Picture this: a peaceful day on the farm is disrupted by the sudden crunch of metal on wood. We're talking about the all-too-common mishap - a vehicle colliding with a pole barn column.
We know this can be frustrating, but thankfully, there are ways to bring your pole barn back to its structural integrity.
In this blog, we'll dive into the causes and solutions for fixing broken pole barn columns.
3 Solutions to Repair Your Broken Pole Barn Column
1) Cut & Splice
When it comes to cutting and splicing a broken pole barn column, it involves removing the damaged section and replacing it with a new piece. The cut-and-splice method is one of the most common ways to fix a broken column.
Causes
Ultimately, we see the most column damage near door openings. If a semi backs into a post but doesn't break the Perma-Column, there's a good chance that it can be spliced. We still want the column at its maximum strength, so ensuring proper measurements and alignment is important.
Problems
When a column has been broken, it's important to consider the urgency of repair. It's highly unlikely that your pole barn will collapse, but in due time, the broken column can affect the rest of the barn.
A lot of sharing is done between a pole barn's wood components and trusses. Leaving a column unfixed for too long can lead to a sinking pole barn roof.
Solution
To fix your broken pole barn column, you'll want to measure the length of the new column and mark it onto the existing column. The column will get cut at the marked spot, and any debris should be removed, ensuring a smooth fit.
The splice plate will need to be attached to both ends of the cut column. This plate provides additional support and strength to the splice joint. Bolts, nuts, and washers secure the splice plates together. Depending on the load-bearing capacity, other splice plates can be added if extra reinforcement is needed.
Always consult a professional for guidance, and inspect the joint to ensure it's secure. Load tests can also ensure that your pole barn’s structural integrity is intact.
2) Replace Plies
Replacing one or two plies is possible when dealing with a broken column; assessing the damage is a good place to start. The repair method will vary depending on the specific situation and the design of the pole barn.
Causes
Again, accidents or impacts are the leading cause of broken columns in pole barns. If the damage is localized and doesn't compromise the structural integrity, only one or two plies would need to be replaced.
Problems
Adding plies to a broken column near a door opening can be challenging for a few reasons. The space may be limited, and the structural integrity may be compromised.
Adding one or two plies to a weakened column may not effectively reinforce it. Instead of just adding lumber around the broken area, all new plies may need to be added.
Solution
If it’s possible, the damaged plies and fasteners will need to be removed. Once this is in effect, new plies must be added and secured with new nails, screws, and fasteners.
The new column needs to be reinforced with a support beam or bracket, the repaired area must be aligned properly in order to do so.
3) Add a New Column Top
Out of the three different ways to repair a broken column, adding a new column top is one of the more invasive ways. In certain scenarios, a temporary post must be placed under the truss to keep it from falling while the repair is being made. There are certain situations where this method makes the most sense.
Causes
Sometimes, a column is broken above ground, but the embedded part is still intact. This type of break could be due to a hard hit that leaves the column unattached from its lower part that's placed in the ground.
Problems
If the buried part of the column appears damaged, adding plies to straighten the column is necessary. Adding a new top column requires precise installation and a strong connection between the two. If the new top column is not designed to handle weight, it could lead to structural issues down the road that lead to collapse.
Solution
When removing the column top, a temporary post must be put in place so the truss can be jacked up. The broken part will need to be cut out or removed once the jack is secured in place. It'll be important to prep the old and new column's surface to ensure a smooth attachment of the two pieces.
An adhesive is applied once the new top is ready to be attached. The manufacturer recommends specific fasteners and adhesives.
Do You Need Help Fixing a Broken Pole Barn Column?
If you have any questions, our repair and renovation specialist can inspect your existing post-frame building. It doesn't matter who built your pole barn! Our dedicated team has the knowledge, resources, and manpower to extend the life of any post-frame building or even reconfigure it for a new purpose.
Ready to take the next step in the building process? Please call us at (800) 552-2981 to request a free pole barn repair and renovation quote.
Additional Resources:
The Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations
Do you have more questions about broken pole barn columns that are not covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you’re ready to get a price, click here to request a quote, and our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps of your project.