Category Archives: Pole Building How To Guides
Adding a Post Frame Gable Extension
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/31 @ 8:00Adding a Post Frame Gable Extension A roof line extension off a post frame gable endwall is an affordable method to cover porches, patios, or even as a carport. As opposed to attaching a single sloping (shed style) roof, it will not reduce headroom or block line-of-sight. It is also easier to build as it […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Columns, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Concrete, Footings, Porches
- Tags: Architect, Engineer, Carport, Gable Endwall, Gable Extension, Registered Professional, UC-4B Treated Columns, Porches
- No comments
Town Orders Woman to Move Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/29 @ 8:00Town Orders Woman to Move Barn it Granted Her a Permit to Build Article by Brett Davidsen at www.WHEC.com from February 24, 2022 RUSH, N.Y. (WHEC) — A woman from Rush has been ordered to tear down a brand new barn on her property because it violated the town’s zoning laws, but it was the town […]
Read morePool Inside Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/24 @ 8:00Pool Inside Pole Barn Reader DOUG in SNOHOMISH writes: “I am just starting the process of having an inground swimming pool installed but due to weather and TREES in my area I have decided to build a Pole Barn to enclose the entire pool. I have done a lot of research on Pools and Pole […]
Read moreThru Screws Backing Out of Steel Roofing
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/17 @ 8:00My maternal great-grandparents purchased a cabin on Newman Lake, Washington from its original owner/builder in 1937. Nine years later, it was sold by them to their son and his wife – my grandparents Boyd and Jerene McDowell. A little over thirty years ago, I inherited this cabin from them. Having grown up spending most of […]
Read morePost Frame Plywood Slab-on-grade
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/03/10 @ 8:00Post Frame Plywood Slab-on-grade As concrete and excavation costs have increased steadily buildings are more frequently turning to slab-on-grade foundations. These assemblies require less concrete and labor than full basements and have a number of advantages over crawlspaces: better thermal performance, much lower risk for water and animal intrusion, and lower maintenance overall. Slab-on grade […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Plywood Slab, Concrete, Decoupling Membrane, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Slab On Grade Foundation, Thermal Performance, Crawlspaces, Embodied Carbon, Greenhouse Gas, Vapor Barrier
- 3 comments
Rust, Washington State, and Sleeves or Protectors
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/23 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about potential for rust on a welded oil field pipe framed building, if Hansen has structures in the state of Washington, and if sleeves or post protectors are needed for post frame construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My barn is a welded oil field pipe frame […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Columns
- Tags: UC-4B, Washington State, Pressure Preservative Treated Splash Plank, Red Iron Buildings, Oil Filed Pipe, Rust, Red Iron Frame, Washington Post Frame, Post Protectors, Post Sleeves, Pressure Preservative Treated Columns
- No comments
Insulating an Existing Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/22 @ 8:00Insulating an Existing Pole Barn When Things Started Wrong Reader TOM writes: “Mike, I have an existing pole barn (6×6 post with 2’ on center girts ) that has a 4” concrete floor with 10 mil plastic under it. The side walls have 1” XPS insulation on the outside of girt then steel siding with […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Building Overhangs, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Insulation
- Tags: Rigid Board XPS Insulation, Building Racking, XPS Insulation, Building Cladding, Vapor Barrier, Eave Girt, Splash Plank, Tyvek, Ridge Vent, Bottom Chord Dead Load, OSB, CDX Plywood
- No comments
4×4 or Double 2×4 Bay Roof Purlins?
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/10 @ 8:004×4 or Double 2×4 for 12’ Bay Roof Purlins? Reader JOHN in HUNTSVILLE writes: “If you have trusses spaced at 12 feet, can a 4x4x12 or two 2x4x12’s span the distance given the minimal snow loads in Arkansas? I know this is question #2 but what kind of joist hangers do you use (Simpson Number […]
Read moreExisting Foundation, “Home/Pool Combo” and HOA’s
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/09 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about design ideas to build over or around an existing foundation, designing a “home/pool combo,” and design options for roofing and siding when dealing with an HOA. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We currently have foundation/basement that measures 14×66, with additional 26×26 room with ground level concrete. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Building Siding, Concrete, Alternate Siding, Vinyl Siding, Building Interior, Pole Barn Questions, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Existing Foundation, Home And Pool Combo Building, Roof Over Pool, Roofing And Siding, Alternative Roofing And Siding, HOA, HOA Rules, Existing Slab
- 2 comments
Retro Installing Windows in a Spray Foamed Post Frame Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/08 @ 8:00Retro Installing Windows in a Spray Foamed Post Frame Wall Reader JOEY in PRINCETON writes: “Good Evening Pole Barn Guru! We need to add picture (9) and slider (3) windows to an existing 3-year old Sherman Pole Building Post frame building where we are converting part into living quarters. The building was spray foamed by […]
Read more- Categories: Windows, Building Interior, Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse
- Tags: Sherman Pole Building, Gas Filled Low E Windows, J Trim Attached, J Channel, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Spray Foam
- No comments
Batteries Not Included
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/02/01 @ 8:00Batteries Not Included Batteries Not Included is a 1987 American comic science fiction film starring Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy (winner of a Saturn Award for Best Actress for her performance) and Elisabeth Pena about small extraterrestrial living spaceships saving an apartment block under threat from property development. Reader AARON in NORTH VERNON queried: “Does your pricing also […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, floorplans, Building Contractor, Budget, Pole Barn Homes, Workshop Buildings, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home
- Tags: DIY Pole Buildings, Building Permits, Building Kit, Batteries, Barndominium Kits, Building Contractor, Erector, Blueprints
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Being a Fan Fan
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/01/27 @ 8:00Being a Fan Fan Reader TOM in MACOMB writes: “Hello, I have a 24 x 40 pole barn built last summer. It has a base layer of 10” of sand and 4’ of crushed concrete on top. This sat exposed for several months until the building was erected,it was a wet summer. The building was […]
