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Determining Rot in Existing Horse Barn Poles

Determining Rot in Existing Horse Barn Poles

Loyal reader KEVIN in EFLAND writes:

“Hello! First, thank you for all the super helpful information about pole barns! Now the context and question…. We’re thinking about making an offer on a house with a 5 stall horse pole barn, probably close to 30 poles, maybe 1,000 square feet. The house was built in 2007 so I assume the barn was built the same year and certainly built before 2012. The site is all clay. I suspect the poles were not treated for UC-4b but don’t see any signs of rot. So, I think if I have one question it is there a person in this area (Efland, Mebane, Hillsborough NC) that could inspect the barn and let me know what they think? Poles are rotting or not rotting… If they are rotting, here’s how long the poles will still be OK, here’s a plan and cost to replace them, etc. Now, if you afforded me a second question, short of digging 6 inches deep around every pole to look for rot, are there things I can do to see if there is an issue? The barn itself still looks nice and square… no noticeable sag. There’s certainly some rot on a small, maybe 4 foot portion of what I think is the sill plate. Thank you for your help!”

Thank you for your kind words, they are much appreciated.

Clay-heavy soil creates significant challenges for structural lumber because its poor drainage prevents natural drying process necessary to inhibit fungal proliferation. When under treated columns are embedded in these environments, surrounding earth acts as a reservoir for water, maintaining high moisture content required by wood-destroying organisms to thrive and initiate premature decay.

Incorrectly rated lumber can fail prematurely when exposed to aggressive environmental conditions accelerating decay. Primary factor is persistent moisture, as decay fungi require wood’s moisture content to exceed 20 to 25 percent to thrive. Poorly draining soil, such as heavy clay, or areas where water pools around post base maintain this high moisture content, creating an ideal habitat for rot. Constant saturation also promotes chemical preservatives leaching into surrounding soil.

Soil chemistry also affects preservative longevity. Highly acidic soils (e.g., in peat bogs or areas with high organic matter) are aggressive toward copper-based preservatives and accelerate their depletion. Site-specific factors, including soil type, geology, and climate, directly influence rate biocides (treatment chemicals) are lost. Decay is a biological process driven by fungi and, in some regions, subterranean termites.

While treated wood resists these biological attackers, a consistently warm and wet environment increases potential for decay organisms. Fungi thrive between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning southern regions with high humidity present a greater decay hazard than cooler, drier climates.

Reliable local professionals in your area can be found through digital matching services where you can provide specific details about your barn to receive relevant quotes. When interviewing candidates, it is essential to ask for a customer reference list and their specific experience with wood-frame decay or post-foundation issues to ensure they are right fit for your property.

Structural engineering firms often offer specialized condition assessments going beyond standard home inspections, making them well-suited for identifying whether post rot compromises your barn’s structural stability. Standard industry practices for moisture inspection often involve using a probe meter to determine wood’s internal moisture content, crucial in diagnosing potential rot extent. Licensed and certified experts are required to perform these calculations, as mistakes in structural repair can be extremely dangerous and jeopardize anyone near buildings safety.

Flat rate pricing is common for these assessment types, with structural engineers typically charging $550 on average for an inspection and necessary structural calculations. Depending on your pole barn’s complexity and how easily accessible posts are for testing, you may find costs range from $300 to $800. Hourly professional fees generally fall between $100 and $250 per hour if work is not billed as a flat rate project. Project success factors depend on clear communication about your goals, so prioritize firms demonstrating responsiveness and provide practical, cost-effective solutions for unique building issues. Hidden defect detection is a primary objective for professionals who perform thorough inspections to ensure your investment remains safe and functional for years to come. Professional oversight ensures any identified rot is addressed according to safety standards, protecting both your property and those who use it.

To determine, on your own, if an embedded pole barn post is rotting, inspect post base for decay signs, such as softness or sponginess when probed with a screwdriver. If screwdriver sinks more than one-quarter inch into wood or feels compromised, it indicates structural failure due to rot.

This entry was posted in Building Drainage, Rebuilding Structures, Budget, Columns, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Pole Barn Structure and tagged treated wood, UC-4B, post rot, horse stalls, post decay on September 17, 2026 by Rick Ochs.

