Attic Ventilation – Where Hindsight is Always 20-20 Reader CHRIS in TULSA writes: “Hello! I have a question about attic venting that I’m just not experienced enough to answer properly. I have a new 24’x’40’x12′ post frame building I’m currently working on finishing out (fiberglass insulation, walls, ceiling, etc.). My hindsight was bad and I […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about potential issues with existing pole barn built without permit, whether or not spray foam directly to OSB is a good idea, and use of moisture barrier with BIBS insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are thinking about putting a purchase offer on this land in […]

Part of the mission of any good post frame (pole) building kit package supplier or contractor should be to save the client from making crucial design errors which they will later regret. Among the most often questions I answer in my “Ask the Pole Barn Guru” weekly column is in regards to the ability of […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the most economical way to insulate a pole barn style building, advice on ventilation, and the best column size for a building in Michigan. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am looking at either building a pole barn style or hybrid Steel column, post and […]

Avoiding Condensation When Insulating Existing Pole Barn The last thing people want to have to deal with would be condensation dripping in their pole barn. When an originally unheated cold storage building becomes repurposed to be climate controlled, possible condensation poses some new challenges. If you are reading this article and plans are to construct […]

You’ve been dreaming of adding a covered riding arena to your property. Maybe you teach riding lessons and need a better space to work with your students. Or maybe you just want somewhere you can ride when the weather’s less than ideal. Whatever the case, you’re itching to start building! Choosing a horse arena kit […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibilities of building a dog kennel with post frame construction, they type of foundation required for a post frame building, and what possible kennel designs Hansen has done. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: would it be possible to do a dog kennel in a pole […]

Proper insulation provisions seem to be one of the least considered items when it comes to post frame (pole building) planning. Here is a case in point from reader JOHN in BEND: “We have just built a 32’ x 48’ pole building with commercial GIRT construction, metal siding, 4/12 pitch metal roof, concrete floor, 12 […]

High Humidity in a Pole Barn Home Reader SAM writes: “I had a pole barn home built before pole barn homes became so popular. A concrete floor was poured around the 6×6 posts, and wooden trusses make up the roof. The pole barn walls have 2×6 purlins, and the roof has 2×4 purlins. Fiberglass insulation […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding tin sheets to the underside of trusses with insulation added, the use of glulaminated columns over rough sawn 6×6’s, and pros and cons of wood on grade vs concrete. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking at installing metal sheeting on the ceiling in […]

Beyond Code: Preventing Floor Vibration by Frank Woeste, P. E., and Dan Dolan, P. E Floor vibration, or bounce, is not a safety issue — it’s a performance issue, and one that’s likely to be impor- tant to homeowners. No one likes to hear the china rattling in the cabinet when they walk across the room. […]

This Thursday is another bonus ” ask the Guru” answering questions about proper air intake with no overhangs, replacing sliding door trolleys, and most cost effective footing solution. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am in preliminary stages of designing a post-frame building, that will serve a multitude of functions such as a home gym, work-shop, […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibility of a kit in Canada where the client would have columns potentially reaching the water table, if a permit is needed for a barn structure in a AG Zoned area in area of Lafayette County, Missouri, and any know where-a-bouts of skylight panels […]

This Tuesday is another bonus “ask the Guru” discussing questions about engineer sealed drawings, a materials list for a post frame garage with sideshed, and footing size questions. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Does it come with engineered Seal drawings as part of the cost? RON in OMAHA DEAR RON: Every building we provide comes with […]

This Thursday’s blog is another bonus “Ask the Guru” answering reader questions about Hansen Kits framing and materials, if a readers structural plans are viable, and whether the Guru thinks an old pole barn can be converted into a Barndo. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do your home kits come as a frame tight to the […]

This Wednesday the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about adding OSB sheathing under new roof steel, as well as more trusses and carriers to support the new loads, a concern about the need for plywood under roof steel to make a building stronger, and if Hansen has a bracket to use with a helical […]

This Tuesday’s blog is a Bonus Ask the Guru discussing some mixed use ideas for a gallery and apartment, attaching a deck, and a flat roof design. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m looking for a mixed used building, Large open plan space ground floor for an art gallery and two two bedroom apartments on second […]

a BONUS PBG for Friday, May 31st — Column Spacing, Raised Floors, and a Self-Build DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have spoken to my architect and he is saying to do my column spacing 8′ with truss every 4′. I have looked at your videos and several other videos. I noticed 10′ or 12′ Columns […]