Read moreSite Prep, Brackets on Slab, and Treated Lumber
Posted by polebarnguru on 22/01/19 @ 8:00This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about site preparation and underground obstructions, a recommendation for building with wet set brackets on slab, and whether or not Hansen Buildings uses lumber treated for in-ground use– UC-4B. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We recently started the ground work for our future 48×72 pole building. Half […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Budget, Professional Engineer, tools, Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Site Prep, Slab, Wet Set Brackets, ACQ Treated Lumber, Treated Posts, Ram Hoe, Rock, In-ground Use Lumber, Engineered Plans, Bedrock
- No comments
Moisture Management, Poor Steel Cutting, and Info Help
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/12/22 @ 8:00Today’s “Ask the Guru” tackles reader questions about moisture management, poorly done steel cutting around windows and doors, and help “Looking for info” for Jack. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, I am framing out an animal barn (right now to be used for housing chickens and storing some feed and hay) inside of an existing […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Heating, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Siding
- Tags: Caulking Windows, Pole Barn Planning, Moisture Barrier, Steel Cutting, Moisture Management, Insulation
- No comments
Screw Penetration, Truss Carrier Requirements, and Roof Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/12/08 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about screw penetration into decking/substrate, header aka truss carrier requirements, and a proper roof insulation solution. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Should the screws for exposed fastener metal panel roofing COMPLETELY penetrate the 1/2″ plywood decking/substrate? STEVE in WARREN DEAR STEVE: For through screws, they should not only completely […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Heating, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Trusses, Ventilation, Professional Engineer, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Headers, Screw Penetration, Roof Insulation, Ventilation, Diaphragm Screws, Spray Foam Insulation, Truss Carriers
- No comments
Hanging Single Hung Windows to Slide Horizontally
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/12/07 @ 8:00Hanging Single-Hung Windows to Slide Horizontally You order a 4’ x 4’ sliding window for your new post frame building or barndominium. Depending upon your geographical location, you will assume this window opens up-and-down (Eastern U.S.) or side-to-side (Western U.S.). Well, we all know what happens when we assume. It is critical to clearly understand […]
Read moreRoof Insulation, a Riding Arena, and Closure Strips
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/11/24 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about insulating a roof to keep exposed trusses, the size limits for and equestrian riding arena, and whether or not to use closure strips between the gable (rake) trim and siding. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 30×40 post frame building with cathedral style trusses. I really […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Horse Riding Arena, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses
- Tags: Ventilation, Closure Strips, Horse Arena, Moisture Barrier, Riding Arena, Truss Span, Spray Foam, Roof Insulation
- No comments
Convert to Residence, Insulation, and Truss Spans
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/11/03 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about building upgrades to convert to a residential use, how to best insulate a monitor style building, and the possibility of trusses spanning 40′ to eliminate interior posts in a shop/storage building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We bought a pole barn with no insulation, just studs and metal […]
Read moreCupola 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: Pole Barn Structure, 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
- Tags: Cupola Base, Insulation, Steel Rolls, Condensation, Roll Form, Ceiling Insulation, Roof Condensation, Cupola, Trusses, Cupola Sizes
- No comments
Wet Set Brackets, a Walkout Basement, and Rigid Foam Issues
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/10/11 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about using wet set brackets on a stem wall foundation, if it is possible to build over a walkout basement, and the viability of installing rigid foam between framing and steel cladding. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey there guru. We are planning on building a post frame home […]
Read moreHand Winches, Mono Trusses, and a Post Frame Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/10/04 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of hand winches to raise trusses, how to secure mono trusses built from complete trusses – DON’T- and the costs to build a small post frame home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m curious of the stability of wet set brackets during raising our […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Budget, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Post Frame Home, Mono-truss, Hand Winch, Raising Trusses, Winch Box, Engineered Trusses, Post Frame Costs
- No comments
Unheated Post Frame Building Slabs on Grade
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/10/01 @ 8:00Are Unheated Post Frame Building Slabs on Grade Required to Be Frost Protected? Reader BILL in CLAYTON writes: “I’m in early planning for a post frame garage – just over 1000 sf but will reduce it if it solves a code problem for “private garages” in IBC. Ignoring that, where does the code permit a […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Building Department, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete, Footings
- Tags: Slab On Grade, Risk Category II, Concrete Piers, Frost Protected, Detached Accessory Building, Wet Set Brackets, International Energy Code, International Building Code
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How to Pour a Slab on Grade
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/29 @ 8:00How to Pour a Slab on Grade in an Existing Barndominium Reader PAUL writes: “I have an opportunity to purchase a barndominium that has the posts set in 20” wide 40” deep peers. Unfortunately the county where this is located does not require a footing. All city codes in this area require an 8”X 36” […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Splash Plank, R-10 Rigid Insulation, Concrete Slab, No. 200 Sieve, Barndominium, Modified Proctor Density, Termiticide, International Energy Conservation Code, Vapor Barrier, Climate Zones
- No comments
Floor Plans, Spray Foam for Condensation, and a Sill Issue
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/27 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about floor plans, adding spray foam to an existing structure for condensation control, and solutions for a sill at 18′ OHD opening. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What do you charge to take my floor plan and send me engineered drawings? SHANNON in JONESBOROUGH DEAR SHANNON: We only […]