Moisture Control, Insulating Existing Structure, and a Post Rot Fix

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about moisture control, insulating a building with a ridge vent, and a solution for replacing posts that have rotted out.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Thanks for the abundance of technical information you provide your readers. Like many of them, I inherited a pole barn with the same ceiling sweating, heat, cold issues and need a post construction solution. The slab sweats only in some places. I have a typical wood post with 2×4 horizontal purlins, wood truss and purlin roof, and metal skin walls and roof. My goals are, #1 stop the moisture inside, #2 insulate for moderate comfort (no codes to comply with and I can heat with a wood stove and abundance of wood) , and #3 if I can afford it, skin the walls with T-111 or other wood for an attractive look inside. I did not see any suggestions about double-faced radiant barriers in your other articles. Do you think expanded polystyrene cut to fit in the 1.5 inch cavities to flush with purlins, and then add the radiant barrier (bubble type) stapled over that directly to purlins would be appropriate and not trap moisture? If so, should I allow and air space between the polystyrene and radiant barrier? Many thanks, Mr. Retired…finally! JOHN in CHEROKEE VILLAGE

DEAR JOHN: Thank you for your kind words. If your slab sweats at all, it is likely there is no vapor barrier under it and it would behoove you to apply a sealant. 1.5″ expanded polystyrene (EPS) boards cut to fit tightly and with all seams tightly sealed would give you some degree of insulation (roughly R-7.5 other than at girt and purlin locations). You could add unfaced rock wool batts to increase insulation. Radiant barriers provide next to no insulation value and only function if seams can be perfectly sealed, we’ve actually opted to no longer offer them to our clients.

Unless you want to heat area in triangle of trusses, you may want to consider insulating at ceiling level, then vent dead attic space above.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello Mike. I came across your website while trying to learn more about what to do with the ridge vents in a pole barn when you plan on insulating it with closed cell foam. My wife and I purchased a property that has a 36w x 48L unconditioned pole barn with 8 skylights, a couple of ridge vents and (2) sets of huge doors on each end. While we know this will never be a tight building, we need to insulate it for our pets (10) dogs and (11) cats, and for a hangout area for us to spend time with them rather than inside our home.

We have a high-end American Standard heat pump split system that will condition the entire space.

Would you be able to give me any advice on what you recommend I do regarding the existing ridge vents? I’m not sure if I should insulate around them and leave them as they are…open. Or, should I temporarily trim out around them and seal them for the time being?

Any information you could provide me on this topic would be greatly appreciated. ROGER in HOUSTON

DEAR ROGER: With those large sliding doors, your investing in closed cell spray foam may be for naught. If your expectation is to be able to control any sort of heat loss/gain you should consider replacing them with insulated steel sectional overhead doors.

On to your question – seal off ridge vents and spray foam across skylights (or, even better) replace them with steel roofing before insulating.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What are my options on repairing 32×40 all 6×6 posts are rotted off ground level. Floating slab, perma colum, helical peir, or strongway sleeve. CHAD in GREAT BEND

DEAR CHAD: I would repair one column at a time. Temporarily support roof system being supported by a column. Cut column off above point of decay. Excavate embedded portion of column and remove – hole being dug to be at least below frost line. Insure bottom of hole is firmly compacted. Place a sonotube in hole, attach an ICC approved wet set bracket to bottom of column and backfill with premix concrete. Compact granulated fill around sonotube in six inch lifts. Repeat at each column.

This entry was posted in Columns, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Questions, Ventilation, Concrete, Building Interior and tagged vented ridge cap, spray foam insulation, post rot, moisture control, wet set brackets, Ventilation on May 27, 2026 by Rick Ochs.

PermaColumn “post bottoms,” Parts Included in Kit, and a Single Family Dwelling

Today’s “Ask the Guru” addresses reader questions about Perma Column Cast Concrete pole bottoms) that seems to be the ticket to eliminate any concern about rot, a list of what is included in a Hansen Building Kit, and if Hansen designs are classified as single family dwellings.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: As a prospective customer, doing as much research and educating myself your site and information has been a wonderful tool. Through my educational journey the most confusing area is with post construction being set in concrete. Your blog has answered many questions and worked to dispel myths about rotting wood. But, there is a product or system (Perma Column Cast Concrete pole bottoms) that seems to be the ticket to eliminate any concern about rot, Valid or not. What are your thoughts on this approach? Any insights are very much appreciated. BRIAN in POULSBO

DEAR BRIAN: Thank you for your kind words. Having provided and/or built close to 10,000 post frame buildings in Washington state since 1980, I have yet to receive a report of a properly pressure preservative treated column decaying prematurely. However, this does not mean you could not be a first. With this said, there is an easier and less costly option than precast PermaColumns. I have expounded upon it here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2025/10/perma-column-2/

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What exactly is included in your kits? Thank you for the info. PAT in RILEY

DEAR PAT: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building.