A Bonus Ask the Guru for this Thursday’s blog for Insulation, Lean-To’s and a DIY  DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 30×40 pole barn with 6″ purloins mounted between the posts. I’m planning to add minimal insulation using closed cell panels. I’ve seen recommendations to cut the panels to fit between the purloins (would […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the feasibility of building in northern Japan, the possibility of raising an existing post frame building, what the best treatment for in-ground use on columns would be, and if post protectors are needed. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m currently evaluating the feasibility of building a […]

Wall Insulation for a Hybrid Building Reader MASON in HILLSBOROUGH writes: “I read your blog often and I truly appreciate the wealth of knowledge you openly share. I am in the process of starting construction on a hybrid steel shop that will house a small apartment that the wife and I will move into once […]

a BONUS PBG for Monday, May 27th — Store Front Windows, Tornados, and Texas DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a customer who is going to have 2×8 and 4×8 store front windows. These window frames need to be as close to the ground as possible. How do I need to build the bottom of […]

A BONUS PBG for Friday May, 24th — Alternative Siding, Basements, and Purlin Size DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In towns that disapprove of houses with rib steel siding, can traditional OSB sheathing on the bookshelf girts w/ vinyl cladding be substituted? Material prices seem similar and no huge difference in labor seems probable. But, will […]

Will I Have Issues With Post Frame Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation? Reader HEATH in NACOGDOCHES writes: “I am building a pole barn that I do not plan to heat or cool initially, but would like to insulate due to condensation issues and our hot humid climate. Have there been issues with closed cell spf […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru discusses reader concerns about Florida approved board and batten panels for walls, the use of drip stop or condenstop in residential applications, and what the widest build without support poles could be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I need a 4×8 siding material that has a Florida Product Approval Code. […]

Pole Barn Plans With Clerestory Roofs Reader BRENT in HUNTSVILLE writes: “Do you have any plans for pole barns with a Celestial Shed Roof? It seems like a great way to allow natural light into the building while being an aesthetic design.” By coincidence, I have a son named Brent! In architecture, a clerestory is […]

a BONUS PBG for Monday May, 20th — A DIY solution, a Clear Span, and a Crawl Space. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi we are looking for something to live in that we can put together ourselves possibly convert to a living space unless you have something that is affordable that is already residential use. […]

A BONUS PBG for Friday May, 17th– Roof Insulation, Column Sizing, and a Moisture Issue. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi Mike. I built a post and beam shop and am trying to figure out how to insulate the roof on the second floor. The bents are true sawn 6×6 on ten foot centers (building is […]

PEX and Rebar Hairpins Reader BRIAN in LEROY writes: “I want hydronic floor w/ PEX embedded into concrete slab on grade at MN-IA area. Blogs show rebar through holes in poles that are bent into the concrete at about 45 degree angles presumably to tie all elements of building envelope firmly together. In this area, […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about an I-Beam size for a lean too, plans for a county permit- included with purchase of a Hansen Building, and advice for use of insulation and barriers for new build. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey Mike I’ve got a question for you, I recently just […]

The Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation in Pole Barns Spray foam insulation is an all-in-one solution that can effectively regulate temperature, reduce noise, and prevent moisture in your pole barn. Although all types of insulation minimize heat transfer, spray foam is the only material that can also seal against air leaks, potentially resulting in energy […]

To Vapor Barrier a Ceiling, or Not to Vapor Barrier a Ceiling. Reader RAY in LAPINE writes: “Hello, I live in Central Oregon, in climate zone #5. We are located in the High Desert at 4400 ft. The climate is dry with low humidity, occasional snow and cold in the winter. The summer temps are […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibility of raising a ceiling 4′ – 6′ for pickleball, the advice of whether or not to attempt to add a post frame building on top of an 8″ foundation wall– don’t, and the maximum clear span of an indoor riding barn. DEAR POLE […]

Questions From a Future Barndominium Owner Reader MATTHEW in MOUNT PLEASANT writes: “I am interested in and currently planning a barn-dominium as a future primary residence for myself. (Male, Single, 35, 1 Cat, 1 Dog) The questions i had for you were: For someone who is inexperienced in the realm of pole barn and construction […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru about building a wood frame basement with “daylight space,” the inside dimensions of a 40′ x 80′ structure, and a debate between steel vs wood construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’d like to build a post frame building with a daylight basement space. I’d been researching permanent wood foundations […]

MSR Lumber Producers Council  Today I am a MSR Lumber Producers Council presenter in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lumber grades take into account natural characteristics, including knots, splits, checks, shake, and wane. Lumber design values are assigned to lumber grades to provide a means for using this material in structural applications. These values are published in […]