Read moreHow to Best Use Roof Steel Already Owned
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/22 @ 8:00How it is people end up owning steel roofing (or siding) when they do not have a structure to put it on has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. Reader TIM in IRON RIVER writes: “Hoping to build 40’x56′ post frame structure with 2′ overhang and 4/12 pitch using steel roofing I have […]
Read moreCedar Boards, Repainting a Roof, and “Dummies”
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/20 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about installing cedar boards on to a steel tubed hanger door, the best practice for painting a 30 year old steel roof, and “Pole Barns for Dummies?” DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Any tips on installing cedar board 1″ x 12″w with 1×3 batten on a 20’tall […]
Read more- Categories: Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Alternate Siding, tools, Fasteners, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Specialty Screws, Cedar To Steel, Refinish Steel Roofs, Repainting Steel, Steel Roof Coating, Pole Barns For Dummies, Installation Instructions, Pole Building Installation Instructions, Cedar Siding
- No comments
How to Insulate a Post Frame Shop
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/15 @ 8:00How to Insulate a Post Frame Shop When No Advance Considerations Were Made I encourage clients to give some serious advance consideration when erecting new post frame (pole) buildings to any eventuality of future climate control and a need for insulation. Reader MAC in MILLVILLE writes: “40 x 30 want to insulate. It will be […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Workshop Buildings, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Sealing Concrete Floor, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, Rock Wool Insulation, Concrete Floor Seal, Metal Ceiling Liner, Rigid Board XPS Insulation, Cement Board, Insulation, Cellular PVC Panel, Condensation
- 4 comments
Driver Bits, a Big Room, and Overhead Door Space
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/09/06 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about driver bits, the ability to build one big room, and the ability to place a 14′ tall overhead garage door in a building with 14′ sidewalls. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Just read a post you had in 2013 that Hansen supplier uses high quality screws. Getting […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, tools, Pole Barn Homes, Sectional Doors, Overhead Doors, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Shouse, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Driver Bits, Master Surface Magnetic Drive Bits, Overhead Garage Door Size, OHD Space, Post Frame House, Clear Span Building, Shouse
- No comments
A Conventional Foundation, Weather Resistant Barrier, and Moisture Issues
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/30 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about building a “conventional” foundation, drainage between steel and shiplap siding, and potential moisture issues of stick built vs post frame foundations. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am building a 24X48 pole barn, but instead of using a slab, I would like to have a conventional foundation. […]
Read moreMounting Door Tracks, A Post Frame Inquiry, and Floor Options
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/23 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about where to mount the vertical tracks for his overhead garage door, a batch of questions for a possible DIY’er, and a question about flooring options. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do my tracks for garage door mount directly to the 6×6 posts, or is there a 2×6 […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Concrete, Footings, Budget, Lofts, Pole Barn holes, Overhead Doors, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Existing Slab, Raised Floor, Overhead Door Tracks, Overhead Door Track Mount, Flooring Options, DIY, Door Jambs
- No comments
Raised Floor in Flood Area, Drywall Framing, and Water in Holes
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/08/16 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about post frame with a raised floor use in a flood area, framing for drywall in a post frame house, and post holes full of water could be bigger soil issue. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you have a kit that can be used in a […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn holes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Post Frame Home, Footings, Building Drainage, Building Interior, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Post Frame Home, Post Holes, Drywall Ready, Commercial Bookshelf Girts, Raised Floor, Stilt House, Concrete Collars
- 2 comments
Contracts: Punch Lists for Erected Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/28 @ 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. ‘Punch lists’ give new building owners an opportunity to inspect their completed building and builders/erectors to be able to remedy non-conforming work, without it becoming an ongoing challenge. […]
Read moreHay Barn Loft Removal, Screw vs Nails, and Find a Builder
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/07/26 @ 8:00Today’s “ask the Pole Barn Guru” visits questions about the stability of a hay barn once the loft floor is removed, what screws can be used as a substitute for nails, and if Hansen could assist in finding a builder to erect a garage. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a very old gothic arch […]
Read moreSpray Foam, Crawl Space Floors, and Column Sizes for Shed
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/21 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about spray foam application of a vapor barrier, finishing a crawl space floor, and to go with 3 ply or 4 ply columns– this is dependent upon many things. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: New Construction – Can spray foam insulation be spray over a vapor barrier […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Design, Workshop Buildings, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Ventilation
- Tags: Glulams, Crawl Space, Engineer Sealed Structural Plans, Insulation, Glulaminated Column, Spray Foam, Crawl Space Floors, Concrete Crawl Space, Condensation Control
- No comments
Attic Truss Lofts, Wall Switch Heights, and A Shouse
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/14 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru responds to reader questions about an attic truss loft, whether or not wall switches and outlet heights are different for post frame, and building a shouse– garage with living space above (Shop/House). DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to have a loft in a 30 x 50 x 8 […]
Read moreThings You Want to See On a Building Proposal
