Category Archives: Professional Engineer
Pondering a Cabin Dilemma
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/24 @ 8:00Pondering a Cabin Dilemma With barndominiums, shouses (shed/houses) and post frame homes becoming increasingly popular, there are many who gaze fondly at existing pole barns and consider converting some or all of these spaces into living areas. Reader MATT writes: “Hi, I’ve been following your links and comments on different pages and trust your opinion […]
Read more- Categories: Lofts, Pole Barn Homes, Pole Barn Questions, Cabin, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Rebuilding Structures, Professional Engineer
- Tags: NFBA, National Frame Building Association, Pole Barn Sheds, Rick Carr, Post Frame Cabin, Registered Design Professional
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Typical Wall Bracing Details for Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/22 @ 8:00There are many ways to permanently brace walls of pole barn (post frame) buildings. Most of these methods are utilized in buildings not designed by a Registered Professional Engineer (RDP). A RDP who has a great deal of experience with post frame building intricacies would first be looking at a structural design to utilize steel […]
Read moreSliding Doors, Building Height Increase, and Wind Ratings
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/21 @ 8:00Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about why Hansen does not sell sliding doors without the rest of the building, creating more space in an existing building, and wind rating comparison of post frame, stick built, and steel frame buildings. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. I saw a video of a heavy duty hardware for […]
Read moreOverhead Door Header Problems
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/17 @ 8:00Overhead Door Header Problems (and More) Reader MITCH in NASHVILLE writes: “I recently purchased a property that the previous owner had just built a 30×50 pole barn on. It has foil faced double bubble on the roof and walls. I need to heat and possibly cool the space. What are the options for insulating the […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, About The Pole Barn Guru, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Building How To Guides, Trusses, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Type X Gypsom Wallboard, Building Deflection, Five Psf Bottom Chord Dead Load, Engineer, Truss Carriers, Radiant Reflective Barrier, Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
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Where to Invest in a Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/11 @ 8:00Is This Where You Want to Invest Your Hard Earned Dollars? This excerpt is from an online publication called “Insiders” who promotes to provide advice from local experts. It happens to be from a “Do-It-Best” in Northwest Oregon: “And if you’re still thinking of installing a pole barn, come in and see us. We have […]
Read moreUnknowedgeable Post Frame Building Suppliers
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/10/01 @ 8:00Reader JEREMY in STAFFORD SPRINGS is experiencing challenges with unknowledgeable post frame building suppliers. I will share his own words with you: “I am currently attempting to price out for a metal building, post frame or conventional stick built. The dimensions we are looking at is a 40×60 with a 12 foot roof. I am […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Building Department, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Pole Building Engineered Plans, Pole Building Calculations, Building Department, Planning Department, Pole Building Technical Support, Engineered Plans, Post Frame Building Packages, Engineer Sealed Structural Plans
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Planning for a Post Frame Home
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/09/27 @ 8:00When it comes to planning for a new post frame home, shouse (shop/house) or barndominium, there are a myriad of questions and concerns to be answered and pondered. Or, at least I hope you are – rather than just stumbling in blindly! Reader NICK in NORTH CAROLINA writes: “Hi, I’m looking into options for building […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Homes, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Post Frame Home, Building Contractor, Barndominium, Footings, Building Interior, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Barndominium, Frost Protected Shallow Foundations, Dripstop, Reflective Radiant Barrier, Splash Plank, Shouse, Bracket Set Columns, Electrical/plumbing/mechanical
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Torn Between Two Lovers
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/09/24 @ 8:00In reader JEREMY from GOSHEN’s case, he is torn between two methods of post frame construction, rather than one hit wonder Mary MacGregor’s 1976 tune “Torn Between Two Lovers”. JEREMY wrote, “I’m torn between trusses on 4′ centers and what you do the double trusses every 10 or 12”. Mike the Pole Barn Guru says: […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions
- Tags: Steel Hangers, Purlins Flat Across Truss Tops, Wind Uplift Loads, Barn Style Barn Girts, Bookshelf Girts, Double Trusses, Pole Barn Truss Spacing, Architects, Engineers
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Building Near Nashville, Engineered Plans, and Clear Spans
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/09/23 @ 8:00Today the PBG answers questions about building near Nashville, engineered plans for a possible client, and the possible clear span of trusses. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can we have this built near Nashville TN? CRAIG in SAN CLEMENTE DEAR CRAIG: We can provide a new Hansen Pole Building kit package anywhere in the United […]
Read moreResponsibilities Where the Legal Requirements Mandate
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/09/17 @ 8:00Responsibilities where the Legal Requirements Mandate a Registered Design Professional for Buildings (Section 2.3 of ANSI/TPI 1) MPC is Metal-Plate-Connected; RDP is Registered Design Professional (architect or engineer). “In preparation for specifying MPC wood trusses, every section of Chapter 2 and ANSI/TPI 1-2007 (NOTE: ANSI/TPI 1-2014 retains same language) standard should be carefully studied by […]
Read more- Categories: Building Contractor, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Registered Design Professional, Architect, Engineer, Permanent Bracing, Long Span Truss Requirements, Temporary Bracing, ANSI/TPI 1 Standard
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North to Alaska