Things Hansen Pole Buildings Does Better Than Any Other Post-Frame Building Provider To those of you who have read my previous 13 articles, this will serve as a recap. For you who have not, please peruse when you have an opportunity. STRONGEST GLULAM COLUMNS While manufactured from lumber 157% as strong as what is typically […]

13 Can Be Very Fortunate Thank you for participating (hopefully) in my past dozen articles about our “NEW” Hansen Pole Building. If not, I would greatly to encourage you to peruse them. I believe you will find them useful in being able to know you are getting greatest value for your hard-earned building dollars. In […]

Why it’s Critical to Understand Lumber Species Groups Originally published in SBCA Magazine January 6, 2024 For consumers of structurally graded lumber the two key elements of the lumber’s grade stamp are the assigned grade and the species or species group. These two elements establish what published design values should be referenced for that piece […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the need for a vapor barrier, the longevity of properly treated posts, and the better spray foam between open and closed cell. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello Sir, hoping you can help answer a question I cannot get a straight answer on. Currently building a […]

Wouldn’t Field Laminated Posts be Stronger and Possibly More Economical? Reader CHRIS in AIRVILLE writes: “Wouldn’t field laminated posts be stronger and possibly more economical? I have searched your previous blogs and found some information regarding this but they all seemed to refer to the laminated posts being ordered and pre-built. I would think that […]

Thru Screwed Steel Screws – Pull-Over and Pull-Out Hi, my name is Mike, and I am addicted to watching engineering disaster videos. No, there is not yet a 12 step program for this addiction. I have learned a few things from my addiction. When it comes to construction failures, most of them come down to […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about sourcing 4pc of 4x6x18′ treated columns, truss bracing in a custom cabin, and insulating a roof on a metal pole barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Looking for 4pcs 4x6x18 treated ground contact. JERRY in COATESVILLE DEAR JERRY: This one is going to be tough. Very […]

Under Slab Insulation XPS or EPS? Way back (okay, 2021 it just seems like it was long ago), I had extolled virtues of expanded polystyrene (EPS) for barndominium concrete slab insulation boards/ Full article can be read here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2021/11/barndominium-concrete-slab-insulation-boards/. If there is one thing I have learned in my construction industry career, it is insulation […]

YouTube Design of a Post-Frame Mezzanine Reader CHERIE in MARYVILLE writes: “I am in the process of designing a post-frame building for my business. It is a 55x110x16′ building. I am moving my business to this new building and I already have a pallet rack supported mezzanine that I will install in the new building. […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a basketball court within town height restrictions, building a “dog trot” and some advice on the proper way to insulate a red iron building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have been on the pole barn Facebook group for over a year and was strongly […]

Introduction to Post-Frame Buildings Rather than me chewing up a portion of your life you will never get back, I am deferring to Chapter 1 of NFBA’s (National Frame Builders Association) Post Frame Design Manual. Here is my overview when it was first published: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/03/post-frame-building-3/ Please take a few moments to read this first chapter, […]

Security Innovations for Post-Frame Construction Sites Construction sites are a lucrative target for criminals. A perfect mix of high-value equipment and materials that are often left unguarded overnight or on weekends can make them a soft touch that promises a profitable payday. This is why all large-scale construction projects have comprehensive round-the-clock security measures in […]

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

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

How 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 […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about ventilation needed for a new attic with metal ceiling and blown-in insulation, a confirmation for endwall needing stitch screws for shear, and if adding sheathing to an existing pole building would add value. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I bought a house with a pole barn […]

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

Do You Provide a Service to Install the Kits? This question was asked by reader DAVID in HAMILTON. Your new Hansen Pole Building kit is designed for any average physically capable person, who can and will read and follow instructions, to successfully construct their own beautiful building shell, without extensive prior construction knowledge (and most […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about whether or not Hansen has sold a building in San Diego County, CA, a building with a design wind speed of 150mph, and a recommendation for use of PermaColumn wet set brackets. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Have you sold pole barns in  San Diego County, […]

Open Cell Spray Foam to Roof Steel – When Insulation is Done Wrong Reader JOSH in FARMINGTON writes: “I recently had a pole barn built and after doing a lot of research, went with 5″ of open cell under the roof and on the gables. I did not have any kind of vapor barrier, as […]

How to Best Insulate an All-Steel Building I know lots and lots about post frame buildings, however when it comes to all steel buildings (PEMBs – Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings aka Red Iron) I go to an expert. Today’s expert is John Lyle McInroe aka Mr Bee Happy, he has been in the building industry since […]

This 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 […]