These are among included items:

Site specific, multi page 24″ x 36″ engineer sealed structural plans detailing every piece and connection
Verifying structural calculations sealed by engineer
500+ page illustrated Construction Manual walking you through assembly step-by-step Unlimited free technical support from people who have actually built post frame buildings
Fully itemized Material Takeoff
Glulaminated roof supporting columns fabricated from 2400f msr lumber
Splash planks UC-4B treated and FDN rated
2400f msr bookshelf wall girts
Solid blocking for ends of bookshelf wall girts
With girts designed for future batt insulation – UC-4B treated bottom sill and MASAP Simpson brackets for anchorage to concrete slab
Prefabricated roof trusses of any possible slope
Simpson top-mount purlin hangers
2400 msr roof purlins
All necessary blocking and permanent bracing
Simpson SDWS structural screws for all wood-to-wood connections
A broad variety of choices for roofing (through screwed steel, standing seam, shingles) and siding (through screwed steel, steel board and batton, T1-11, Hardi sidings, vinyl)
With steel cladding – base trim, top of wall trim, door trims, rake and corner, ridge cap, closures at eaves and ridge

We also have available a virtually unlimited number of options (doors, windows, etc.) to customize your new building to best meet your wants, needs and budget.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are any of your barndominiums classified as a single family dwellings? JOHN in EAST CANTON

DEAR JOHN: Most of our barndominiums are single family dwellings, although we can provide multi-family and even as apartment buildings. Limitations being 40-foot tall sidewalls and three stories.

This entry was posted in Barndominium, Pole Barn Planning, floorplans, Footings, Building Interior, Budget, Columns, Pole Barn Homes, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Post Frame Home, Pole Barn Design and tagged materials kit list, single family dwelling, building classifications, perma-column, Post brackets, post rot on May 20, 2026 by Rick Ochs.

Radiant Floor Heat, UC-4B Post Treatment, and Button Staples

This Wednesday the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about the use of radiant floor heat for a post frame building, post treatment that will not rot, and whether or not button staples can be used for housewrap on a post frame house.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am researching my build. I wanted to know since the flooring I want is concrete can heated flooring with the water system be installed in the ground for a pole barn? ERIKA in SHREVEPORT

DEAR ERIKA: Radiant in floor heat is a very popular and efficient method for heating concrete floors in post frame (pole barn) buildings. My own shouse (shop/house) has it (story here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/08/radiant-floor-heating/).

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I live in a part of Texas that has clay we call blackland prairie clay, black gumbo, and other names I care not mention. Is it possible to sink poles in the ground in this area given the fact that most posts out there are from fast grown lumber? I built a pole barn in 1983 with my father, but that was in sandy loam soil up near Oklahoma. I have 900′ of ranch fencing and poles are always rotting. DANIEL in ROYSE CITY

DEAR DANIEL: Your premature decay of fence posts has nothing to do with how fast lumber grows – it is them not being pressure preservative treated to UC-4B levels. All of our fully engineered post frame (pole barn) buildings utilize this level of pressure treating and it performs admirably. If you are yet concerned, there are options available such as plastic column sleeves, or pouring piers with wet set brackets to keep columns out of ground entirely.

Of greater concern would be your columns moving due to expansive soils (for extended reading: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/07/barndominium-on-expansive-soils/).

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Concerning fastening house wrap, can you use button staples as recommended by house wrap companies? I didn’t know if the button would show through the tin. I don’t want to lose house wrap before tin would be up as we live in a very unpredictable and windy area but also don’t want button to show through tin if that’s a possibility. Thanks! ADAM in COLBY

DEAR ADAM: Weather Resistant Barriers (aka WRB or house wrap) should be installed using flat staples, rather than button staples. Button staples, as you have surmised, may show through steel siding. You want to only install WRB directly ahead of where you are hanging steel, so as not to leave it exposed to winds any more than is necessary.

