Tag Archives: rain gutters

Building a Pole Barn House

Reader JEREMY writes:
“Good Morning and Happy New Year!
We are currently in the process of building a house inside a pole barn, and have noticed condensation on the inside walls and roof when we heat it.  We do not have any vents installed yet, and would like to know if the condensation will stop after we get the walls/insulation/sheetrock put up and vents added to the attic.  We are very concerned about this issue, so any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated by our family J!

enclosed overhangsHere are a few details about our current building:
-No vents to the outside yet, but plan to install venting in the attic soon.
-Regular R-panel metal roof and walls installed on wood runners hanging on treated wood posts.
-Concrete slab floor that has been poured for about 2 years
-Bubble wrap insulation between metal outside and wood runners-not sure of r-value or details and it seems to be sealed well
-When heating we are using an old propane central heating unit, but did not have exhaust on the heater ran to the outside so thinking that could contribute to the condensation
-also use a wood stove to supplement heat when we are out in the building working
Let me know what you think when you have time, and thank you!”
Jeremy ~

Mike the Pole Barn Guru 

My first guess is there is not a well sealed vapor barrier under your concrete slab. if not, things which will help – make sure ground around your building is sloped away at at least a 5% slope for 10 feet or more. If you do not have gutters, get them. Have downspouts discharge at least 10 feet away from the building. If excess water is still present, it may be necessary to install drain tiles around the perimeter of your building.

If you have not insulated the perimeter of the slab, do so. Follow the guide for Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/11/frost-protected-shallow-foundations/).

Seal the surface of the concrete slab.

Take off the steel siding, remove the reflective radiant barrier from the walls and install a quality building wrap (like Tyvek), then put the siding back on. The barrier is keeping moisture in your building, whereas a building wrap allows moisture to exit. Completely fill the wall cavities with insulation. Place a well sealed vapor barrier between framing and gypsum wallboard to be installed on the walls. Do not place a vapor barrier between the ceiling drywall and the roof framing above.

Install fully vented soffit panels along the eave sides and a continuous ridge vent.

Roof and Gutters Warming up to Ice and Snow

ice-damWarming up to Ice and Snow

Ice and snow build up in pole building rain gutters and along eave lines can cause ice dams. Ice building up along roof and gutters can cause water to back up under roofing, causing serious damage to the building’s interior. In some instances, ice buildup along eaves can put weight on the roof beyond its design capacity, causing catastrophic roof failures.

Can you file an insurance claim?

While damage may be covered under the building’s insurance policy, it is best to get an estimate of any damages, prior to filing a claim. In the event damage is not much more than the policy deductible, it is probably not worth filing a claim which could increase future rates.

Heating systems for roof and gutters protect throughout winter by keeping roof gutters and drainpipes safe from dangerous icicles, frost erosion and heavy loads of snow and ice.

The damaging effects of roof ice and snow can be seen on many older structures. The buildings were built prior to modern Building Codes and were not designed to withstand the extreme weight from snow and ice accumulation. This can lead to water entering the building, and eventually unsafe conditions which could cause the building to become structurally unsound.

Radiant Roof Heating Systems

A radiant roof heating system is a common solution for many snow zone pole buildings. Installing a quality heated roof and gutter deicing system eliminates potential damage from snow and ice buildup.

There are a variety of roof and gutter ice melting solutions. Deicing cable is a common choice for roof heating applications. The ice and snow melting kit consists of heating cable, an electronic thermostat and other installation accessories. The versatile snow melting system can be installed in virtually any type of roofing application for residential as well as commercial properties. Deicing cable can be used on metal, shingle or tile roofs, and can be applied on roof and gutters, drainpipes and valleys.

Snowmelt Automation

Automated roof heating systems feature a main controller which activates the snowmelt system only when moisture is detected and the temperature is below 39° F. This provides an extremely cost-effective solution for large areas of roof snow and ice melting. Outdoor temperature sensors are intended for roof and gutters, while moisture sensors and wire sensors are normally fitted inside gutters where the melted runoff collects. The actual number and placement depends on the size and nature of the particular roof heating installation.

Don’t forget Safety!

Resist the temptation to break icicles off gutters. Icicles can become projectiles which could cause serious damage. Bringing down one may bring down many, which those underneath may not be ready to dodge. If the snow or ice is too deep on the roof, do not climb on a ladder or the roof; instead let a qualified snow contractor conduct the removal.