This week’s “ask the Guru” tackles reader questions about the potential weight capacity of trusses with a ceiling liner, options in post frame for vaulted ceilings or exposed beams, and site prep advice for a 30×40 pole barn.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a building with 8 ft on center trusses and 29 ga steel ceiling liner. I’m looking for the weight capacity for it to determine insulation type and R-value. JOSEPH in RHINELANDER

DEAR JOSEPH: If it has a steel ceiling liner, chances are good truss bottom chords are capable of also supporting blown in fiberglass insulation – even as great as R-60. You want to avoid cellulose, as it is far heavier and fire retardant chemicals in it can react negatively with steel liner panels, should moisture be induced. Make sure to have adequate ventilation above your insulation (both intake and exhaust in correct proportions).

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is there an option for vaulted ceilings and perhaps even exposed beams in a larger home footprint? This would be a single level approximately 2500 square feet for the living space. KENNETH in RIO VERDE

DEAR KENNETH: We provide a plethora of buildings with scissor trusses in some or all of their footprint, in order to create vaulted ceilings. Whether ‘conventional’ scissors, or parallel chords, this makes for a very cost effective design solution. For those with deep pocket books, we can also provide architectural glulaminated trusses.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m prepping the ground to install a 30×40 pole barn. I have stripped off the top 4-5 inches of grass/topsoil. I would like to raise the building up around 6″ higher than the surrounding land. What is the best base materials to use to accomplish this. SCOTT in MOKENA

DEAR SCOTT: This diagram should help, please note vapor barrier requirement is now 10mil. Sub-base should be free of clays and organic materials and do not use “pit run”.