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/15 @ 8:00While Alaska is America’s last great frontier, it doesn’t mean when we go North, we throw proper structural design out of a window. Reader CRAIG in WILLOW has more challenges going on than he has dreamed. He writes: “Hello, I’m building a 42Wx50D pole barn. I have 6×6 columns spaced 10’ apart on more than […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Questions, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Footings
- Tags: Snow Load, Roof Truss Top Chords, Deflection Criteria, Barn Style Girts, Bending Criteria, Bookshelf Girts, Wall Girts, Wind Load
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Does an IRC Design Work for Most Residences?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/13 @ 8:00In my humble opinion (and in one word) – no. I have opined in past articles as to what Code is applicable to post frame (pole) building construction: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/10/what-building-code-applies-to-post-frame-construction/. Recently Louisiana engineer Steve M. Sylvest (www.sylvestengineering.com ) sent an email to Structural Building Components Association addressing challenges with non-engineered structures, particularly residences. Again, I stand […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor
- Tags: Structural Engineers, Architects, Steve M. Syvest, Building Designer, Engineered Wood Products, IRC Building Code, Gravity Loading
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What an Engineer of Record Does for a Post Frame Building Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/09 @ 8:00Continued from yesterday’s blog, an article by Jesse Lohse in SBC Magazine: System Design Understand Load Path Gravity Lateral Uplift MEP conflicts Initial Designs Roof System Walls Floor System(s) Foundation Broad Analysis for construction documents System Design Once an initial conceptual design is complete, an engineer will turn their attention to system design in […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Post Frame Home, Barndominium
- Tags: Gravity, Lateral Force Resisting Systems, Building Floor System, Dead Loads, Seismic Loads, Wind Loads, Live Loads, Load Path; Building Roof System
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Ever Wonder What a Post Frame Engineer Does? Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/08/08 @ 8:00I have been pooh-poohed on occasion for my insistence every post frame building (or barndominium) should have an engineer involved. Very few potential building owners understand what it is an engineer does or how they are adding value to a particular project. To follow, in its entirety, is an article by Jess Lohse, originally published […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure
- Tags: Engineer Of Record, SBC Magazine, Jess Lohse, Post Frame Conceptual Design, Post Frame System Design, Architectural Drawings, Soil Report, Bearing Walls Stacking
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Hiring an Engineer is Terrible Advice?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/07/12 @ 8:00Registered Design Professionals and Building Officials please weigh in on this one. Is hiring an engineer terrible advice? In a Facebook ‘Barndominium Living’ discussion group this was posted: “Curious as to how many of you consulted an engineer before building (for concrete and steel framing) or simply went with your welder’s design?” First response, from […]
Read moreBarndominium: Building Kit or Building Shell?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/06/27 @ 8:00Barndominium: Building Kit or Building Shell? This was a recent post from a Barndominium discussion group I am a member of: “Kit vs shell; I’m defining a kits as coming with everything like insulation and metal studs (the next step would be mechanical trades) whereas shell would be dried in with nothing. Kit companies would […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, About The Pole Barn Guru, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Planning, Barndominium, Professional Engineer, Lofts, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Weather Resistant Barriers, Reflective Insulation, Building Shell, Building Kit, Pole Barn Building Kit Packages, Post Frame Building Kit Packages, Pole Building Barndominium, Barndominium
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New Pole Buildings Cost Money
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/06/19 @ 8:00New Buildings Cost Money As I recently mentioned, I have joined several Barndominium Facebook groups. It has proven to be enlightening and has given me a great deal of information towards authoring a book or books on Post Frame Barndominiums. In asking for input on chapters for my endeavor, I had one person respond with: […]
Read moreLocal Building Supply is Wrong Choice
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/05/22 @ 8:00With an advent of internet providers such as Amazon (www.amazon.com ) there has been more pressure to “buy local”. Sometimes buying local can be a blessing, but when it comes to a new post-frame (pole barn) building – even an attempt to buy local can prove to be an experience (and not a pleasant one). […]
Read morePost Frame Building Siding Choices
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/05/21 @ 8:00Your Planning Department May Dictate Your Post-Frame Siding Choices Although most of us general population members are unawares, your local Planning Department has a great deal of power over what you can or cannot do with your own property. This goes right down to decisions on siding choices for your new post-frame building! (Read more […]
Read moreSelf-Designed Pole Buildings
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/05/17 @ 8:00Spring, When a Young Man’s Heart Turns to Self-Designing Pole Buildings For some obscure reason a plethora of otherwise intelligent people have an idea. This idea being they can structurally design a building to be adequate to resist applied climactic loads, without any actually engineering background. Given an under designed building can lead to failure, […]
Read moreI am Designing a Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/05/15 @ 8:00I Am Designing a Pole Barn…. These words strike fear in my heart. Reader ELISEO in FLOWERY BRANCH writes: “ I’m designing a Pole Barn to be 30’W x 40’L x 12’H. I’m asking for 6 trusses to be placed 8’ on center with a 4:12 pitch. I’m gonna tie them together with 2×4 on […]
Read moreCan a Building Official Deny Approval of a Professional Engineer’s Work?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/05/14 @ 8:00Does a Building Official have the capacity to deny the work of a Professional Engineer? Excerpted from SBC Magazine April 2, 2019 The short answer is no, not according to the law. Why? Simply put, building officials are not granted legal authority over professional engineers. Rather, they only have authority with respect to enforcing specific provisions of the […]