Best Source of Off-grid Power Reader CONNIE in WAUKESHA writes: “When you’re off grid 1. What is the best source of power 2. Is there any window and door window grates to keep bears out?” Solar power jumps to mind for most of us when it comes to off-grid energy. This sun-powered option, including photovoltaic […]

This 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.” […]

How 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. […]

Flat Use Factor (Cfu) for Dimensional Lumber For those who have not had their eyes glaze over from my recent articles on S (or Sm) Section Modulus or Cf (size factor adjustments), I bring, in all its glory, Cfu (Flat Use Factor). Although produced in a factory environment (a saw mill), wood is a non-uniform […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about any added features for “rain country” like western Washington, use of UC-4B pressure preservative treated columns in a high water table area, and the options of a sliding door vs a sectional overhead door in an RV storage building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do many […]

NDS Size Factor (Cf) for Lumber Continuing explaining terms used in a decade old article of mine (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/08/lumber-bending/) is Cf (size factor, also known as width adjustment factor). NDS (National Design Standards)design values for SYP (Southern Yellow Pine) are specified by size due to actual, physical in grade testing, whereas other lumber species’ design values […]

Section 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 […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about a home owner asking builder to install housewrap on the roof, the best solution to insulate underside of roof, and what the best fastener for screwing steel to ceiling or roof trusses would be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Pole Barn Guru, thank you for your […]

What Does JS 1000® Screw Plating Mean to You? Most post frame buildings have threw screwed steel roofing and siding. Industry standard #9 or #10 diameter screws are zinc plated and should resist 80 to 100 hours to red rust under salt spray. In other words, expect these screws to prematurely rust, compromising structural integrity […]

Help! Help! PEMB Insulation/Ventilation Reader JD in ANDERSON writes: “Dear Guru, I am finally ready to build my dream shop, rec space. Slab is poured. Will be 30x50x16 with (2) insulated panel 12×14 overhead doors in one of the 30ft ends. My question is about ventilation / insulation. To meet my budget, I chose a […]

In 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 […]

Pole Barn on a Slope – Can I use ICFs? Reader NATHAN in WASHINGTON writes: “I am hoping to construct a pole barn with a garage with attic storage and an apartment on the back as well. I have a couple questions. First, the site is on a slope, so I think we need to […]

Post Footing and Site Leveling Reader KEVIN in PAOLA writes: “I’ve been working with Cory on my building design and had a question regarding leveling my site and setting my posts. The plan is a 40′ x 60′ building with a 17′ eave height. On the south side, there will be a 12′ attached shed […]

This 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: […]

Roof Purlins for a U.K. Pole Barn Reader KEN in CHERTSEY, U.K. writes: “With 10.8′ truss spacing @ 19.64° slope and 39″ purlin spacing, would 2″ x 6″ purlins (on edge) be sufficient for steel clad roof unlikely to ever see more than 4″ snow for more than a few days?” I don’t often get […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru advises readers on adding 6″ fill to the site and the affect it would have on columns, the use of XPS insulation between the steel and framing of the building, and some thoughts on building a 3 bedroom, two bath house. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, The site I […]

Structural Design of Stairs With Cutout Stringers Loading requirements for stair stringers are called out for in IBC (International Building Code) Table 1607.1. For one and two family dwellings, uniform live load is 40 psf (pounds per square foot) and 100 psf for all other occupancies. Although not expressly stated, one would assume one and […]

Avoiding Interior Ceiling Corners Cracking When a newer post frame home shows interior ceiling corner cracking signs at top floor in winter, this can normally be associated with truss uplift. Roof truss uplift occurs when truss bottom chord is exposed to significantly different moisture and/or temperature conditions than rest of roof truss. Truss bottom chords […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about what best installed between ceiling liner and trusses and insulation recommendations in a new shop, advice on sidewall column size for use with double trusses, and the structural stability of a pole barn second floor. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Just built a 40x60x11 pole barn […]

Sheathing Under Portion of Steel Roof Loyal and very kind reader JOSEPH in LaPORTE writes: “Good afternoon, let me start off by saying that I’m extremely appreciative of your content. The reason for my email is that I’ve been contracted to build several 30x180x9 post frame buildings and my plans are calling for 5/8” OSB […]

Spray Foam Insulation on Interior Surfaces of Metal Panels Information excerpted from MBCI.com When it comes to insulating a building envelope, there are various methods that can be used depending on the building’s purpose and the required level of insulation. However, combining metal roof and wall panels with spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) is widely […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru delves into reader concerns over use of a thickened edge with brackets instead of embedded columns in and area of northern Minnesota with heavy snow loads and lots of rain, the issues with wet set brackets set in the wrong orientation, and the prospect of rebuilding over current slab […]