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/11 @ 1:00Things You Want to See on a Building Proposal/Contract Maybe you (as a soon to be building owner, building contractor or provider) are satisfied with being overly vague when it comes to what you are buying or selling. From a contractor/provider standpoint, this gives you lots of leeway to add ‘extra dealer margin’ by providing […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Trusses, Windows, Barndominium, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Building Interior, Building Styles and Designs, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: International Residential Code, Condenstop, Metal Building Insulation, Integrated J Channel, Reflective Radiant Barrier, International Building Code, ANSI, Bookshelf Girts, American National Standards Institute, Single Hung Windows, External Girts, Sliding Windows, Tyvek, Dripstop
- No comments
A Crawl Space, Building Size Options, and An Addition
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/06/07 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses building a post frame building over a crawl space, whether one should build up or out, and if it is possible to build on to an existing building with a post frame structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When building a post frame on a crawl space with post […]
Read moreRoof Insulation, Pole Barn Houses, and Adding Heat
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/31 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about the best method of insulating a building with no plans for a ceiling, planning a pole barn house, and adding heat to a completed post frame building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am insulating my 30×50 pole barn that is wrapped with Tyvek outside the purlins […]
Read moreFoam Boards, Foundations, and Rat Walls
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/05/24 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about adding kraft-backed insulation to rigid foam boards, if posts go in the ground or a foundation system, and if a pole building needs a “rat wall” poured. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an existing pole barn, the front portion being 30×30 with 11′ walls. The […]
Read more- Categories: Footings, Professional Engineer, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium
- Tags: Rat Wall, Bracket Mounted Posts, Rigid Foam Insulation, Post Frame Foundation, Bracket Mounted Columns, Wet Set Brackets, Foam Boards, Kraft Backed Insulation
- 2 comments
Texas Post Frame Barndominium Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/23 @ 8:00Reader KIMBERLY in LINDEN writes: “We are building a 52x40x10 post frame home in East Texas. The entire thing will be living space. I have been researching as much as possible on the best way to insulate a post frame home with metal siding and roof. The information is overwhelming and you get a completely […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Ventilation, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home
- Tags: Closed Cell Spray Foam, Insulation, Climate Zone 3A, Ridge Exhaust, Open Cell Spray Foam, Stone Wool Insulation, Integral Condensation Control, Dead Attic Space, Eave Ventilation, Weather Resistant Barrier
- No comments
Continuous Foundations, Column Spacing, and Inside Closures
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/04/02 @ 8:00Let’s finish off the week with one more day of Ask the Pole Barn Guru. Today Mike takes on reader questions about connection with a continuous foundation, benefits of 10′ or 12′ column spacing, and replacing inside foam closures. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. We are located in Ohio. We would like to build a […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Columns, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Embedded Posts, Footings, Inside Closures, Foam Closures, Embedded Columns, Post Spacing, Continuous Foundation, Columns Spacing
- No comments
Insulated Bookshelf Wall Girts
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/24 @ 8:00While we United States residents like to think of ourselves as perhaps the center of our universe, post frame construction appears world wide. Reader JONATHAN in HALIFAX picked Alabama as his state when he filled out his online request for information when he wrote: “What insulation do you suggest between bookshelves of wall?” With so […]
Read moreRascally Rodents
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/19 @ 8:00Rascally Rodents Rodents, such as rats and house mice cause serious damage to structures of barndominiums, shop/houses and other buildings. These rascally rodents can cause grief with any structural system – not just post frame buildings. While rodents are notorious for their consumption and contamination of feed, rodent damage to insulation raises heating and cooling […]
Read morePermaColumns, Pole Barn Planning, and Insulating a Roof
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/15 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru discusses the use of PermaColumns, planning of a pole barn in Florida, and the best solution for a building without roof or exterior wall weather resistant barriers. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am having a pole building put up with engineered laminated columns. The contractor is pushing a “Perma […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Professional Engineer, Columns, Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Barndominium, Constructing a Pole Building, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Ventilation
- Tags: Pole Barn Planning, Weather Resistant Barrier, Glulaminated Column, Permacolumn, Insulation
- No comments
Post 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
Long Span Truss Storage
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/03/02 @ 8:00Site Storage Guidance for Long-Span Trusses Originally published by: Construction Magazine Network(link is external) — February 3, 2021 The following article was produced and published by the source linked to above, who is solely responsible for its content. The Pole Barn Guru blog is publishing this story to raise awareness of information publicly available online and does not verify the […]
Read moreAvoid Pex Tubing When Attaching Interior Walls
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/25 @ 8:00Slabs on grade are highly popular for barndominiums, shop houses (aka shouses), post frame homes, garages and shops. Many (mine included) use radiant in slab heat, meaning there will be PEX tubes in the floor to be avoided when attaching framed interior walls. Reader STEVEN in AKRON writes: “My wife and I are looking to […]
Read moreFloored By A Barndominium Elevator
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/17 @ 8:00Recently I have penned a couple of articles about elevators (yes plural, we have two) in our Northeast South Dakota post frame shop/house. Certainly not every barndominium needs an elevator, but if you have more than one level, there is a better than fair chance someone with mobility challenges will be unable to access portions […]
Read moreBlog Searches, Building Shapes, and a Stumper