This entry was posted in Fasteners, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Ventilation, tools, Columns and tagged radiant floor heat, fasteners, UC-4B, post rot, post treatment, housewrap on March 4, 2026 by Rick Ochs.

Radiant Floor Heat, UC-4B Post Treatment, and Button Staples

Of greater concern would be your columns moving due to expansive soils (for extended reading: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/07/barndominium-on-expansive-soils/).

This entry was posted in Shouse, Ventilation, tools, Columns, Fasteners, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning and tagged post treatment, housewrap, radiant floor heat, fasteners, UC-4B, post rot on November 26, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

PermaColumn Foundation Investment

My good friend John used to own (among other things) Heartland Permacolumn. Six years ago, I borrowed this from his website:

“Perma-Column products give you the ultimate price advantage. You simply cannot put up a building on a concrete foundation for less money.”

Yet some may say, “They’re too expensive…”

HOWEVER, the only people who ever say this install buildings using treated wood posts embedded directly in the soil. They think adding between one and three thousand dollars to a building makes the price “outta sight…”

It is true that there is one type of building that is less expensive than a Perma-Column building…one built on a treated wood foundation. Treated wood posts may last a very long time in soil contact in some cases…and not so long in other cases. This is part of what makes post-frame buildings the most economical of all building types.

But there are several other reasons why post-frame is so economical and efficient. First, it is much quicker, easier and less resource-intensive to stick a post in the ground and build from there than it is to build any other type of building on a typical foundation.

Second, by using posts that are 8′ or more on center, you have far fewer structural members to install compared to other types of buildings.

Third, because the structure is made of wood it is less costly, requires no fancy equipment or specialty trades, is easier to work with, is very environmentally-friendly and is energy-efficient.

Furthermore you can build exceptionally high sidewalls (usually 24′, sometimes more) and exceptionally wide clear-spans (100′ or more without supporting walls or columns) for ultimate design efficiency and flexibiliity. All of these advantages remain firmly in place when you build on concrete piers or a continuous concrete foundation using Perma-Column products.

When one takes a close look at costs per linear foot, the upgrade is not really very much at all. A Perma-Column upgrade is typically between $10 and $11 per linear foot compared to the price of building on treated wood posts embedded directly in the ground. This may increase the price of a really small and inexpensive agricultural building by more than 10%, but it may also add less than 4% to the total cost of a really nice one…or to a typical commercial, residential or industrial building.

So if you want a REALLY cheap building and don’t care when or if the post foundation will rot, you should build a post-frame building on a treated wood post foundation…

…or for roughly 10% more, you can build using Perma-Columns and have an investment that will hold its value for a very, very long time.”

Mike the Pole Barn Guru writes:

Perma-Column

This particular article has been triggered by a question posed by reader MATT in WABASH who writes: “What is the cost of a perma-column? I am looking at a 40 x 56 building most likely at a residence that I will live long term and thought perma-columns would be a good investment, but I am having trouble finding the cost online for them. Thanks!”

Well Permacolumns are available on Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/PC6300-2×6-Perma-Column-Foundation-Certified/dp/B0DQ2N6NSF/ref=sr_1_6?adgrpid=1344703912547853&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0MVCt2dT_CsHMhbljq-CF01YTTjA7PpDBMQYmdzsTfJl_pZZrbcB4dhN6SCNG9Ug5mtzTwisB6GC_htPS1dEiWpHjkgTo8pkGhjjoFeFpdjNccpHLWq7kWqlNDbdhWka8JppLWBDghx1FMLvqdsZag.VCekjdK4fR0g698GAk751pXHjbJ64q_3DiY_kxUWVhQ&dib_tag=se&hvadid=84044194321593&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=56989&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=b&hvtargid=kwd-84044783183340%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=13551_13391994&keywords=perma+columns+for+pole+barns&mcid=47aef47c8e12351c8263a3a4c6013289&msclkid=dcfe1e0d477e11014aee76ebe4446827&qid=1759945545&sr=8-6), for $242.40 plus roughly another $100 per column in freight to be delivered to your jobsite. Next challenge is going to be unloading and properly placing these several hundred pound Perma-columns exactly in holes, on top of a poured concrete footing (yes, a footing below is still required).