10 Important Things to Consider When Building a Pole Barn By Andi Croft. Andi Croft is a freelance writer whose main interests are topics related to home design, business, technology, and travel. This is brought about by her passion about going around the world, meeting people from all walks of life, and bringing along with […]

This week Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding length to endwall post set too deep into ground in order to attach to end trusses, how to best prevent termites after slab and skirt have been poured, and if a UC-4B treatment would suffice on a “half wall” RV storage unit. DEAR […]

What Bubble Insulation Brand do you Recommend? Reader ERICA in WEST COLUMBIA writes: “Is there a specific bubble insulation brand you recommend? We will be using this as our vapor barrier in the roof. I’ve seen posts about this type of insulation disintegrating, so I’m wondering if the claims are exaggerated or if in fact […]

Plywood – Nominal vs. Actual Thickness My long-time former wife was a R.N. (Registered Nurse) for decades. In medicine, measures are exact – a cc is a cc. Patients do not receive about a dose of something and a pulse of 60 bpm (beats per minute) is not actually 45. Explaining lumber sizes to her […]

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

Trying to Add a Carport on a Social Security Budget Reader BRIAN in WHITE CLOUD writes: “I am planning (hopefully as funds exists) a free standing 24 x 24 x 8 sidewall carport that will butt up to the front of our existing garage. I am planning to use 6×6 treated posts sunk to 48″ […]

Attic Ventilation With Trusscore Wall and Ceiling Panels Reader STACY in NEW BERG wrties: “Hi, I have a pole building 28’x48′ 16′ high eave height. It’s used as a shop and RV storage. I’m insulating it and planning on heating it with a pellet stove. I’ve read your posts in many instances about (NOT) using […]

This week Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the practical use of “electrical poles” for the addition of a lean-to to a garage, adding a door awning to a pole barn kit, and how much overlap a sliding door will have around the perimeter. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I add a […]

Ice and Water Shield with Threw Screwed Steel Roofing Making sense of Building Codes can be a daunting task, even for Building Officials. Post-frame construction is vaguely mentioned, at best, within Building Codes, leading to at best head scratching and at worst total confusion. Ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane used to protect […]

Post-Frame Building Utilities Reader MICKEY in LIVINGSTON writes: “How is the wiring and plumbing handled with a construction such as this?” Utilities for a post-frame building is no different than for any other wood framed structure. During your new post-frame building’s planning phase, you will need to incorporate all necessary considerations for utilities to meet […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about prevention of frost heave and rodents getting in to a post frame garage, advice for a storage/house combo in Oregon, and how some buildings can have “dead attic space.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am concerned about frost heave and rodents getting into a post […]

How to Clearspan a 60’ Wide Monitor Barn Including a Loft Reader DANIEL in HADLEY writes: “ I am really liking the Monitor style barn. I however find the support posts for the raised portion very in the way for what I want. I am looking to have an open floor on a 60 x […]

Today’s “ask the Guru” answers reader questions about best applications of insulation and vapor barriers, the Guru’s experience with Rich-e Board insulation, and how to avoid a “tear-off” of a roof by adding layer of framing and insulation on top of old roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am building a pole building in […]

Why in World are you Stuck on Bookshelf Girts? Reader JAMES writes: “Why in world are you stuck on bookshelf girts. For instance with ‘normal’ pole barns one could SPF the walls and roof and have almost no heat loss through the lumber. One could argue your “bookshelf girts” and purlins between trusses makes the […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of steel posts for a lean-to, converting an existing pole barn with an open wall into a one-bedroom tiny home, and columns for a post frame remodel and addition. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m building a lean to up against my 40′ high […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles questions regarding rafter size for a lean-to addition, adding a Lean-to to an existing building on a monolithic slab, and “the difference between a pole barn home and a barndominium?” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a lean-to on an existing pole barn. It is 32′ long […]

Does 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 […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru pricing of a pole barn with a link to a full blog regarding costs of various sizes, whether or not Hansen Buildings ships kits to Idaho- YES! and moisture control on a new post frame addition. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Quick question 30′ x 40/50′ x 14′ high Garage. […]

Properly Insulating Between Roof Purlins Reader SAM in MATTAWAN writes: “Hi, I have a wood framed pole barn that is fairly unique in design and doesn’t have any “attic” space. It’s very similar to what a steel building would be. There are 2×8 roof purlins to support OSB sheathing. My question is regarding ceiling/ roof […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about common gable post frame footings, weight limitations for a building delivery and the possible solutions, and what types of foundations Hansen Buildings can design for in Weld County Colorado. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is a common gable post footing compared to a main truss […]