Full Frost Wall Foundation? Reader AARON in ROSEVILLE writes: “Assuming (not yet verified) that I don’t need a full frost wall foundation for my barndo, wondering about the pros/cons for full frost wall vs pier footings in southern MN. Obviously there is the cost difference, but when it comes to building performance(in the winter), would […]

This Wednesday, the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a residential structure in Gainesville, Hall county, Georgia, the best cost saving method for building in stages, and the use of “barn door type” coverings for windows in a remote Colorado cabin. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I build a residential pole barn in […]

I Want to Put Some Windows in My Pole Barn Reader DON in NEVADA, TEXAS writes: “I want to put some windows in my pole barn (3.0 x 4.0 probably) but want to know what should the bottom of this window be from floor elevation ? also, I will be framing out these windows inside […]

This week readers “ask the Guru” about the use of hurricane straps on flat purlins, installing sheetrock to metal girts, and a question about specific lumber for a home build. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am assembling my pole barn it is 20×28 with 8×8 purlins 16″ OC mounted on top of rafters sideways. Is […]

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 […]

Wide Clearspan Barndominium Floors Multi-story post frame barndominiums are embracing a great feature found in better stick framed homes – engineered prefabricated wood floor trusses. Loyal reader RICK in MONTICELLO writes: “First off, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in the blog and answering questions regarding post frame construction with us laymen! It is […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about concerns that water might damage girts with use of spray foam, a replacement for A1V, and a request for “sold comps” in the state of Washington. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am very early in the stages of considering self-building a post frame home. […]

Stilt Home Barndominium For many challenging building sites (those with grade change, in flood zones or close to oceans or seas) stilt homes are a viable and practical design solution for barndominiums. Reader DAVID in EMINENCE writes: “We are planning to build in southern Missouri a 30′ x 36′ x10′ post frame home on a […]

This Wednesday readers of “Ask the Guru” are advised in areas of planning for a pole barn  house, VA financing for a duplex or shouse, and the best method of notching a glulam for truss support. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you send me some images and quotes for pole barn houses for 7,000? TAMARRA […]

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

This Wednesday readers “Ask the Guru” about the placement of screws through the high ribs of steel roofing, exploring options for a future build, and required engineering for post frame in Skagit County, WA. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi all, not sure if this is the right place to have this discussion, but I just […]

Post Frame Standards in Building Codes Reader DAN in INDEPENDENCE writes: “We want to build a post frame building for a residence, I had seen post frame standards in earlier versions of the IRC but now can’t, is this here somewhere or what applies to using a post foundation for these?” Thank you for reaching […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about a possible source of replacement sliding door parts, the shape of poles for pole buildings, and whether or not a 2/12 roof pitch can handle the Minnesota snow loads. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi! I have a Cleary Pole Barn with concrete floor and main […]

This week “Ask the Guru” answers reader questions about a Hansen Building as as open air pavilion in SW Minnesota, moisture issues in a climate of extremes, and roof screws at an angle due to installer missing roof purlins, then caulking around the screw heads. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello again Mike, Our Southern MN […]

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

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about code requirements for fire rated spray foam in enclosed parking structures, a request for assistance to set poles, and a question about the clear span of a riding arena. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Trying to find the NFPA code or Building code requirements for having […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about whether or not it is ok to drill thru poles to run wiring, the ability to build a post frame structure over a basement with a poured foundation, and how much space do I need for my pole building? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a post frame […]

Reader JENNIFER from CANON CITY writes: “Is there such a thing as too small of a pole barn to build? I am wanting a shed/hobby space with enough height to make a loft in the future. Due to setbacks and sewer lines, I can only do a 12’X26′ building. Plans for pole barns begin at […]

This week readers “Ask the Guru” about the possibility of designing an asymmetrical truss configuration, how to frame the exterior wall to the upstairs floor, and what the snow load of “these pole barns” is. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I design an asymmetrical truss configuration? We need a small stand on one side with […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a Barndominium on a crawlspace, the ability to install columns on concrete or a pylon, and the use of rafters for an open ceiling. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am in the planning stages for a 30×48 Barndominium. I would like to put the […]

