Photo: Anna Shvets

How do I keep moisture out of my Barndominium?

Use a properly sized dehumidifier, to reduce humidity. Excessive indoor humidity and moisture are not a result of your windows. You should view the amount and severity of window condensation as a clue moisture damage may be taking place inside walls or ceiling cavities of your barndominium.

hansenpolebuildings.com - barndominium condensation Archives - Hansen Pole Buildings

When should you not use wall anchors?

Drywall anchors aren't required for all wall-based fastening applications. If there's a stud directly behind the wall, for instance, you probably...

Last updated Aug 11, 2022

Do weeds grow in crushed concrete?

Using Concrete as mulch can enhance nutrient accumulation in the soil by preventing soil erosion, and regulating temperature. Concrete suppresses...

Last updated Oct 12, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Solving Yet Another Post Frame Condensation and Insulation Challenge

Long time loyal readers will sigh as yet another post frame building has been erected without thoughts to how to properly insulate and control condensation. Had our new friend invested in a Hansen Pole Building, chances are good we would not be having this question and I would have had to write about something else today! Our Building Designers follow with these recommendations: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2019/11/post-frame-building-insulation/.

Our new friend COREY in POST FALLS writes:

“I have a 36×48 pole building with trusses on 12’ with BCDL 5psf, the roof is plywood sheeted with composition roofing with ridge vent and gable vents. The wall Purlins are on the exterior of the poles and there is no vapor barrier. I would like to install a ceiling with insulation and insulate the walls. I am looking for vapor barrier and insulation recommendations. Was thinking of installing 2×4 on 24 centers to bottom of trusses and installing OSB and blown in insulation, and then framing in between poles adding batt insulation and sheeting with OSB, but am unsure of controlling vapor. Thank you.”

Mike the Pole Barn Guru responds:

Small world, many years ago I graduated from Post Falls High School!

A vented ridge relying upon gable vents as an air intake is usually very inefficient. You should make sure your vents in each end are located in the top half of your attic and have at least 415 square inches of net free ventilating area on each end. This means you are probably going to have to add more vents. Effective ventilation of this area is essential to preventing mold and mildew in your attic. Wall girts flat on column exteriors are inadequate to carry imposed loads and will not meet deflection limitations. I would suggest you reinforce each of them to create either an “L” or a “T”. Assuming you have 6×6 wall columns, you could place a 2×8 bookshelf style girt on top or bottom of each girt, nailing through 2×8 into existing girts with a 10d common nail at say 12 inches on center. This will create an insulation cavity and allow for easy interior finish. For ceiling joists between your trusses, 2×4 will not be adequate you should use 2×6 #2 with joist hangers on each end. Unless you have a Weather Resistant Barrier (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/01/determining-the-most-effective-building-weather-resistant-barrier-part-1/) between framing and wall steel, my recommendation would be to have two inches of closed cell insulation spray foam to the inside of wall steel. Then fill balance of wall cavity with BIBs insulation: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/11/bibs/ with a well sealed vapor barrier towards the inside space.

What cable do I need to run electric to my shed?

armoured cable One of the most frequently asked questions is what outdoor electrical cable do I need to power my shed? The answer is armoured cable.

Last updated Jun 1, 2021

Can you fit a couch in a 10x10 storage unit?

A 10x10 unit is a good size for the stuff found in two bedrooms, an entire family room or a modest one- or two-bedroom apartment. A few large...

Last updated Aug 19, 2020

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How can I heat my summer house without electricity?

Start with positioning the summerhouse in a suitable position to get plenty of sunlight through the windows to create the feeling of warmth....

Last updated Apr 10, 2021

Can a potting shed face north?

Positioning your potting shed The large window must face south to maximise the light and heat that comes in from the sun. Apr 24, 2015

Last updated May 24, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

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How tall should a garage ceiling be?

PROS. A 8 feet garage ceiling height works perfectly with a 7 feet garage door, which is pretty much the industry standard. There is just enough...

Last updated Oct 17, 2018

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How deep should shed foundation be?

Large shed footings should extend 12” below the frost line (meaning a depth of 24”, 36”, 48”, or more depending on the local climate). Dec 17, 2021

Last updated Dec 31, 2021