Read moreEave Height, Gambrel Size, and To Tie New to Old Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/04/29 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses eave height, the size of a gambrel building and advice how to tie new building to existing structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: When you refer to height are you measuring to the peak or sidewall? This pole barn will be used as an indoor (uninsulated) riding arena with some […]
Read moreBuilding Over a Basement, an OHD Modification, and Interior Photos?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/04/22 @ 8:00This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about building over a basement, an OHD modification, and interior photos of one of our buildings? DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I order a pole barn knowing that it will be built over a basement will the plans show how to install the floor or do I […]
Read moreA Problem Good Structural Engineering Could Solve Part III
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/04/09 @ 8:00Part III, the conclusion by Dr. David Bohnhoff, Phd., P.E., Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Perhaps only people that engineer buildings understand and appreciate the true dangers and hence insanity of erecting (and then occupying) a structure of absolutely unknown strength. To structural engineers involved in agricultural building design, NOT following the structural […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Building Contractor, Rebuilding Structures
- Tags: Agriculturally Exempt Buildings, Heavy Roof Snow, Heavy Snow Loads, Non-engineered Buildings, Agricultural Buildings
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A Problem Good Structural Engineering Could Solve Part I
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/04/04 @ 8:00This is copied, by permission, from a blog post by Aaron Halberg, P.E. Aaron is a member of the NFBA (National Frame Building Association) Technical and Research committee. (In one of the many discussions following the rash of building collapses experienced throughout the Midwest this winter, I received a copy of the email below from […]
Read more- Categories: Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: WI Commercial Building Code, International Building Code, Prescriptive Building Requirements, Aaron Halberg, Dr. David Bohnhoff, Prescriptive Building Code, Asymmetric Roofs, W
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Addition to House, Stone Floor Moisture Barrier
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/03/25 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses a post frame addition to a house, whether or not one should use a plastic barrier under the stone floor in a steel building, and the ability of a truss carrier to handle imposed loads. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi! We are considering a sizeable addition to our 600 […]
Read moreRoof Collapses Due to Heavy Snow are Largely Avoidable
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/03/14 @ 8:00Roof Collapses Due To Heavy Snow Are Largely Avoidable. Portions of this article are thanks to a February 25, 2019 article by Bill Steffan at www.woodtv.com “Above pic. is the Negaunee Schools bus garage in Marquette Co., Michigan. The roof collapsed under the weight of heavy snow over the […]
Read moreCan You Provide Just Trusses for My New Pole Barn?
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/03/12 @ 8:00Back in my owning a roof truss manufacturing plant days, we sold trusses to a building contractor, who was uninsured, and new building owner neglected to insure building. When it collapsed due to builder error (building also was not engineered), our insurance company ended up paying for a replacement building as it was ruled we […]
Read moreSafety Information for Post Frame Truss Installation
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/02/21 @ 8:00Safety Information for Post-Frame Truss Installation The following article, written by Frank Woeste, P.E., appeared in the February 2018 edition of The Component Manufacturing Advertiser, and is reprinted here, in its entirety. The BCSI-B10 document referenced is included within the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Construction Manual as part of every building kit package provided by Hansen […]
Read moreEave Lights, Building Plans, and Foundations
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/01/07 @ 8:00Today Mike answers questions about eave lights, drawing building plans, and foundation plans. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How to I attach the poly eave lights to the building frame? RUSSELL in BOISE DEAR RUSSELL: Polycarbonate panels are best predrilled for screw fasteners using a 3/8” bit. Screw pattern for eave lights is same as for […]
Read moreMulti-Story Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 19/01/01 @ 1:30Multi-story Pole Barns Hansen Pole Buildings has developed a reputation for taking potentially challenging post frame (pole barn) building projects and developing them from concept to fruition. This leads many clients, with an interest in multi-story pole barns, to our doors. My own post frame building home, along Lake Traverse South Dakota side, features both […]
Read moreAvoiding Pulling a Building Permit?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/12/13 @ 8:00Avoiding Pulling a Building Permit? You have a densely treed rural location or have no neighbors, so you have made a decision to avoid pulling a building permit for your new post frame building. Think again – YOU. WILL. BE. CAUGHT. All too often we hear from clients who invested in Hansen Pole Building kits […]
Read moreGuest Blog Specifics
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/11/29 @ 8:00Guest Blog Specifics. This column has been recognized multiple times as a top construction industry blog – second World Wide in 2017 and 2018! It also has a significant readership, with articles having been read as many as 240,000 times. Due to this popularity, I receive numerous requests to guest blog. Who should consider submitting […]
Read moreWho is Responsible for Design of Permanent Truss Bracing?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/11/23 @ 8:00Who is Responsible for Design of Permanent Truss Bracing? This article was triggered by an email questioning truss bracing from Hansen Pole Buildings’ client JASON in WELLINGTON who writes: “My inspector is telling me that the truss documents take precedence over the building plans. I told them the building plan has the x bracing and […]
Read moreAcquire a Building Permit First