Insulating My Bubble Wrapped Metal Barn Reader DURIN in WESTERN NEW YORK writes: “So glad I could see your site. So many different opinions. If I could explain my situation below. I have a 40 x 80 x18 metal barn. It was built by the Amish. It has a 6 inch slab of concrete a […]

Can Wall Girts Be Installed Before The Trusses? In my travels over the years I have seen more than a few post frame buildings under construction. When I find one being constructed by a building contractor, if the wall girts are installed before the roof, it is an immediate giveaway to the builder having been […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about insulating a metal post frame garage in Florida with vented soffits and peak, replacing nails with EPDM gasketed screws on an existing structure, and ideas to replace rusted steel on the lower 3′ of a structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a metal post […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the ability to replace posts damaged by termites, DIY truss winches, and adding OSB to a metal roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We purchased property about 24 years ago with an existing Morton Barn. About 10 years ago we had an invasion of termites that […]

Today’s blog is a bonus “ask the Guru” that answers reader questions about a design for an open gable endwall and how to address load transfer, “level” columns and NFBA tolerances for post frame construction, and how to measure for purlin spacing. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to build a 24′ wide by 48″ […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru addresses the need for a vapor barrier as well as some framing recommendations in a future build, the possibility of a Gothic Arch truss design with glulaminated columns, and the addition of a “lean-to” to a 2016 Hansen Building.  DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello Mike, Our monitor style home […]

Today’s blog is a Bonus “ask the Guru” answering reader questions about repair of knee bracing to existing truss system, notching a double truss into a 3 ply glulaminated column for full bearing, and rebuilding the floor structure of an almost 100-year-old bank barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Greetings All-Omnipotent Pole Barn One! We humbly […]

Loyal 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 […]

This Wednesday the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about the best options for insulating a 24×30 pole barn, potential code restrictions in Victoria, MN, and Insulating a building with radiant floor heating. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I want to insulate my 24’x30′ pole barn located in Massachusetts. I will heat it only occasionally. […]

Snow Inside of Entry Door I recently received a message from my Facebook friend Joe, he writes: “Hey buddy, I have tried to get some kind of help from my builder and they’ve been less than stellar. 80k later and when it snows, I get snow inside my building next to the man door. How […]

Today’s blog is a bonus Ask the Guru, where the PBG answers reader questions from a repeat client about converting a stick frame plan to post and beam, a multiple tenant building built on a ledge site using wet-set brackets, and the need for knee braces on a “stick built pole barn.” DEAR POLE BARN […]

This Wednesday the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions about the need to double up trusses on a 24×36 with 2×6 trusses 12′ OC, use of existing brackets in a stem wall for a post frame home, and best method of ceiling insulation with “double bubble” on roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Building pole barn […]

I Want to Use Steel Trusses and Glulam Columns Reader TOM in KNOXVILLE writes: “I am planning on using steel 50ft trusses. All the kits I found recommend 6×6 or 8×8 but I wanted to use glulam columns. Do you know if or why they wouldn’t be recommended. 3 ply 2×8 was my plan but […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about interior framing for residential homes, costs for the design of a 3-4 bedroom home, and building a pole barn carport for vehicles and equipment. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you provide interior framing for a residential home? SYDNEY in MILES CITY DEAR SYDNEY: Our mission […]

Today’s “Ask the Guru” blog answers reader questions about a pole barn being built on a “walk out type” foundation, use of a conventional pier foundation for high clay soils, and if we are able to please build a residential single story “patio room.” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can a pole barn be built on […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the addition of a small post frame building to a 1936 stick framed house, adding a mezzanine and lean-to, and a debate between radiant floor and forced air heating of a home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I had a question from someone asking about a […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about the engineering of a round pen riding arena for equine use, if a pole barn can be used for a home, and how well post frame would do in a hot weather climate like Las Vegas, NV. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: A friend of mine […]

I Simply Can’t Make the Numbers Work Reader and Registered Professional Engineer LILA in LaCENTER writes: “Is it possible to build a 56×66 pole structure with 4.5×5.5 laminated posts, 10 feet tall at 12′ centers with 110 mph winds in zone C and in seismic zone D? I would dearly love to see the numbers […]