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/15 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about blog searches for weather proofing in rainy states, what shapes of buildings are out there– such as an “L” shaped building, and one that stumped the Guru- A term he hadn’t heard and can’t find on google. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What are some words […]
Read moreBarndominium Electrical Outlets
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/02/12 @ 8:00Barndominium Electrical Outlets No matter how many electrical outlets I plan for, it feels as if there were never enough where I really need them. There are some basic minimum rules, however when planning your barndominium or shop/house – think about places you might need more than these requirements. It is much easier to have […]
Read moreZero Lot Line Post Frame Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/22 @ 8:00There are occasions where the best location to place a building just happens to be right up to a lot line. Let’s face realities – if your site’s required setbacks without fire resistive construction are five feet, what is going to accumulate in this area? Most often it is either “stuff” or weeds, neither of […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Building Overhangs, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Insulation
- Tags: 5/8" Type X Drywall, Setbacks, Rat Guard, Mineral Rock Wool Insulation, Green Board Drywall, Gutters, Base Trim, Snow Retention System, Weather Resistant Barrier
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Concrete Slab-on-grade Reinforcement
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/15 @ 8:00Long time readers will recall concrete finishing does not rank amongst my favorite building tasks. It is an art form with a gene I was not blessed with. Most pole barns, post frame buildings and barndominiums utilize slabs poured on grade. Reader KYLE in KAPLAN writes: “In your pole barns, do you typically use wire […]
Read moreStretching Stick Frame Construction
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/07 @ 8:00Post frame (pole building) construction is popular due to efficiencies of materials (ability to do more with less) and speed of construction. Reader RAYMOND in BARLING is trying to find a way to make stick framing cheaper, he writes: “24×64 pole barn in question. 4 pitch. I am just comparing the cost of alternate designs. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building Comparisons, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete
- Tags: Ceiling Joists, Rafters, Concrete Slab On Grade, International Building Code, Roof Loads, Engineered Building, Stud Walls
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Adding Heated Space in a Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 21/01/06 @ 8:00Adding Heated Space in a Pole Barn Reader THOM in COLRAIN writes: “ I’m creating a 20′ X 30′ heated shop space in the center of a 40′ X 70′ pole barn. One 20′ side is on an outside wall. The other three have 2 X 4 studs. I’m using rough-cut 1″ for the walls […]
Read morePlanning Building Dimensions Around Width of Steel Panels
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/22 @ 8:00Reader JON in KENNEWICK is working on planning for his new post frame building and writes: “My question is regarding the size of the steel wall panels. I was watching a pole barn building video on YouTube and the builder, RR Buildings, was talking about sizing the building to correspond with the size of the […]
Read moreFun With a Cheap Steel Truss Pole Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/18 @ 8:00Most of our country is unfamiliar with low budget steel truss pole barns produced and sold primarily in Southeastern states. There is a reason these are prevalent where there is no snow – just in case you were wondering. Disclaimer, I have no issues at all with prefabricated light gauge steel trusses, provided they have […]
Read more- Categories: Ventilation, Insulation, Budget, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Building How To Guides, Trusses
- Tags: Steel Truss, Reflective Radiant Barrier, Steel Truss Pole Barn, Insulation, Monolithic Slab, Condensation, Monolithic Concrete Slab, Blow In Insulation, Attic, Foam Board
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Doesn’t Like Idea of Concrete Slab on Grade Foundation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/17 @ 8:00Doesn’t Like Idea of a Concrete Slab Foundation Loyal reader ASHLEY in KELSO writes: “I will be building in southwest Washington – Cowlitz County. We are wanting around a 2800 square foot home. I do not like the idea of a concrete slab “foundation”, we are going with crawl space (I read your blog on […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Footings, Pole Barn Questions, Budget, About The Pole Barn Guru, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium, Building Contractor
- Tags: Subcontractors, Stick Built Building, Crawl Space, Post Frame Building, Slab On Grade Foundation, Cowlitz County, General Contractor
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Build on a Slope, Joist Hangers, and the Future of Post Frame
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/07 @ 8:00This Monday the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building on a slope with use of embedded columns or brackets on piers, the proper installation of joist hangers, and the Guru’s vision of the future of post frame construction. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Because of the 16% slope, I will be using concrete piers & […]
Read moreHow Best to Use Metal Building Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/12/03 @ 8:00How To Best Use Metal Building Insulation Loyal reader ANDY in SOUTH CAROLINA writes: “ I read with interest the article “What house wrap is good for” on your website and would like to include house wrap on a pole building I’m currently planning to build in the upstate of South Carolina. Typically builders in […]
Read more- Categories: Barndominium, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse, Pole Building Siding, Shouse, Insulation, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, RV Storage, Pole Building Comparisons, Building Department, Post Frame Home, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Fiberglass Insulation, Faced Insulation, Metal Building Insulation, Condensation Control, House Wrap, Weather Resistant Barrier
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Answers for Brian’s Barndominium Builder
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/27 @ 8:00Answers for Brian’s Barndominium Builder Should you have missed yesterday’s episode, please click back to it using link at bottom of this page – it will make more sense as well as being more entertaining! Hello Brian ~ My Father and his five brothers were all framing contractors, so I was raised in a world […]
Read more- Categories: Shouse, Ventilation, Budget, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Roofing Materials, Pole Building How To Guides, Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, Building Contractor
- Tags: Bookshelf Girts, Vertical Stud Walls, Stick Frame, Winch Boxes, Purlins And Ceiling Joists, Osb Sheathing, Stud Wall Frame, 5/8" CDX Plywood, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Plywood, Ice And Water Shield
- 2 comments
Steel Roofs Are Not Meant to Be Weather Tight?