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/11/14 @ 8:00You want a new pole barn, so you put together some plans, order up some materials, have them delivered and start building. In all of this excitement something was overlooked – acquiring a Building Permit! Reader SHELBY in COLORADO writes: “Hello, My name is Shelby, my father and I are trying to build a pole […]
Read moreFrost Heave, Sliding Door Dilemma, and Climate Control Plans
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/11/05 @ 8:00The Pole Barn Guru addresses questions about frost heave, a sliding door dilemma, and plans on climate control. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello. Do you have any information regarding how to avoid frost movement with Pole Barn Building designs in stony ground and cold climates such as Norway? There is a building nearby that had […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Pole Barn Design, Footings, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Heating
- Tags: Insulation, Frost Heave, Sliding Doors, Climate Control
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What is a Building Official?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/30 @ 8:00What is a Building Official, and what is their Scope of Work? The average potential new post frame owner (as well as most building contractors) has little or no idea of what a Building Official’s scope of work truly is. Sean Shields and Kirk Grundahl, P.E. (Professional Engineer) recently published an article in SBC Magazine […]
Read moreWhat Size Truss Carriers?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/10 @ 8:00What Size Truss Carriers? It seems every day I am asked to do structural design of post frame buildings – for free. Today’s request comes from BOB in ARKDALE who writes: “Yesterday I asked a question about a double header and single trusses being spaced every 4 feet with 8 foot spacing on posts. I […]
Read moreOklahoma, Is it OK?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/09 @ 8:00Oklahoma, Is It OK? Last weekend my lovely bride and I attended an event hosted by her first husband’s sister and her husband. Event purpose was to celebrate this couple’s upcoming 40th wedding anniversary. Adding to this fun, at least for me, was a new Hansen Pole Building being erected onsite (D.I.Y. husband doing some […]
Read moreDry Set Brackets on Foundation, Unfinished Jobs, and Engineering
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/10/08 @ 8:00Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses rebuilding on an existing concrete foundation with dry set brackets, unfinished work, and proper engineering. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’ve recently torn down an old machine shed that still has very good 8″ wide by 24″ deep cement foundation walls that I’m thinking about using to erect a new […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Structure, Footings, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Footings, Dry Set Brackets, Unfinished Work, Foundation, Engineering
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Adding a Second Floor to an Existing Pole Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/08/15 @ 8:00Adding a Second Floor in an Existing Pole Building More than one pole (post frame) building owner has an idea of adding a second floor inside their existing building. Or, they plan a new post frame building with an idea of a future second floor being incorporated. This apparently simple proposition has no simplicity involved. […]
Read morePoor Pole Barn Plans Lead to Poor Results
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/07/27 @ 8:00Poor Pole Barn Plans Lead to Poor Results There are a plethora of places people can go to buy a pole barn kit package with plans – Hansen Pole Buildings (I’d like to believe there is a reason we are the industry’s leader), a few online resellers, nearly every lumberyard in America, as well as […]
Read moreWhat To Do With an Old Dollar General Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/07/19 @ 8:00What to Do With an Old Dollar General® Pole Barn In the fall of 2016 the town of Reading, MI purchased the pole barn which had previously been the home of a Dollar General® store. The original plan was to convert the pole barn into a new city hall, but, after seeing the estimated price […]
Read moreWhat Size Posts Should I Use?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/07/13 @ 8:00What Size Posts Does My Building Need and How Deep Should They Be? Reader ANONYMOUS in BENTON writes: “1. If my building has 16 posts and posts are 12 feet apart do I need 4×6’s or 6×6’s? 2. If the plan shows 16 feet above grade how much do I need underground? 3. If the […]
Read moreGarage Idea, Barn Doors, and Another Eave Height Question
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/07/02 @ 8:00Today’s blog discusses a Garage Idea, Barn Doors, and Another Eave Height Question. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: 30’ wide x32’ deep garage 6×6 posts spaced 10’ apart except one side 16’ span. 2×8 headers doubled 2×6 side walls supporters on slab. 2×6 rafters with on 2’ centers with 2×6 connectors between rafters also on 2’ […]
Read moreAdding a Lean-to on a Pole Barn Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/06/26 @ 8:00To continue from last Friday’s blog on adding a lean-to onto an existing pole building… Moving onto the design of the lean-to itself: The lean-to can be placed to either begin at the same height of the existing building eave, or the high side can be placed lower along the original building wall. If the […]
Read moreAdding a Lean-to on a Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/06/22 @ 8:00Adding a Lean-to on a Pole Barn In six years and nearly 1500 articles written it is hard for me to believe I have actually overlooked the topic of a lean-to being added to a pole barn! For the biblical readers amongst you, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find” […]
Read moreHelp with Instructions? Correct Frost Depth, and Nailing Schedule for OSB
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/06/18 @ 8:00Today the PBG attempts to assist with finding some instructions, the correct frost depth, and nailing schedule for OSB. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: A friend of mine gave me a cannonball track and hardware setup for my pole barn garage. I have looked everywhere for INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. I cannot find anything on line. Can you […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Footings, Professional Engineer, Roofing Materials
- Tags: Frost Depth, Sliding Door, Post Holes, Nailing Pattern
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Advice on a Hay Barns, and Registered Design Professionals (Use them)!