Today’s “Ask the Guru” answers reader questions about a truss solution for a vaulted ceiling, a question about the use of square piers for brackets compared to round, and building post frame on a sloped grade. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I‘m wanting to build a barndominium on my property in Southern Tennessee. My design is […]

Why Are My Footings So Big? Reader and soon to be client CHRIS in ISANTI writes: “Good morning, I am looking at building a pole building in the near future and have been working with Lucas on developing a plan. Question I have is why are the footings so big? It’s a 40x56x16 with a […]

Tariffs to Raise Construction Costs I have been warning people about this for months. Luckily, for Hansen Pole Buildings’ clients, we bought lots (as in rail car loads) of lumber back in November and December – this will allow us to hold prices for a limited time. Article below was published by the NAHB (National […]

Building After a Burn Down– Revisiting the International Wildland Urban Interface Code or IWUIC Western United States wildfires have been featured on network newscasts and seen in our air for months. My own Auntie Norma’s home was a victim of California’s 2018 Camp Fire – where she lost all of her worldly possessions. Reader MATHEW […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about pouring a monolithic slab in Iowa, a question about columns spacing and girts sizing, and what the costs to build a garage with living quarters above might be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m building a barndominium in Iowa and I wonder if I can do […]

Should I Use Concrete Sonotube Foundation? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am planning to build a post-frame house 32×40. I built a 16×16 post-frame barn last Summer as practice and found that I hit bedrock at 2 to 2.5 feet. I know that most post-frame buildings require a 4 foot hole with a concrete footing […]

This week’s ask the Guru answers reader questions about the costs accrued to finish a home after investing in a kit, performing an extensive remodel on an existing barn or tear down and build a new structure, and a building size recommendation for a grow facility. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: After purchasing large kit for […]

Don’t Mold My Furniture Loyal reader RICHARD in MOBILE writes: “Hey Guru, love your site but I can’t seem to find the answer to my question. First off I am in Mobile Al right on the gulf coast where it is hot and very humid most of the year. I recently bought a 60 x […]

Barn Screws Rotting Wood Reader (and Contractor) JOHN in BIG RAPIDS writes: “In a pole building constructed with trusses 2′ o.c 1/2″ OSB synthetic underlayment. We are finding out that the screw is riding the OSB around the screw. I have seen the same problem in standard pole barn construction with 2 x 4. Purlins. […]

This week’s Ask The Guru addresses reader questions about the cause and possible solution to excessive dripping, the dimensions of an RV garage Hansen designed, and advice regarding putting a vapor barrier bubble blanket on the underside of the purlins before blowing insulation in attic. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in Pennsylvania – we […]

Board & Batten Steel Siding Board & Batten siding has seen a resurgence in residential and agricultural design in recent years, and rightfully so as many building and builders crave classical aesthetics of rural farmhouse design. A challenge, though, is wooden board & batten is still susceptible to rot, insect damage, cracking, and various other […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses a reader question regarding whether erecting a complete pole barn that has been sitting bundled for eight years might be okay, how easy might it be to convert a stick built floor plan in to a post frame design, and a quote for an indoor soccer field. DEAR […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about best time to fill in uneven grade, best method to insulate walls with no housewrap, and addition of gable vents to help with condensation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Maybe you can give some advice on our pole barn build. Our rat board is 6ft above […]

We took a look at some of America’s most wide open spaces and thought hard about how climate, severe weather, wind, and seasonal changes affect the ability of a sturdy pole building to provide housing, commercial office space, and industrial warehouse storage. It may come as no surprise that the majority of the locations we […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding wool bat insulation between purlins against an R-7 vapor barrier, and the Guru’s thoughts on Knee Braces in post frame construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello We have an existing pole barn that has an R-7 vapor barrier. The vapor barrier is between the […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the chance shelves in a storage space could hurt the integrity of the building, his opinion on the effects of spray foam on steel panels, and placement of glulams on endwalls for load transfer. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m creating storage space in post framed […]

The Advantages of Post Frame Construction My friend Randy Chaffee wrote this and it is deserving of being shared. Let’s dive into post frame (Pole Barn) construction. It’s a game-changer when it comes to durability, cost-effectiveness and speed. Forget the old days of just housing livestock or farm equipment. Today’s post frame structures are the […]