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/20 @ 8:00Once upon a time I was a post frame building contractor. With as many as 35 crews erecting buildings in six states, we erected thousands upon thousands of buildings. If we would ever have told a client, “Steel roofs are not meant to be weather tight” it might (and should) have been our last job! […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Roofing Materials, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Steel Roofing & Siding, Building Contractor
- Tags: Ridge Cap, Closure Strip, Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act, Steel Roof, Vented Ridge Cap, Post Frame Building Contractor
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Vapor Barrier for a Ceiling
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/18 @ 8:00Reader GEORGE in LOUISVILLE writes: “I am looking to install tin on the ceiling of my 54 X 75 pole shed. I was wondering if 6 mil plastic sheeting with all seams taped would work for a vapor barrier? My concern is not to have it rain in my building after the tin is up […]
Read moreI Think I Have Made Some Errors!
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/11/13 @ 8:00I Think I Have Made Some Errors! If you are a post frame building kit provider or a builder reading this article – please STOP SELLING ONLY ON A CHEAP PRICE. You are leaving dissatisfied clients in your wake and doing a disservice to our industry. Reader RICK in IDAHO writes: “Hello Sir! I think […]
Read moreMy Pole Barn is Chilly
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/30 @ 8:00Reader TIM from INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN has a chilling challenge, he writes: “Fabulous site, congrats. I have a 40×60 pole barn with 10ft ceiling to the bottom of the rafters. Last year I put a 150k btu heater in to try and take the chill out a bit. It didn’t work so well because […]
Read moreAir Sealing Your Post Frame Barndominium
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/27 @ 8:00Unless someone reincarnates Nikola Tesla (and he is sane) chances are good energy costs are not going to decrease. Air sealing your post frame barndominium or shouse increases your comfort by reducing drafts and cycle time your heating and cooling systems are running. Air sealing your barndominium reduces humidity increasing comfort levels. A drafty barndominium […]
Read more- Categories: Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Inside Closure Strips, Air Sealing, R-14 Insulation, Weather Resistant Barrier, Self-adhesive Sealant Tape, Sill Gaskets, Closed Cell Spray Foam, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, F, WRB, Vapor Barrier
- 4 comments
Posts and Collars, Girts, and Non-Vented Soffits
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/10/12 @ 8:00This week’s edition of Pole Barn Guru visits the topics of post and footing sizes, bookshelf girts for drywall, and non-vented soffits for building with spray foam insulation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am currently 68 but I built pole barns as a younger man the biggest being a hay barn 24′ eaves X 80 […]
Read moreInstalling Steel Liner Panels in an Existing Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/09/02 @ 8:00Installing Steel Liner Panels in an Existing Pole Barn Reader JASON in WHITEHOUSE STATION writes: “ Hello! I have a post frame 30X40 Pole Barn that was built prior to me owning the house. Currently, the shop is not insulated. I would really like to insulate it, as it’s quite unbearable in the summer and […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Ventilation, Building Interior, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Radiant Reflective Barrier, Soffit Vents, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, Gable Vents, Ridge Vent, Thermal Break, Registered Professional Engineer
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Taking 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 moreBuilding Department Checklist 2020 Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/26 @ 8:00Yesterday I covered seven of what I feel are 14 most important questions to ask your local building department. This not only will smooth your way through permitting processes, but also ensures a solid and safe building structure. Let’s talk about these last seven…. #8 What is accepted Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity? This will be […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Building Permit, Frost Depth, Prescriptive Building Requirements, Building Risk Category, Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity, Engineered Soils Test, Seismic Site Class, Wet Stamped Structural Plans
- 2 comments
Cost of a Pole Barn Home, Metal Trusses, and Rafter Connections
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/08/03 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about he cost of a pole barn home, the possible life span of metal trusses, and connecting wing trusses or rafters to posts on a “monitor” style building. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to build a small pole barn home for $100K or less? KERI […]
Read moreSubcontractors 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: 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, Steel Roofing & Siding
- Tags: 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, Electrician
- 1 comments
Rock Letters
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/07/17 @ 8:00Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Doug recently sent this message to company owner Eric and me: “I’m getting the question regarding rock letters from Clients and builders in central and eastern Oregon. Have we, or do we ever send the building department a rock letter regarding buildings where optimum post hole depth is not achievable?” When […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Footings, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn holes, Pole Barn Questions, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Minimal Hydraulic Pressure Spike, Wet Set Brackets, Trapezoidal Shock Wave, Engineered Solution, Sonotube, Rock Letter, Steel Stake, Jackhammer, Ram Hoe, Skid Loader
- 1 comments
Tim Carter Explains Ideal Two Car Garage Dimensions
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/30 @ 8:00Tim Carter is best known for his weekly syndicated “Ask The Builder” column. You can read more about Tim here: https://www.askthebuilder.com/tim-carter-autobiography/ Q. I can’t tell you how many thousands of dollars I’ve spent on remote storage facility fees. I want to put all my stuff on my own land in a dream garage. I realize a […]