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/06/11 @ 8:00Today Mike advises on the Post Frame construction of Roof Only Hay Barns, and the need to use a Registered Design Professional. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: You have a page showing roof only hay barns. There are two photos, one which shows a partially enclosed hay barn. I am very interested in this for my […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Building Comparisons, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Professional Engineer
- Tags: RDP, Engineer Of Record, Roof Only, Hay Barn, Scissor Truss
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Trump on Tariffs
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/05/30 @ 8:00Trump’s Tariffs Driving Up Pole Building Costs (Includes information from an April 24, 2018 article at www.villages-news.com Florida by Marv Balousek) “Federal tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed several weeks ago by the Trump Administration already are having an impact in Wildwood. The tariffs were blamed Monday night for increasing the cost of a steel pole barn […]
Read moreTo Learn More, A Roof Steel Replacement, and Ideal Height
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/05/21 @ 8:00An Engineer wants to Learn More, Roof Steel Replacement, and the ideal Building Height to Accommodate an RV! DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m a licensed engineer in KY. I would like to learn more about pole barn design. Do you have any references that you would recommend? James in KY DEAR JAMES: The NFBA Post […]
Read moreIt’s All About the Posts!
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/04/30 @ 8:00Trimming Posts, A Taller Building, and Post Treatment: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Trimming posts or adding Shims? My pole barn kit uses steel trusses that sit on top of the posts and bolt to their sides. If I set two or three posts lower than the rest, can I just add a shim the top […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Professional Engineer, Columns
- Tags: Posts, Columns, Post Treatment, Taller Building, Trimming Posts
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How Not to do a Post Frame Sheer Wall
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/04/27 @ 8:00How Not to Do a Post Frame Shear Wall Reader DAVID in MIDDLETON writes: “Hi we are currently building a 40/72 pole barn. We are wrapping the bottom 4 feet in OSB for sheer strength along with sheeting the roof with osb. We want to insulate the walls and put a drop ceiling in the […]
Read more18 Foot Span Roof Purlins?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/04/04 @ 8:00The Possibility of 18 Foot Span Roof Purlins? Reader CHRIS writes: “I have a building I want to build but I am not able to add the height I need on the side walls. My plans are 24 deep by 30 wide with 8 foot walls. Roof trusses would be 24 ft. My problem comes […]
Read moreBoth Ends Open, Pole Barn Wind Load Challenge
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/03/13 @ 8:01The Both Ends Open, Pole Barn Wind Load Challenge There are plenty of people who just do not understand the basic concepts of how wind loads are transferred through a pole barn (post frame building) to the ground. Included amongst these would be those who desire buildings which are enclosed on both long sidewalls and […]
Read moreIndiana Class 1 Building Must Have Posts on 4′ Centers?
