- By SchwebAdmin
- In Pole Barns
What is a Pole Barn?
A pole barn is a large storage structure with a high ceiling and no basement, where the weight of the building is supported by posts or poles anchored in the ground instead of resting on a foundation. These types of buildings were popularized in the Great Depression by recycling telephone poles to use as the supports for the post frame, hence the name “Pole Barn.” Pole Barns are stronger against adverse weather because the poles transfer the weight directly to the ground. They’re often cheaper and faster to construct than traditional stick frame construction because there is no need to pour a concrete foundation.
How Pole Barns are Made
Before building a pole barn, you must first prepare the area where you’ll build. As mentioned above, you don’t pour a foundation but that doesn’t mean you can start building without prep work. The area will need to be free from trees & shrubs, completely level, and 6 feet wider than each wall. This can be done with a tractor or other equipment. Lastly, you’ll outline the structure and mark where the poles will be anchored (typically every 8 feet).
With the land prepared, you can anchor the posts. You’ll dig down 3-5 feet, set the post, brace it so it remains level, and fill in with dirt. Once the dirt is in place, headers and ground-level pressure-treated girts are installed. Next up are the roof trusses. Trusses are laid across the headers to frame the roof. The last piece of your roof’s frame will be the purlins connecting the trusses. You can now install the roof itself. Tin roofing is simpler and quicker but you can also install plywood and shingles if you prefer.
With the roof complete, the walls are next. Start by installing ground-level girts around the whole structure, ensuring they are level. Then work your way up, spacing horizontal girts according to your siding choice (typically metal sheeting). You’ll install any door and window frames at this point. Lastly, you’ll affix your siding to the frame and install your doors & windows.
If your pole barn will be inhabited by livestock, you’ll want to consider adding insulation. The interior often faces extreme temperatures and moisture in the summer and winter. Insulation with reflective foil layers works best, like Foil-Foam-Foil or Foil-Bubble-Foil.
What Pole Barns are Used For
Pole barns can be used for a variety of applications. Most commonly, they are used as agricultural or livestock barns. Their extra-wide doors and ease of construction make them ideal for farms. Pole barns make excellent garages because garage doors are an easy addition to make. The flexible size of pole barns also makes them ideal for storing other vehicles like RVs or boats. Finally, you could turn a pole barn into a home or office space. This will require more work to install walls, floors, HVAC, and plumbing but post frames make sturdy homes if you’re looking for one.
Construct a Pole Barn for Your Property
Are you looking to construct a pole barn on your property? You might want to trust a professional to install the barn properly. JM Reihl Builders specializes in pole barn construction in Central Pennsylvania. Request a quote for your pole barn today!
