Floor Trusses: Hansen Pole Buildings’ Floor Systems I admit to having become easily enamored, early in my prefabricated wood truss career, by floor trusses. To me, they were not only things of beauty, but also made framing a very quick process. But, I had been exposed to them even before then. My 16th summer, I […]

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

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

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

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

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

How Is This Roof Truss Scenario Realistic? Reader STEPHEN in ONTARIO writes: “How is it possible realistic for roof trusses every eight feet apart in the post slot and tied together with 2×4 perlins 2′ apart to hold the Snow load here they say is 45 pounds per square foot. I totaled the weight to […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Sad Tale and What You Can Do to Help- Truss Failure Looks pretty good, doesn’t it? Disclaimer – this is NOT a Hansen Pole Building. This version (same barndominium) does not look quite as nice: What happened? A failure of welded up steel trusses to be able to support what I would call a […]

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

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

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

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

Scissors Trusses in Post Frame Buildings I’ve written previously about Henry Getz, of Morton Buildings (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/06/origins-colored-steel/), however there are reasons other than pre-painted steel roofing and siding which the post frame industry should thank Henry for. Beyond color, Henry also introduced the raised-chord (scissors) truss to the post frame industry, which allowed a taller end […]

Exploring the New Component Warning Notice Originally Published by: SBCA Magazine by Kent Pagel — November 12, 2024 SBCA appreciates your input; please email us if you have any comments or corrections to this article. Editor’s Note: Kent Pagel is SBCA’s Legal Counsel and is a partner with the Houston, Texas firm of Pagel, Davis […]

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

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

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

Effects of Snow and Wind Loading on Building Cost My premise, with clients, has always been I wanted their building (in an event of a catastrophic event) to be last one standing. This resulted in my clients often ordering above minimum code requirements for snow and wind loading. My curiosity taking advantage of my available […]

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

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

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Floor Systems I admit to having become easily enamored, early in my prefabricated wood truss career, by floor trusses. To me, they were not only things of beauty, but also made framing a very quick process. But, I had been exposed to them even before then. My 16th summer, I spent […]

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Ceiling Joists Because Hansen Pole Buildings provides true double trusses to eliminate possibilities of a single truss failing due to loads beyond design (read more about double trusses here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/09/true-double-trusses/), for ceiling applications, joists must be placed between roof truss bottom chords. For those of you who question reliability of widely […]

NEW Hansen Pole Buildings’ Prefabricated Roof Trusses Until now, Hansen Pole Buildings has always outsourced roof trusses. When America’s great housing crunch hit in 2007-2008 roughly 2/3rds of all prefabricated wood truss manufacturing plants closed permanently – there just was not business for them. As building recovered, capacity was not increased as quickly as needs. […]

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

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

Trusses – Steel or Wood? Reader JOE in ELLIJAY writes: “Is it more cost effective to use steel trusses vs. wood and what are the pros and cons to each?” As far as cost – because we manufacture wood trusses in our plant and ship them with your lumber, they are more cost effective than […]

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

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

Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses Reprinted from a March 2019 article in Structure Magazine authored by Brent Maxfield, P.E. Part 3 of 3: Implementation 1. Building Officials, Contractors, Owners, and Building Designers should be cognizant of and enforce the requirement that the Contractor and the Building Designer review the Truss Submittal Package prior to […]

Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses Part 2 of 3: The following is a summary of the IRC requirements for wood Trusses (capitalized terms are defined by ANSI/TPI 1-2014, National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction, Section 2.2, published by the Truss Plate Institute (TPI)): · Wood Trusses shall be designed in […]

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

Code Requirements for Residential Roof Trusses Reprinted from a March 2019 article in Structure Magazine authored by Brent Maxfield, P.E. Part 1 of 3: There are many roles played in the design and delivery of residential wood roof trusses. Engineers can play various roles in this process, and it is essential to understand which role […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Read Truss Design Drawings This invaluable information is provided compliments of Structural Building Components Association (SBCA). Should you be considering purchasing trusses on your own, it will be to your benefit to familiarize yourself. Trusses are incredibly efficient structural framing solutions and, consequently, are used in most of today’s light-frame wood construction projects. […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week Mike the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about replacing roofing with clip-lock standing seam and what the PBG recommends in the scenario, creating a wood shop in an existing structure and wondering if ceiling weight can be held, the possibility of removing knee braces in order to install a ceiling. DEAR POLE […]

How to Vent Attic Below a Lean-To Porch Long time reader JON in SPRINGDALE writes: “Hi Mike, long time reader. Thanks for the info you provide. These questions come from your home town area. I was talking to my local building department and attic ventilation came up. He said that using a ridge vent and […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about termites that can destroy treated lumber in an area wind 80mph winds, if one can install a roof with hidden fasteners over trusses or if it needs an underlayment, and the possibility of modifying a truss chord in order to accommodate a overhead door operator. […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the possibility of a 100′ x 100′ pole building, the consideration of switching from asphalt shingles to steel roofing, and if one can reuse the “double-bubble” when replacing roof steel. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I build a 100 ft X 100 ft. pole building? […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about guidance of adding to an existing structure, the practical use of light steel trusses for a pole barn home, what components are included in a Hansen Pole Building kit. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If purchasing a kit from Hansen with installation instructions. Assuming it’s a […]