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/02/22 @ 8:00Indiana Class 1 Building Must Have Posts on 4’ Centers? Reader GARY in CONNERSVILLE writes: “I am going to build a 60 x 160 , 18′ ceiling height for a sawing operation at our plant. I am told being a class 1 building, employee occupied, that the side posts need to be on 4′ centers, […]
Read moreTop Plate
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/01/30 @ 8:00Top Plate (Truss Carrier) Size With Attic Trusses Question from reader JEFFREY in STAPLETON: “I’m building a gambrel pole barn 30ft x 50ft , these are attic trusses with a 16ft room sitting @ 2ft oc, will 10ft pole spacing with double 2×12 top plate be sufficient, any suggestions?” Mike the Pole Barn responds: […]
Read moreBuilders Who Make No Upgrades in Twenty-Five Years
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/01/25 @ 8:00Builders Who Make No Upgrades in Twenty-Five Years. Why? We’ve Been Building This Way for 25 Years In the event you happen to hear this from a pole builder – run away from them as quickly as possible. Why? Because every three years there is a new version of the Building Codes and often those […]
Read moreConverting a Pole Barn to a Residence
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/01/23 @ 8:00Converting a Barn to a Residence Reader MARK in PORTLAND writes: “I have a pole barn structure that was converted to a residence without a permit. The slab is 4″ thick with a 4×4 skirt edge around the perimeter. Since the foundation is a pole (pier) system, does the slab edge (non-load bearing) need a […]
Read moreA Retro-Fit, Truss Support? and Sliding Door Installation
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/01/22 @ 8:00The pole barn Guru looks at a Retro-Fit, truss supports, and installing a sliding door. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a question about Retro-Fit insulating my pole barn. I live in Southwest Michigan and bought my house with an existing 40’x60′ building, just used for storing farm equipment before I acquired it. Steel roofing […]
Read more8 Questions to Ask When Investing in a Pole Barn
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/01/10 @ 8:008 Quick Questions to Ask When Investing in a Pole Barn Will my building be fully-engineered? Be sure all of your building’s components are engineered to work together and to last – this entails a complete building system, designed specifically for your site, with your openings and sealed by an RDP (Registered Design Professional – […]
Read moreFlood Rebuilding, Retrofitting Stem Wall, and Platinum Engineering
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/01/08 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi. I am an architect with a flood victim client in Houston whose 1500 sf house must be rebuilt 5′ above grade. C panel, aluminum sliding windows/doors, low budget. Is it crazy to think they could buy a custom kit from you and have a crew from MN install it in […]
Read moreDon’t Hire a Contractor Unless You Are Willing to Take a Risk
Posted by polebarnguru on 18/01/04 @ 8:00From The Dalles (Oregon) Chronicle December 26, 2017: “A theft report was filed Wednesday morning concerning a theft by deception when a woman reported she paid a contractor $30,000 to build a pole barn on her property by the end of October and no work has been completed.” Most people assume when they hire a […]
Read moreMoving Pole Barns
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/22 @ 8:00Moving a Pole Barn Most of us American adults have, at some time in our lives, visited a county or state fair. Adjunct to these events is the inevitable midway – where carnies (those wonderful and frequently interesting folks) hock their wares and try to interest one and all in a game of chance. Amongst […]
Read moreDesigning a Single Slope Pole Building
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/21 @ 8:00Designing a Single Slope Finished Pole Barn Reader JIM in ROCHESTER writes: “I am looking for an immediate response. I am building a 30×50 single pitch pole barn that I will eventually insulate and drywall. I plan to run a row of posts down the center of the barn to support the rafters. I will […]
Read moreMy Response: Why We Need Building Codes
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/14 @ 8:00My Response: Why We Need Building Codes As promised, here is my response to the Coeur d’Alene Press article of December 5, 2017 (exactly as I wrote in the comments portion following the newspaper article regarding adoption of building codes): I will first qualify myself – I attended the University of Idaho in architecture. I […]
Read moreStructural Engineering
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/07 @ 8:00I’ll take Structural Engineering for $XXX Alex Proper Engineering in post frame construction can not be overlooked. Alex Trebek has hosted Jeopardy!, the iconic daily syndicated game show, since 1984. With over 7,000 episodes aired, Jeopardy! has won a record 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. Some of you may even have tuned in for an episode […]
Read more- Categories: Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Doors, Trusses
- Tags: Ground Snow Load, Engineer Of Record, Structural Engineering, Jeopardy, Truss Header, Snow Exposure Factor, Thermal Factor
- 6 comments
Put the Architect in Charge?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/06 @ 8:00Put the Architect in Charge? I spent several years paying off my college student loans from Architecture school, so I do have a profound respect for architects who have been able to make a living practicing their trade. This, however, does not mean I feel the intervention of an architect is appropriate in all situations […]
Read moreZip Codes, Insulation Options, and Free Quotes!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/04 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you do business with zip code 33478? I like to explore Pole Barn homes but with the strict hurricane code, I was not sure if you are allowed to do business with South Florida. PATTY in JUPITER FARM DEAR PATTY: Hansen Pole Buildings has provided post frame buildings in every […]
Read moreProblems in Steel Truss Building Land
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/12/01 @ 8:00Problems in Steel Truss Building Land Disclaimer – Hansen Pole Buildings does not provide steel truss post frame buildings and I have never personally been involved in the structural design of one, however there are a plethora of readily evident challenges with this building which should be properly addressed. Reader JAMES in TALLAHASSEE writes: “I […]
Read moreDon’t Be An Engineering Fool