With a thought one is trying to avoid placing properly pressure preservative treated wood in ground, there may be a more affordable (and easier to install) alternative. Assuming four foot deep two foot diameter holes, one could pour under one-half yard of premix per hole and mount an ICC-ESR approved wet set bracket in it for roughly $175. Same longevity, same concept, easier to install AND ONE-HALF PRICE!

This entry was posted in Barndominium, Pole Barn Design, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Pole Barn Structure, Concrete, Footings, Budget, Columns and tagged post frame foundation, post rot, treated wood foundation, permacolumn, UC-4B posts on October 14, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

Columns in Clay Soil, a Maintenance Facility, and Post Rot

This week readers “Ask the Guru” to answer questions about setting columns on clay soil that has been saturated, a quote request for a maintenance facility, and protecting posts from rot.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am building a pole barn for cattle in the north TX area ( primarily clay soil). I have augured my post holes and took a lot of time making sure I set the post square and plum. Unfortunately before the concrete truck couldn’t get to me the rain started and dint not stop. All of my post holes stayed full of water for about 1.5 weeks…. Since then I have pumped them out and we have had 2 weeks of high 90 degree days with full sun but the bottom of the holes are still muddy. My plan has been to let them dry out but I wonder if I need to pull the post, possibly auger out the mud and repack them. This option of starting all over gives me heart burn!!! My concern is that my post will sink and settle when I add the weight of concrete and all of the other building materials. I know you probably can’t say definitively but if you were in my shoes would you start all over or do you think it would be ok to just let them dry out and move on? Not sure if it matters but the post holes are 16″ in diameter and 52″ deep. Thanks for any advice! ANTHONY in SHERMAN

DEAR ANTHONY: You are now finding out why clay is problematic to build upon. In lieu of hiring a geotechnical engineer (highly recommended) to do an actual soils report and make recommendations, a general rule of thumb is for holes in clay soils to be dug to no less than six (6) times hole diameters. Not know what your spans are, but 16″ diameter seems very small.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you provide quotes for a Maintenance Garage in Salem, Missouri? DANIEL in ST. LOUIS

DEAR DANIEL: Hansen Pole Buildings has provided hundreds of fully engineered, custom designed post frame buildings to our clients in Missouri. A member of our Design Team will be reaching out to you shortly or please email your building specifics, site address and best contact number to our Design Studio Manager Caleb@HansenPoleBuildings.com 1.866.200.9657 Thank you. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2024/04/things-hansen-pole-buildings-does-better-than-any-other-post-frame-building-provider/

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My GF lives in In Indonesia and as you know, they are moving the Capitol. Because of rising water levels. I saw some rubber ” boots” that are supposed to protect against rot from water. They also sell concrete for building a ” pier”. Any advice? She has family there and does not want to leave. MATHEW in RENO

DEAR MATHEW: Rot is actually not a direct function of water – you can completely submerge wood in water and it will last centuries. The required rot combination is dampness (20-30% moisture content), presence of wood-rotting fungi, oxygen and warm temperatures (65-95 F). Remove any of these and your challenge goes away. Assuming this is an existing structure, a wrap might be your best design solution. Here is an example (disclaimer, I have not personally used): https://www.postsaver.com/en-us/products/fence-deck-and-pergola-post-protection/

This entry was posted in Building Drainage, Budget, Columns, Lumber, Pole Barn Questions, Barndominium, Building Department, Constructing a Pole Building, Pole Barn Planning, Concrete, Footings and tagged quote, post protector, rubber boot for columns, post frame building quote, post rot, clay soil, columns; piers, muddy clay soil, column settling in clay on September 10, 2025 by Rick Ochs.

Radiant Floor Heat, UC-4B Post Treatment, and Button Staples

Of greater concern would be your columns moving due to expansive soils (for extended reading: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2020/07/barndominium-on-expansive-soils/).

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Design, Roofing Materials, Pole Barn Planning, Shouse, Ventilation, tools, Columns, Fasteners, Pole Barn Homes, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions and tagged UC-4B, post rot, post treatment, housewrap, radiant floor heat, fasteners on July 27, 2022 by admin.

Moisture Control, Insulating Existing Structure, and a Post Rot Fix

Today the Pole Barn Guru answers reader questions about moisture control, insulating a building with a ridge vent, and a solution for replacing posts that have rotted out.

Unless you want to heat area in triangle of trusses, you may want to consider insulating at ceiling level, then vent dead attic space above.