Bracing Site-Built Trusses For Lateral Loads Reader in SHINER writes: “I am building a gambrel style barn, 30×80, in two directions, in plan view, it looks like a cross. I am building the trusses based on an LSU publication, giving sizes of structural members, etc… I have built several structures before, not a gambrel style […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the best way to notch columns to support a header, nailing truss pairs when using a winch box, and financing of a post frame home. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I need to cut a 1/4″ out of my posts for the headers to set in […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru addresses reader questions about “the most cost effective length to procure, transport and install of a Post Frame Roof Truss 4/12 Pitch; 36′, 40′ or 50′?” a suitable moisture barrier for a shed, and Integrated condensation controls. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Typically, what is the most cost effective length […]

Truss Notch Locations and Heel Height vs. Purlin Dimensions on Overhang End Hansen Pole Buildings’ DIY clients BENJAMIN and COURTNEY in DEER LODGE write: “Hello, I’m trying to understand the difference of a quarter inch between my end wall overhang  purlins and my heel heights. My interior truss has a heel of 19 3/8” and […]

This week the Pole barn Guru answers reader questions regarding a 6ft attic space over a 30×44 pole barn, the most “cost effective” method to build, and the point at which a post increased from a 6×6 to a 6×8. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We want a decent-height (a bit over 6ft) attic space in […]

Converting an Unfinished Wood Frame Steel Building Reader GEOFF in WILLISTON writes: “ Mike, I think I came across a response on the internet of yours to a question about installing liner panels on the bottom chord of trusses and blowing insulation over the top. If memory serves me the question included the position of […]

Thinking Stick Frame Rather Than Post Frame Reader BRAD writes:“Real question…I’ve been doing lots of reading and love this site. I am building a 40x60x14 this spring. I originally thought I was going to go pole barn and now I am thinking stick frame. Reason….1. I am going to have insulated concrete foundation with in […]

Load Duration Factor for Wood Load Duration Factor, or LDF, is based on wood’s ability to recover after a reasonable load has been applied for a given time. Wood is a stiff material but it is not completely rigid. Wood will flex under load, and once load has been removed, wood member will rebound or […]

Adding a Second Floor in an Existing Pole Barn Reader ROBERT in HOLLIS writes: “I have a 24′ x 32′ pole barn with enough roof pitch and headroom to frame out the 2nd floor. Floor joists spanning 24′ with no support columns (clear span) is too expensive and 2×14 joists would take up precious headroom […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru tackles reader questions about the potential wide and tall a pole building can be designed, if a pole building can be building on a slope, and how to mitigate condensation in an existing ‘horse barn’ with an open metal roof. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How wide and tall can […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions regarding converting a section of an existing building into living space, concerns about condensation in an insulated wall, and a concern about setting trusses too soon following a concrete pour. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello! We have a pole barn already built, 60×80, and we’ve decided […]

Exactly Identical and 20% Less There is always someone willing to sacrifice quality and/or service to get to a lower price. I have seen it over and over again for decades now. Price shoppers, or deal hunters, seem to be most interested in the lowest price. Unlike value shoppers who are willing to pay more […]

Skillion Roof Question Reader WELLS in AIKEN writes: “I am building a 20′ x 24′ pole barn studio with a skillion roof. What size roof rafter to span the 20′ without any sagging? 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 or a more engineered rafter. I do not want any supporting poles on the interior […]

Post-Frame Knee Bracing in Ohio Reader DON in TALLMADGE writes: “I recently purchased plans for a 32×32 pole building and the trusses are 2×4 and the building supplier did not include knee bracing included in the original plans but the county said they need to be added. Are these really a benefit and do I […]

Adding a Lean-To Shed on an Existing Pole Barn Reader SAM in CANNON FALLS writes: “Hello I am looking to add a lean-to to the side of my pole building on the eave side. I was looking to use a mono truss at with a 2/12 pitch and 8′ to the bottom of the truss/ […]

Attaching Roof Purlins on Edge to Trusses Reader MIKE in MOUNT VERNON writes: “If your purlins sit on top of your trusses in the middle of your building do they sit on top of the gable truss also or are they on the side of the gable truss with hangers?” Most ‘West Coast’ (I use […]

Will I Need to Use Double Trusses? Reader DALE in TOMPKINSVILLE writes: “On an open front 5 bay tool shed, roof length 60 feet, width 40 foot, height of 10 foot, 12foot, trusses on 6×6 columns, 12/4 pitch located in southern Kentucky zone 6 will I need to double the trusses?” Need and want are […]

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions from a Project Architect about the structural framing of a Hansen building, the cost of building plans with engineering, and if the Pole Barn Guru has advice for “base supports” for a wood floor in a Tube Canopy. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am a Project Architect […]

Attic Trusses for Post Frame Construction Reader RICK in LEWISTON writes: “I’m researching post frame construction as I’d like to build a 28×40 shop this summer. We really need storage and I’d like to use attic trusses for the area it offers. I’m a little confused as to how the full length header is attached […]

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about setting trusses on a Hansen Building with endwall overhangs, a solution for an insulation question, and the possibility of building on steep sloping ground with some exposed columns. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are all trusses set at the same height are the end trusses lower […]