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/11/17 @ 8:00Don’t Be an Engineering Fool Proverb: “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for his client”. I would paraphrase this to, “A man who is his own engineer has a fool for a client”. Donald Hamm is running for re-election to the Franklin (New York) town board. In a November 2, 2017 […]
Read moreTruss Repairs, Never Field Alter a Truss
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/11/09 @ 8:00How Should I Backfill My Pole Barn Holes?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/24 @ 8:00How Should I Backfill My Pole Building Holes This is a subject which is repeatedly brought up. Usually it is ones who are constructing a post frame building which was not designed by a registered design professional (RDP – architect or engineer). The wrong answer could easily lead to a catastrophic failure of the building! […]
Read moreInternational Residential Code and Tension Ties
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/20 @ 8:00International Residential Code and Tension Ties Reader DENNIS in TRAVERSE CITY writes: “ICC R602.10 is written to work with continuous foundations and vertical studs, not posts in holes and horizontal girts. How does a person translate bracing into post-frame language? An answer addressing tension ties would be helpful.” From the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC): […]
Read moreLoft Storage Solutions, Insulation, and Home Insurance?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/10/14 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I like the idea of a 2-stall garage with second level for storage. Is a second level storage area more economical than increasing the square footage of the building? Lot less concrete. JOEL in INDEPENDENCE DEAR JOEL: Only in rare instances is it more cost effective to go up, instead of […]
Read morePost Size? Convert to OHD? & Cleaning Dirty Vinyl
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/25 @ 8:08DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you have to use the same size posts on the end walls even if it is non load bearing? so if I use 6×6 posts that hold the trusses can I use smaller lumber on the non load bearing ends? Thank you. CAMERON in BOISE DEAR CAMERON: This is why […]
Read moreLoft Door, Antique Barns, and Footing Sizes?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/18 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an upstairs (loft) exterior opening that is 50″ wide by 68″ tall. I want to build a door with the National Hardware tab-loc frame and cover it with r-panel siding. How much overhang on each side, and top and bottom do I need to make the door? What should […]
Read more- Categories: Concrete, Footings, Alternate Siding, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Building How To Guides, Pole Barn Structure, Pole Building Doors
- Tags: Engineered Plans, Sliding Door Installation Instructions, Footings, Double Sliding Doors, Sliding Door Trim, Antique Barn Wood
- No comments
Converting a Pole Barn to a Residence
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/09/15 @ 8:00Reader BAILEE in LARAMIE writes: “Hi, I have a few questions about the structure of turning a pole barn to a residence in the Laramie, Wyoming area. The current project I am working on has pole spacing of about 10-12 feet. I wanted to know if this is still structurally stable with traditional framing with […]
Read moreDon’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/08/22 @ 8:00Don’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor Reader Clay has contributed the beginnings of this article, with a concern his pole barn floor might sink. Thank you Clay. “I am about to construct a 24’x32′ building to be used as a woodworking shop. I am strongly considering a pole barn. Now I do not want a […]
Read morePole Barn Footings
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/08/04 @ 8:00Some things in life amaze me – magicians are one of them. I have no idea how the do what they do, but I am totally fascinated by them (you can read about my college experience with a magician here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/08/lumber-bending/). One of the other things which amaze me are how clients will invest tens […]
Read moreMiracle Truss Concerns
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/08/03 @ 9:00One of the great things about being the Pole Barn Guru is helping people who have construction challenges of all sorts – even those who do not have post frame buildings. Here is a recent one: Hi Pole Barn Guru, and thanks for your informative website and blog. I’m using email rather than the website […]
Read moreThe Cheaper Roof Style, Plan Sales, and Engineering!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/31 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: For a span of 84 feet, which is cheaper, a single slope roof or a gabled roof? ANTHONY in NEW ORLEANS DEAR ANTHONY: At almost any span a gabled roof is going to be less expensive. At an 84 foot span, without question it will be significantly so. DEAR POLE BARN […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Professional Engineer
- Tags: Structural Engineers, Plans, Truss Style, Long Span Truss
- No comments
It Is Exactly the Same Building: Part II
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/27 @ 8:00Well, maybe not exactly the same building. Yesterday I ran a beginning list of comparison’s between a Hansen Building quote and a quote by one of our competitors espoused to be “exactly the same” by a client of ours. The saga continues: Powder coated diaphragm screws vs. #10 diameter painted screws . Those who are […]
Read more- Categories: Building Overhangs, Pole Barn Planning, Trusses, Powder Coated Screws, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Design, Fasteners, Pole Building Comparisons
- Tags: Recessed Purlins, Ledgerlocks, Engineer Sealed Plans, Bookshelf Girts, Double Trusses, Powder Coated Screws, Inside Closures
- 1 comments
Hire a Local Engineer and Work With a Lumber Yard?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/19 @ 8:00Should I Hire a Local Engineer and Work With a Lumber Yard? Let’s hope not. Here is the email which triggered this article: “Hello, I am building a 50×60 pole building with 22′ eaves. I’m shopping right now to either hire a local PE to design the structure and work with my local lumber yard to […]
Read moreRoof Trusses? Contractor Reviews, and Insulation Installation!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/08 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to rip off my current roof of trusses that are made of 2x4s 2 feet on center with new one of mono-pitched trusses that are every 4-ft or less on center. The roofing material on top of the new trusses would be a SIP panel of some sort. […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Building Department, Pole Barn Structure, Trusses, Professional Engineer, Insulation