We have a high-end American Standard heat pump split system that will condition the entire space.

Any information you could provide me on this topic would be greatly appreciated. ROGER in HOUSTON

On to your question – seal off ridge vents and spray foam across skylights (or, even better) replace them with steel roofing before insulating.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What are my options on repairing 32×40 all 6×6 posts are rotted off ground level. Floating slab, perma colum, helical peir, or strongway sleeve. CHAD in GREAT BEND

This entry was posted in Concrete, Building Interior, Columns, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Questions, Ventilation and tagged vented ridge cap, spray foam insulation, post rot, moisture control, wet set brackets, Ventilation on May 11, 2022 by admin.

Price Per Square Foot, Proper Post Treatment, and XPS

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about the price per square foot for a hangar, the proper post treatment for in ground use, and use of XPS insulation between steel and wall posts.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the approximate price per square foot for a 62 x 130 t hangar? KENNETH in PUEBLO WEST

DEAR KENNETH: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. Your question is rather like asking what is an approximate price for a new car – what type of car?

A Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer has been attempting to reach out to you to get more specifics on what you have in mind in order to get even a close price range for you.

Will this be a T hangar https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2013/09/airplane-t-hangar/ or a nested T? https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2013/09/nested-t-hangar/

What opening widths and heights will you require? Hangar doors can impact building height (and price) greatly. Sliding doors are a less expensive design solution than bi-fold or one-piece hydraulic doors, however present their own unique challenges.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have built post frame buildings on and off for 43 years. What is the industry doing to correct the problem of the post rotting off at ground line on post frame buildings? I have attempted to repair buildings in this condition that are settling into the ground. MATT in CLAREMORE

DEAR MATT: In my humble opinion, this could be resolved by having clear markings on Pressure Preservative Treated wood to not leave any doubt as to what proper use is. I have stomped my feet on this very issue for years: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/05/building-code-3/.

Over my 40 year post frame building career I have yet to see a documented case of a properly pressure preservative treated column rotting off.

DEAR POLE BAN GURU: Good Afternoon .

I have been exploring building a post frame home. Is using a combination of XPS and the external sheathing (~2.0 to 2.5″) and bat insulation in the bays (~R19-R26) possible. These two articles seem to me that the dew point would move inside the XPS during the MN winters and make the wall assembly much more durable. Do you think this might be correct? If so, would Post Frame construction easily adapt to this type of assembly?

https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-controlling-cold-weather-condensation-using-insulation

https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/bareports/ba-1301-guidance-taped-sheathing-drainage-planes/view

TIM in ST. PAUL

DEAR TIM: Designed right, post frame homes are wonderful. My lovely bride and I live in an 8000 square foot post frame shouse (shop/house) not too far distant from you (we are roughly 200 miles due West).

Post frame buildings work structurally very similar to why jet airlines hold together – their ‘skin’ is holding everything together. With post frame, wind loads are transferred from building to ground through this steel roofing and siding skin.

When non-structural insulation boards (XPS) are inserted between framing and steel siding, screws holding steel would have to be exceedingly long. Screw shanks through XPS sheathing would deform (bend) under extreme wind events, causing a reduction in abilities to properly transmit loads. This could contribute to premature building system failure.

An easier solution would be to use two inches of closed cell spray foam insulation between wall girts on steel siding interior surface. This would accomplish a similar end result, without a compromise in building strength.

This entry was posted in Columns, Barndominium, Insulation, Pole Barn Questions, Ventilation and tagged UC-4B, post rot, post treatment, building costs, XPS boards, insulation, price per square foot on February 10, 2020 by admin.

Sliding Door Size, Floor Heat & Post Rot, and Trimming an Addition

Today’s Pole Barn Guru discusses Sliding Door Size, Floor Heat & Post Rot, and Trimming an Addition.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a shed in Holman Wisconsin with 12 ft high by 12 ft wide doors on it. The header is 13-6 can 13 ft high by 12 wide sliding door b installed? JEFF in HOLMAN

DEAR JEFF: Assuming standard post frame building construction where top of concrete slab is 3-1/2″ above bottom of pressure preservative treated splash plank. From bottom of splash plank to bottom of sliding door header would need to be 13′ 4-3/4″ to allow for a 13 foot tall sliding door.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: In floor heat and poll life. Would higher temps from in floor heat reduce the life span of treatment and also improve the environment for decay organisms? VINCENT in CHAFFEE

DEAR VINCENT: As pressure treatment chemicals bond to wood at a cellular level, unless your floor heat was hot enough to cause combustion, it is highly unlikely lifespan would be reduced.