Easier to Ask Permission, Than Beg for Forgiveness Our actual client writes: “I need you to please help me. I need a letter from engineering that states that the ceiling can withstand tongue and groove plywood being hung on it. We decided to keep part of the ceiling vaulted and open and are going to […]

Today’s Ask the Guru answers reader questions about insulating a shed used for vehicle storage and a “workshop to piddle in,” the addition of eave light panels to a structure, and if it is possible to build a small building to house a well. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Thank you in advance for your time […]

Let’s Not Uplift I learn new things every single day, much in part to loyal readers, the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Building Designers and our clients. Column uplift seems to be a repeating point of contention for me, as it is (in my humble opinion) poorly addressed, if not totally ignored. Reader Dan has some uplift […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about options for insulation of an existing steel building, financing options for a post frame home, and adding a ceiling to an existing barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a preexisting steel building with no insulation. I am looking for affordable methods to insulate the […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building an attached ADU (additional dwelling unit) with a shared wall, the Guru’s thoughts on the best option to insulate a space, and whether specific design choices are possible in a post frame home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are planning to build a shop […]

Will ICC Adopt a Pole-frame Appendix? Reader MATT in PIERRE writes: “Is there any possibility that the ICC will adopt an appendix related to pole-frame buildings. We require engineering in our local jurisdiction at this time and it would be much simpler for customers who want to build a pole-barn if there was a way […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about plans to build a 4 plex, running romex wiring in a post frame structure, and the installation of foam board on walls and a better method for wall insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. I’m curious if you could help me with plans to build […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the recommendation of a pole barn home in Southern Florida, what type of custom plans Hansen Buildings provides, and pole barns in the great state of Texas. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, are Pole Barn Homes recommended in Southern Florida? It’s hot. If so, I […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the design of a small living space with everything together in one room, whether or not one can use existing posts that are still standing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and a reader asks why we don’t post prices of past projects on our […]

Comfort for Northern Climate Intermittently Heated Shop Reader DAVID in WRENSHALL writes: “Hi There, I’m thinking about building a shop on my property. I’m in the research phase. I plan to heat the shop intermittently in the winter when i have projects to work on, but I probably won’t be in there long enough to […]

Concrete Slab Larger in Footprint Than Building Reader JAMES in SOUTHWICK writes: “I built my floor wider than the building. A mistake I know! So now I was going to screw a piece of PVC into the bottom of my bottom girt to rest on floor. Then I was going to silicon around PVC to […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the location of ceiling ties for roof tension, if a person needs to double columns when switching building heights, and a clarification about the dimensions of commercial girts to building columns when used for finishing the interior walls. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi. I just […]

Tyvek Under Roof Steel? Reader BRANDON in MIDDLEBOROUGH writes: “Greetings I’m writing to discuss the best practice for what to place under a metal roof. I am building a post frame, for shop use and will eventually be insulted. I had initially intended to install a WRB, like Tyvek, under the sheet metal roof. My […]

Old Fiberglass Skylights Reader JEAN in HARRISON writes: “My Wayne pole building built 80’s the skylights are full of hole. Wayne is no longer in business and can’t find the pattern of ridges to match now by beams are showing water damage.” Oh joys of old fiberglass skylights – sadly not. Skylights in steel roofs […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the pitfalls of trying to build a stand alone building within a steel building, drip stop use in high dust environments, and the replacement of two sliding doors in Lester Prairie. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good evening, I’m at my wits end. We have had […]

Adding a Lean-to aka Side Shed Reader PATRICK in REDMOND writes: “I have an existing pole barn that was built in 1999 that I would like to add a lean-to onto. I read your previous blogs about verifying the footing that supports the existing poles – but how do you verify that? Is there a […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about use of which fasteners are best to use in to ACQ treated columns, the need for a vapor barrier in Washington State, and Hansen Buildings in North Carolina. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Potential new customer here. Doing a small job on my own right now. […]