Read moreConcrete Piers, RV Carport, a Wedding Venue
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/29 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building with concrete piers, design of storage for an RV, and how wide a venue for weddings can be built. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I will start with the biggest question I have. Can you design a Pole Barn building 40x60x14 Gable roof 5/12 to be […]
Read more- Categories: Trusses, Footings, Pole Barn Homes, Venues, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Concrete Piers, RV Shed, Open Carport
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Painting Tips for Post Frame building Owners
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/25 @ 8:00Painting Tips for Post Frame building Owners Generally, post frame buildings are fairly maintenance-free, which is among the many reasons they’re so popular. Whether your building is for residential, commercial, or agricultural use, you undoubtedly have come to depend on it. When it’s time to repaint the original metal coating on your post frame building […]
Read morePouring Concrete into Holes With a High Water Table
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/16 @ 8:00Back in my general contractor days we would run into building sites where water would fill up some or all of our hole depth. While this seemed highly problematic then it was actually far less of an issue than originally presumed. Reader RACHEL in CLARK writes: “We are looking to put up a 24′ X […]
Read moreFishing Cabin Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/12 @ 8:00Fishing Cabin Insulation Blog-Compliments to Rick Carr in sharing this post on how he insulated his fishing cabin. My insulation challenges are a little unique due to having an above ground crawl space, radiant floor heating above the sub floor, 2×8 and 2×10 walls and having a partial attic area (over the bedrooms) with the […]
Read moreOut of Square Steel Panels
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/10 @ 8:00Out of Square Steel Panels Builder CALEB writes: “Hey Mike, sorry to bother you again with another question. Do you know what causes this? The sheets of siding are plumb and the rat guard is level. Am I being too picky? Thank you!!!” Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds: Sure do – these panels are […]
Read moreBarndominium Contractor
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/06/05 @ 8:00How to Have a Fair Relationship With Your Barndominium Contractor I have been a contractor and I have hired contractors. As much as you might wish to believe it will not be so, contractors can be a source of stress and anxiety. They can be masters at squeezing out profits, while putting in minimal efforts. […]
Read moreHow to Install Bookshelf Girts for Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/29 @ 8:00How to Install Bookshelf Girts for Insulation Reader SEAN in CAMAS writes: “Please help! I have plans for a 48x60x16 pole barn here in the NW. I helped build a pole barn when I was in my teens and I think mostly for my young back and ability to swing a hammer. However I am […]
Read moreIsolating Heated and Unheated Barndominium Concrete Floors
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/22 @ 8:00Isolating Heated and Unheated Barndominium Concrete Floors Loyal reader MIKE in COUPEVILLE writes: “I see you recently posted a detailed drawing on insulating the perimeter of a pole barn, very helpful. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/03/meeting-barndominium-slab-requirements/ I’m currently looking at purchasing a large pole barn, it will be 84’x42′ with posts 12′ apart. I plan to make 2 of […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Heating, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Shouse, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete, Footings
- Tags: Radiant Heat, Pex-Al-Pex Tubing, Concrete Slab Insulation, Concrete Zone Heating, Rigid Insulation, Concrete Slab
- 1 comments
“One-Pour Post Frame Concrete Footings
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/21 @ 8:00“One-pour” Post Frame Concrete Footings and Bottom Collars As originally engineered Hansen Pole Buildings’ column encasement design, had pressure preservative columns placed to the bottom of an augured hole. Pre-mix concrete was then poured around each column’s lower 16-18 inches to form a bottom collar. Concrete to wood’s bond strength was sufficient to enable this […]
Read moreHow to Square a Post Frame Building Roof
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/06 @ 8:00Many builders believe if they have a building correct in width and length at ground, diagonals at ground are equal (footprint is square) and columns are plumb, then when they get ready to run roof steel everything will be perfectly ready to go. This might be close to true for a small footprint building with […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Trusses, Columns
- Tags: Eave Struts, Plumb, Come-along, Plumb Columns, Building Roof Square
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Ganging Up Barndominium Roof Trusses
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/05 @ 8:00Hansen Pole Buildings’ client (and quickly becoming our good friend) Brett and his lovely bride are self-building their new barndominium at Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee. For those who are like me and rely upon front seat navigator with a GPS on her phone to get anywhere – Brett is mostly West and slightly North of Nashville, […]
Read moreSteel Wall Penetrations for Mounting Light Fixtures
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/05/01 @ 8:00We at Hansen Buildings were sad to see Rick Carr retire as a Building Designer for Hansen, as he sold alot of buildings and treated his clients well. We are fortunate he sends us a blog now and then as he works on his hunting cabin. He takes lots of pictures, so enjoy this blog […]
Read morePole Building Layout for Drilling Holes
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/17 @ 8:00Building Layout for Drilling Holes Reader ROGER in LISBON asks: “What is fastest way to layout a building for drilling holes?” From Hansen Pole Buildings’ Construction Manual: Building Layout The building layout establishes exact reference lines and elevations. Care in layout makes construction easier and helps keep building square. REMINDER: Building width and length are […]
Read moreCreating 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: Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Insulation, Pole Building How To Guides, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Shouse