Growth of wood-rotting fungi is affected by temperature similar to growth of ordinary green plants. It is faster in warm weather than in cold. There are variations in response to temperature, and for each species there is an optimum at which growth is most rapid. Forest Products Laboratories tests and others on a number of species of fungi common in Canada indicate temperature conditions for optimum growth range from 65 to 95°F. All fungi show little or no growth at freezing temperatures or slightly above, but most wood rotting fungi are not killed by temperatures well below freezing point. They can withstand winter’s cold in a dormant state and can recommence active growth when temperatures increase again if other conditions are right.

Growth becomes less rapid as temperatures are increased above 95°F and ceases for most fungi at temperatures slightly in excess of 100°F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures slightly above maximum for growth, or even short exposure to temperatures much above maximum, can kill fungus completely. Actual death point is influenced by temperature, length of time and moisture content.

In theory, this means your heated floor could actually be responsible for killing decay organisms.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey I found you thru Hansen Buildings and had a question you might be able to answer just built a 24 x 16 pole barn and on the left and right added sheds but only half the building length what do I do with my gable trim that ends in the eave on the roof side of it just don’t know how to end it? JEREMY in SILETZ

DEAR JEREMY: Run gable (rake) trim up to main building roof steel edge, with a factory (uncut by you) end towards main roof. Use Emseal® (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/03/emseal-self-expanding-sealant-tape-closures/) between top edge of trim and underlying roofing to create a tight water seal.

This entry was posted in Columns, Pole Barn Heating, Pole Barn Questions and tagged post rot, floor heat, adding trim, expandable closures, sliding doors on August 26, 2019 by admin.

Multi-Story Pole Barns, Rubber Coatings on Posts, and Heavy Snow Loads

Today’s Pole Barn Guru answers questions about multi-story pole barns, rubber coatings on posts, and building for heavy snow loads.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking into a multi-story pole barn with the top story being a home. I would need outside assess to the top story also. Do you build the pole barn or just send the materials. DEBBY in OJAI

DEAR DEBBY: We provide multi-story post frame (pole barn) building homes on a regular basis. Having outside access to your second floor is highly doable. We are not contractors in any state, we provide complete custom designs, third-party engineer sealed, all materials delivered to your site as well as complete construction assembly instructions for an average individual to successfully erect their on beautiful home.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is there an issue with rubber coating a post with liquid rubber for first 6 feet of the pole (or coating the whole post even) and pouring concrete and slab together around the posts in pier-slab foundation style? ROB in JACKSON

DEAR ROB: As long as your proposed product is nonflammable and has no toxic off gassing then it should not prove to be an issue other than time and expense to protect a product having an ability already to outlast any of us. You should read: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2017/12/will-poles-rot-off/. It would also behoove you to have your building’s engineer of record sign off on using your product of choice.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are in an area of 120 – 150 snow load in the mountains of MT and want to error on the 150 load side when building our shed. The shed plan is 30×70 (2 RV doors) on the 30 side) with a 15×70 enclosed lean to (car garage door on the 15 side) that will have a car garage, workshop and storage room. Can we do a pole building with this size of shed and snow load or do we have to go stick built? KIM in BIGFORK

DEAR KIM: Post frame construction lends itself to high snow load requirements much better than stick built. We just finished designs for a building is Truckee California where snow load is 390 psf.

This entry was posted in Pole Barn Homes, Barndominium, Pole Barn Questions, Pole Barn Planning and tagged pole barn homes, post rot, post treatment, heavy snow loads, multi-story pole barn, rubber coating posts, snow loads on August 12, 2019 by admin.

