---
title: 3 Effective Ways to Repair a Rotted Pole Barn Column
description: This article discusses three effective ways to repair rotted pole barn columns inside your post-frame building.
---

[The FBi Blog ](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog)

# [3 Effective Ways to Repair a Rotted Pole Barn Column](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/3-effective-ways-to-repair-a-rotted-pole-barn-column)

 Written by [Cori Lane](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/author/cori-lane) | Sep 25, 2023 5:00:00 PM

[**Pole barn columns**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/posts-vs-perma-columns)**, also known as posts, are the backbone of your post-frame building.** They bear the weight of the entire [**roof system**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-roof-styles) (including [**purlins**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/what-is-a-roof-purlin-and-why-is-it-important) and [**trusses**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/rafters-trusses)) and ensure all structural loads (such as [**snow**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-snow-load) and [**wind**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-wind-load)) are transferred to the [**foundation**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBebLY2UhoE).

In other words, posts play a significant role in your [**pole barn’s structural integrity**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/top-pole-barn-components). **However, it’s common to encounter rotted wood in older post-frame buildings dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.**

**Fun Fact****:** In the 1970s, pole barn columns were soaked in [**creosote**](https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/creosote#:~:text=Creosote%20is%20derived%20from%20the,fungi%2C%20mites%20and%20other%20pests.). This carcinogenic chemical made solid posts less susceptible to rot. Eventually, the post-frame construction industry transitioned to safer wood preservatives, and creosote was discontinued because of its harmful effects.

The good news is that you can easily fix this [**type of damage**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/common-pole-barn-repairs). **This article discusses three effective ways to repair a rotted pole barn column.**

** **

## **Why Do Pole Barn Columns Rot?**

**First, rot is a form of decay activated by **[**moisture**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-condensation-tips)** and fungi growth.** Fungi grow in damp conditions, so you don’t have to worry about spores forming on dry wood.

Moreover, [**softwood lumber**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-lumber) must be continuously wet for fungi to germinate. **An ideal environment is any wooden post-frame building component with a moisture content of 20% (or higher) that can’t dry out quickly. **[Spring](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/5-common-spring-pole-barn-repairs) and [**winter**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/build-pole-barn-winter) are optimal for wood-eating fungi (e.g., rain and melted ice/snow).

**The key to [preventing rotted pole barn columns](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/how-can-i-keep-my-pole-barn-columns-from-rotting) is to be proactive with your post-frame building design.**** **Please watch this short YouTube video to learn more about laminated posts, Perma-Columns, and bracket-to-concrete.

## 3 Effective Ways to Repair a Rotted Pole Barn Column

As a [**post-frame builder**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/best-pole-barn-builders-midwest) with [**65+ years of experience**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/about-us), we’ve repaired our fair share of rotted pole barn columns. Ultimately, the right solution will depend on the [**flooring type**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-flooring) and [**budget**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-budget) for your construction project.

### 1) Sister a Laminated Post Next to the Rotted Pole Barn Column

As stated above, decay in post-frame construction occurs at ground level (within 4” of the topsoil), where oxygen mixes with moisture. 

**The first solution is to sister an 8’ laminated post next to the rotted pole barn column.** The idea is that all structural loads will transfer from the decaying post to the new one.

**A **[**Repair & Renovation construction crew**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/questions-to-ask-pole-barn-builders)** will start excavating a 4’ hole for the stub. **They must dig adjacent to the rotted wood to sit the 3-ply treated column atop the existing concrete pad. The initial 3’ will be drilled using a two-man auger, and the remaining 1’ will be cleared with a post-hole digger.

**Then, the top 4’ of the laminated post will be sistered to the original pole barn column with bolts.**

** **

### **2) Reinforce the Rotted Pole Barn Column with a Bracket-to-Concrete**

**The second solution is reinforcing the rotted pole barn column with a bracket-to-concrete. **This straightforward remedy can only be used in post-frame buildings with existing [**concrete floors**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/concrete-guidelines-for-your-pole-barn).

**A Repair & Renovation construction crew will screw this black powder-coated bracket into the laminated column and anchor it to the concrete foundation with heavy-duty bolts. **

No extra work is required because the decay remains below ground level. The idea is that all structural loads will pass through the bracketed post onto the [concrete slab](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-existing-concrete) instead of the footing.

 

### 3) Replaced the Rotted Pole Barn Column with a Pre-Cast Concrete Post

**The third solution is to replace the rotted post with a **[**Perma-Column**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/perma-columns)**.** This pre-cast concrete post represents the evolution of pole barn construction. 

**This sustainable solution can withstand rot because ****no wood**** goes into the ground.** They’re sized to fit any laminated column or solid post.

Moreover, Perma-Columns include microfibers for shock resistance and durability. Microsilica enhances compressive strength and erosion resistance. A corrosion inhibitor protects the rebar reinforcement and brackets from [**rust**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-rust).

A Repair & Renovation construction crew will locate the rotted pole barn column. The existing [**metal panels**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-steel-comparison) and [**skirt board**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/farm-building-top-components) will be detached. A two-man auger will dig down right beside the decaying post.

**Furthermore, a bottle jack and support beam brace the **[**pole barn truss**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/truss-to-column-connection)** while the field employees cut the rotted column off at ground level.** Using a shovel, they will clear the bottom of the hole to create a level base for the pre-cast concrete pad.

**The existing post will be measured and cut to the desired clearance for the Perma-Column.** The [**steel siding**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-steel-gauge) and skirt board can be re-installed once the pre-cast concrete post is positioned with bolts and screws.

**Editor’s Note****:** Perma-Columns are available in several models varying in length. We recommend downloading their “[**Rotted Post Repair Guide**](https://permacolumn.com/products/post-repair-systems.html)” for more information about this pole barn repair.

## How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Rotted Pole Barn Column?

**Each post-frame builder will have a different **[**cost for repairing rotted pole barn columns**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/rotted-pole-barn-columns)**.** And no two post-frame buildings are the same. At [**FBi Buildings**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/about-us), the starting price is **$500 minimum per pole **(with at least six poles).

**As mentioned above, the type of pole barn flooring will influence your post-frame building repair costs.** Are your pole barn columns embedded in a dirt, gravel, or concrete pad? For example, our field employees must cut the concrete to replace a rotted post.

**Prospective customers must also consider the building material, equipment rental, and labor costs of this pole barn repair.**

## Are You Ready to Repair Your Rotted Pole Barn Columns?

Now that you understand this post-frame building repair, you can start replacing your rotted pole barn columns!

If you have any questions, our Repair & Renovation specialists can inspect your existing post-frame building. **Best of all, it doesn’t matter who built the original pole barn!** Our dedicated team has the knowledge, resources, and manpower to extend any post-frame building’s useful life or reconfigure it for a new purpose.

Whenever you’re ready, please call our office at **(800) 552-2981** to [request a free pole barn repair and renovation quote](https://www.fbibuildings.com/request-a-quote/).

### Additional Resources:

[The Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations](https://info.fbibuildings.com/en/pole-barn-repairs-renovations-guide)

Do you have more questions about rotted pole barn columns not covered in this article? If you need help [**designing and planning**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/getting-started/design-your-own/), please contact FBi Buildings at **800.552.2981** or [**click here to email us**](mailto:info@fbibuildings.com). If you’re ready to get a price, [**click here to request a quote**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/request-a-quote/), and our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps of your project.

[View full post](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/3-effective-ways-to-repair-a-rotted-pole-barn-column)

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