TIPS & TRENDS
Pole Barn Buildings
Pole barn construction was developed during the 1930s in the United States as agricultural practices changed. The emergence of large corporate farming, the shift toward engine-powered farm equipment and the demand for cheaper and larger storage areas necessitated the development of pole barn buildings as shelters for the equipment and as storage. Pole barn construction was a quick and economical method of adding outbuildings on a farm.
Features of a Pole Barn Construction
Pole barn constructions may replicate the functionality of other buildings, but they may be more affordable and require less time to construct. This is due to their construction methodology.
Pole buildings do not require walls and maybe left as open shelters such as for farm animals or equipment or for use as picnic shelters.
Enclosed pole buildings have exterior curtain walls or wall sidings that could be a variety of materials, the commonest of which is steel. However, any standard siding can be used including vinyl, cedar or even brick. Using sidings other than metal may require first installing sheathing such as plywood and boards.
Pole Barn Homes
In modern developments, the pole barns of the 1930s have become pole buildings for all kinds of uses such as housing, churches, garages, shops, offices and commercial use. The most common use for pole buildings is storage as it was on the farms, but today they may be for the storage of cars and boats too along with many other household items that would normally be found in a residential garage. Another very common use is commercial as the surroundings for a light industry or corporate offices with attached shops. Recently, it has become very common to use pole barns for housing and living. This new trend is on the rise. In fact, the latest construction trend is a pole barn with living quarters. No wonder for they are affordable, offer design flexibility, are constructed in a timely manner and are energy efficient.
Post-Frame Versus Other Building Methods
Pole building homes have come a long way over the last decade.
At one time, residential pole buildings were unattractive and looked more like metal warehouses than homes. Today, it’s hard to differentiate between a conventional stick-built home and a residential pole building.
The key advantages of post frame building systems have increased over time due to the evolution of post-frame design methods, technology, and advances in construction components. Post-frame construction is now incorporating the use of a highly engineered wood-frame system that meets UBC and IBC standards. Post-frame buildings feature large, laminated columns instead of wood studs, steel framing, or concrete masonry. Below are just some of the advantages that post frame or pole barn method of construction offers in comparison to other types of construction: –
Strength:
It all comes down to the advanced engineering of the wood-frame structure in post-frame construction. A post-frame building forms a tremendously strong structure that efficiently resists wind, seismic forces and provide higher snow and wind load protection.
Versatility:
By design, post-frame designs and their wood frame systems offer opportunities for large clear spans. In turn, this allows for open, adaptable floor plans unhindered by load-bearing walls or columns. In fact, just about any kind of wood frame design can be achieved with post-frame construction, making it one of the most flexible frame building systems available.
Sustainability:
Pole Buildings achieve sustainable benefits without prohibitive cost restraints, as they include many sustainable design aspects by default. Where newer energy codes require higher levels of insulation, post frame is a particularly good option because its wide column spacing allows for continuous insulation between structural elements, fewer interruptions in insulation material, and less chance of thermal leakage.
Cost Effectiveness:
Post-frame construction requires limited wall and roof framing materials, and minimal footing and foundation materials. Wood posts spaced 6 to 8 feet apart with a frame building system means fewer resources than most other construction methods. Post-frame construction site preparation often requires fewer trades and less time.
Aesthetics:
Your building can be designed to meet your unique style and fit perfectly into any setting. With virtually unlimited options for the shape, size, roof style, pitch, materials, ceiling systems, flooring, thermal insulation systems, and exterior finishes, you can be sure to get the building you envision.