to warp and twist. They are strong […]
Read moreChecks and Splits in Post Frame Timbers
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/30 @ 8:00Checks and Splits in Post Frame Timbers Checks and splits in post frame timbers (wall columns) are often misunderstood when assessing a structure’s condition. There are two means where checks and splits can form in wood elements: during seasoning, or drying, and during manufacture. Development of checks and splits after installation occurs after wall columns […]
Read morePre-construction Termite Treatment
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/09/26 @ 8:00Why would anyone building a pole barn, barndominium, shouse or post frame home need to be concerned about treating for termites? Isn’t pressure preservative treated wood going to solve any potential long range problems from pesky termites? Regardless of whether you build a post frame (pole) building, stick frame, steel frame or even concrete building […]
Read moreHow to Order Lumber for a New Pole Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/09/04 @ 8:00This is Wrong in So Many Ways There is nothing wrong about trying to get the best deal for one’s investment. How do you think wealthy people got wealthy? Most of them didn’t just fall into money, they worked to get the best deals for their money spent. However, sometimes, it just doesn’t pay. Recently, […]
Read moreAn Oops from a Competitor’s Architect
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/06/20 @ 8:00The Pole Bar Guru reviews an oops from an architect in today’s blog. Back in 2017 Hansen Pole Buildings was contacted by a gentleman I shall call “Dan” who had an interest in a post-frame home or ‘barndominium’. For those not familiar with this term: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/02/barndominium/. I have to admit, Dan spoke with a Hansen […]
Read moreStoring Lumber for a New Pole Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/06/12 @ 8:00Storing Lumber for Your New Post Frame Building Ideally, use lumber promptly. Otherwise store in a cool, dry location, avoiding direct sunlight and preferably indoors where humidity variations will be minimal. Dry lumber Unlike green lumber, keep kiln or air-dried lumber away from moisture, otherwise product may lose value added by careful seasoning. Dry lumber […]
Read moreWhen Size (or Lack Thereof) Matters- 4×6 Columns
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/04/16 @ 8:00Prior to Hansen Pole Buildings’ client’s plans being sealed by our third-party engineers, their preliminary plans are uploaded for client review through a login. While review goal is to make certain everyone is working from a same left and ensure doors and windows are properly located, it does trigger some interesting discussions at times. Here […]
Read moreHow Lumber is Pressure Preservative Treated
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/03/28 @ 8:00How Lumber is Pressure Preservative Treated Most people never have an opportunity to tour a pressure preservative treatment plant in operation. I have had this privilege several times and have always found it to be fascinating. Rather than reinventing things, our friend Bob Vila (https://www.bobvila.com/) and Georgia-Pacific (https://www.buildgp.com/wood/lumber/) have produced this wonderful video for your […]
Read moreAddition to House, Stone Floor Moisture Barrier
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/03/25 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses a post frame addition to a house, whether or not one should use a plastic barrier under the stone floor in a steel building, and the ability of a truss carrier to handle imposed loads. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi! We are considering a sizeable addition to our 600 […]
Read moreFight Knee Braces
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/03/08 @ 8:00Long time readers (as well as most people with a lick of common sense) know knee braces are not a good thing. Besides taking up valuable interior space, they do more harm than good. Reader TY from QUINTON has run into a dilemma regarding knee braces. He writes: “I pulled a permit to self build […]
Read moreSmartphone App to Test Lumber Strength
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/03/07 @ 8:00I have been a proponent of machine rated lumber since I bought my first truckload to be made into trusses at Coeur d’Alene Truss (http://www.cdabuilders.com/) back in 1978. Years later I spent five terms on the Board of Directors of the Machine Stress Rated Lumber Producers Council (http://www.msrlumber.org/). I have opined previously on the merits […]
Read moreBookshelf Girts or Stud Walls?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/01/29 @ 8:00Why Use Bookshelf Girts Rather Than Studs? Long time readers may recall my Grandpa Pete was a home builder and his sons – Sid (my father), Neil, Lyle, Gil, Dave and Amund were all framing contractors. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/06/before-the-pole-barn-guru/. Besides being raised with “wood is good”, I had a concept of vertical stud walls permanently ingrained in […]
Read more- Categories: Lumber, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Girts, Stud Walls, Drywall, Top Plate
- No comments
North Carolina Students Learn Post Frame Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/01/22 @ 8:00North Carolina College Students Learn Post Frame Construction The following article by Dan Grubb appeared first in the December 5, 2018 Sampson Independent “Sometimes the building blocks to success look more like beams than blocks. Students at Sampson Community College’s Building and Construction program know this first hand as work continues on a facility the […]
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