- Tags: Flash And Batt System, BIBS Insulation, Batt Insulation, Bookshelf Girts, Bearing Blocks, Weather Resistant Barrier, Commercial Bookshelf Wall Girts, Commercial Girts
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Insulating an Existing Post Frame Building Attic
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/04/02 @ 8:00We are in an era where climate control of brand new post frame buildings is extremely common. It is also much easier to insulate (or plan for it) at time of construction, rather than having to go back and do it afterwards. For new post frame buildings, here is my Ultimate Guide to Post Frame […]
Read moreFire Separation Requirements for Barndominiums
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/18 @ 8:00Fire Separation Requirements for Barndominiums and Shouses Loyal reader CHUCK in MERINO timed asking this question perfectly, as fire separation requirements for barndominiums, shouses and post frame houses had just made it to my list of subjects to research and comment upon. Chuck writes: “I was wondering if you could pen your interpretation of the […]
Read more- Categories: Building Interior, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Insulation, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Shouse, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Building Doors
- Tags: Automatic Sprinkler System, 2006 Energy Conservation Code, 5/8" Type X Drywall, Fire Rated Doors, Two Hour Fire Separation
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No Leak Barndominium Windows
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/05 @ 8:00No Leak Barndominium Windows Steel covered barndominiums, regardless of whether they are PEMBs, weld ups or post frame, if they leak it is in one of two places. First of these is when an errant roof screw misses a purlin or is improperly seated. Second of these is around windows. As a builder I found […]
Read moreCondensation Above Metal Building Roof Insulation
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/03/03 @ 8:00Condensation 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 […]
Read moreBarndominium Brick Wainscot
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/02/04 @ 8:00Actual Brick Considerations for Barndominium Wainscot With post frame buildings becoming a ‘rage’ for use as homes, barndominiums and shouse (shop/houses) alternatives to dress them up are quickly arising. Amongst these options are clients looking to have actual brick wainscot, as opposed to using a different color of steel siding, thin brick, or other cultured […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Brick Ledge, Barndominium, Foundation Wall, Weather Resistant Barrier, Shouse, Brick Wainscot, Brick Veneer, Brick Veneer Structural Support
- 2 comments
Wall Girt Spacing, Roof Only to Fully Enclosed, and Dade Cty
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/02/03 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about “proper wall girt spacing,” enclosing and insulating a roof only building, and if a post frame meets code in Dade County Florida. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I just contacted a contractor to build my pole barn and he said 2 x4 wall girts at 36″ I don’t think […]
Read moreMore Information, Pricing for a Kit, and Site Work and Grade Changes
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/13 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about “more information” on Hansen Pole Building’s product, pricing for a kit, as well as site work and grade changes. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey, I was wanting to see if I could get some more information on a steel house. My wife and I have 5 acres in […]
Read moreCalculating 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 moreSupporting Fill When Considerable Grade Change Exists
Posted by polebarnguru on 20/01/02 @ 8:00Supporting Fill When Considerable Grade Changes Exist Everything in post frame (pole) building land seems to be predicated upon a clear level site. While many parts of our world (Upper Midwest) are fairly flat, most live where ups and downs, swirls and contours exist. Reader ROBERT in RIVER FALLS writes: “I have a considerable slope […]
Read moreA Skid Lift for Post Frame Building at Heights
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/17 @ 8:00The Use of a Skid Lift for Post Frame Building Safely at Heights Long time readers will recall my penchant for safety on roofs, given my own Father’s untimely demise from a rooftop fall back in 1988. Today’s guest solution is thanks to Paul Wick. Paul is Sales Manager at Skid-Lift, LLC located in Fargo, […]
Read more- Categories: Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides
- Tags: Skid-Lift, Paul Wick, Scaffolding, Skid Steer, Scissor Lift
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How to Finish a Concrete Slab on Grade
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/10 @ 8:00How to Finish a Concrete Slab on Grade Concrete is not my friend, it ranks right there with my ability to do plumbing. My Dad was awesome, he could do either of these with ease. Neither of these tasks, done by me personally, have given me results I am pleased with. So I hire professionals. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building How To Guides, Concrete
- Tags: Power Trowel, Mag Float, Hand Trowel, Broom Surface Concrete
- 2 comments
Overhead Door Jambs
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/06 @ 8:00Overhead Door Jambs With Bracket Mounted Columns Of course there are many methods of post frame construction-ours just happens to be best (at least we like to think so)! Reader TOM in BOSCOBEL writes: “I set laminated 2×6 beams into wet set anchors. I am ready to attach the 2×6 jambs to the rough opening, […]
Read morePost Frame Condensation and Insulation Challenge
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/12/04 @ 8:00Solving Yet Another Post Frame Condensation and Insulation Challenge Long time loyal readers will sigh as yet another post frame building has been erected without thoughts to how to properly insulate and control condensation. Had our new friend invested in a Hansen Pole Building, chances are good we would not be having this question and […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Barndominium, Insulation, Ventilation, Pole Barn Questions, Building Interior, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Planning
- Tags: Bookshelf Wall Girts, Vented Ridge, Insulation, Vapor Barrier, Barndominium Condensation, Condensation, BIBS Insulation, Batt Insulation, Gable Vents
- No comments