There is nothing much more frustrating than a leaking brand new steel roof. In my humble opinion, most (if not all) steel roof leaks caused by errant screws could be avoided by simply following instructions and pre-drilling roof panels. Loyal reader MONTE in FRANKTOWN writes: “I’m asking for your opinion on the need for a […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about use of one’s own posts, metal vs wood trusses, and cost of trusses, sealer for slab thermal movement, and what the proper name of a garage, storage, and living quarters would be. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The barn is to be built in 78594. 60x40x15 […]

A New Spin on Truss Raising Winch Boxes Long time readers will recall previous articles on a miracle for raising entire bays of roof trusses, safely and on a budget: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/10/winch-boxes-a-post-frame-miracle/ https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/11/winch-boxes-episode-v/ Hansen Pole Buildings DIYer Lee Zook, came up with his own spin on winch boxes, allowing him to crank truss bays into place […]

This Wednesday The Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about extending an existing 60′ long pole building by twelve feet, the best way to insulate outside walls to prevent sweating, and the reasoning behind setting purlins flush with the top of the truss top chords. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an existing 40 x […]

Can Trees Cause Uneven Floors in My Post Frame Building? Tree roots can extend to soil beneath your post frame building and cause shifting leading to uneven flooring. A tree is far larger than what you can see. There is an entire extensive root system below grade, one extending for yards. Though roots are out […]

Sloppy Construction or a Structural Integrity Issue? Reader BRISHA in EARLY BRANCH writes: “This is a barndo that will be our home. Is it acceptable to have metal trusses not come completely together (see pic)? Also, multiple (MANY) screws in the wood that trusses connected to are in at an angle? Is this just sloppy […]

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about inclusions of a Hansen Building Kit, some guidance with the renovation of an old barn, and how many sq inches of NFVA do foam enclosures have? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What does it include? Just the shell or interior also? ASHLEY in MONROE DEAR ASHLEY: We typically […]

This Wednesday answers reader questions about a barndominium checklist to follow, if one should set piers on virgin ground when adjusting for grade changes, and to plumb, level, and square a building before adding roof sheathing. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I remember you had a checklist to follow when building a barndominium or pole barn […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the required footing diameter for a 20’x24′ pole barn garage, use of non-ground contact columns on a concrete stem wall or thickened edge, and Insulating a cathedral ceiling in a barndominium. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking to build a 20ft x 24ft pole […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about LVL beam procurement, a question about slab in a flood prone area, and reflective radiant barrier in a non vented attic. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I need a 3 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ x 12′ beam. Is this something you can help me with? JAMES […]

Today’s Ask the Guru answers reader questions about sue of beams for an implement storage building, a question stumps the Guru so he asks readers for help, and if a post frame building could be built with a walk-out basement. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to build a Implement Storage 60’ x 24’ pole […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about securing a sliding door, some advice on a ceiling mounted crane, and a challenge finding an auger with a 30″ diameter for concrete collars. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How to keep my steel sliding door half open but secured? BRUCE in ROCKFORD DEAR BRUCE: Your […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about subterranean termites eating the posts, the best resource to acquire commodity items like OSB, and providing a kit sized 16′ x 32′ x 10 height. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What do you do about subterranean termites eating the posts.? Where I’m at they eat treated […]

From reader Paul in Bismarck: “How do you deal with the requirement for a 4 foot frost wall on buildings that will have plumbing installed in them. Typically, the concrete footing on a stick built structures qualifies as the frost wall. How is this accomplished with a pole building that will be used as a […]

This week’s Ask The Guru addresses how a single truss is used at endwalls instead of a double truss, use of valley flashing on roof applications, and the need for sheathing on a roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: On a double truss system with 12′ o/c how do you do the gable ends? MICHAEL in […]

My New Riding Arena Has Condensation and Birds Reader BETH in LEBANON writes: “Last fall I had an indoor riding arena built 70 x 152 x 16 that had a built in vapor barrier. The building has cathedral trusses. This is a stand alone building with no stable attached. I have had condensation in the […]

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 […]

Can This Building Be Saved? Reader BRAYTON in NORTHEAST WASHINGTON writes: “I’ve been previewing your website and am glad I found it! Question: I have been contacted recently by a potential client who had a 40′ x 60′ pole building constructed. The original contractor walked off the job. This client wants me to fix the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]