- Tags: Code, Reviews, Trusses, Staples, Insulation, A1V, Contractors, Nails, Plans
- No comments
Overhead Door Columns in Pole Barn Enclosure
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/07/06 @ 10:02No Columns for Overhead Doors There are a few clients out there who leave parts of one or more walls open, with the idea of enclosing them at a later date. Most often this is done with the idea of being able to save money, however it is not always much of a money saver, […]
Read moreHangar to House?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/06/21 @ 8:00This article was triggered by an article I read recently by Karen L. Chandler at www.readingeagle.com in regards to a post frame building in Perry County, PA., excerpted below: “In other business, attorney Zachary A. Morey of Hoffert & Konis PC of Reading asked the supervisors to consider allowing an addition to Peter Lombardi’s pole […]
Read moreNeed an Engineer in Utah?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/06/20 @ 8:00I’ve never met or spoken with engineer Max Gregersen, engineer. I don’t even know for certain if he is an excellent engineer or not. What I DO know is he is not so egotistical as to believe he knows it all and he will reach out to others for assistance. This in itself speaks volumes […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Structure, Steel Roofing & Siding, Pole Building Siding, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design
- Tags: Post Frame Design, Pole Barn Homes, Max Gregersen, NFBA Post-Frame Design Manual, Standing Seam Panel Shear Value, Engineered Post Frame Building
- 4 comments
Sliding Doors, Codes, and Quonset Huts!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/06/12 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I would like to get a quote for sliding garage door for commercial building. The size that I would like to have is 8′ wide 12′ tall. If I can get two slide garage door it would be perfect (two 4’x12′ garage door) if not One door is fine. White garage […]
Read moreSpot the Post Frame Problem
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/06/06 @ 8:00Spot The Post Frame Problem – Reprised In our last episode, I left you all with a cliff hanger. I did clue you into it being a structural issue, which rules out our builder in the air with his safety harness hooked to an invisible sky hook. While you all ponder the photo and look […]
Read moreTo Retro-fit Sliding Doors, Insulation, or Windows!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/06/05 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an existing pole barn with a rough opening and I want to retro-fit a sliding door over it to block wind and rain. If I can supply you with the rough opening dimensions, can you quote the parts kit to assemble a metal frame and hangers that I can clad […]
Read moreEngineer Wanted for Pole Building Garage
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/06/02 @ 8:00Wanted an Engineer for Pole Barn Garage In deference to the attorneys at Menards, who seem very interested in the articles I write, this ad appeared on Craigslist recently, so it is a direct quote and has not been changed from the original posting: “I am looking for a Colorado registered engineer for a pole […]
Read moreThe Correct Vapor Barrier, Home Prices, as well as Why I Need an Engineer!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/05/22 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Framed a 12x30x8′ room in pole barn. Insulated ceiling & 1-30′ wall w/fiberglass, the outside wall will be spray foam. Do I need the vapor barrier the ceiling and the 1 wall. I will be using plywood on the ceiling and all the walls for a finish. Thank You for your […]
Read more- Categories: Insulation, Building Department, Professional Engineer, Pole Barn Homes
- Tags: Home, Engineered Plans, Pole Building Vapor Barrier, Financing, Cost
- No comments
Mobile Home Snow Roofs
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/05/10 @ 8:00Most mobile (a.k.a. manufactured) homes are designed with roofs which are only engineered to support a minimal snow load – most generally the maximum design roof snow loads range in the 30 to 40 psf (pounds per square foot) range. Besides the issue of snow, many mobile homes are designed with roof slopes of less […]
Read moreBuilding Homes, Valley Rooflines, and Size Does Matter!
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/04/24 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Just wondering if you build homes? I’m interested in building an open floor plan home with this style of architecture. NICK in SICKLERVILLE DEAR NICK: We do not happen to build anything, as we are not contractors. We do, however, design and provide the materials for post frame homes. Post frame […]
Read moreThe Lowdown on Column Uplift
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/04/11 @ 8:00Let’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 […]
Read morePlan to Avoid Failure, Closed Cell Foam, and Addition to Building?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/04/03 @ 8:00DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are planning to build a pole barn in the near future and, I need some advice on the footings. depth width etc. We are planning to use rough cut 6×6 pine for the posts and plan to use anchors. The soil here on the property is very sandy. I’ve set […]
Read more- Categories: Pole Barn Design, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete, Footings, Professional Engineer, Insulation
- Tags: Planning, Closed Cell Foam, Addition To Structure
- 2 comments
Cantilevered Roof Extension
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/03/30 @ 8:00I’ve designed a fair number of interesting cantilevers in my time, but they have always been as original construction, not as an “add on” after the fact. Here is a request for a cantilevered roof extension from FRED in BURLINGTON: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My 30′ x 54′ x 12′ pole barn was constructed in […]
Read moreWill My Trusses Hold Added Ceiling Dead Load?
Posted by polebarnguru on 17/03/28 @ 8:00Understanding the Needs of Load Bearing Finish I sadly hear this story all too often. A brand new post frame building which quite possibly will not meet the load needs of the owner due to lack of due diligence upon the part of whomever sold the building. Here is the story and my response: DEAR […]
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