Roof Loads for Solar Panels, A “Square” Building, and Post Rot

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about installing solar panels on the roof, the “squaring” of a building, and rotting of posts.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Will a Pole Barn roof be able to hold solar panels? CARMEN in ORANGEVALE

DEAR CARMEN: We can have your new post frame building engineered to support any amount of snow load, as well as any weight of solar panels, or other materials or systems you might want to either place upon, in, or hang from the roof system, and of course the building frame which supports it.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We purchased our home and it has an unfinished pole barn. I was told it was stopped due to not being square by the township. What I have found is it is 18x48x14ft tall. I would like to add on to it and finish it which would require a 12×48 lean to and the rest of the materials to finish the building is this something you would consider quoting? JAMES in CEDAR SPRINGS

DEAR JAMES: Our hope will be “square by the township” merely means prior owner neglected to acquire needed permits (rather than building as constructed happens to be out of square). Before moving forward you should be visiting your township planning and building departments to determine exactly what issues exist. It could be your unfinished pole barn has been started in a disallowed portion of your property.

Once you have cleared things up with your officials, we could provide structural plans and materials for an attached lean to (again providing it meets with your Planning Department’s requirements).

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: One of my clients sent me this reply, can you sent me a link or information to answer his question: “As I have researched pole barns many folks talk about not setting the pole in concrete due to rot from water?”

Thanks. GREGG (a Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer)

DEAR GREGG: I would sure like to see scientific proof from these “many folks”. Properly pressure preservative treated columns rotting from any cause would be just another old wives’ tale (no offense meant to old wives).

Another urban myth debunked here:

https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/07/isolating-pole-barn-poles-from-concrete-slabs/

This entry was posted in Footings, Columns, Pole Barn Questions, Constructing a Pole Building, Trusses and tagged solar panels, treated posts, Roof dead loads, post rot, square roof, building square on February 11, 2019 by admin.

Sliding Doors, Roofing Tar on Posts? and Condenstop!

Sliding Doors, Roofing Tar on Posts? and Condenstop!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have an arena with 12×12 openings at each end. I want to find a rolling door solution. I would like to have 6.5” doors that open left and right. I’m also interested in finding a door solution that instead of tan metal (matching my building) I find translucent panels.

I can upload photos in a few days when I return to the farm.

Is this something you can help with?

Thanks JASON in CENTRAL POINT

DEAR JASON: If yours is typical post frame (pole) building construction, your opening probably measures 12 feet from center of column to center of column, in which case you would be looking at needing a 12 foot width split sliding door. This would give you two door leafs just over six feet in width, enough to cover the opening, provide an overlap on each side and be able to be covered with two three foot widths of steel siding.

You should be looking at a door system which has all steel girts (horizontals) and verticals, preferably pre-painted. While translucent (polycarbonate) panels could be used, I would typically not recommend them due to their not having a resistance to wracking.

In our case, Hansen Pole Buildings only provides sliding door components with the investment into a complete engineered post frame building kit package. We typically would recommend you pay a visit to the ProDesk at your local The Home Depot to acquire the parts you will need.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Enjoy reading your blog. I will be building in thick wet clay and am worried about post rot due to the amount of moisture. Will painting the entirety of the buried portion of treated pole in roofing tar help preserve the wood? TIM in LEXINGTON

DEAR TIM: Thank you for your kind words, I hope to be both entertaining and informative. Will painting the entirety of the buried portion of a treated pole in roofing tar help preserve the wood? Well, it might, although I have found no studies which would confirm the ability. I did find an interesting article in Scientific American, which may shoot down the idea: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/coal-tar-and-its-products-as-preser/.

The reality of the situation is, a properly pressure preservative treated column is going to outlast all of us, and probably our grandchildren. This article should be of interest: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2017/12/will-poles-rot-off/.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello guru. I bought a bunch of 1/2x4x8 sheets of insulation to put on my new 40×60 barn roof under the steel and on top of purlins .Planned on taping all seams for a moisture barrier. It’s not the really dense foam more of a bead style with a silver back on one side plastic on the other so it’s a little bit squishy. After thinking about it what worries me is that after time it may cause the barn screws seal to loosen up. If the foam lowers it could cause the steel to drop a bit. Than could create a leak under the rubber washer. Or do you think it will work ok? Should I just use Tyvek instead on the purlins? What is your opinion Guru? ABE in WAYLAND

DEAR ABE: Do not use this insulation as you have intended, it will cause you nothing but grief. Not only will your post frame barn roof leak, but the diaphragm strength of your roof steel will be severely compromised, which could lead to a catastrophic failure. Tyvek and other building wraps are not condensation control barriers, they are moisture barriers. There are several possibilities – invest in roof steel with Condenstop or Dripstop preapplied, use a radiant reflective barrier between the purlins and roofing, or spray closed cell foam on after the roof is installed.